Guida
Aqua ・ Toto Gifu is a specialized freshwater aquarium located in Kakamigahara City, Gifu Prefecture. Opened in 2004, this facility is renowned as one of the world's largest inland freshwater fish exhibition areas. The core concept is to serve as a 'place for practical environmental education,' allowing visitors of all ages—from children to adults—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 predatory pirarcu, and the beloved capybara.
The facility is part of the 'World Freshwater Fish Garden' (also known as Oasis Park), a river environment paradise. Since its opening on July 14, 2004, it has maintained a high standard of exhibition design, with influences from the designers of the Tennessee Aquarium in the USA. Notably, in 2018, it became the first facility in Japan to be officially certified by the Minister of the Environment as a 'Rare Species Conservation Zoo and Botanical Garden.' This highlights its role not just as a display facility, but as a vital hub for biodiversity conservation and environmental education.
The aquarium houses approximately 220 species and 20,000 individual animals and plants. Popular highlights include the awe-inspiring Mekong giant catfish, the powerful-jawed pirarucu, and the charming capybaras. The exhibition areas are designed to replicate various river environments from around the globe, providing an authentic look at their natural habitats. Furthermore, the extensive displays of arthropods and aquatic plants allow visitors to understand the complex connections within different ecosystems.
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 unique opportunity to observe the behavior of nocturnal creatures that are rarely seen during the day. Since these events are held on a limited schedule, it is highly recommended to check the official calendar in advance.
Beyond standard viewing, the aquarium offers special seasonal programs. For instance, during the 'Night Aquarium' sessions, the experience is designed as a free-roaming exploration rather than a guided lecture. Visitors can use guide papers to navigate and use lights to explore the dark tanks. In the past, the facility has also hosted various programs like sea lion shows. The environment is perfectly suited for those wishing to deepen their understanding of aquatic life.
The aquarium is situated within 'Oasis Park,' which features water channels, a Ferris wheel, and other recreational facilities. This makes it easy to plan a comprehensive sightseeing trip that combines the natural beauty of Kakamigahara with various leisure activities.
The entire facility is barrier-free with ramps installed throughout. 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, though availability is limited and reservations are not accepted. For payments, it is highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance via web services like Asobimo. If participating in night events, please wear footwear suitable for walking in dark environments and be mindful of your surroundings. For English language support, please check the official website for the latest information.