By: Xiao Luhai
Tokyo landmark Tokyo Skytree often hosts special events, and this time it’s the turn of the Sumida Aquarium on the 5th and 6th floors. The Goldfish Art Exhibition, which runs from July 1 to September 30, is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and the organizers claim this year’s edition is the largest in history. If you’ve enjoyed the stunning beauty of Mika Ninagawa’s work, you’ll probably love this exhibition too.
The highlight of the exhibition is a 100-meter-long corridor showcasing nearly a thousand real goldfish of various breeds. Orange and red goldfish with big eyes swim around you—this might be a bit overwhelming for those with trypophobia, but it’s actually quite healing. You might think it’s cruel, but the tanks are thoughtfully designed. There are 31 tanks displaying 23 different breeds. And people often say goldfish have a three-second memory? I believe they quickly forget about the limited space they’re in.
As a summer-limited festival, lanterns are a must-have. The venue is adorned with 150 handcrafted goldfish lanterns hanging from the ceiling. In addition, there are 500 wind chimes decorating the space, all arranged using traditional Edo-period methods.
Edo-Era Goldfish Wonderland @ Sumida Aquarium
Dates: July 1 – September 30, 2016
Location: 5th & 6th Floors, Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo
Hours: 09:00 – 21:00
Admission: Adults ¥2050; High school students ¥1500; Elementary and junior high students ¥1000; Children aged 3 and above ¥600
Access: Take the Tobu Skytree Line from Asakusa Station to “Tokyo Skytree Station”
Website: http://www.sumida-aquarium.com
Image source: Official website
Related Reading
Japan’s Version of a Sky Mirror — Just 1 Hour from Tokyo
Super Lazy Guide: Complete Tokyo Travel Tips
First-Time in Tokyo – Top 10 Popular Attractions