Yama no Aquarium, Public aquarium in Onneyu Onsen, Kitami, Japan
Yama no Aquarium is a freshwater facility near Onneyu Onsen that displays over 3,000 fish from around 50 species in a large space at the base of northern Hokkaido mountains. The venue contains different tanks with fish from the region's local rivers and lakes.
The facility opened in 1978 and aimed to introduce visitors to the rivers of the northern region. A comprehensive overhaul in 2012 significantly modernized the tanks and display methods.
The facility shows fish that live in Hokkaido's rivers, and visitors watch feeding sessions to see how these creatures behave in their natural way. These regular demonstrations help people understand how the local waterways work.
The aquarium sits on a mountainside at the edge of a hot spring town, making it easy to combine a visit with soaking in thermal waters. The venue is small enough to explore in less than two hours and offers a pleasant break from hiking.
The aquarium is known for its waterfall tank, which represents a special feature in Japanese aquarium history. In winter, another tank naturally freezes, allowing visitors to watch fish beneath a layer of ice.
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