Noshappu Kanryu Aquarium
稚内市立ノシャップ寒流水族館
Japan's northernmost aquarium, focusing on fish from cold northern waters and spotted seals, where you can see the rare Far Eastern taimen.
The Noshappu Kanryu Aquarium is Japan's northernmost aquarium. It is modest in size and focuses on creatures from the cold northern seas. The central circulating tank holds flatfish and other cold-water species, along with the Far Eastern taimen, known as the 'phantom fish' (ifu), which is rarely seen. The outdoor pools, with spotted seals and penguins, are especially popular with children at feeding times. Admission is about 500 yen, and a combined ticket is available with the neighbouring Youth Science Museum. The aquarium is closed in December and January, and opening hours change with the seasons. It sits beside Cape Noshappu and is about 10 minutes by bus from Wakkanai Station.
Opening hours
09:00–17:00 (shorter in winter; closed Dec–Jan)
Nearby sights
- Cape Noshappu & Wakkanai Lighthouse
- Wakkanai Park & Gate of Ice and Snow
- Wakkanai Station
- Wakkanai North Breakwater Dome
- Wakkanai Fukuko Market
- Soya Hills White Road
- Cape Soya
- Sarobetsu Wetlands