Tucked inside the towering Tokyo Skytree complex, Sumida Aquarium (すみだ水族館) offers a magical underwater escape right in the heart of the city. From watching penguins swim in a giant open tank to tracing jellyfish that glow like floating lanterns, this aquarium blends cutting-edge design with a relaxed, stroller-friendly layout. For families, it’s a calm, air-conditioned haven filled with awe and wonder, perfect for hot days, rainy moments, or curious little minds.
As you plan your trip to Tokyo with kids, this guide is a great place to start! For comprehensive information on where to stay, how to get around, and what to eat with kids, begin with our Tokyo Family Travel Guide. You can then visit the Tokyo with Kids Hub to find all our guides, adventure stories, and age-specific tips conveniently in one easy place. If you’re considering sightseeing passes, our Tokyo Passes Guide breaks down the best options for families. Want more ideas? See our full Ultimate Guide to Family Attractions in Japan with Kids for the best castles, shrines, theme parks, and more.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click to purchase, it’s at no extra cost to you… when you book through our links, you help support LuNi Travels and the family guides we create!
Why Book Ahead? It’s quicker, avoids long lines, helps skip language barriers, prevents sold-out attractions, and solves payment issues at places that don’t accept credit cards. *Prices are subject to change.
Why Sumida Aquarium is Great for Families with Kids
- Located inside the Tokyo Skytree Town complex, making it easy to pair with shopping, dining, or Skytree observation deck visits
- The layout is open-plan and stroller-friendly, with plenty of opportunities for close-up viewing
- Kids love the giant penguin pool and playful sea lion area
- Unique jellyfish display with soft lighting creates a peaceful, mesmerizing moment for all ages
- Creative seasonal exhibits and digital art add a fun, high-tech twist
Parent Insight: Aquariums that blend art, science, and storytelling give kids a chance to see nature as something magical and meaningful. Instead of rushing exhibit to exhibit, pause where they’re drawn in, letting curiosity lead the way teaches them that wonder is worth following.
Best Things to Do at Sumida Aquarium with Kids
- Watch the Penguins from Up Close: One of the largest indoor open tanks in Japan, where penguins waddle, dive, and play right in front of you
- Jellyfish Fantasy Hall: Hypnotic tanks of glowing jellyfish let kids explore the weird and wonderful of the ocean
- Sumida River Zone: Local fish and river life are displayed in beautifully lit tanks that mimic Tokyo’s nearby Sumida River
- Sea Lion Tunnel Viewing: Kids can see these playful creatures both from above and through glass windows below water level
- Touch-Free Exploration Tech: Digital screens and artistic lighting make this aquarium feel immersive without being overwhelming
- Seasonal Exhibits & Crafts: Depending on the time of year, interactive mini-events and photo spots pop up throughout the space
Practical Tips for Visiting Sumida Aquarium with Kids
- Cost: ¥ – From ¥2,500 adults, ¥1,800 teens, ¥1,200 kids; under 3 free. Combo tickets with Skytree sometimes offer savings.
- Best Age Range: Ages 2–12
- Stroller-Friendly? Yes, wide ramps and elevators available
- Rest Areas: Benches throughout, indoor climate control
- Food: Small café inside; many family-friendly dining options in Tokyo Solamachi mall next door
Best Time to Visit Sumida Aquarium with Kids
The best time to visit Sumida Aquarium with kids is in the morning on weekdays, especially in spring or autumn, when the air is clear and crowds are lighter. Families can enjoy the penguin pool and jellyfish tunnel at a slower pace before school groups and tourists arrive.
Summer afternoons can get busy, but the aquarium is fully indoors and air-conditioned, making it a great escape from Tokyo’s heat and humidity. Winter tends to be quieter overall, offering more chances for kids to sit near tanks and watch the animals up close without being rushed.
For the most relaxed visit, arrive soon after opening. Arriving early helps kids explore the exhibits at their own pace and gives parents a chance to find a good spot near the penguin or fur seal pools before the shows start.
How Long to Spend at Sumida Aquarium with Kids
Plan to spend about 1.5 to 2 hours at Sumida Aquarium with kids, enough time to walk through the main tanks, see the jellyfish displays, and linger at the penguin and fur seal pools. This timeframe allows for a relaxed pace without overwhelming younger children.
Toddlers and younger kids may be ready to leave after about an hour, especially if it’s crowded. School-age children usually enjoy spending longer, especially if they want to observe feeding times or participate in interactive exhibits. Families with older kids who are especially interested in marine life might even stretch their visit to half a day, combining it with nearby Tokyo Skytree or Solamachi shopping and dining.
How to Get to Sumida Aquarium with Kids
- By Train:
- Oshiage Station (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Toei Asakusa Line, Tobu Skytree Line) – 5-minute walk via Skytree Town entrance
- Tokyo Skytree Station (Tobu Skytree Line) – 3-minute walk
- By Bus: Local buses run to Tokyo Skytree Town. Use Tokyo Skytree or Oshiage Station as navigation points.
Luca & Nico’s Tip: Head straight to the jellyfish zone and pretend you’re deep-sea divers exploring alien life! Bonus points if you can name your favorite jellyfish something totally silly.
