Not every aquarium comes with a relationship chart. And certainly not one that’s updated annually with love triangles, breakups, and bold declarations of penguin affection. But then again, penguins and the Sumida Aquarium have always played by their own rules. Located on the 5th and 6th floors of Tokyo Skytree Town, this space has long been a favourite among locals and travellers alike. If you’re traveling to Tokyo with kids, make sure you stop by this compact, easy-to-navigate aquarium that is full of small surprises - from Edo-inspired goldfish exhibits to the serene choreography of moon jellyfish. But in 2025, it’s the penguins that are stealing the spotlight, again.
The penguin relationship chart: A love story in feathers
Every year, Sumida Aquarium releases its highly anticipated Penguin Relationship Chart, and 2025’s edition is an aquatic drama that Netflix wants creative rights to! As gimmicky as it sounds, it’s really not. In fact, the chart is the result of months of close observation by the aquarium’s dedicated keepers, who track the social dynamics, romantic entanglements, and occasional heartbreaks of the Magellanic penguin colony. You can browse a visual map of these shifting bonds, complete with fun icons, emotional labels, and a healthy dose of humour. Couples who were once inseparable may have drifted apart. Long-suffering suitors might finally be noticed. And some penguins, true to form, remain resolutely single by choice. Seeing the penguins on this “stage” is different when you know them more personally Each waddle, wing flap, and glare carries new meaning.
Make the memories last, even if the relationships don’t
Just steps away from the enclosure, the Penguin Café invites you to sip drinks with floating penguin‑shaped ice and nibble themed treats like the infamous Penguin Donut. The gift shop next door extends the theme, with quirky penguin merch: omikuji (fortune) penguins, wooden tumblers made from local park wood, and adorable keepsakes like real penguin‑feather keychains. Yes, you can even buy the relationship chart right here!
Under the sea
Beyond the penguin drama, the aquarium offers a surprisingly intimate experience. Its open-plan layout allows for lingering without the pressure of crowds. Visitors move from the Ogasawara Sea tank (home to rays, reef fish, and sleek sharks) to the Jellyfish Kaleidoscope Tunnel, where soft lighting enhances the otherworldly drift of translucent creatures.
There’s also the Edo-rium, a goldfish exhibit that feels more like a gallery than an aquarium. With over 1,000 goldfish in ornate tanks, it’s a playful nod to Tokyo’s heritage and aesthetics. You won’t even remember you’re in busy Tokyo!
Good to know before you go
- Entry is timed: Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Combo tickets: These are available with Tokyo Skytree, making it an ideal half-day itinerary.
- Duration: Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours here — just enough to enjoy the exhibits without feeling rushed.
Recommended tickets
The verdict
For travellers looking to explore a different side of Tokyo, one that’s immersive, well-paced, and full of personality, Sumida Aquarium is more than worth a visit. The Penguin Relationship Chart 2025 may be the headline act, but the entire space is a reminder that wonder lives in the details. Tickets are available year-round, but the penguin drama? That’s limited-edition and it changes every year!
