Joetsu Aquarium, Public aquarium in Gochi, Japan.
Joetsu Aquarium spreads across three floors and displays marine life from the Sea of Japan with native fish species living in this region. The exhibition combines large tanks with smaller habitats to show both large schools and individual creatures.
The aquarium started in the 1930s as a private facility and later moved into city control. Multiple relocations due to coastal erosion shaped the history of this place.
The facility received the prestigious BCS Prize for its architectural design by Nihon Sekkei, which integrates modern elements with marine exhibition spaces.
The building sits about fifteen minutes on foot from Naoetsu Station and is easy to reach. Daily opening allows flexible visiting times for different daily routines.
An outdoor pool creates an optical illusion where the aquarium water seems to blend with the Sea of Japan. This effect comes from clever placement and the pool's design at the edge of the grounds.
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