Nara Kingyo Museum
Last updated: September 13, 2026
Goldfish, elevated to art: the Nara Kingyo Museum fills the fourth floor of the Mi Nara mall with themed zones where rare kingyo drift through projection-mapped rooms, flower gardens, terrariums, stained glass and mirror-ball glitter — including the world's first diamond-cut aquarium. More than 3,000 goldfish of over 40 varieties swim here, the legacy of a region that has bred them for centuries, in a space that is equal parts aquarium, art installation and photo set. It makes a vivid, rainproof counterpoint to Nara Park's temples and deer, a short bus ride across town.
Itinerary
- Stop at: Nara Kingyo Museum
Frequently Asked Questions
A permanent goldfish museum that treats its fish as living art — seven themed zones of projection mapping, flowers, terrariums, stained glass and mirror balls, home to more than 3,000 goldfish across 40-plus varieties, with rarities you won't see in a pet shop and the world's first diamond-cut tank.
The museum is on the 4th floor of the Mi Nara shopping complex, about nine minutes by local bus from JR Nara Station or a 15–20 minute walk; free shuttle buses also run from JR Nara's west exit, Kintetsu Nara Station and Shin-Omiya Station.
Photographers and families above all — every room is designed to be shot, the pace is stroll-and-stare rather than queue-and-view, and small children tend to be transfixed by the tanks at their eye level.
An hour or so covers the zones comfortably, which makes it an easy add-on to a Nara Park day — especially as an indoor escape when the weather turns.