Northern Land Aquarium

A unique aquarium in Kitami, Hokkaido, featuring exhibits that are Japan-firsts and world-firsts. It reopened after a major renovation in 2012, produced by Hajime Nakamura, Japan’s only aquarium producer. Inside, clever design recreates nature-like environments, letting you observe the lively creatures that inhabit Hokkaido’s riversides.

One highlight is Japan’s first “Waterfall Basin Tank.” By creating a waterfall inside a dome-shaped tank, it showcases powerful fish swimming against the rapids. Another is the “Jump Tank,” which uses fish behavior—seeking comfortable habitats and spawning sites—by changing the water volume at different times so you can watch fish migrate upstream.

The world’s first “Four Seasons Tank” is designed so the water’s surface freezes in winter. Watching the fish swim sturdily beneath the ice, you can truly feel nature’s harshness and the strength of life. There’s also a tank that keeps over 10 Sakhalin taimen around 1 meter long—one of Japan’s largest-class displays—and their impressive swimming is a must-see.