SO WHAT’S impressive about this aquarium? Let me start with it uses artificial seawater in all its tanks. Caught your attention?
Is that even possible? Yes, sir, that’s how advanced Japanese technology is. Sumida Aquarium is the first facility to use artificial seawater in the Kanto Region and the second in Japan.
The facility produced and used artificial seawater for these reasons: first, the quality of real seawater apparently diminishes when transported in large amounts from its source, which is an issue for inland aquariums; and second, it allows the facility to support a consistent water quality year round, and providing comfortable environment for its aquatic residents.
You love Japan’s sushi, ramen and Kobe beef, the Spring season’s sakura blooms, the well-preserved ancient castles and temples, Mt. Fuji, lofty steel towers, the sidewalk vending machines and onigiris in the convenience stores, but that’s all above sea level. How much do you know about the country’s seas?
In this attraction, you get to find out what’s underneath the Japanese seas. It’s like mingling with the “underwater locals”. The residents, said to number around 10,000, are from the Tokyo islands—from the Izu Islands in the north, the Ogasawara islands in the south and Tokyo Bay. The aquarium presents a captivating menagerie of Japan’s colorful marine life.
Take a peek—real close—to the aquatic life you never dare get close to in open seas. Watch how graceful Garden Eels can sway to the current, or watch the nautilus propel in its natural habitat or get mesmerized by the fluid movements of the transparent jellyfishes.
Perhaps you’ll be one with the kids when you get to the centerpiece of the aquarium—a 350-liter tank, Japan’s largest indoor, open pool-type tank where dozens of penguins and some fur seals reside. Like willing performers, this bunch never fails to elicit smiles (and even gleeful screeches) from the audience when they dive, play in the water and swim close towards them. Only the thick clear glass wall comes in between your face and the furry swimmer’s beaks and snouts. Believe it or not, you can witness how these marine mammals sleep when the aquarium lights are dimmed to mimic the nightscape.
Here’s another feature worth mentioning. Sumida Aquarium has set up a zone, the Aqua Lab, for visitors to watch and interact how the facility is run. This aims to heighten their interest and increase their understanding of the aquatic life.
The 2012-inaugurated Sumida Aquarium is one of Tokyo Tree Town’s main attractions at the 5th and 6th levels of the complex. It’s a nice stop to see what’s under Japan’s water level before heading to the top of tower to view what’s above the water line. You know, it’s like you having the fish eyes and the bird’s eyes of the place.
Sumida Aquarium is on the 5/F & 6/F of Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi, 1-2, Oshiage 1-chome, Sumida Ward, Tokyo. Operation hours is from 9AM to 8PM. To get there, Exit Tokyo SKYTREE Station on the TOBU SKYTREE Line; Exit Oshiage Station (SKYTREE) on the TOBU SKYTREE Line; the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Keisei Oshiage Line, or the Toei Asakusa Line.
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