Top 4 in Top 10 Most Beautiful Aquariums You Should Visit in Japan.
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Address: 50 Tatsumicho, Onahama, Iwaki 971-8101 Fukushima Prefecture
Opening time: from 9:00 to 17:30. However, from 1/12 to 20/3 only open until 17:00.
Aquamarine Fukushima is a “natural aquarium” with aquatic species raised in an environment that closely resembles their natural habitat. In addition to being an aquarium, Aquamarine Fukushima is also a research and education center for the sustainability and conservation of the natural environment.The main exhibits are two huge water tanks extending from the second to the fourth floor, recreating the Shiome no Umi, an area of the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Fukushima Prefecture where Kuroshio (Black Stream) and Oyashio (The Kurile Line) meet. Visitors can walk through a transparent tunnel and feel the biological diversity of the marine world at Shiome no Umi, especially with its huge schools of sardines and tuna.
On the fourth floor, visitors can visit a tranquil botanical garden, which displays various plants of Fukushima Prefecture. In addition, it will be a wonderful experience to see the underwater life of sea creatures from the edge of the main water tank. The aquarium also has a touch tank where visitors can try touching starfish and other small sea creatures.
Since its opening, Aquamarine Fukushima has conducted research on ancient fish called coelacanths, and the scientific findings are displayed in a corner on the first floor entitled Coelacanths World. Here, visitors can view an anatomical specimen of the rarely seen coelacanth and watch exclusive footage of live coelacanths.
There are many events held throughout the year, with lots of activities for kids and families like fish mazes, art festivals and fishing experiences to catch real fish for lunch! If you don't want to go fishing, you can visit the seafood market just a 10-minute walk from the aquarium! Iwaki Rara Myu offers fresh seafood and an on-site restaurant where guests can dine on freshly caught locally caught fish.