Nature & natural history museums in Japan

The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is a large public aquarium located in Osaka, Japan. It is not just one aquarium but a series of aquariums built around one massive water tank. This unique design allows visitors to experience a variety of marine life in different environments, all within the same facility.

Iwatayama Monkey Park is a commercial park situated in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan. The park is located on Mount Arashiyama, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to interact with nature and wildlife in a serene setting. The park's location offers a panoramic view of the city, making it a popular destination for tourists.

The Ueno Zoo, located in Taitō, Tokyo, Japan, is a 14.3-hectare zoo managed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. As Japan's oldest zoo, it has a rich history dating back to its opening on March 20, 1882.

Tokyo Sea Life Park, located in Kasai Rinkai Park in Tokyo, Japan, is a public aquarium that offers visitors a chance to explore various marine ecosystems. It's a great place for families and individuals who are interested in marine life and ecosystems.

The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, located in Motobu, is recognized as the second largest aquarium in the world, following the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in Zhuhai, China. This impressive size allows for a diverse range of marine life to be housed and displayed, offering visitors a unique and comprehensive insight into the underwater world.

The Nagai Botanical Garden is a spacious 8-hectare botanical garden nestled in the southeast corner of Nagai Park in Osaka, Japan. This location offers a serene and natural environment for visitors to explore and enjoy. The garden is easily accessible and provides a tranquil escape from the bustling city life.

One of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Japan, Ashikaga Flower Park is known for its great Japanese Wisteria flower, a vine which blooms in light purple and pink. It is huge - covers almost an acre of the park! As of April 2018, you can get to this botanical garden by train as a train statio

Opened in 1989, this marine world features 70 aquariums full of marine animals and plants. Be sure to check the schedule and see one of its famous shows, such as Dolphin and Sea Lion show and Sea Otter feedings.

The Sapporo-Maruyama Zoo is situated in Chūō-ku, a district of Sapporo, which is the capital city of the Japanese prefecture Hokkaidō. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city or the region.

The Tennoji Zoo, located in the Tennoji district of Osaka, Japan, holds a significant place in history as it is the third oldest zoo in the country. It was officially opened to the public on January 1, 1915. This historical significance adds to the charm and appeal of the zoo, making it a notable destination for tourists visiting Osaka.

The Asahiyama Zoo, located in Asahikawa, Hokkaidō, Japan, is the northernmost zoo in the country. It was opened to the public in July 1967 and has since been a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The zoo is municipally owned and managed.

The Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a unique combination of a botanical garden, a zoo, and an amusement park. It is located in Chikusa-ku, a district of Nagoya, the capital of central Japan's Aichi. This makes it a versatile destination for tourists, offering a variety of experiences in one location.

The Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium, located in Minato-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, is recognized for its impressive size. It boasts the largest tank capacity and total area among all public aquariums in Japan, making it a significant destination for those interested in marine life.

An educational center and museum which seeks to educate the general public about the natural disasters that have occurred in Osaka. It also teaches its visitors how to behave when an earthquake or tsunami might hit the city in the future.

The Miyajima Public Aquarium is situated on the scenic island of Itsukushima, in the city of Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima, Japan. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich marine life while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the island.

The Fukuoka Municipal Zoo and Botanical Garden, also known as the Fukuoka City Zoological Garden, is a significant attraction in Fukuoka, Japan. Established in 1953, the zoo and botanical garden are located within Minami-koen, also known as South Park. This location offers a unique combination of wildlife and plant life, providing a diverse and enriching experience for visitors.

The Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands, locally known as Hakone Shisseikaen, is a botanical garden situated within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. This park is located near the city of Hakone in Japan. The garden spans an area of approximately 20 hectares and is recognized internationally as a botanical institution.

The Tama Zoological Park, located in Hino, Tokyo, Japan, is a government-owned zoo. It offers a unique experience for visitors to observe a variety of animals in a more free and natural environment, thanks to its large site.

