Shimonoseki Marine Science Museum Kaikyōkan, Public aquarium in Shimonoseki, Japan
Shimonoseki Marine Science Museum Kaikyōkan is a public aquarium housing more than 100 species of pufferfish gathered from locations worldwide. A large tank recreates the currents of the Kanmon Strait, showing how the water shapes life in this region.
The museum opened in 2001 as a center for marine science education in the Kanmon Strait region. Its design was shaped by the goal of providing proper habitats for sea creatures while teaching visitors about ocean life.
The museum highlights the deep bond between Shimonoseki and the sea through displays about fishing traditions and local marine life. You can see how the ocean shapes daily life and identity in this coastal community.
The facility is easy to reach on foot and clearly marked, with accessible pathways through all exhibits. Plan for two to three hours to walk through comfortably and spend time watching the animals.
The museum displays a complete blue whale skeleton, one of only a few in the world, as a striking centerpiece. Alongside this, specially designed penguin habitats offer visitors a close look at these birds in an environment that mimics their natural home.
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