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Art Aquarium Museum, Ginza Tokyo: An Immersive Goldfish Fantasy
- Jenn & Leon
- Dec 23, 2022
- 12 min read
Updated: Jul 6
Showcasing beautiful goldfish as living art, this breathtaking museum is a must-see in Tokyo.
There are thousands of rare and common goldfish in ten exhibits, swimming in mesmerizing multi-colored vessels of various shapes and sizes.
In a style typical of Japan, they are displayed in a way that encompasses all that is beautiful about nature.
The Art Aquarium Museum in Tokyo is not your typical aquarium.
Here, art, design, and entertainment seamlessly blend with the captivating beauty of goldfish, creating a fantastical world unlike any other.
In this blog post, we will take you on a journey through this unique museum, exploring its dazzling exhibits, fascinating history, and the cultural significance of goldfish in Japan.
Get ready to be mesmerized by a captivating fusion of art and aquatic life!
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Our Art Aquarium Ginza Highlights
The building that houses the Art Aquarium Museum is easy enough to locate however once inside it is a little confusing.
It's a 9-floor department store, and the floor plan shows the museum as being on floor 8.
Thankfully, we asked at the reception area and they kindly informed us that it is actually on floor 9.
You can find details of how to navigate the building later on in this post.
Our first stop was the Ginza Mantoro, a magical 'silent' spot of traditional hanging Japanese lanterns.
The multi-layered lanterns mimic the historical design of those at the Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara.
This was a really pleasant start to our tour!
Next up was a lovely exhibit called the Goldfish Corridor.
This is designed to mimic the style of Japanese temples and is lined on either side by large floor-to-ceiling goldfish tanks illuminated in slow-changing colors.
It was a great start, although this seemed to be the busiest area so it was hard to enjoy it in all its glory!
But we loved it all the same and immediately had a nice sense of ease given the lovely, calming music that accompanied us throughout.
We then moved on to the 'Goldfish Waterfall', one of the larger displays that contain multi-layered rectangular tanks with subtly overflowing cascading water.
This is an open and interactive exhibit so we could walk in between the tanks and observe the goldfish in a way that almost felt like we were in the tanks with them!
The Mask Collection was very interesting; a wall featuring some 60 historical masks collected by the museum from all over Japan.
Many of these masks would have been used in rituals and ceremonies over time.
Some of them looked fairly ghoulish; we were a tad disappointed each one did not come with any information. But they were cool to observe and we really enjoyed this exhibit.
Our next exhibit was 'A Show of Kingyo'. This is a collection of around 20 small square pedestals hosting a short, open-topped square aquarium on top.
Surrounding the aquarium are beautiful 'Kimono obi' glass multi-colored marbles. There were certainly some very interesting-looking goldfish here!
We could sense the exhibits getting bigger and better as we moved on and the 'Origamirium' is a great example of that.
This giant fishbowl is inspired by the Japanese tradition of origami (hence the name and shape) and also has hanging paper origami fish surrounding it which you can walk amongst. Very, very beautiful!
The stunning 'Chochinrium' greeted us next and was perhaps one of our favorite exhibits.
Based on traditional Japanese 'Matsuri Lantern lighting, either side of the central walkway is lined with pedestal-mounted large glass sphere-style bowls designed to magnify the fish to make them look bigger.
The tops of the bowls, the lighting, the ceiling decorations; it was all very magical here!
The penultimate exhibit features bamboo-style tubular tanks that alternate lights of white, green, pink, and red.
Each tank bubbles inside and wraps around a beautiful Christmas Tree in the center. It is designed to resemble a bamboo forest and is a quiet space of tranquility and appreciation.
Last but certainly not least is this incredible collaboration project in which vibrant and unique colors and synergy truly stand out amongst various strategically placed goldfish bowls.
Japanese flower arrangement is called Ikebana, and intermingling this stunning style with the fish of the aquarium makes this final exhibit a fitting crescendo for this museum.
"This is the world's first collaboration between Goldfish and myself, so I'm filled with anticipation. Goldfish and flowers, I can't help but look forward to how I can co-star the perfected beauty created by this world. all visitors will enjoy this world-first collaboration between goldfish and ikebana, a Japanese art that boasts to the world."
- Shogo Kariyazaki
Read on for more information on tickets for the Art Aquarium, how to get there in Tokyo, and our experience rating.
