The Hanzake Nature Museum is located in the town of Onan in Shimane Prefecture, and features an aquarium that has been constructed in the local characteristic architectural style using local red tiles. Here, they breed and exhibit ‘Hanzake’, a creature that has been popular in Onan for a long time.
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What are ‘Hanzake’?
Do you have any idea what the Hanzake might be? In Japanese it sounds like ‘Rips in half’. The origin of the name is not clear, but there are some suggestions. First, this creature has a large mouth, so it looks like the body might be ripping in half. Despite that, the body is so large it looks like it could rip in half and still stay alive. So, perhaps this is how it got this name.
A reproduction of the river where the giant salamander lives
The exhibitions in this nature museum are located in a reproduction of the Onan River which is home to the giant salamander. There are two tanks measuring approximately 5 meters in width. They contain plantings so that is possible to observe the giant salamander in an environment closer to their natural environment.
The giant salamander does not move around very much, but their funny features are entertaining enough on their own! Time seems to stop as you look at them. This museum is also focused on the protection and breeding of giant salamander, so it is possible to see many babies and to notice the differences in size between them.
Learn the wonders of the giant salamander!
You can also learn about the ecology of the giant Salamander at this facility. There are skeleton specimens and the ecological photographs of the giant salamander on display, and it is possible to learn more about them than you would just by looking at the giant salamander itself.
It is also possible to put on a costume and become a giant salamander. You can also get up close to them to feel their breath and smell them. It must be said that this is an aquarium where you can experience the charm of the giant salamander to the fullest.
Getting here
| Address | 475 Kamikamedani, Ohnan-cho, Ochi-gun 696-0224, Shimane Prefecture |
| ☎ | 0855-83-0819 |
| Access | The aquarium direction page (Japanese) |
Access Map
Admission Tickets, Price
| Fees | General |
|---|---|
| Adult | 300 yen |
| Child | 150 yen |
Opening Hours & Calendar
| Hours | |
|---|---|
| May – Aug | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Sep – Apr | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
| Days closed | Every Monday (If a Monday is a national holiday, then the next day),
New Year’s Holiday
|
Official website
Hanzake Nature Museum of Mizuho
FAQs
Nursing Lounge
Not available.
Coin lockers
Not available.
Baby stroller rental service
Not available.
Wheelchair rental service
Not available.
