Adults and children alike will be thrilled to stay up late. "Night Aquarium" starts on Saturday, July 25th.

Kyoto Aquarium (Location: Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City; General Manager: Kazuyoshi Sakano) is pleased to announce that from July 25th (Sat) to August 23rd (Sun), 2026, we will be extending our operating hours until 8 PM to allow visitors to see the nocturnal animals in our "Night Aquarium" event.
"Night Aquarium" is an event where visitors can enjoy the unique nocturnal appearances of animals and the fantastical atmosphere created by the lighting effects. From July 25th (Saturday) onwards, you can leisurely observe the animals until 8 PM. In addition to seeing nocturnal animals such as giant salamanders and sea lions and penguins sleeping on land, you can also enjoy the light-up of the limited-time exhibit "Jellyfish, Umbrellas, and Wind Chimes" *1 and the "Water Curtain" performance, a spatial art of water, light, and sound that illuminates the night at the "Dolphin Stadium".

This event has garnered attention as an event where visitors can enjoy a unique nighttime atmosphere and animals, and was even selected as the number one event in the Nikkei's "Top 10 Summer Night Aquariums" ranking*2.

During this period, we will be hosting six different special summer programs that adults and children alike can enjoy. These include a jellyfish program where you can observe and feed baby jellyfish (ephyra) and adult jellyfish up close, as well as a craft experience where you can create your own original penguin – perfect for summer vacation projects. In addition, we have prepared special programs for adults that will create lasting memories, such as a "Giant Salamander Observation Session" where you can sit in front of the giant salamander tank in the "The River of Kyoto" area and observe the salamanders from your favorite spot, and a "Seal Fan Meeting" where fans can talk about their love for seals with the animal care staff.

Additionally, exclusively for the "Night Aquarium" event, we will be selling "Glowing Jellyfish Soda (soft drink)" and "Glowing Jellyfish Sour (alcoholic drink)," both topped with glowing jellyfish cubes.

This summer in Kyoto, why not escape the heat and find solace in the animals at the aquarium at night?

*1 Released on May 19, 2026: "Jellyfish, Umbrellas, and Wind Chimes" starts on Saturday, May 30th.

*2 Nikkei Shimbun, "10 Summer Night Aquariums: Learn and Be Healed by the Fish' Night" (Published July 4, 2026)

1. Overview of "Night Aquarium"

We've extended our opening hours until 8 PM, allowing you to enjoy the unique sights of the animals at night and the magical atmosphere. Experience the aquarium in a completely different way than during the day.

Event period: July 25th (Sat) - August 23rd (Sun), 2026
Event time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

*Please check the official website for details on the event dates.
* Admission is accepted until 7 PM.
*Please note that the content may be changed without notice depending on the health condition of the animals.

■Highlights of the "Night Aquarium" <br />You can closely observe creatures that can only be seen at night, such as the animals of nocturnal giant salamanders, sea lions that swim in the water during the day sleeping on the rocks, and penguins dozing off while snuggling together as a couple.

Ten areas within the aquarium will feature panels explaining the sleep animals of animals , and the " Communication Hall" workshop space on the second floor will host a "Gazing Eye Badge" workshop where animals eyes. Additionally, the "Dolphin Stadium" will present "Water Curtain," a spatial art installation using water, light, and sound, twice daily.

2. We offer a diverse range of six programs, from those suitable for summer vacation projects to those for adults.

During this period, we will be holding six special summer vacation programs themed around animals. We have prepared a diverse lineup ranging from programs perfect for children's summer vacation projects and homework to programs that adults can enjoy. Please feel free to participate in any program that interests you.

≪Program Overview≫
■This completes your independent research project & summer vacation craft! A program for elementary school students.

(1) "Create your own original penguin & receive a penguin explanation from the animal care staff"

This paid workshop involves observing African penguin and creating a piece of art. While listening to explanations from the animal care staff, you will observe penguins in the "Penguin" area and then paint penguin patterns onto ceramic pieces to complete your artwork. Enjoy paying attention to the individual differences between penguins.

