Tochigi Nakagawa Aquatic Park features rare freshwater fish, even for Japan. At this aquatic park, you can enjoy a hands-on experience and craft, various events, water games, and shopping(fishpal,amazon cafe).
Three highlights of the Nakagawa Water Amusement Park
Tochigi Prefecture's only aquariumIntroducing the three highlights of Nakagawa Water Amusement
-From Nakagawa River to world rivers, then to the longing sea- 20,000 fish of 300 species are represented in the river aquarium.
The beauty of a river that differs from that of the ocean. The collaboration of the sun, greenery, and fish.
- Welcome to the green riverbed where fish actively swim in the shimmering natural sunlight. -
It’s just like being a fish.
Nature, from the source of Nakagawa River to downriver, is recreated.
A large acrylic glass wall rises from the floor for a view of the half submerged water tank, with real trees and flowers in the ground section.
Sunlight coming through the leaves shine down, spreading in the water, swaying in the wind, and leaves and flower petals fall from the real trees gently sink in the riverbed, with lively fish swimming around...
By gazing up to the sky from the bottom of the river, a space where you feel just like a fish has been created.
The dynamic fish of the Nakagawa River
The fish have been raised in the nature-themed water tank and swim around leisurely. Various phases can be seen according to the season, such as changing to bright courtship colors during the mating season, and demonstrating their dynamic egg laying activities.
The fish grow in an aquarium which recreates nature, actively swimming, and showing off their bright mating colors during the egg laying period and dynamic breeding behaviors.
The display story is “From the Nakagawa River to world rivers, then to the longing sea.”
Experience the beauty of the river that has been, up to now, too close to notice.
View the impressive large aquarium of the Amazon through the 360℃ panorama tubular tunnel.
Experience the Amazon River in the huge tank
The world’s largest river, the Amazon, is recreated in a 400 ton aquarium.The tunnel passes through the water tank, bringing the spectacular Amazon River right in front of you, as giant fish swim above your head and schools of fish hide under your feet.
Approximately 100 kinds of unique fish are swimming in the aquarium. Of course there are piranhas, but also catfish and rays, as well as small 2cm fish to the Pirarucu, the largest fish in the Amazon reaching sizes over 2m.
Light abundantly shimmers through the water, creating a dynamic water world as if it is a different spacial dimension. The “Amazon Large Water Tank” is the largest water tank in Japan to display fish from the Amazon River. Experience the magnificence of nature and the complexity of living creatures.
Touch and be amazed! Touching Basin and fish laboratory are very popular with children
See! Touch! Feel!!
The most popular site with small children is the Touching Basin! You can touch and watch creatures which one normally cannot come in contact with, such as crayfish, turtles, starfish, sea urchins, and sharks.
Experience “living creatures”!
Hands-on classes for fish dissection, experiments, etc. are also held at the fish lab. In both areas, members of the expert staff provide in-depth explanations about the creatures. Learn about the movements and smell of creatures by personal experience. This spot in the park is a top recommendation, which conveys the attraction of creatures which is difficult to perceive just by looking, and can be a trigger for children to learn and consider about them and their lives.
The aquarium would like to convey the local culture and food (of Satoyama in the Yamizo area, a highly regarded area in Tochigi)!
Nakagawa Aquatic Park is a facility built to share the nature and culture of the Yamizo region, north of Tochigi prefecture. The aquarium introduces the “Nakagawa River,” the clear stream that represents Tochigi, as well as local crafts and the goodness of the local food products are introduced at the food craft center and creative craft center. It also shares the good points of its home town, through hands-on experiences(craft / cooking classes)held at each area! Nakagawa Aquatic Park is a unique aquarium even for Japan, where one doesn’t just observe, but also can actively experience culture.
The FISHPAL(Aquarium), Hall map
Gazing upon the Nakagawa River
Four seasons in the river
The Nakagawa River diorama water tank is abundantly planted with various trees from the water basin. You can observe the ecology of various fish.
Living in the coastal zone and offshore
The bountiful sea nourished by the Nakagawa River Various estuary and coastal creatures are introduced
Touching Basin
Touch the creatures of the Nakagawa River! Pick up and observe creatures that live in the river or pond, such as crayfish, turtles, etc. You may discover something new. Touch animals of the sea, including starfish, sea urchins, sharks, etc.
Fish in Tochigi prefecture
Vanguard of the research of fish
You can see fish which are being studied in the Tochigi Prefecture Fisheries Experimental Station, located next to the Park. If you are lucky, you may be able to see a very rare fish.
Fish of Lake Chuzenji
This is a must-see for anglers. A large collection of salmon species live in Oku Nikko Chuzenji Lake, such as kokanee (sockeye salmon), brown trout, lake trout, etc.
Let’s compare the Tanago (bitterling) fish group
At this diorama water tank, you can meet Tanago (Japanese bitterlings) species, including Miyako Tanago (Tokyo bitterlings) which are designated as a protected species, along with fish living in small rivers and streams such as three-spined sticklebacks, and fish which live in the Watarase retarding basin.
