Kamo Aquarium
Kamo Aquarium In Tsuruoka, Yamagata, A Small Seaside Aquarium That Became Known As The Jellyfish Aquarium, With One Of The Largest Jellyfish Collections In The World And A Dazzling Jellyfish Dome. Quick To See And Good With Children. · Tsuruoka, Yamagata
Kamo Aquarium is a small seaside aquarium in the Yunohama area of Tsuruoka, on the Sea of Japan coast of Yamagata, and it is best known for jellyfish. The story people tell is that an old, struggling aquarium was saved from closure when its jellyfish exhibits drew crowds, and it has since grown into a showcase with dozens of jellyfish species, and a Guinness record for the most species on display (confirm). The Crystal Hall holds tanks of pale, drifting animals in many shapes and sizes, and the Jellyfish Dream Theater, a circular dome, wraps visitors in a moving cloud of moon jellies under changing light (confirm). Sea lion shows and local fish fill out the rest. It suits families, couples, photographers and anyone near Tsuruoka. It is worth the detour for the jellyfish, and not worth a long special trip if you only want fish and show tanks. Allow about two hours, and pair it with a seafood lunch in Tsuruoka before heading on.
7-1 Imaizumi, Yunohama, Tsuruoka, Yamagata, on the Sea of Japan coast, a bus or short drive from Tsuruoka Station, Tsuruoka, Yamagata, Japan
The aquarium is usually open from morning to late afternoon every day, with a shorter day in winter and last entry about 30 to 60 minutes before closing - confirm hours and any closing days, which occur on certain weekdays or in short maintenance periods. Sea lion shows run at set times through the day and may be fewer in the cold months. It is on the coast roughly 25 to 30 minutes by bus or taxi from Tsuruoka Station on the JR Uetsu line, or by car on the coast road. Buses are infrequent, so check the timetable. No booking is needed, though large school groups and holidays raise queues. Cash is useful.