Date and Time: Saturday, July 25th and Sunday, August 16th, 2026, 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM Price: 2,500 yen (tax included) *Aquarium admission fee not included.
Location: 2nd floor "Communication Hall" workshop space and "Penguin" area. Participation requirements: 10 participants per session, for elementary school students in grades 3-6. How to participate: Please purchase tickets in advance from the Webket ticket purchase site ( https://webket.jp/pc/ticket/index?fc=00293&ac=8001 ). (First-come, first-served basis)
Sales start date: July 14, 2026 (Tuesday)

(2) And with that, your science project is complete! "What kind of animals is a jellyfish?"

We are holding an independent research program for upper elementary school students. Using worksheets, students will learn about the life cycle and body structure of Moon jelly. They can also compare ephyra (baby jellyfish) and adult jellyfish and experience feeding jellyfish.

Date and Time: August 8th (Sat) and 15th (Sat), 2026, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Price: 2,000 yen (tax included) *Aquarium admission fee not included.
Location: 2nd floor "Communication Hall" workshop space Participation Requirements: 8 participants per session, elementary school students in grades 3-6 How to Participate: Please purchase tickets in advance from the Webket ticket purchase site ( https://webket.jp/pc/ticket/index?fc=00293&ac=8001 ). (First-come, first-served basis)
Sales start date: July 14, 2026 (Tuesday)

■ Become obsessed with your favorite animals! A program for adults

(3) A must-see for fans! Giant salamander observation event

This is a limited-time plan where you can sit in front of the giant salamander tank in the "The River of Kyoto" area and leisurely observe the giant salamanders together with the animal care staff. Light refreshments and drinks are included, and a special "feeding time" for the giant salamanders will be held exclusively for participants. Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy a must-see moment for giant salamander fans.

Date and Time: Friday, August 7, 2026, 7:30 PM - 8:15 PM Price: 3,000 yen (tax included) (includes light refreshments and drinks) *Aquarium admission fee not included.
Venue: "The River of Kyoto" area Participation requirements: 10 people, high school age or older How to participate: Please register in advance at https://mdh.fm/e?kA7033Bdms .
We will send the purchase link to the winner.
Lottery application period: July 14th (Tue) - July 21st (Tue), 2026
* Winners will be notified by email on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

(4) ~Let's chat about seals with the animal care staff~ Seal Fan Meeting

We're holding a fan meeting where seal fans and animal care staff can relax and chat while watching the seals at night. Place your chair anywhere you like in the "Seal" area, enjoy seal-themed snacks and drinks, and talk about your love for seals.

Date and Time: Friday, August 21, 2026, 7:30 PM - 8:15 PM Price: 3,000 yen (tax included) (includes light refreshments and drinks) *Aquarium admission fee not included.
Venue: "Seal" area Participation requirements: 15 people, high school age and above How to participate: Please apply in advance via https://mdh.fm/e?kA7033Bdms . A purchase link will be sent to the winners.
Lottery application period: July 14th (Tue) - July 21st (Tue), 2026
* Winners will be notified by email on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

■ No reservation required! Programs you can join on the day.

(5) "Dolphin School Special Class" will be held again this year!

Following its success last year, "Dolphin School Summer After-School Classes" are back again this year! Each class will have a different theme, so please join us for a session that interests you.
Date and Time: July 27th (Mon) - July 31st (Fri), 2026
6:30pm - 7:00pm Price: Free *Aquarium admission fee not included.
Location: 2nd floor "Communication Hall" workshop space. How to participate: On-site registration only. Registration will be held at the venue from 6:15 PM.
* Admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis, but standing room will be available even if the venue is full.
≪Dolphin School Lesson Content≫

• Monday, July 27th: "Making Dolphins' Daily Lives More Enjoyable!" ~What we, the animal care staff, are doing to ensure the happiness of dolphins~ (Presenter: animal care staff Okarina)

• Tuesday, July 28th: ​​"The Dolphin Doctor" - How did I become a veterinarian? What do veterinarians at aquariums do? 2026 Edition - (Presenter: Veterinarian Ken)

• Wednesday, July 29th: "Second-Year animal care staff! Tatsuya Sensei's Guide to Getting Along with Dolphins" - Observe their personalities! Figure out how to become friends with them! We'll also share tips on how you can become friends with them! - (Instructor: animal care staff Tatsuya)

• July 30th (Thursday) "Let's go see wild dolphins! Practical session" - How do we get there? Can we see them up close? What should we bring? - (Instructor: animal care staff member Gakki)

・Friday, July 31st: "My Beloved Tsumugi" - A talk about Tsumugi by Yukipoyo, who has a strong love for Tsumugi (Presented by: animal care staff Yukipoyo)

(6) "Kyoto☆Life Shining Museum in Kyoto Aquarium" will be held for two days.

