How to enjoy Nakagawa Aquatic Park
The most amazing part is that this is Japan’s largest river aquarium.
The only aquarium in Tochigi prefecture. From the Nakagawa River, the best clear stream in the Kanto area, to rivers in the world (Amazon River), then to the Longing Sea (fish in coral reefs), are introduced in approx. 60 water tanks, in various sizes from small to large.
The attraction of the river, which the sea does not have, is definitely the sunlight shining deep through the water. A large amount of sunlight is taken in at the aquatic park, recreating the scenic riverbed. As natural light shines through the water, the fish actively swim in the aquarium, which is an attractive part of this park which cannot be experienced at a marine aquarium.
Download the Aquarium Guide
We are proud of our various events and experiences.
Under the concept, “just seeing is not enough!” hands-on experience events have been thoroughly developed. A fishing pond and a hand-fishing pond are established in the park, so you can enjoy fish and river from various angles. More than 100 various events are held throughout the year, such as “the backyard tour” to explore behind the aquarium scene, “craft/cooking class (craft center/food craft center)” during weekend, as well as “river fish tasting,” “fish release to the river,” “river boat ride experience,” “rice planting” and “Santa Clause in the water,” according to the season. Enjoy a different type of fun at each event you join.
In this wide park, there are many spots popular with children!
The park is five times larger than Tokyo Dome, providing a fishing pond, a catch pond, water plaza, seasonal flowers, wide open lawn plaza, adventure playground, murmuring brook, and a big pond. The Nakagawa River, the best clear stream in Kanto area, flows next to the aquatic park. Experience fishing, catching, actively running around the park... even walking in the Park will definitely refresh you!
Park map and list of facilities
At the cafe, various products, from hand-made soba noodles to fresh locally produced vegetables are available!
When you get tired of walking, why don’t you stop by “Amazon Cafe” in the Aquarium for some sweets? Or purchase a souvenir at the museum shop filled with river fish-themed goods and original goods. Inside the park, the Japanese restaurant Yuzukami offers hand-made soba (buckwheat) noodles using local soba flour, and there is a shop that directly sells locally produced fresh vegetables, popular with local residents for their low prices.
If you would like to enjoy some local sightseeing, there are many hidden attractions in Satoyama, Tochigi.
Nikko and Nasu are famous areas in Tochigi, but there are many places to see in the Yamizo region where the aquatic park is located. “The Nakagawa River,” the best clear stream in the Kanto area, rivals the Shimanto River in Shikoku, known as the last limpid stream in Japan. Along the river, there are many places to see, from a fishweir to enjoy nature to the fullest, the region’s original art museum and tourist farm, hot springs characterized by viscous water, and the abundant natural scenery of Satoyama. If tour all these surrounding spots, you will enjoy the great nature of Satoyama to the fullest.
Park map and list of facilities
Nakagawa observation deck
展望台から大池や清流・那珂川の景観を楽しむことができる休憩場所です。
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Nakagawa River
Nakagawa River, the best clear stream in Kanto area. The Nakagawa River has also the largest catch of Ayu (sweetfish) in Japan. The river runs right next to the Park, you can even go down to the riverbank.
Fishing pond/hand-fishing pond
Enjoy fishing. As fishing instructors are always close by, even beginners and children can enjoy fish with ease. A hand-fishing pond is also located alongside. In the summertime, “hand fishing” is a really popular event. The caught fish are salted and grilled right there. You can touch and feel the fish in this area.
Aqua Plaza
In this area, children can safely play in the water. The water is about ankle deep for an adult It is a popular spot in the summer
◆ Open until Sunday, Sept. 29
* The fountain and waterflow can be enjoyed between 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
* May change due to weather conditions We appreciate your understanding.
Grass Lawn Plaza
Approx. 2 square hectares for healing and relaxing. A little stream flows through, and an adventure playground is also located on the southern end of the plaza.
Japanese restaurant Yuzukami
Hand-made soba (buckwheat) noodles made from local soba flour produced in Yuzukami
A soba restaurant in the park. Soba noodle is freshly hand-made everyday to serve, using local soba flour produced in Yuzukami. Hand-made soba is made using local soba flour, water from the Nakagawa River, and with the blessing of nature is proudly offered (an udon noodle menu is also available).
In particular, Tenzaru-soba (cold soba served with dipping sauce and tempura using local vegetables) is highly recommended. Group admission is also available. Please feel free to contact us using the telephone number below.
■ Contact:
Japanese restaurant Yuzukami
TEL. 0287-98-6001
Local products Suiyu Mart
Directly purchase local Gunma grown vegetables at low prices!
Inside the park, a joint area has been established for the direct sale of local produce. Fresh seasonal produce delivered each morning is on sale. At great prices!! and are popular even with the locals.
The blessing of the Nakagawa River, the best clear stream in the Kanto area
The Yuzukami area where the aquatic park is located, is located south of Otawara city, where the Nakagawa River and Hoki River, which start in the Nasu and Shiobara Mountains, join. The land is watered by this abundant source, nourishing a rich culture and life since ancient times, and has been developed with agriculture at its center.
■ Contact:
Aquatic park direct sales store (managed / operated by NPO Career Coach)
TEL. 0287-98-6003
Entrance plaza
The plaza is a place where visitors of Nakagawa Aquatic Park encounters and various events are held.
Restrooms in the park
There are 5 locations in the Park. Multipurpose restrooms are available. The multipurpose restrooms are equipped with a baby bed, for use by guests with small children.
*Click on the facility name for further information.