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As the weather starts to get warmer in Japan, many people will cope by cranking up the air conditioner. But there’re also traditional options for beating the summer heat, such as whipping out a folding fan, and also psychological cooling tricks such as listening to the soothing sounds of a wind chime or taking a few moments to gaze at a tank of water filled with gracefully swimming goldfish.

If that last idea sounds like your kind of thing, you’re in luck, as the Art Aquarium exhibit is returning to Tokyo this July with its unique combination of artistic displays, DJ performances, fine sake to sip, and late-night viewings of aquatic life.

Like last year’s event, the 2015 Art Aquarium’s venue is located in the Nihonbashi neighborhood of central Tokyo. Now in its fifth year, the exhibition has established enough of a reputation that this year it was also held in Nagano and also made its first trip overseas to Milan.

▼ The video and images below are taken from the Art Aquarium 2015 Nagano event.

Director Eichi Kimura doesn’t limit his vision to the unique design of the tanks, though. Art Aquarium gets visitors other senses involved too, as Kimura selects lights, sounds, and aromas to create a soothing yet mysterious atmosphere.

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The Tokyo event, officially called Art Aquarium 2015 Edo Kingyo no Ryo (The Refreshing Coolness of Edo Goldfish) opens on July 10 and runs until September 23. Among the hundreds of goldfish waiting for visitors will be Japanese wakin, telescope, and fantail breeds.

The doors open daily at 11 in the morning, and after 7 p.m., the event’s name switches over to Night Aquarium (although there’s no need for guests already in the building to clear out or buy a separate ticket). Along with different lighting and music, the Night Aquarium offers such mature pleasures as a bar with cocktails, beer, and Yamaguchi Prefecture’s prized Dassai brand of sake, as well as DJ performances on select weekends. Organizers even say they’re planning a “maiko night,” where apprentice geisha from Kyoto will perform traditional dance.

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Admission at the door is 1,000 yen (US$8.40), while elementary school students get in for 600 yen and those under three-years-old are free. Presale tickets, usable during the month of July, can be reserved through 7-Eleven’s 7 Ticket service here between now and July 9 and get you a 100-yen discount.

Starting July 10, a two-person paired ticket with vouchers for two drinks will also be offered for 2,900 yen. Since the event stays open until 11:30 p.m., and is adults-only after 10 o’clock, the Night Aquarium could make for a great date follow-up that’s both unique and a little more relaxed than going to a club or karaoke box.

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Event information
Art Aquarium 2015 Edo Kingyo no Ryo /アートアクアリウム2015江戸金行の涼
Address: Tokyo-to, Chuo-ku, Nihonbashi Muromachi 2-2-1, Koredo Muromachi Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall 5th floor (entrance on 4th floor)
東京都中央区日本橋室町2-2-1 コレド室町5F
July 10-September 23
Open 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m.
Website

Source: Japaaan
Top image: Art Aquarium 2015 official website
insert images: YouTube/Art Aquarium Official Channel