With the aim of passing on and promoting the irreplaceable natural environment to future generations, facilities within the city have signed cooperation agreements and are developing various exchange and collaborative projects.

This time, as a two-day limited program, each zoo and aquarium will hold lectures and table displays on the theme of "animals that can be seen in Kyoto in summer." It's a program where you can learn about animals in an enjoyable way, with themes that can provide hints for summer vacation homework and independent research projects.

Dates: August 1st (Sat) and 2nd (Sun), 2026
Time: Part 1: 4:15 PM - 5:00 PM Special Lecture @ In front of the large "The Sea of Kyoto" tank Part 2: 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM Table Exhibition @ "Communication Hall" Workshop Space on the 2nd floor Fee: Free *Aquarium admission fee not included.

Overview: In the first part, staff from each zoo and aquarium will give animals on the theme of " animals that can be seen in Kyoto in summer." In the second part, booths from each zoo and aquarium will appear on the second floor in " Communication Hall."
Contents: Part 1 special lecture

[Saturday, August 1st]

Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden: "The Wonders of Night-Blooming Flowers that Color Kyoto's Nights"
We'll introduce familiar wildflowers like evening primroses, gourd flowers that you might not have seen before, and flowers that you don't often see, such as dragon fruit, night-blooming cereus, and baobab, through photos and videos.

Kyoto City Zoo "Nighttime Tales in the Temple Forest"
What kinds of animals live in the forests of Kyoto, close to home? Different animals may appear than last year. We'll introduce animals while showing you videos.

[Sunday, August 2nd]

- Kyoto City Youth Science Center "Insect Trap Operation"
What kinds of insects can be found in Kyoto during the summer? And what are some ways to collect them? We'll introduce five types of traps and the insects that were actually collected.

・Kyoto Aquarium "Kaoru Ishikawa's Aquarium: A Grand Introduction to Frogs!"
In conjunction with the "Kaoru Ishikawa Aquarium ~Ribbit, Ribbit! Find the Frogs! Frog Exhibition~,"animal care staff Ishikawa will introduce the ecology of the frogs currently on display.
* For details and information about Part Two, please check the " Events and Experiences" page on our official website.

3. Food and drink menu exclusive to "Night Aquarium"

■ "Glowing Jellyfish Soda" and "Glowing Jellyfish Sour"

Introducing glowing drinks perfect for the night. We offer refreshing blue Hawaii and vibrant cassis sodas, as well as glowing jellyfish sours in blue lemon and passion fruit flavors. Each drink is topped with a glowing jellyfish-shaped cube, making them perfect for commemorative photos inside the building.

Sales location: Stadium Cafe Sales period: July 25th (Sat) - August 23rd (Sun), 2026, 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM Price: Glowing Jellyfish Sour (Alcohol) 1,080 yen (tax included)
Glowing Jellyfish Soda (soft drink) 880 yen (tax included)

*While supplies last.
* Please note that the sales location, sales hours, and other details may be changed without prior notice.

4. New products that can be enjoyed in conjunction with "Night Aquarium"

■KYOTO AQUARIUM HONEY Soft Serve Ice Cream

Introducing a new soft-serve ice cream made with honey harvested from bees at the Kyoto Aquarium Beekeeping Department, which started operations in April 2025. The rich, sweet honey pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream, and it's topped with a heart-shaped wafer. Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy it!

Sales location: Harvest Cafe Sales start date: July 25, 2026 (Saturday)
Selling price: 680 yen (tax included)
*While supplies last.
* Please note that the sales location, sales hours, and other details may be changed without prior notice.

■KYOTO AQUARIUM HONEY2025

The Kyoto Aquarium Beekeeping Department is now offering honey harvested in 2025 for the first time. Enjoy its rich sweetness and fruity floral aroma. Available in 65g and 150g sizes. How about some Kyoto Aquarium honey as a souvenir?

Sales location: Museum shop Sales start date: July 31, 2026 (Friday)
Selling price: 65g 880 yen (tax included) / 150g 1,980 yen (tax included)
*Limited quantities available; while supplies last.