Why Are Goldfish So Significant in Japan?
Goldfish hold a special place in Japanese culture for several reasons, and have so for over 500 years!
Here are a few of the reasons behind it:
⪢ Symbol of Luck & Prosperity
The Japanese word for goldfish, 'Kingyo', has characters that mean 'gold' and 'fish'.
This association with gold naturally paints them as symbols of wealth and good fortune.
Their red and orange colors are also considered lucky and believed to ward off evil.
⪢ Historical Importation
Goldfish were introduced to Japan from China around the 1500s.
They were initially luxury items, kept only by wealthy individuals, contributing to their association with high status.
⪢ Accessibility
During the Edo period (1603-1868), goldfish breeding techniques advanced, and they became widely popular among the common people.
This widespread availability further ingrained them in Japanese culture.
⪢ Aesthetics
Their vibrant colors, graceful movements, and variety of shapes and forms have a captivating aesthetic quality that the Japanese have long appreciated.
⪢ Cultural Representation
Goldfish appear frequently in Japanese art, literature, and even festivals.
They symbolize summer and a sense of delightful nostalgia.
The History of the Art Aquarium Museum
While the Art Aquarium Museum Ginza officially opened its doors in May 2022, its story goes back further.
It wasn't the first "Art Aquarium" experience, but rather the second chapter in a longer journey.
⪢ The Beginning (2007)
The concept first emerged as a temporary exhibition in Tokyo in 2007.
This initial exhibit showcasing goldfish in artistic displays proved incredibly popular, running for two months.
⪢ Traveling the World
Following the success of the first exhibition, the "Art Aquarium" concept embarked on a journey, holding limited-time exhibitions in various locations both domestically and internationally over the next 15 years.
⪢ Permanent Home (2022)
Finally, in 2022, the Art Aquarium found a permanent home in the heart of Ginza.
This new iteration, the Art Aquarium Museum Ginza, represents an evolution of the concept, offering a more immersive and permanent experience focused on showcasing goldfish as living art.
In over 40 exhibitions, it has amassed over 10 million visitors!
Getting Tickets for the Art Aquarium Museum in Tokyo
Adults & Students (12+ yrs)
● Web Ticket: JPY 2,500 (Online purchase on the day is possible)
● Same Day Ticket: JPY 2,700
Use the ticket vending machine on the 9th floor of Ginza Mitsukoshi New Building for same-day tickets.
Credit/debit cards and cash are accepted.
Check online first: If online tickets are sold out, same-day tickets will not be available.
Children (under 12 yrs)
● Free admission for up to 2 children per adult
● A normal fee will be charged for the 3rd child
Audio Guides
Guides are available for JPY 500
Prices are correct at the time of writing (May 2025).
Please check the official website below for the most up-to-date information.
All prices are in Japanese Yen. Convert your currency here.
⪢ Get your Art Aquarium Museum Ticket with a Tokyo Metro Day Pass
Save time and guarantee your spot.
Get an exclusive optional combo offer by adding to your Art Aquarium Museum admission ticket with a Tokyo Metro Subway pass for 24 hours with unlimited rides.
Art Aquarium Museum Opening Times
The Art Aquarium Museum is open every day from 10 am - 7 pm.
The last entry is at 6 pm.
⪢ Best Time to Visit
If you want to enjoy the Art Aquarium in a more relaxed and peaceful atmosphere, we recommend visiting during weekdays, and in the early morning, around 10 am to 12 pm.
How to Get to the Ginza Art Aquarium Museum in Tokyo
The best way to get to the museum is via the highly efficient and world-renowned subway system in Tokyo (in our opinion).
Check below for the nearest stations, and tap the map for further navigation.
Nearest Subway Stations
● Ginza Station - Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line, Hibiya Line - A7 exit (directly opposite)
● Ginza-itchome Station - Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line - Exit 9 (5 minute walk)
● Higashi Ginza Station - Toei Asakusa Line/Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line - go in the direction of Ginza Station via the underground walkway (2-minute walk)
● Yurakucho Station - JR Line - Central Exit/Ginza Exit (9-minute walk)
By Car
There is a parking lot within the Ginza Mitsukoshi building. Parking tickets are available at the museum shop inside the Art Aquarium Museum.
Museum visitors get 1 hour free for each parking ticket (1.5 hours free for the Nishi-Ginza parking lot).
