Misaki Marine Biological Station, the University of Tokyo, Marine research station and public aquarium in Miura Peninsula, Japan
Misaki Marine Biological Station is a teaching and research facility positioned at the southwestern tip of Miura Peninsula, facing the nutrient-rich waters of Sagami Bay. The campus includes laboratories, exhibition spaces, and conference areas alongside a newer educational building designed to introduce visitors to marine science and ongoing studies.
The facility opened in 1886 as Japan's first marine research laboratory and relocated to Aburatsubo in 1897 to access greater diversity of marine organisms. This move allowed it to become a major hub for coastal research and education that continues to shape marine science in Japan.
The station maintains educational programs for local elementary schools, including nature observation classes and pearl cultivation projects in partnership with Miura City.
The location is easily accessible near the coast and grounds are typically open to visitors interested in exploring the research facilities and viewing marine exhibits on most days. It is helpful to check in advance about visiting conditions since access to certain research areas may be restricted.
The station is known for its focus on how marine animals develop and evolve, particularly research on how crustaceans have adapted to life on land. This specialized work has led to discoveries that deepen understanding of evolutionary biology in ways most visitors do not expect.
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