Wakayama Prefectural Museum of Natural History (Wakayama) – Access, Hours & Fees

The Wakayama Museum of Natural History is a museum in Kainan city, Wakayama Prefecture. They have exhibitions that can be enjoyed by everyone from small children to adults, including some events that only adults can take part in. The living creatures here are predominately from Wakayama, making it a good place to soak in the nature and charm of this area.

The Sea of Kuroshio spreads before your eyes

The main attraction in this aquarium is a large tank entitled ‘The Sea of Kuroshio’. Large fish such as rays and mackerel that are representative of the Kuroshio region can be found here. Their large forms have an overwhelming impact and you will see many children with their faces to the glass. They have a number of sofas, so you can recline and admire the fish at your leisure.

The ‘Intertidal Corner’ and ‘Various Creatures Corner’ are popular with children

The ‘Intertidal Corner’ is an interactive corner where visitors can touch various creatures such as starfish, sea urchin and sea cucumber. You can observe the tidal floods and experience the shoreline of Wakayama. In the ‘Various Creatures Corner’, there are many small tanks lined up with magnifying glasses installed so that you can observe the details of various living things. The curator’s comments are easy to understand, and interesting enough that adults will have a few, ‘oh, really?’ moments themselves. And, there are a few surprises.

Plenty of exhibits of specimens and fossils

In the second exhibition room there are exhibits of insects and animal specimens, as well as rare fossils. Some of the fossils can be touched. The specimens are in drawers that can be opened freely to reveal their surprising contents. It is the perfect place to collect information for a self-guided summer vacation research project.

What kinds of creatures can you see at what time?

From time to time this aquarium has special exhibitions of living creatures from their collection. Such exhibitions range from familiar creatures to creatures you may not have the chance to see regularly, so it is always fun to see what will be on show! It is also a good idea to check the website in advance.

Getting here

 

Admission Tickets, Price

Fees General
Adult 470 yen
Under high shool student free
Ages 65+ free

Opening Hours & Calendar

Hours
General 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Last entry 4:30 p.m.
Days closed Monday (if a Monday is a national holiday, then the next day)
Dec 29 – Jan 3

Official website

Wakayama Prefectural Museum of Natural History

FAQs

Nursing Lounge

There is a nursing lounge. Please stop by the information desk for use.

Coin lockers

Not available.

Baby stroller rental service

Baby strollers are available free of charge.

Wheelchair rental service

Wheelchairs are available free of charge.