Tottori Karo Crab Aquarium

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Tottori Karo Crab Aquarium

A mini aquarium combining hands-on experiences with learning, all centered around crabs.

Last update :
Supervised by :  Tottori Prefecture

This unique, interactive mini aquarium puts Tottori’s winter delicacy—Matsuba crab—at the heart of its exhibits. Located near Tottori Port (Karo Port), it has been a beloved destination for learning and fun through the world of crabs since opening in 2003.

Inside, visitors can view a wide variety of marine creatures, with a special focus on crabs such as Matsuba crab, Japanese spider crab, and red snow crab, as well as fish, shellfish, and more. The tanks are set lower to accommodate children, and all explanatory panels with phonetic readings (furigana) for children, making it friendly and accessible for young learners.

A highlight of the museum is the “Matsuba Crab Farm,” which recreates the deep-sea environment used in Tottori Prefecture’s actual crab breeding initiatives. Here, visitors can learn firsthand about the cold, dark habitat of deep-sea crabs and ongoing conservation efforts. The “Touching Tank” allows children to interact with sea creatures like starfish and sea urchins, and seasonal feeding experiences are also offered. Visitors can also observe the staff at work and get a behind-the-scenes look at aquarium operations.

Together with nearby attractions like “Karoichi” and “Wattaina,” it makes for a great destination to enjoy both the flavors and marine culture of Tottori.

Highlights

  • A fun and educational space showcasing a wide variety of marine life centered around crabs.
  • The “Matsuba Crab Farm” lets visitors explore deep-sea habitats and conservation initiatives.
  • A wide range of interactive experiences, including a touch tank where visitors can feel starfish and sea urchins, as well as seasonal feeding sessions.
  • Child-friendly design features such as low-set tanks and phonetic guides on all panels.

Photos

  • A small aquarium located just beside Tottori Port (Karo Port).

    A small aquarium located just beside Tottori Port (Karo Port).

  • Features a variety of crabs, including the signature “Matsuba Crab Farm” exhibit.

    Features a variety of crabs, including the signature “Matsuba Crab Farm” exhibit.

  • Visitors can touch starfish and sea urchins in the “Touching Tank.”

    Visitors can touch starfish and sea urchins in the “Touching Tank.”

  • Feeding experiences (fee required) are also available.

    Feeding experiences (fee required) are also available.

  • Displays also include fish and shellfish from the waters around Tottori.

    Displays also include fish and shellfish from the waters around Tottori.

  • The museum shop offers a variety of ocean-themed merchandise.

    The museum shop offers a variety of ocean-themed merchandise.

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)

A

Foreign language pamphlets are available (English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean).

Q

Is free WiFi available in the facility?

A

Yes.

Q

Are coin lockers available?

A

Not available.

Q

Are there smoking areas?

A

No, smoking areas are not available.

Reviews

Details

Name in Japanese
とっとり賀露かにっこ館
Postal Code
680-0908
Address
3-27-2 Karochonishi, Tottori City, Tottori
Telephone
0857-38-9669
Closed
Tuesdays (or the following weekday if Tuesday is a national holiday)
Open daily during spring break, summer vacation, and the year-end/New Year holidays
Business Hours
9:00am - 5:00pm (Admission allowed until 4:45pm)
Admission
Free
Access
About 40 minutes by Hinomaru Bus Karo Loop Line from JR Tottori Station; get off at “Kanikko-kan-mae” stop
On weekends and holidays, the Loop Kirin-Shishi Bus also runs (about 50 min); get off at “Tottori Port (Kanikko-kan-mae)” stop
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)