Kanikkokan Crab Aquarium
A free, crab-focused aquarium showcasing local species like the Matsuba snow crab, with interactive touch pools perfect for families.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Kanikkokan Crab Aquarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, crab-focused aquarium showcasing local species like the Matsuba snow crab, with interactive touch pools perfect for families.
"A clean, educational, and fun free aquarium, especially great for kids!"
🎯 Free Entry Alert!
No tickets needed! This crab aquarium offers free admission, making it a perfect budget-friendly stop.
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
Ideal for small children with touch pools and engaging displays. Educational and entertaining for the whole family.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Matsuba Snow Crab Showcase
Marvel at the impressive variety of local Matsuba snow crabs, the star attraction of this unique aquarium.
Interactive Touch Pools
Get hands-on with marine life! Kids (and adults!) can enjoy touching some of the crabs and fish in designated areas.
Diverse Marine Life
Beyond crabs, discover a friendly octopus and various other fascinating fish species in well-maintained tanks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission Fun
Language & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Entry Alert!
No tickets needed! This crab aquarium offers free admission, making it a perfect budget-friendly stop.
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
Ideal for small children with touch pools and engaging displays. Educational and entertaining for the whole family.
🗣️ Language Notes
Explanations are mainly in Japanese, but some English posters are available. Easy to see and clean.
📍 Location Convenience
Easily accessible via Loop Bus from Tottori Station or by car with ample parking.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Entry Alert!
No tickets needed! This crab aquarium offers free admission, making it a perfect budget-friendly stop.
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
Ideal for small children with touch pools and engaging displays. Educational and entertaining for the whole family.
🗣️ Language Notes
Explanations are mainly in Japanese, but some English posters are available. Easy to see and clean.
📍 Location Convenience
Easily accessible via Loop Bus from Tottori Station or by car with ample parking.
🦀 Crab Central
The main focus is crabs, with a good variety on display. A must-visit for crustacean enthusiasts!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Kanikkokan Crab Aquarium for its free admission and engaging displays, particularly the variety of crabs and interactive touch pools that delight children. While the explanations are primarily in Japanese and the space is compact, it's considered a clean, educational, and worthwhile stop for families and budget travelers.
"This is a small, free aquarium. The main exhibit is crabs.
The explanations are only in Japanese, but it's very clean and easy to see.
I recommend it for small children.
Additional information:
Some of the posters on the walls are written in English."
MU I
"Cute aquarium displays and educational too. Not as massive but can still have a good time with family. They have a small shop and some activities kids will surely love. Free entrance too!"
Julie Lorenzo
"Free to access and we were surprised by the variety of sea creatures housed there! With crabs and the friendly octopus plus all the different types of fishes, kids will love it here."
Rtexal Tan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take the Loop Bus from Tottori Station directly to the aquarium. Driving is also an option, with plenty of parking available.
Yes, there is ample parking available for visitors who choose to drive.
Yes, the Loop Bus provides convenient transportation from Tottori Station.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Kanikkokan Crab Aquarium is completely free!
No advance booking is necessary as the aquarium offers free entry.
Opening hours can vary, it's best to check locally or on their official website if available, though reviews suggest it's a place you can visit when in the area.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The aquarium primarily features a wide variety of crabs, including the local Matsuba snow crab. You'll also find other fish and a friendly octopus.
Yes, there are touch pools where visitors, especially children, can interact with some of the crabs and fish.
Absolutely! It's highly recommended for small children due to its engaging displays and touch pools.
Most explanations are in Japanese, but some posters are written in English. The displays are visually easy to understand.
It's described as a small aquarium, not massive, but offers a good time with its focused exhibits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there's a small shop, specific dining facilities are not widely mentioned. It's advisable to plan meals before or after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in aquariums, but it's always good to check for any specific restrictions upon arrival. The tanks are clean and easy to photograph.
Focus on the diverse crab species, the friendly octopus, and the vibrant fish in their tanks. The touch pool interactions can also make for great shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a compact yet fascinating space, perfect for a short, enjoyable visit. The ease of access via public transport or car, coupled with ample parking, makes planning a family outing straightforward. It's a highly recommended spot for a fun and educational stop that won't break the bank.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with other local attractions like the Farmer's Market or Fish Market, which are nearby. The accessibility via the Loop Bus from Tottori Station also adds to its convenience for those relying on public transport. It's a great example of a high-value, low-cost experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Star of the Show: Crabs
Reviewers consistently highlight the abundance and variety of crabs as a major draw. The displays are described as clean and easy to view, allowing for close observation of the crabs' behavior and physical attributes. While the aquarium is not large, the focused collection ensures that every exhibit is dedicated to these shelled wonders, making it a worthwhile visit for enthusiasts.
Family Fun and Education
Beyond the touch pools, the aquarium's clean and well-maintained tanks offer a visually engaging experience. While most explanatory text is in Japanese, the clear visibility of the marine life and the presence of some English posters ensure that the educational aspect is still accessible. It's a place where children can learn about different sea creatures in a fun and stimulating environment, making it a highly recommended stop for family trips.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit