Aquarium Sagamihara holds more than 100 species of freshwater fish, aquatic insects, amphibians and a particular slithery reptile that is native to Japan's Sagami River. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)
Just 30 miles northwest of U.S. Army Japan’s headquarters, Aquarium Sagamihara boasts a 131-foot tank of flowing water that replicates a living river environment.
Formally known as the Sagami River Fureai Science Museum, the aquarium features living and lifelike replicas of creatures in and along the 81-mile-long waterway in Kanagawa prefecture. The local government opened the aquarium in 1987 and renovated the freshwater exhibits in 2014.
Aquarium Sagamihara features living and lifelike replicas of creatures in and along the 81-mile-long Sagami River in Kanagawa prefecture, Japan. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)
The Sagami River drains Lake Yamanaka, the largest of five lakes near Mount Fuji. The aquarium holds more than 100 species of freshwater fish, aquatic insects, amphibians and a particular slithery reptile that is native to the river.
The spacious main exhibit room holds the large flowing-river tank that symbolizes the length of the Sagami River. It includes many of the types of aquatic animals that live in the river, including rainbow trout, salmon and largemouth bass.
Aquarium Sagamihara holds more than 100 species of freshwater fish, aquatic insects, amphibians and a particular slithery reptile that is native to Japan's Sagami River. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
Other species include large moray eel, sharks, stingrays, turtles, crabs and a giant salamander.
There are multiple interactive learning exhibits for children and adults to enjoy, including display tables that with the turn of a crank will explain the aquatic environment and provide information about the fish or other animals in the habitat.
Staff also do informational briefings about aquatic life and habitat at scheduled times throughout the aquarium.
Aquarium Sagamihara features living and life-like replicas of creatures in and along the 81-mile-long Sagami River in Kanagawa prefecture, Japan. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)
Feeding the fish in an outdoor artificial pond is encouraged. Food dispensers will provide fish food for 300 yen, or about $1.91. The hungry fish are so close that you can touch them. Visitors may also pick up freshwater shrimp, snails and shellfish for observation there.
Back inside, the last room before the exit has small tanks with large aquatic bugs on one side and several types of riverbed stones on the other.
The local government opened Aquarium Sagamihara in 1987 and renovated the freshwater exhibits in 2014. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)
The water-walk tank in the same area has a circular fish tank on the floor where up to four people can walk and observe the array of fish beneath it.
Even if you take your time, you should get through the place in about an hour. There is no eating or drinking allowed inside, but the surrounding outdoor area is suitable for whatever snacks you decide to bring along. A gift shop with aquatic animal souvenirs and toys is located inside near the entrance.
Aquarium Sagamihara holds more than 100 species of freshwater fish, aquatic insects, amphibians and a particular slithery reptile that is native to Japan's Sagami River. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)
On the QT
Directions: 1-5-1 Suigotana, Chuo Ward, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0246. Google Plus Code: G8WH+XH Sagamihara, Kanagawa
Times: Open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday; closed Mondays, except public holidays. Last entry is 4 p.m.
Costs: Adults pay 450 yen; 150 yen for 15 and younger; free for children 6 and younger; 220 yen for seniors 65 and older. No credit cards. There is a ticket machine located at the entrance.
Food: No food or snacks are sold at the aquarium.
Information: Phone: 042-762-2110; Online: sagamigawa-fureai.com