Event plaza
Various events are held during each season, such as the “Fish tasting” event and the “Special exhibitions”.
Rare Fish in Japan
Large rare fish representing Japan, such as Itoh (Japanese huchen) and Akame (Japanese lates). Small rare fishes, such as killfish and the nine spine stickleback. What can you do to protect these creatures?
World Rivers
Aqua corridor (tube tunnel)
Japan’s largest water tank to display fish from the Amazon . From pirarucu, the world’s biggest fresh water fish, to neon tetra which is referred to as the small jewel, various fish which live in Amazon River are on display. Enter the Amazon River through the “aqua corridor,” the newest tube tunnel.
Longing Sea
Play in the Great Barrier Reef
The world’s largest coral reef spreads across the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. In this zone, meet representative fish of the beautiful coral reef, such as damsel fish and crimson sea bream.
Creative craft center
The craft center is located in the 2F Hands-on Zone of the FISHPAL. Enjoy making original crafts at the craft center, and learn about the traditional crafts passed down in the local area, using Japanese paper, silk cocoons, locally produced lumber, bamboo, etc. One-day lectures are held on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, during summer vacation, etc. In addition, group lecture are available during times when the regular lectures are not scheduled. The lecture can be chosen from the experience menu. Times and the maximum number of people may change, please check with us.
Food craft center
The food craft center is located at the Hands-on Zone, 2F FISHPAL. Cooking classes using local agricultural products are held at the Center to deepen understanding of the local culture and agricultural products, as well as to enjoy the home-made taste. Enjoy the taste of home-made food such as “konnyaku” and “inaka manju” (country bun with sweet bean paste) which are specialties of the region. One-day lectures are held on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Group lectures can be held at times when a regular lecture is not scheduled. The lecture can be chosen from the experience menu. Times and the maximum number of people may change, please check with us.
Fish laboratory
The fish laboratory is located on the 1F Hands-on Zone, FISHPAL. In this laboratory, you can learn about fish, rivers and the water environment through observation and experiments on fish and aquatic organisms. You can learn about fish anatomy through a hands-on experience and observation of fish scales, etc. One-day lectures are held on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Group lectures can be held at times when a lecture is not scheduled. The lecture can be chosen from the experience menu. Times and the maximum number of people may change, please check with us.
Information room
The “Fun Fish Laboratory” is held on Saturday, Sunday, and holiday in the 2F information room of the FISHPAL, with a commentator. As continue towards the back of the room, a library with publications on fish and water, from children books to specialized books to satisfy a wide age group, has been arranged. In addition, information on the local area and surrounding sight-seeing information are also available, please feel free to check it out.
Hall
Lectures, concerts, video viewings, etc. are held In the 1F hall of the FISHPAL. The room can also be used during field trips, etc., such as for lunch when the weather is bad.
Gallery
Special exhibitions, photo exhibitions, art competitions, etc., are held in the 2F gallery of the FISHPAL.
Kid’s Room
The Kid’s Room is located on the 2F of the FISHPAL. Here, children can freely play without worry. Stuffed animals and children books are on hand, feel free to use the room even for a short break.
Information Counter
If you have any questions or problems, please feel free to consult with us. Reservations for group admission and experience lectures can be made here.
Amazon Cafe
Please stop by AMAZON CAFE when you visit Nakagawa Aquatic Park!
It is located on the second floor of the Funny Fish Observatory.
This cafe, which was designed with the image of the Amazon jungle, serves snacks and drinks that are associated with Amazon.
We especially recommend the seasonal sweets.Why not enjoy the taste of Amazon after you watch the Amazon fish in the big Amazon Tank!You can enjoy your meal without tickets.
Dining Capacity:33 seats
Operating Hours: 10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.(Operating hours vary depending on the season.)
Last Order:3:45 p.m. (Time for last order vary depending on the season.)
Museum Shop Fishpal
The line-up of fish-themed goods is the very best in Tochigi!
The museum shop is located on the 2F of the FISHPAL. From original park goods and fish related products to various snacks, a wide range of products are available.
Exhibition related products according to the planned exhibition theme are especially recommended. Some fish-themed goods and related products are available for a limited time. Many cute items are reasonably priced so children visiting the park during a field trip can enjoy buying gifts themselves. If you are going to buy fish-themed goods in Tochigi, the Park is the place!
Moreover, an admission ticket is not needed to visit the museum shop. You are welcome to just visit the shop!
Nursing Room
The Nursing Room is located on the 2F of the FISHPAL, behind the kid’s room. The front room has diaper changing bed and sink.
Diapers are also sold at the museum shop.
First Aid Room
The First Aid Room is located on the 2F of the FISHPAL, behind the kid’s room. People with an emergency clinical condition can rest in this eight tatami mats size Japanese style room.
Lockers
Coin lockers are located on the 1F of FISHPAL.
After use, the coin will be returned.
Multipurpose restroom
Multipurpose restrooms are located on each floor. A diaper changing bed and baby care supplies are also available.
One multipurpose restroom is located on each floor of the FISHPAL.
*Click on the facility name for further information.