You can also gain additional free hours when spending over ¥2000 in the store.
Ginza Mitsukoshi Building
When you arrive at the Ginza Mitsukoshi Building, you will find that the floor plan at the entrance states that the museum is on floor 8.
This is not correct; the entrance is actually on floor 9, via the Ginza Terrace Garden.
You are unable to access floor 9 by the escalator and can only get there by the main building elevators.
When you exit the elevator, turn left and take a few steps, and you will see the entrance just to the right.
Tap here for building route guidance.
⪢ Contact Information for Ginza Art Aquarium Museum
● Address: 4-6-16 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-8212 Ginza Mitsukoshi (admission reception / same-day ticket: 9th floor of the new building)
● Contact form: artaquarium.jp
● Phone: (+81) 03-3528-6721
● Website: artaquarium.jp
● Instagram: @artaquarium_museum_official
● Facebook: @artaquariumofficial
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Tips for Visiting the Art Aquarium Museum, Ginza, Tokyo
● Buy tickets in advance: The museum can get busy, especially on weekends and evenings. Purchasing tickets online ahead of time helps you skip queues and secure your preferred time slot.
● Visit on a weekday or early in the day: Weekdays and morning hours are less crowded, offering a more immersive experience with fewer visitors.
● Bring a camera—but no flash: Photography is allowed, but flash is prohibited to protect the delicate installations. Capture the mesmerizing aquatic displays and vibrant lighting.
● Wear comfortable shoes: The museum is compact but requires some walking and standing, so dress comfortably for your visit.
● Plan for sensory overload: The dazzling lights, colors, and music create a unique atmosphere that can be intense. Take breaks if needed and soak in the art at your own pace.
● Explore the gift shop: Don’t miss the gift shop with exclusive art-inspired souvenirs and books.
● Check for seasonal exhibitions: The museum often features special themes or seasonal installations—check the website to see what’s on during your visit.
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Our Experience Rating:
Art Aquarium Museum Ginza
We thoroughly enjoyed the exhibits and felt that it was all very beautiful!
It was very busy, which made it a little difficult to enjoy everything as the spaces were quite small.
Booking later in the evening might have sounded like a good idea, but it seems many people do that, so perhaps the early morning is better.
We would recommend it, though, and we are sure it will be a memory that, like us, you will not forget from Tokyo.
FAQ: Art Aquarium Museum Tokyo – All You Need to Know
What is the Art Aquarium Museum?
The Art Aquarium Museum is an immersive art installation in Tokyo that blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern digital art, using live goldfish as the centerpiece of dazzling, illuminated exhibits.
Where is it located?
It’s in Ginza Mitsukoshi, a well-known department store in the upscale Ginza district of Tokyo. The address is:
Ginza Mitsukoshi Annex B1F, 4 Chome-6-16 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-8212
💡 Easy access from Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro.
What can you expect to see?
● Thousands of goldfish swimming in kaleidoscopic tanks
● Exhibits that change color, pulse to music, or resemble Japanese lanterns
● Mesmerizing projections, lights, and glasswork
● A “floating world” feel that fuses aquatic life and Japanese tradition
Is photography allowed?
Yes, photography and video are allowed, but no flash is permitted to avoid disturbing the fish.
Visitors are encouraged to share on social media, and the visuals are incredibly Instagrammable.
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend around 30–60 minutes, depending on how long they stay to take photos or admire each installation.
Is the Art Aquarium kid-friendly?
Definitely. Children are often fascinated by the glowing tanks and vibrant goldfish, though supervision is needed due to the low lighting and delicate displays.
Do I need a ticket or a reservation?
Yes, tickets are required. You can purchase them online in advance or at the venue, though entry slots can sell out during weekends and holidays.
What is the best time to visit?
Weekdays or earlier in the day are best to avoid crowds and take better photos. Evenings offer a more dramatic atmosphere due to the lighting.
Is the exhibit seasonal?
While the museum itself is permanent, some installations change with the seasons — incorporating themes like cherry blossoms in spring or lanterns during summer festivals.
Why is goldfish art important in Japan?
Goldfish have been part of Japanese culture for centuries, symbolizing prosperity, harmony, and beauty. The Art Aquarium reimagines this tradition in a modern, interactive form.
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Really cool experience, no reason not to do it if one is spending time in Tokyo. Not often you come across a museum like this.
Loved our time here!