Takumi no Yakata Forest Aquarium is freshwater aquarium attached to a Folk Art Museum. It houses more than 3,000 rare freshwater fish including rare large char. ‘Takumi no Yakata’ is a museum that was built in 1882 by craftsmen using the techniques of renowned craftsman Hida Takumi. This building is designated ‘important cultural property’ of Takayama City and retains its original appearance as a house with a peaceful atmosphere. There is a large tank which recreates a mountain stream located in a greenhouse-like room filled with soft sunshine.
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See the largest freshwater fish in Japan, the Japanese huchen, measuring over a meter long!
There are also many other freshwater fish to meet, from the common to the unusual, including eel, char, perch, carp, crucian carp and more. There are even endangered Japanese fluvial sculpin exhibited here.
Enjoy engaging with the fish
This is a nice place for children to enjoy interacting with the fish. The red garra or Doctor Fish are located at the entrance of the museum and are famous for eating dead skin. When you put your hands into their tank, the doctor fish will flock to you and start nibbling at your fingers and palms. You can also put your finger in the mouth of a Russia sturgeon. ‘What if it bites?’ you might wonder, but don’t worry, because the sturgeon in fact has no teeth. So, how does the inside of its mouth feel? You will have to visit and find out!
Take a break with a complimentary coffee
Relax and take a break in this historic house with a free coffee or barley tea. This kind of service is quite unusual and gives visitors a chance to pause. After seeing the aquarium, you can take a more leisurely break at the hearth. There is also a diorama, a traditional water hand pump and more to recreate the nostalgia of Hide’s era. It is a fascinating place to visit!
Getting here
| Address | 532 Gonbo, Nyukawacho, Takayama City 506-2117 |
| ☎ | 0577-79-2220 |
| Access | The aquarium direction page (English) |
Access Map
Admission Tickets, Price
| Fees | General |
|---|---|
| Adult | 500 yen |
| Child (middle high school age or younger) | 400 yen |
Opening Hours & Calendar
| Hours | |
|---|---|
| General | 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Days closed | Open throughout the year. *Temporary closures may occur in winter. |
Official website
FAQs
Nursing Lounge
The aquarium has a nursing room for babies.
Coin lockers
Not available.
Baby stroller rental service
Not available but the aquarium is stroller friendly.
Wheelchair rental service
Not available.
