The ‘Sagami River Fureai Science Museum Aquarium Sagamihara’ is an aquarium that breeds and exhibits creatures from the Sagami River that flows through Kanagawa Prefecture. It opened in 1987 but then underwent renovations in order to become a center for environmental protection and a place where people can share information about nature. It reopened in 2014.
Contents
Take your knowledge of the Sagami River to a new level
This aquarium breeds and houses more than 4000 individual creatures and more than 100 species, centering on freshwater fish from the Sagami River. At the entrance you are greeted with the sight of freshwater smelts swimming languidly around their tank. There are many local frogs and aquatic creatures, so much so that it surprises locals to find out they have so much wildlife so close to them. There is an exhibit of the Metropolitan Bitterling that details how farming and other environmental damage caused it to become extinct in the wild in Kanagawa Prefecture.
A popular water park using water drawn from the Sagami River
The water play area outside the facility is a popular spot that draws water from the Sagami River. The water is very shallow, so children who are crawling or just starting to walk can still enjoy the water. There is a small water mill with a pump for the water, as well as a small but popular jungle gym. The free showers make it easy to clean off after a swim.
A touching pool and exhibits using computer graphics (CG)
Newly-installed with the renovation is a CG area with a huge screen that displays fish that change their color as they swim. In the touching pool outside visitors can touch crayfish and feed carp and other freshwater fish. Watching the carp flock to the food is a must-see! There is a hand-washing station and the ramps are installed so that they are manageable with a stroller.
Interesting seasonal events
This may be an aquarium but there are also tortoises, capybara and other mammals as well as exhibits of Okinawan fish. They also have photographic exhibitions of rare creatures. The themes of these exhibitions changes every 1-2 months so it is a good idea to check the homepage.
Getting here
| Address | 1-5-1 Suigotana, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara 252-0246, Kanagawa Prefecture |
| ☎ | 042-762-2110 |
| Access | The aquarium direction page (Japanese) |
Access Map
Admission Tickets, Price
| Fees | General | One-year pass |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (over high school student) | 390 yen | 1,170 yen |
| Child (Primary & middle school student) | 130 yen | 390 yen |
| Senior (Ages 65 and over) | 190 yen | 570 yen |
| Child (Ages 5 & under) | free | — |
Opening Hours & Calendar
| Hours | |
|---|---|
| General | 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
| Days closed | Monday (Open if a Monday is a national holiday) |
Official website
Sagamigawa Fureai Science Museum Aquarium Sagamihara
FAQs
Nursing Lounge
The aquarium has a nursing room for babies. Stop by the information desk for hot water.
Coin lockers
Not available.
Baby stroller rental service
Not available, but the aquarium is stroller friendly.
Wheelchair rental service
Wheelchairs are available free of charge (Total number: 2)
