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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

This natural history museum houses not only a vast exhibition of fossils but also a large aquarium with local marine animals.

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.

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.

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.

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.