Sumida Aquarium
Build a trip to Tokyo
About
A stylish, urban aquarium located inside Tokyo Skytree Town. It is famous for its 'Cradle of Life' theme, featuring a massive 350-ton open-air indoor tank where penguins and fur seals can be viewed from multiple levels. The 'Jellyfish Kaleidoscope' is an artistic display using mirrors and lighting that creates a dream-like atmosphere. The aquarium also has a large area dedicated to 'Edogyo' (goldfish), showcasing various breeds in beautifully decorated traditional Japanese tanks. Its late opening hours make it a great post-sightseeing evening activity.
Highlights
- Open-pool penguin exhibit
- Massive jellyfish displays
- Modern Tokyo Skytree Town design
- Beautifully lit water tanks
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
Jojoen (Skytree)
Jojoen is Japan's premier high-end yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) chain, and this branch on the 30th floor of Tokyo Skytree Town offers a 'yakiniku with a view' experience. Known for their legendary 'Jojoen Salad' and premium marinated beef tongue, the quality of meat is consistently top-tier. The 'Pair Seats' facing the floor-to-ceiling windows provide a breathtaking panoramic view of the Tokyo skyline, making it a favorite for anniversary dinners and romantic dates. Booking a window seat in advance is highly recommended.
Tokyo Skytree
Soaring to 634 meters, the Tokyo Skytree is the world's tallest self-supporting tower. Its design combines a futuristic cybernetic aesthetic with the traditional 'Sori' (concave curve) found in Japanese swords. The Tembo Galleria at 450m features a glass-floor walkway that makes you feel like you are walking in the sky. Below the tower lies 'Solamachi', a massive lifestyle complex with over 300 shops, including the official Ghibli and Pokémon stores. It is highly recommended to book sunset tickets to see the city transition from daylight to a neon-lit galaxy.
Nakamise-dori Street
One of the oldest shopping streets in Japan, stretching 250 meters from the Kaminarimon Gate to the main hall of Senso-ji Temple. It is lined with approximately 90 small stalls that have been family-run for generations. This is the best place to find traditional Japanese souvenirs like 'Uchiwa' fans, kimonos, and 'Edo-kiriko' glass. The real draw, however, is the freshly made street food—don't miss the 'Ningyo-yaki' (small cakes filled with red bean paste shaped like local landmarks) and the warm, crunchy rice crackers.
Senso-ji Temple
Tokyo's oldest and most beloved temple, Senso-ji was founded in 628 AD and draws over 30 million visitors annually to its iconic Kaminarimon Thunder Gate and the bustling Nakamise shopping street lined with traditional crafts and snacks. The massive incense burner in the main hall fills the air with sacred smoke that worshippers wave over themselves for good health, while the five-story pagoda and main hall glow magnificently under evening illumination. Arriving at dawn reveals the temple in peaceful solitude before the crowds descend, offering a meditative experience in the heart of Asakusa.
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