Family-Friendly Hotels Near Sumida Aquarium in Tokyo
- Luxury
- The Gate Hotel Ryogoku – About 20 minutes by train; elegant riverside location and spacious family rooms
- Mid-Range
- ONE@Tokyo – Roughly a 8-minute walk; stylish, family-friendly design with bunk beds and Skytree views
- Budget
- Sotetsu Fresa Inn Tokyo-Kinshicho – About 15 minutes by train; simple and clean, with easy access to the Skytree area
As you finalize your Tokyo plans, you might be considering your accommodation options. Our Tokyo Hotel Guide features top-rated family options across every budget, whether you’re planning to stay near Shibuya, Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree, or Disneyland. After securing your stay, explore our Best Things to Do in Tokyo with Kids guide for epic museums and neighborhood gems, from the vibrant streets of Harajuku and the historic Senso-ji Temple to DisneySea, Ueno Zoo, and the bay area of Odaiba; don’t miss our Tokyo Indoor Activities Guide for rainy or hot weather adventures, or our Best Museums in Tokyo Guide for deeper cultural fun. Families planning a longer stay will love our Tokyo 3-Day Itinerary, which balances iconic landmarks with kid-friendly hidden gems. For a full overview of family-friendly hotels across Japan, don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Family Hotels in Japan.
Family-Friendly Attractions Near Sumida Aquarium in Tokyo
Since Sumida Aquarium is located inside Tokyo Skytree Town, families can easily combine their visit with other attractions in the same complex or nearby. Here are some great options to round out a full day:
- Tokyo Skytree – Ride up to the observation decks for sweeping city views. Kids especially love spotting Mt. Fuji on clear days and pointing out tiny trains and buildings below.
- Tokyo Solamachi Mall – A massive shopping and dining complex at the base of the Skytree with toy stores, character shops, and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants.
- Konica Minolta Planetarium Tenku – Located inside Solamachi, this planetarium surrounds families with stars, galaxies, and relaxing dome shows.
- Postal Museum Japan – A hidden gem for kids who love collecting things, with stamp exhibits, retro mail trucks, and interactive play areas.
- Sumida Park – A stroller-friendly park along the Sumida River, famous for cherry blossoms in spring and offering great views of Tokyo Skytree year-round.
FAQs: Visiting Sumida Aquarium with Kids
Planning a visit to Sumida Aquarium in Tokyo? These family-focused FAQs answer the most common questions about location, tickets, strollers, and how long to stay with kids, and you can also check the official floor guide for a full map of exhibits before your visit.
A: Sumida Aquarium is located inside the Tokyo Skytree Town complex in Sumida Ward. It’s just a 5 minute walk from Oshiage Station on the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line and Toei Asakusa Line, making it very convenient for families with kids.
A: Sumida Aquarium is open Monday–Friday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Last entry is 1 hour before closing, and hours may change seasonally or for special events.
A: General admission is ¥2,500 for adults (18+), ¥1,800 for high school students (15–17), ¥1,200 for children aged 6–14, and ¥800 for children aged 3–5. Kids under age 3 enter free. Annual passes are available for families who plan multiple visits, and combo tickets with the Tokyo Skytree can sometimes provide extra savings.
A: Yes, Sumida Aquarium is excellent for toddlers and young kids. The exhibits have close-up viewing tanks, gentle lighting, and calm indoor spaces that keep little ones engaged. Its stroller-friendly design makes it easy for parents to explore without stress.
A: Yes, the aquarium is fully stroller-accessible. Wide walkways, elevators, and ramps connect all areas, so families can comfortably visit with babies or toddlers in strollers.
A: Yes, there’s a small café inside Sumida Aquarium, plus many family-friendly restaurants and snack shops in the connected Tokyo Solamachi mall. Options range from quick bites to sit-down meals, making it easy to feed kids before or after your visit.
A: Most families spend about 1.5 to 2 hours at Sumida Aquarium. This gives kids enough time to enjoy the penguin pool, jellyfish tunnel, and sea lion exhibit. Plan extra time if you’re also visiting the Tokyo Skytree or shopping in Solamachi.
A: Sumida Aquarium is entirely indoors, making it a perfect option for rainy days, hot summers, or cold winters in Tokyo. Families can enjoy the exhibits in comfort year-round.
A: Sumida Aquarium is often crowded on weekends and holidays. The best time to visit with kids is on weekday mornings, when the halls are quieter and little ones can explore at their own pace.
A: Sumida Aquarium is home to penguins, fur seals, jellyfish, tropical fish, and seasonal exhibits. Kids especially enjoy the open penguin pool, one of the largest indoor tanks in Japan, and the glowing jellyfish tunnel.
A: Yes, families can re-enter the aquarium on the same day with a hand stamp. This makes it easy to step out for snacks, naps, or a break in the Solamachi mall before returning.
Until Next Time…
Sumida Aquarium isn’t just about marine life, it’s about slowing down, gazing into quiet tanks, and discovering joy in stillness. For families exploring Tokyo, this spot becomes a breath of fresh (saltwater) air, a cool retreat filled with light, color, and connection. It’s the kind of place where little ones can recharge without rushing, and parents can soak in the calm right alongside them. Whether it’s penguins, jellyfish, or just the glow of the tanks, you’ll leave with memories as soothing as the water itself.
Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~
