Guide
Aqua-Toto Gifu is a specialized freshwater aquarium located in Kakamigahara City, Gifu Prefecture. Opened in 2004, this facility is renowned as an inland aquarium featuring one of the world's largest freshwater fish exhibition areas. The core concept is to serve as a practical site for environmental education, allowing visitors of all ages to learn about the river environments and biological diversity of the world. The exhibits feature a wide variety of species, including the massive Mekong Giant Catfish, the formidable Pirarucu, and the beloved Capybara.
The facility is part of the "World Freshwater Fish Park (affectionately known as Oasis Park)," a river environment paradise. Since its opening on July 14, 2004, it has maintained a high standard of exhibition design. The design was influenced by the expertise of the firm that designed the Tennessee Aquarium in the USA, ensuring a world-class viewing experience. Notably, in 2018, the facility became the first in Japan to be officially certified as a "Rare Species Conservation Zoo and Botanical Garden" by the Minister of the Environment. This highlights its role not just as a tourist attraction, but as a vital center for species conservation and environmental education.
The aquarium houses approximately 220 species and 20,000 individual specimens. Popular highlights include the giant Mekong Giant Catfish, the predatory Pirarucu with its powerful jaws, and the charming Capybaras. Each exhibition area is designed to replicate specific river environments from around the globe, providing an immersive look at different ecosystems. Beyond fish, the facility also features diverse collections of arthropods and plants, allowing visitors to understand the complex connections within various biological networks.
Standard operating hours are 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays and until 7:00 PM on weekends and holidays, though these may vary by season. A highly recommended experience is the "Night Aquarium" event held on specific dates. During this event, the aquarium is darkened, and visitors can explore the exhibits freely using a flashlight. This offers a rare opportunity to observe the behavior of nocturnal creatures in their natural dark state. As these events are held on limited dates, we recommend checking the official schedule in advance.
Beyond standard viewing, special programs are held depending on the season. For instance, during the "Night Aquarium" sessions, the experience is a free-roaming exploration rather than a guided lecture. Visitors use guide papers to navigate and use lights to illuminate the tanks. In the past, the facility has also hosted programs such as sea lion shows. The environment is perfectly suited for those wishing to deepen their understanding of aquatic life.
The aquarium is located within "Oasis Park (World Freshwater Fish Park)," which serves as a comprehensive recreational area. The park includes waterways, a Ferris wheel, and other amenities. Visitors can easily plan a full day of sightseeing by combining the aquarium visit with the natural scenery of Kakamigahara, Gifu.
The entire facility is barrier-free with ramps installed for easy movement. For families, free stroller rentals (for infants 7 months to 2 years old) and wheelchair rentals (available at the 1st-floor information desk) are provided. Please note that rentals are subject to availability and cannot be reserved in advance. For payments, pre-purchasing tickets via web services (such as Asoview) is highly recommended. If participating in night events, please wear footwear and clothing suitable for moving in dark, low-visibility environments. For English-language support, please check the official website for the latest information.