Kamo Aquarium Tsuruoka Yamagata
Home to the world's largest collection of jellyfish, Kamo Aquarium offers a mesmerizing journey into the ethereal world of these unique marine creatur...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene viewing
Kamo Aquarium Tsuruoka Yamagata
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene viewing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Home to the world's largest collection of jellyfish, Kamo Aquarium offers a mesmerizing journey into the ethereal world of these unique marine creatures.
"The jellyfish are incredible! So amazing to see so many different types in one place."
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Consider booking tickets in advance to save time, especially during peak seasons. :admission_tickets:
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing, so comfortable footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Jellyfish Dream Theater
Main Hall
A massive, five-meter-wide tank showcasing a breathtaking array of jellyfish, creating a truly mesmerizing experience.

World's Largest Jellyfish Collection
Various Exhibits
Explore over 60 types of jellyfish, from glowing species to those at different life stages, highlighting their diversity.

Seal Shows
Performance Area
Enjoy entertaining and educational shows featuring the aquarium's playful seals, a hit with families.

Touch Pool
Interactive Zone
Get hands-on with marine life, including starfish, in this engaging and educational interactive exhibit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Jellyfish Dream Theater Timing
Beyond the Jellies
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Consider booking tickets in advance to save time, especially during peak seasons. :admission_tickets:
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing, so comfortable footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Magic
The jellyfish tanks are incredibly photogenic, especially with the special lighting. :iphone:
🍽️ Enjoy the Restaurant
Surprisingly delicious and reasonably priced seafood lunches are available at the aquarium restaurant. :knifeforkplate:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Consider booking tickets in advance to save time, especially during peak seasons. :admission_tickets:
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing, so comfortable footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Magic
The jellyfish tanks are incredibly photogenic, especially with the special lighting. :iphone:
🍽️ Enjoy the Restaurant
Surprisingly delicious and reasonably priced seafood lunches are available at the aquarium restaurant. :knifeforkplate:
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush your visit; take your time to appreciate the diverse jellyfish exhibits and shows. :clock1:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by Kamo Aquarium's extensive and beautiful jellyfish exhibits, especially the breathtaking 'Jellyfish Dream Theater.' While some find the admission fee slightly high, the unique displays and entertaining seal shows generally make it a worthwhile visit. A few reviewers noted that crowded conditions and long filming times by other visitors could detract from the experience.
"Did not expect much but this place is full of surprises. Disregard the initial fish tanks
This is home to 88 of all 120 jellyfish species in the word and the prix de resistance is the bioluminescence jelly fishes the subject of which won Japan a Nobel prize in chemistry with the GFP protein research ."
Wing Au
"This aquarium is really beautiful, and I enjoyed the many kinds of jellyfish I could look at. The only downside was that a lot of people were taking videos and would stand for a long time in front of the aquariums. I guess I’m too old to appreciate that!
We went to the restaurant and had an amazing delicious and very reasonably priced lunch. If you are a seafood lover, I know it’s funny to eat seafood at an aquarium, but still, it was amazing!"
Don “milady” Meladio
"It is an interesting aquarium but when we visited it, it was quite busy.
If you like jelly fish, you would love this place, as they have good educational display as well, showing the jellyfish at different stages of life.
I found the admission fee of ¥1,500 to be slightly on the steep side considering the size of the place."
Un Vagabundo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Tokyo Station, take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Niigata Station, then transfer to the Inaho Limited Express to Tsuruoka Station. From Tsuruoka Station, a bus towards Yunohama will take you to the Kamo Aquarium stop. The journey can be long, so plan accordingly.
Yes, Kamo Aquarium is accessible by bus from Tsuruoka Station. The Yunohama line bus stops directly at the aquarium. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date timings.
The most common route involves taking the Shinkansen to Niigata and then a limited express train to Tsuruoka. This offers a scenic journey along the coast.
Yes, Kamo Aquarium typically offers parking facilities for visitors who are driving. It's a convenient option if you're exploring the Yamagata region by car.
