Tsuruoka City Kamo Aquarium is located in an impressive modern white-walled building on the coast and is home to the world’s largest collection of jellyfish. The aquarium has been awarded a Guinness World Record for its display of over 50 varieties of jellyfish. The mesmerising swaying of the translucent creatures in the water is magical. While the colourfully illuminated jellyfish in the deep blue-water tank gives visitors the impression of being in a fairyland.

A special exhibition room known as the Kranetarium contains a large variety of rare jellyfish species. The view of 2,000 moon jellyfish swimming in the circular 5-metre tank is breath-taking. Daily talks on the lifecycle of the jellyfish are popular and the aquarium even has a unique jellyfish-handling experience (with gloves), a must-do!

Other popular attractions on offer include performances of the aquarium’s charming sea lions and feeding the local black-tailed gulls. There is a backyard tour available during winter giving visitors the rare chance of a behind-the-scenes look at the aquarium’s operation.

Please note that photography is not allowed during peak hours for safety reasons. Early morning and evening visits, and hours between popular performances are recommended to beat the crowds.

The on-site restaurant offers unique menu items including chunky jellyfish Ramen noodles and ice cream with crunchy bits of jellyfish. Exclusive gifts such as sweets made with jellyfish are available at the shop.

A thematic journey in the Tohoku region:photogenic