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"Jellyfish, Umbrellas, and Wind Chimes," featuring approximately 170 wind chimes including new designs, will begin on Saturday, May 30th.


"Jellyfish, umbrella, and wind chime" (image)

Kyoto Aquarium is pleased to announce that it will be holding a summer-only event, "Jellyfish, Umbrellas, and Wind Chimes," from Saturday, May 30th to Wednesday, September 30th, 2026, featuring wind chimes and traditional Kyoto umbrellas inspired by the aquarium's jellyfish.

This event is a limited-time event showcasing the diverse charms of jellyfish. Jellyfish wind chimes and jellyfish-themed Kyoto-style umbrellas, which recreate the jellyfish kept at the Kyoto Aquarium, will be displayed to create a refreshing atmosphere. This year, a new wind chime featuring the Northern Ghost Jellyfish, which holds the Guinness World Record as one of the world's largest jellyfish, will be added, bringing the total number of wind chimes on display to 25 different types and approximately 170 in all.

The jellyfish wind chimes were created by TAKU GLASS, a glass specialty shop in Niigata Prefecture, and, under the supervision of the animal care staff, delicately reproduced the colors, shapes, and patterns of jellyfish. The jellyfish Kyoto-style umbrellas were made by Hiyoshiya, a long-established Kyoto-style umbrella maker, and depict 18 types of jellyfish gracefully floating in the water using ink painting techniques. After 6 p.m., the jellyfish wind chimes and jellyfish Kyoto-style umbrellas displayed in the outdoor area will be lit up, allowing visitors to enjoy a fantastical atmosphere unique to the nighttime.

Additionally, starting July 1st (Wednesday), the "Swaying Sea Dyed Curtains," created by students of the Textile and Dyeing Department at Kyoto City University of Arts, will be exhibited for the first time. These dyed curtains, depicting various animals from the Kyoto Aquarium such as jellyfish and coral reef fish, will be displayed in the gazebo and stream deck in the "The Countryside of Kyoto" area, creating a relaxing atmosphere.

Furthermore, to commemorate the event, a new menu item, "Jellyfish Matcha Shaved Ice Soft Serve," perfect for enjoying a refreshing summer day, will be available for a limited time. In addition, jellyfish wind chimes, a perennial favorite, will be sold again this year in limited quantities.

To escape the intense heat of Kyoto's summer, come and enjoy a relaxing Japanese-style space at the Kyoto Aquarium, surrounded by animals and wind chimes.

Overview of "Jellyfish, Umbrellas, and Wind Chimes"

Exhibition period: May 30, 2026 (Sat) - September 30, 2026 (Wed)
Exhibition location: 2nd floor terrace, "Sanshisuimei (The Beauty of Nature)" area, and 1st floor slope next to the "The Countryside of Kyoto" area. Admission: Free *Aquarium admission fee not included.
* Please note that the content may be changed without notice due to inclement weather or other reasons.

New jellyfish wind chimes will also be on display! A total of 25 types of jellyfish wind chimes will be exhibited.

We will be exhibiting "Kurage Wonder Chimes" featuring 25 different types of jellyfish, primarily those displayed in the jellyfish area, "Jellyfish Wonder." The wind chimes were created by the glass specialty shop "TAKU GLASS" under the supervision of our aquarium's animal care staff. The delicate characteristics of each species, such as color, shape, and tentacle length, have been reproduced from the unique perspective of our animal care staff. This year, we will be introducing a wind chime featuring the Northern Ghost Jellyfish, which holds the Guinness World Record for being one of the world's largest jellyfish.
Furthermore, 20 Kyoto-style umbrellas depicting 18 different types of jellyfish, each nearly life-sized, are also on display. These Kyoto-style umbrellas were made by Hiyoshiya, a long-established Kyoto-style umbrella maker founded in the late Edo period.
Please enjoy this fusion of a wind chime, featuring a delicate jellyfish design crafted with expert skill, and a traditional Kyoto umbrella.

"Jellyfish, Umbrellas, and Wind Chimes"

[First appearance via wind chimes! Northern Ghost Jellyfish]
The Northern Ghost Jellyfish is a large jellyfish whose bell can grow to 40-70 cm in size, and it is recognized by the Guinness World Records as one of the world's largest jellyfish. Its English name is "lion's mane jellyfish," and it is nicknamed after the lion's mane. With its supple tentacles and powerful pulsating movement, it truly resembles a lion's mane. It is currently on display at the Kyoto Jellyfish Research Department in "Kurage Wonder" on the 2nd floor. After seeing the newly introduced Northern Ghost Jellyfish wind chime, be sure to enjoy observing the real thing as well.
*The exhibition may be canceled depending on the condition of the animals.

