Aqua Toto World Freshwater Aquarium Gifu
Go see the Mekong giant catfish, one of the largest in the world
It's the large creatures that have an overwhelming presence that make it hard to take your eyes off them. The Mekong giant catfish is one of the largest freshwater fish, with an individual measuring 3m in length and weighing 350kg having been spotted in the past.
The Mekong River, home to over 1,300 species of freshwater fish and their relatives, is one of the exhibition zones at the aquarium, which has the theme of "From the source of the Nagara River to its mouth, and on to the rivers of the world." The Mekong giant catfish is the aquarium's symbolic fish, and there are currently seven of them, the largest of which is said to be 1.8 meters long.
In 2024, the amazing ecology of a fish that can go a year without eating while swimming was announced based on 13 years of observation records. The tanks in the same area also contain many creatures that cannot be found in Japanese rivers, such as tree climbing fish and giant river prawns. Don't miss the Amazon River exhibit zone, which is home to a giant arapaima.
Nakagawa Water Park, Tochigi Prefecture
Experience the Amazon River in a 360-degree panorama
This is the only aquarium in Tochigi Prefecture and one of the largest river and freshwater fish aquariums in Japan. It introduces everything from the Naka River, a first-class river that flows through the prefecture, to rivers around the world, and the coveted seas (coral reef fish) of Tochigi, a landlocked prefecture.
The facility lets in plenty of sunlight and recreates the fish and riverbed. The highlight is the "Great Amazon Aquarium," a gigantic aquarium that recreates the world's largest river, the Amazon. A 6-meter-long tube-shaped tunnel runs through the aquarium, allowing visitors to view the river from underwater.
There are about 100 different kinds of creatures, including arapaima and piranha, as well as freshwater rays and catfish. Looking up at the tanks filled with natural light from below, you'll feel like you're a fish. There are five popular arapaima. Located in a vast park, you can enjoy the whole day with a fishing pond, athletic play equipment, and even a direct-from-the-farm shop.