Traveling from Yamagata City to Tsuruoka by train usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. From Tsuruoka Station, it's a short bus ride to the aquarium.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Kamo Aquarium generally opens around 9:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM, with the last entry typically around 4:30 PM. It's always best to check their official website for the most current hours, as they can vary seasonally.
The admission fee for Kamo Aquarium is approximately ¥1,500 for adults. While some find it slightly steep for the size, many agree the unique exhibits are worth it.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the entrance of Kamo Aquarium. However, buying online in advance might save you time during busy periods.
Information on discounts for students, seniors, or groups is usually available on the official Kamo Aquarium website. It's worth checking before your visit.
Re-entry policies can vary. It's advisable to inquire at the information desk upon arrival if you plan to leave and return later in the day.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The 'Jellyfish Dream Theater' is the absolute highlight, showcasing a vast array of jellyfish in a stunning display. Don't miss the extensive collection of over 60 jellyfish species and the engaging seal shows.
Absolutely! Kids will love the interactive touch pool with starfish and the lively seal shows. The colorful jellyfish displays are also captivating for younger visitors.
Most visitors spend 2-3 hours at Kamo Aquarium to fully enjoy the exhibits, shows, and perhaps a meal at the restaurant. Rushing through can diminish the experience.
Kamo Aquarium hosts regular seal shows that are very popular. Check their schedule upon arrival for showtimes and any other special presentations.
The last 30 minutes before closing offer a particularly magical experience in the Jellyfish Dream Theater due to special lighting effects. However, this can also be a more crowded time.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Kamo Aquarium has a restaurant that offers surprisingly delicious and reasonably priced seafood lunches. It's a great option if you're a seafood lover.
The restaurant primarily serves seafood dishes, which are highly recommended by visitors. It's a unique experience to dine on seafood at an aquarium.
Besides the main restaurant, there might be smaller cafes or snack areas offering light refreshments and drinks. It's good to check on-site for availability.
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside Japanese aquariums. It's best to consume your own food before entering or dine at the on-site restaurant.
Visitors have noted that the food at the Kamo Aquarium restaurant is very reasonably priced, offering good value for the quality and taste.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'Jellyfish Dream Theater' is incredibly photogenic, especially with its ambient lighting. Many of the jellyfish tanks offer stunning backdrops for memorable photos.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside Kamo Aquarium. However, be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash, especially in dimly lit exhibits.
Use a higher ISO and a wider aperture to capture the ethereal glow of the jellyfish in low light. A tripod can be helpful for stability, but be considerate of space.
While general photography is permitted, some specific exhibits or shows might have temporary restrictions. Always look for signage indicating 'No Photography' areas.
Video recording is usually allowed, but be considerate of others who are trying to view the exhibits. Some visitors have noted that people standing for long periods filming can be disruptive.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🧘♀️ Solo Travelers Seeking Serenity
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Jellyfish
Beyond the visual spectacle, the aquarium provides educational insights into the life cycles and biology of jellyfish. Visitors can learn about the scientific research, including the Nobel Prize-winning work on GFP protein, which originated from jellyfish studies. This blend of aesthetic wonder and scientific discovery makes Kamo Aquarium a fascinating place for all ages. The sheer diversity of jellyfish on display, from the delicate and translucent to the more vibrant and patterned, ensures there's always something new to marvel at.
Planning Your Visit: Timing and Crowds
While the aquarium is popular, it's not typically as overwhelmingly crowded as some major city attractions. However, during Japanese holidays or weekends, you can expect higher visitor numbers. A tip from visitors is to aim for the last 30 minutes of the day in the 'Jellyfish Dream Theater,' as the lighting transforms to create an even more magical atmosphere. Be aware that this popular time might also attract more people. If you're visiting with children, the seal shows are a highlight and usually run at scheduled times throughout the day, so check the schedule upon arrival.
Beyond the Jellies: Other Attractions
For a more hands-on experience, the touch pool allows visitors to gently interact with marine life, such as starfish. This is a fantastic opportunity for children to learn about marine creatures in a safe and supervised environment. The aquarium also features other marine life exhibits, showcasing the diverse aquatic ecosystems of the region, though the jellyfish remain the undisputed stars.


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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit