Kyoto Aquarium

Kyoto Aquarium is modern and nicely designed, but small compared to Japan's best aquariums. It was newly opened in March 2012 in Umekoji Park, about one kilometer west of Kyoto Station. The two-story facility is divided into nine zones with various themes, exhibiting a variety of aquatic animals. Some visitors may find the entrance fee of 2050 yen a little steep

Unique to the aquarium is a zone that recreates the aquatic environment of rivers in Kyoto and features the Japanese giant salamander. The aquarium also strives to preserve numerous species of rare local aquatic life through breeding. In other zones, visitors can see sea life from across the world, including penguins and seals. There is also a dolphin stadium with multiple performances per day.