Shirahama Aquarium, Kyoto University
An impressive invertebrate exhibit that boasts one of the largest scales in Japan
This aquarium showcases a wide variety of invertebrates, including corals, shellfish, sea urchins, and starfish, found in the seas around Shirahama. Regardless of their rarity or popularity, even more unassuming creatures like barnacles and sea squirts take center stage in the aquarium.
Creatures that live hidden in the crevices of rocks, such as the giant worm and brittle star, which are not often featured in aquariums due to their grotesque appearance, are kept in thin hanging tanks about 1cm thick, and the exhibits are tailored to their ecology.
There are also rare species unique to the area, including the fluorescent yellow giant river anemone, which is only found in limited areas. During the spring, summer, and winter holidays, researchers and keepers give detailed commentary tours, each of which delves into the themes they are responsible for. Immerse yourself in the wonders of invertebrates.
Ashizuri Marine Museum SATOUMI
Don't miss the sea slug exhibit, which recreates their natural habitat
Facing the Tatsukushi Coast, a coastline of unusually shaped rock formations, you can come into contact with the creatures and enjoy activities in the ocean that stretches out before you. The concept of the facility is to experience nature in its entirety.
The first thing that will surprise you is the faithful reproduction of the surrounding natural environment. In the Ashizuri Sea corner, you can see spider blenny fish living inside their shells, and in every tank, you can witness the creatures living vibrantly and realistically.
The permanent exhibition of sea slugs, rare "jewels of the sea" that are difficult to raise, remains in the same environment. Tatsukushi Bay is home to 384 species, more than a quarter of the approximately 1,400 species reported in Japan, allowing visitors to observe the diverse colors and shapes of sea slugs through a wide range of exhibits. This is a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with this mysterious, largely unknown ecology.
