Tokyo Skytree draws the eyes upward, but a few floors above the shopping mall at its base is a world of water. Sumida Aquarium occupies the fifth and sixth floors of Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi, a five-minute walk from Tokyo Skytree Station on the Tobu Skytree Line. Its centerpiece is an indoor pool-type tank described as one of Japan's largest, where penguins and fur seals share a glass-fronted space that lets you watch them swim and play at close range. The jellyfish exhibits are a highlight: the Big Petri Dish holds around 500 jellyfish and a wide, open-topped oval tank called the Big Schale, both lit to make the animals glow. The Ogasawara tank shows schools of colorful fish from the Ogasawara Islands, there is a visit-able jellyfish lab and kitchen, and a penguin cafe sells original drinks. The booking page also mentions feeding the penguins and talking with the breeding staff, and in the evening alcoholic drinks are served.
Treat it as a modern, design-forward aquarium rather than a giant. It is compact compared with the world's great aquariums, but it is lively, photogenic and well suited to families, couples and anyone who needs a dry, cool break from Tokyo weather. Hours vary by day: the venue lists 10:00 to 20:00 on weekdays and 9:00 to 21:00 on weekends and holidays, with last entry 60 minutes before closing, and it is occasionally closed for maintenance.
The later hours make it a good choice for an evening after Skytree, when the crowds thin and the jellyfish glow against the dark.
Plan around the crowds. The aquarium is busiest on weekends and holidays and when school groups visit, and its pool-type tank is popular at feeding times; arrive early on weekends or aim for a weekday afternoon. Combination tickets pair the aquarium with Tokyo Skytree, SMALL WORLDS TOKYO, teamLab Planets and Tokyo Tower, which saves money if you are doing several attractions. Buy ahead, particularly on weekends.
Pair it with the east side of the city. After the aquarium, take the elevator to the Skytree's Tembo Deck, walk to Senso-ji in about 20 minutes or across the river to Asakusa, and enjoy the shopping and dining in Solamachi. If you are traveling with young children, plan the order so that the aquarium comes before the tower, which is more tiring. Dress comfortably, as the building can be cool, and bring small change for lockers.
What to expect
The experience
An indoor aquarium on the fifth and sixth floors of Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi, with a large pool-type penguin and fur seal tank, jellyfish displays and the Ogasawara tank.
Best time
Weekday afternoons and evenings are calmer. The venue lists 10:00 to 20:00 on weekdays and 9:00 to 21:00 on weekends and holidays.
How long
One and a half to two hours.
Tips
Last entry is 60 minutes before closing. Combination tickets with Skytree can save money. Visit the penguin cafe for original drinks.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and anyone seeking a weatherproof activity near Tokyo Skytree.
- Families
- Excellent: penguins, jellyfish and fur seals keep children engaged, and the building has facilities.
- Couples
- The late hours and jellyfish lighting make an easy evening date after Skytree.
- Pair with
- Tokyo Skytree, Senso-ji across the river or SMALL WORLDS TOKYO on another day.
- Time needed
- Two hours.
Good questions
Where is Sumida Aquarium?+
On the fifth and sixth floors of Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi in Oshiage, about five minutes on foot from Tokyo Skytree Station on the Tobu Skytree Line.
What can I see?+
Penguins and fur seals in one of Japan's largest indoor pool-type tanks, around 500 jellyfish in the Big Petri Dish, the Ogasawara tank and a jellyfish lab.
What are the opening hours?+
The venue lists 10:00 to 20:00 on weekdays and 9:00 to 21:00 on weekends and holidays, with last entry 60 minutes before closing. It sometimes closes for maintenance, so check before you go.
Can I combine it with Tokyo Skytree?+
Yes. Combination tickets pair the aquarium with Skytree, and some include SMALL WORLDS TOKYO, teamLab Planets or Tokyo Tower.
Is it good for a rainy day?+
Yes. It is entirely indoors and inside a large shopping complex, so it works well in rain, heat or cold.