Hiroshima City Asa Zoological Park, located in Hiroshima, Japan, is a well-established zoo that first opened its doors in 1971. It holds the distinction of being the 62nd zoo to be established in Japan. This historical significance adds to the charm and appeal of the zoo, making it a notable destination for tourists visiting Hiroshima.

Kobe Oji Zoo, situated in Kobe city in Hyogo Prefecture on Japan's main island of Honshu, has a rich history dating back to 1928. Initially, some animals were displayed in Suwayama Park. However, after World War II, these animals were relocated, and in 1951, the Kobe Oji Zoo was officially opened at its current location.

The Kyoto Aquarium is situated in the scenic Umekoji Park in Kyoto City, specifically in the Shimogyo Ward of Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. This location offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the park while exploring the diverse marine life housed in the aquarium.

A lovely botanical park and zoo in one, opened in 2004. There are nearly 2000 animals, including capybaras in a bath and guinea pigs traipsing across a miniroad.

Aqua World Oarai, previously known as Oarai Aquarium, is a significant marine attraction located in Oarai, Ibaraki, Japan. The aquarium is situated facing the Pacific Ocean, providing a unique and scenic location for visitors. It's one of the largest aquariums in Japan, offering a wide variety of marine life for tourists to explore.

Take your children to an aquarium and a near playground and have a nice family afternoon with a lot of fun.

The Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium is a public aquarium situated in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. It was inaugurated in 2015, replacing the Marinepia Matsushima Aquarium, which had been in operation for 88 years. The aquarium is home to a variety of marine life and offers visitors a chance to learn about and interact with these creatures in a safe and controlled environment.

The Kiseki No Hoshi Greenhouse, also referred to as the Museum of Miraculous Planet Plants, is a significant botanical complex in Japan. It spans an impressive area of 6,700 m², making it the second largest botanical greenhouse area in the country. This expansive space is home to a diverse range of plant species, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore and learn about the world of botany.

The Himeji City Zoo is a unique attraction located in the urban center of Himeji, within the Hyōgo Prefecture of Japan. It is situated in the backyard of the historic Himeji Castle, providing a unique blend of natural and cultural experiences for visitors. The zoo's location offers easy access for tourists and a chance to explore both the castle and the zoo in one visit.

Adventure World in Shirahama is a sprawling amusement park situated on the Kii Peninsula, one of the largest peninsulas of the main Japanese island of Honshū. This 80-hectare park is a combination of a zoo, a safari park, a show aquarium, and an amusement park filled with numerous attractions. It is a member of the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums (JAZA).

A lovely aquarium, that provides home to some 180 penguins of 9 different species - both cold-water and temperate.

This complex houses a museum and an aquarium. Be sure to check their dolphin and whale shows. You can also go and swim with a dolphin - book in advance.

Otaru Aquarium, located in Otaru City, Hokkaido, Japan, is a public aquarium managed by the Otaru Public Aquarium Corporation, Third Sector. This aquarium is one of the largest in Hokkaido and is a member of the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums (JAZA). It is also accredited as a Museum-equivalent facility by the Museum Act from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

Inokashira Park Zoo is a city zoo nestled in the city of Musashino, Tokyo. It also has a branch located in Mitaka. The zoo is conveniently situated near the Ghibli Museum, making it an ideal location for tourists who are interested in exploring both attractions during their visit.

Fukuyama City Zoo is a zoological park situated in Fukuyama, Hiroshima, Japan. It is a place where visitors can observe a variety of animals in a safe and controlled environment.

The Izu Shaboten Zoo, located in Itō, Shizuoka, Japan, is a unique combination of a zoological park and botanical garden. Established in 1959, the zoo has been a popular destination for both locals and tourists for over six decades. It offers a diverse range of animal and plant species, making it a great place for nature lovers.

The Wakayama Prefectural Museum of Natural History, located in Kainan, Wakayama Prefecture, has been welcoming visitors since its opening in 1982. This museum offers a deep dive into the natural history of the region, making it an interesting destination for those curious about the local geology, flora, and fauna.