Northern Ghost Jellyfish

■ Yahiko Craft "TAKU GLASS"
A handmade glass shop located in front of the gate of Yahiko Shrine, the Ichinomiya (first-ranked shrine) of Echigo Province, Niigata Prefecture.
The shop is filled with handmade items, each one crafted with care. We aim to create affordable, practical, and adorable pieces that are perfect for everyday use.
This shop offers a chance to discover new glass pieces every time you visit. We primarily sell in-store so that customers can see, touch, and find what suits them best.

Hiyoshiya Co., Ltd. <br />Founded in the late Edo period, this is a long-established "Kyoto-style Japanese umbrella" shop that has been in business for over 160 years. Even today, they continue to produce Japanese umbrellas such as ban-gasa, janome-gasa, and nodate-gasa, and also repair various types of Japanese umbrellas used in temples, shrines, and traditional events.
Based on the philosophy of "Tradition is Continuing Innovation," we continue to embrace new challenges while preserving tradition, and we continue to propose products and spaces that allow people to experience the beauty of natural materials and traditional techniques in modern life.

"The Dyed Curtain of the Swaying Sea," created by students of Kyoto City University of Arts, makes its debut.

We will be exhibiting for the first time "Dyed Curtains of the Swaying Sea," created by 14 second-year students from the Textile and Dyeing Department of Kyoto City University of Arts. Production of the curtains began in April, and the students sketched various animals from the Kyoto Aquarium, such as jellyfish and diverse fish, and incorporated them into the designs of the dyed curtains. The curtains will be displayed in the gazebo and the babbling brook deck in the "The Countryside of Kyoto" area, allowing visitors to enjoy a relaxing space.

Exhibition period: July 1st (Wed) - September 30th (Wed), 2026
Exhibition location: Gazebo and stream deck in the "The Countryside of Kyoto" area. *The content may be changed without notice due to inclement weather or other reasons.

A dyed curtain of the swaying sea
A dyed curtain of the swaying sea

The wind chimes and Kyoto-style umbrellas become even more magical with the evening and nighttime special effects.

Miniature Kyoto-style umbrellas for commemorative photos will be available on the second-floor terrace only after 4 PM on weekdays. Hold one of these miniature Kyoto-style umbrellas, adorned with jellyfish designs, and capture a memorable photo.
Furthermore, from 6 PM onwards, the wind chimes and Kyoto-style umbrellas on the second-floor terrace, as well as the wind chimes in the first-floor slope area, will be lit up. Enjoy the magical atmosphere unique to the night while overlooking the "The Countryside of Kyoto" area.

[Mini Kyoto-style Japanese umbrella]
Installation location: 2nd floor terrace Installation time: Weekdays after 4pm *There will be no installation from August 12th (Wed) to 14th (Fri).

[Light-up]
Illumination locations: 2nd floor terrace, slope next to the "The Countryside of Kyoto" area, 1st floor section Illumination time: After 6pm *Opening hours vary depending on the day. Please check the official website for details.

Capture a memorable photo with a performance in the evening or later.

■Limited-time jellyfish-themed food and drink menus, plus the annual popular merchandise, will also be available.

① "Jellyfish Matcha Shaved Ice Soft Serve"

To commemorate the event, a matcha-flavored dessert perfect for the hot summer will be available. Matcha-flavored shaved ice topped with soft serve ice cream, and garnished with a cute Moon jelly shaped marshmallow.
Furthermore, sets are available that include an original spoon featuring either a jellyfish or Kyoto-style umbrella pattern, or a sea lion pattern. Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy Kyoto-style matcha shaved ice!

Sales start date: Saturday, May 30, 2026
Sales location: Stadium Cafe Sales price: Shaved ice soft serve (single): 800 yen (tax included) / Original spoon set: 1,080 yen (tax included)
*While supplies last.

Jellyfish Matcha Shaved Ice Soft Serve

② The ever-popular "Jellyfish Wind Chimes" will be available again this year in limited quantities.

We are pleased to announce that our popular "Jellyfish Wind Chimes," a yearly favorite, will be available again this year in limited quantities. This year, we have prepared four types: clear, fresh green, light blue, and summer orange (orange x yellow). Each wind chime is carefully handcrafted by "TAKU GLASS," and its beautiful appearance and sound make it perfect for cooling off in the summer. Decorate your home with a jellyfish wind chime and enjoy the feeling of being at the Kyoto Aquarium.

Sales start date: June 16, 2026 (Tuesday)
Selling price: 4,500 yen (tax included)
Sales location: Museum Shop on the 1st floor

*This product is sold at "TAKU GLASS" and is different from the "Jellyfish Wind Chime" displayed at Kyoto Aquarium.
*While supplies last.
* Because each item is handmade, there will be individual differences in shape, color, and tone. Also, some minor scratches may be present.
* We do not accept returns or exchanges due to customer reasons.

The ever-popular jellyfish wind chimes (from left: light blue, clear, fresh green, summer orange)