Umekoji Park is a welcome patch of green in one of Kyoto’s more built up areas, about 15 minutes walk north-west of Kyoto Station and right beside JR Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station. Previously the site of the JR freight railway, in the early 1990s it was converted into a city park, which opened in 1995 providing local people with a wonderful space in which to enjoy, trees, grass, flowers and clean air.
Umekoji park and Kyoto aquarium
Plum blossom in the park bloom in February
Within the grounds of the park, are many seasonal flower displays, a plum blossom orchard, woodland, a stream which is used to teach local children about local wildlife, and most importantly a large open grassy field.
The park’s popular grassy field
This field is used by young and old alike for important activities such as sports, games, picnicking, dance practice, tai chi, sunbathing, and frisbee throwing.
These trolley cars are on display in the park
The park also preserves Kyoto streetcar vehicles at Shiden Hiroba. Four Taisho- and Showa-era cars and a platform recreate the atmosphere of Kyoto’s old city trams; some vehicles are used as Shiden Cafe and Shiden Shop, and a restored streetcar exhibition room stands near the chin-chin densha station. A rideable chin-chin densha normally runs on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 10:00 to 16:00. Fares are 150 yen one way, or 310 yen for a day ticket, for elementary school age and older, though operating status can change.
A souvenir shop inside a tram
Umekoji Park Location Map
Umekoji Park is located about 15 minutes walk from Kyoto Station on the intersection of Omiya Street and Shichijo Street. You can also take the JR Sagano Line one stop from Kyoto Station to Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station, which is right beside the park.
The Kyoto Aquarium Controversy
The entrance to Kyoto Aquarium
The peace and tranquility of the park was disturbed in 2010 by the controversy that erupted over plans to build an aquarium on a section of the park grounds. Local residents objected strongly against the Orix Corporation plan for several reasons. They pointed out that the land had been promised to city residents as parkland in perpetuity, and they objected to the lack of public input into the decision to build there. Some protestors, concerned about animal rights, also spoke out against plans for a dolphin show in the aquarium. They felt that the pools planned for the site were too small for the animals, and that the capture of wild dolphins for the show, would damage Kyoto’s image by associating it with Japan’s controversial dolphin hunts. City officials however, said that the aquarium was needed to bring much needed tourist revenue into the area, and the city mayor insisted that the dolphins would be captured chiefly for scientific research purposes. Despite the protests, construction went ahead, and the aquarium opened its doors in 2012.
Inside Kyoto Aquarium
Kyoto Aquarium reception
The buzz word of Kyoto Aquarium is “edutainment”, and it tries hard to be a facility that teaches children about water resources, aquatic life and the environment in an entertaining way. One common criticism of the aquarium was that it was unsuited to a city so far removed from the sea. In response, the aquarium includes areas such as “Kyoto no Kawa,” where giant salamanders greet visitors, and “Kyoto no Satoyama,” which recreates a local countryside landscape. “Kyoto no Umi” is the large sea tank, and other areas feature South American fur seals, seals, Cape penguins, about 30 kinds of jellyfish in Jellyfish Wonder, and Dolphin Stadium. In the years since it opened the aquarium has become a popular rainy day location for families with children and is usually very busy. Among its facilities it also has a souvenir shop and three cafes: Kaiju Cafe, Stadium Cafe, and Harvest Cafe.
In the aquarium shop you can find souvenirs and fluffy toy penguins, dolphins and salamanders
Programs and feeding times vary by date and animal condition, so if you are hoping for a quiet stroll in the park, check the event calendar before timing your visit around aquarium announcements or shows.
Location:
The Kyoto Aquarium is located on the north side of Umekoji Park.
Opening Hours: Vary by date, so check the aquarium’s operating calendar before you visit. Admission, ticket sales, and annual pass reception end one hour before closing.
The aquarium has no regular closing days, but may close or restrict entry for maintenance, events, weather, or other operational reasons.
Entrance Fees:
Adults: 2600 yen
High School Students: 2000 yen
Junior High & Elementary School Students: 1400 yen
Children (aged 3 and over): 900 yen
The Kyoto Railway Museum
The former Steam Locomotive Museum on the southern end of the park closed in 2015 and was replaced by the new Kyoto Railway Museum. Much larger than the former museum, the Kyoto Railway Museum displays 54 railway vehicles, including steam locomotives and Shinkansen trains, a giant railway diorama, steam locomotive rides, and a train operating simulator. It is one of Japan’s largest railway museums.
The Kyoto Railway Museum opened on April 29th 2016
Article and original photos by Michael Lambe. All rights reserved. Last updated 03-Jul-2026.
