Salmon Hometown Chitose Aquarium

The aquarium has a huge aquarium tank, the largest freshwater aquarium in Hokkaido. The aquarium exhibits about 10,000 freshwater creatures from around the world, including salmon living in the Chitose River, and introduces the ecology of freshwater fish in an easy-to-understand manner. The first highlight is the "Underwater Observation Zone," the first in Japan where visitors can directly observe through glass the inside of an actual river (Chitose River). You can see juvenile salmon in March, sea trout and cherry salmon in June, and salmon returning to spawn from late August through winter right in front of your eyes.

The "Experience Zone" where you can directly interact with freshwater fish, such as an acrylic touch pool with baby sturgeon and a family of sea urchins, and a doctor fish experience, are also popular. The Lake Shikotsu Large Tank, which reproduces the vivid and beautiful lake bottom called " Shikotsuko Blue," is also a must-see.

In addition to the "Carp Feeding Experience" and "Backyard Tour," which can be experienced with advance reservations, various seasonal events are also held, such as the "Salmon Fry Release Experience" from March to May, the "Summer Special Exhibition" in summer, and the "Salmon Egg Collection Experience" in September (various events are available in Japanese).