We’d walked past the Sumida Aquarium countless times while visiting Tokyo Skytree, always saying we’d come back another day. But when you’re traveling, every day feels too precious to spend on something you’re unsure about, and somehow we always found ourselves choosing something else instead.
For my husband’s birthday, we finally decided it was time. We had an omakase dinner reservation later that evening, making the aquarium the perfect way to spend a slow afternoon together. It ended up being one of those places that was even more memorable than we expected.
Sumida Aquarium @ Skytree Mall
The moment you step inside, you’re welcomed by a bright, airy gallery lined with enormous aquarium windows. Schools of tiny fish drift gracefully through the water, making the entire room feel calm and inviting. I loved how peaceful this first space felt, giving you a chance to slow down before the aquarium leads you into darker, more immersive exhibits.
The next room is dedicated entirely to jellyfish, which, in my opinion, is the perfect way to begin any aquarium visit. Jellyfish have always been my favorite, and this was easily the most beautiful jellyfish exhibit I’ve ever seen. The soft lighting, the slow, rhythmic movement, and the quiet atmosphere made it feel almost dreamlike.
One of my favorite details was the floor display filled with jellyfish illuminated by slowly changing LED lights beneath them. The colors shifted gently across the water, creating an effect that was both mesmerizing to watch and surprisingly fun to photograph.
The entire aquarium is beautifully designed, but if I had to choose just a few highlights (after the jellyfish, of course), they would have to be the penguins and the sea snakes.
The penguin exhibit completely surprised me. I’d never seen anything quite like it. Ever since visiting aquariums in Japan and Korea, I’ve found myself comparing them to those back home. Somehow they’re able to create exhibits that feel spacious, thoughtfully designed, and incredibly immersive even when they’re located inside shopping malls.
The penguins looked genuinely curious and playful. We ended up standing there much longer than we expected, simply watching them swim, waddle, and line up for feeding time.
The sea snakes were another unexpected favorite. They’re surprisingly elegant to watch as their heads sway in the water, and they photograph beautifully. If I could keep any aquatic animal at home (assuming it were somehow practical!), I think I’d choose a tank full of sea snakes.
Judging by the gift shop, we weren’t the only ones who fell in love with the penguins and sea snakes. We left with sea snake keychains, magnets, T-shirts, and even sea snake-themed bandages.
If you’re planning a visit to Tokyo Skytree, I’d absolutely recommend setting aside a couple of hours for the Sumida Aquarium. It’s peaceful, beautifully designed, and surprisingly memorable for an aquarium tucked inside a shopping complex. Afterward, you can head upstairs for dinner at Zanmai Sushi or Din Tai Fung—both of which had become our favorite way to end a visit to Skytree!