Kobe Animal Kingdom is a unique blend of a zoo and a botanical garden, situated on the man-made island of Port Island in the bustling city of Kobe, Japan. This park offers a diverse range of animals and plants for visitors to explore and enjoy.

Aquamarine Fukushima is an aquarium situated in the city of Iwaki, in the Fukushima Prefecture on the main island of Honshū, Japan. It is a member of the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums (JAZA). The aquarium was opened on July 15, 2000, and aims to replicate the natural habitats of various species as accurately as possible, while also promoting nature and environmental conservation.

Edogawa City Natural Zoo is situated in Edogawa, a special ward located in Tokyo Prefecture, Japan. This zoo is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a variety of animal exhibits and educational programs.

The Sumida Aquarium is a public aquarium situated on the 5th and 6th floors of the Tokyo Skytree in Sumida, Tokyo. The aquarium, which opened in 2012, coincided with the opening of the Tokyo Skytree itself. This location offers visitors the unique experience of exploring marine life while being in one of Tokyo's most iconic landmarks.

Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden, also referred to as Takasakiyama Monkey Park, is situated in Ōita City, within the Ōita Prefecture on Mount Takasaki. This location is renowned for its large population of wild Japanese macaques. The park provides a unique opportunity for visitors to observe these monkeys in their natural habitat.

The Fuji Yusui no Sato Aquarium, located in Oshino-mura, Minami-tsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture, is a prefectural public aquarium that specializes in freshwater fish. It is a member of the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums (JAZA), which is a testament to its quality and commitment to animal welfare.

The Tropical & Subtropical Arboretum is a vast 9-hectare arboretum and botanical garden situated in the southernmost part of the Ocean Expo Park in Ishikawa 424, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, Japan. This location offers a unique opportunity to explore a wide variety of tropical and subtropical plants in a serene and beautiful environment.

Nishiyama Zoo, situated in Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture, Japan, is a small municipal zoo that offers free admission to all visitors. Despite its size, the zoo is a popular destination due to its diverse range of animals and its location on a scenic low hill within Nishiyama Park.

The Oga Aquarium Gao, also known as the Akita Prefectural Oga Aquarium, is situated along the coast of the Oga Peninsula in Oga, Akita Prefecture, Japan. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the marine life of the region in a beautiful coastal setting.

Uozu Aquarium, situated in Uozu, Toyama Prefecture, Japan, is a historic site that opened its doors on the 21st of September 1913. This makes it the oldest operational aquarium in Japan, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore a piece of the country's aquatic history.

The Nambo Paradise Botanical Garden is a significant attraction in Tateyama, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. Spanning over 6.6 hectares (16.3 acres), this botanical garden offers a vast space for visitors to explore and appreciate the beauty of nature. It is administratively dependent on the Chiba Prefecture government.

Nogeyama Zoological Gardens is a free zoo that is situated in Nogeyama Park, in the Nishi-ku district of Yokohama, Japan. This location offers visitors the opportunity to explore a variety of wildlife without any admission fee. The zoo's location within a park also provides a serene and natural environment that enhances the overall visitor experience.

The Shunkaen Bonsai Museum, located in Tokyo, Japan, is a bonsai garden that was established in 2002. The founder of this museum is the bonsai master, Kunio Kobayashi. This museum is a testament to his dedication and passion for the art of bonsai.

The Kitakyushu Museum of Natural History & Human History is a significant cultural institution located in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. It was established in 2002 and has since been a hub for learning and exploration of the city's natural history, archaeology, and history.

In 2007, the Toyama Science Museum underwent a significant renewal and reopened in its current form. This transformation allowed the museum to expand its exhibits and enhance its facilities, providing a more comprehensive and engaging experience for visitors.

The Hokkaido University Botanical Garden is a sizable botanical garden spanning 13.3 hectares. It is conveniently located near the center of Sapporo, Japan, making it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city. The garden offers a vast array of plant species and a serene environment for visitors to enjoy.