Kyoto University Shirahama Aquarium

The Kyoto University Shirahama Aquarium is an affiliated facility of the Seto Marine Biological Laboratory, part of Kyoto University’s Field Science Education and Research Center. As an "aquarium you can watch and learn," it traces its roots back to 1922, when the tank room of the Kyoto Imperial University Faculty of Science’s Seto Marine Research Institute began operations; from 1930 it was opened to the public under the name of the aquarium of the Seto Marine Biological Laboratory, Kyoto University, continuing to the present day. It is highly impressive, exhibiting around 500 species at all times—one of the largest-scale displays in Japan of local marine life around Shirahama. Notably rare and buzzworthy creatures you can see include the "Umitengu," said to be a relative of seahorses; the deep-sea creature "giant isopod" (Oogusokumushi); and the spiny puffer relative "Ishigaki-fugu." To get there, take the JR Kinokuni Line to "Shirahama Station," transfer to a Meiko Bus, get off at the "Rinkai" stop, then walk about 3 minutes—making it very convenient. Nearby is the "Minakata Kumagusu Memorial Museum," so you can deepen your knowledge after the aquarium, and Shirarahama Beach is also close by bus, making it easy to combine with sightseeing.