Kyoto City Museum Search

Life Connected by Water

The landlocked Kyoto Basin has long incubated unique river culture thanks to the blessings of rivers, such as the Kamo, Katsura, and Uji Rivers, as well as the mountains as a source of the blessings. Rainwater that falls on the Tamba mountains and the Ashiu virgin forest becomes spring water, which then flows into rivers and into the sea. Comprising 10 exhibition areas, Kyoto Aquarium features exhibitions about the flow of water from the source to the sea, as well as the ecosystem formed by many coexisting living creatures. The “The River of Kyoto” area displays representations of the inside of the Kamo and Yura Rivers, which run through Kyoto. In this area, you can also see a giant salamander, the species designated as a Special Natural Monument by the Japanese government. There are also various other creatures on display, such as penguins and seals, as well as fantastic-looking jellyfish. There are also many areas dedicated to natural features unique to Kyoto, such as the gigantic “The Sea of Kyoto” aquarium, which represents the entire sea off Kyoto, the “Sanshi Suimei” area, where rare aquatic life inhabiting Kyoto is on display, and the “The Countryside of Kyoto” area, which represents the scenery of satoyama (mountain areas preserved and utilized by local communities) in Kyoto.