Aquarium Asamushi

Aomori Asamushi Aquarium is the northernmost aquarium on Japan’s main island of Honshu. It displays around 10,000 specimens across roughly 300 species, including fish and marine mammals. One highlight unique to Aomori is the dolphin performance set to music inspired by Nebuta festival rhythms. Another Aomori-only feature is a section where you can see freshwater fish that live in the rivers of the Shirakami Sanchi World Heritage area, such as char and ayu. In the 15-meter tunnel tank recreating the "Sea of Mutsu Bay," you can observe aquaculture scenes featuring local species like scallops and sea squirts. The aquarium is also known for successfully breeding wolffish in 2017—the first aquarium in Japan to do so. The wolffish may look fierce, but it has a surprisingly charming face, so be sure to visit the "Cold Sea Fish" corner to meet it. There is also a "Touch Corner" where you can interact with animals like starfish and sea anemones. Feeding experiences for dolphins, seals, and penguins are also popular. At the gift shop, consider picking up souvenirs featuring Kokoru, the aquarium’s mascot character.