Kyoto Aquarium uses no seawater—wait, what?!

Kyoto Aquarium is located nowhere near the ocean, but it’s home to dolphins, jellyfish, penguins, and even sea turtles. So how does that work? The secret: it uses completely artificial seawater—made by blending purified freshwater with a special mix of minerals. That makes Kyoto Aquarium one of the largest inland aquariums in Japan, and a pioneer in sustainability. And don’t worry—the animals are thriving! In fact, the aquarium is known for successful breeding programs, including jellyfish and penguins born right here in Kyoto.