Sumida Aquarium
Rating
Family of 4
Around 100 USD (adults ~22 USD each, children ~12 USD each)
Duration
1.5-2.5 hours
Best Ages
All ages
About
Sumida Aquarium occupies floors five and six of Tokyo Skytree Town — the soaring shopping complex at the base of Tokyo's famous broadcast tower. Being fully enclosed in a modern urban mall means it's completely weatherproof and accessible year-round with no outdoor walking required, making it one of the most convenient aquariums for families in Tokyo. The aquarium's star attraction is a large open-top tank where Little Blue penguins swim just an arm's reach away, giving children an intimate viewing experience that few other aquariums match.
A spectacular circular tank called the Large Tank houses schools of Japanese seabass and other local species, while jellyfish exhibits feature translucent tanks that glow with soft colors. Interactive zones let kids learn about Tokyo's waterways and urban marine ecology through hands-on displays. The facility is smaller than some of Tokyo's bigger aquariums but its design is intimate and focused, meaning children rarely feel overwhelmed.
Stroller access is excellent via shopping mall elevators. Nursing rooms are available on the floor level. After your visit, Solamachi's many family-friendly restaurants are steps away — no need to go outside at all.
Combine with a Skytree observation deck visit using a combo ticket and you have a genuinely memorable half-day for the whole family.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Nursing / Changing
true
Kid Meals
true
Setting
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday afternoons; great any day since it's fully indoors
Wait Times
10-20 minutes on weekends
Nearby Food
Tokyo Solamachi shopping complex on lower floors has dozens of restaurant options including ramen, sushi, udon, and Western food. Very family-friendly with high chairs available at most spots.
Why Kids Love It
Perched five floors up inside Tokyo Skytree Town, kids love looking down at the city through aquarium windows while penguins and jellyfish surround them. The open-top penguin pool lets children get unusually close to birds.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Combine with a Skytree observation deck visit — combo tickets are sold at the entrance and offer real savings.
- The penguin feeding sessions draw crowds — check the schedule board near the entrance and plan accordingly.
- Visit in the evening when the Skytree is lit up — the aquarium itself stays open and the atmosphere is magical.
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes — you may walk multiple floors of Solamachi before and after
- A small snack for kids since the aquarium itself has no cafe
- Camera — the jellyfish tanks photograph beautifully with natural light settings
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
Around 100 USD (adults ~22 USD each, children ~12 USD each)
Tips to Save
- Combo tickets with Tokyo Skytree observation deck can save money if you plan to visit both.
- Book online to skip ticket lines.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Monday
- 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday
- 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday
- 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday
- 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM