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Sea and Life Museum

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Sea and Life Museum

4,000 fish specimens from 700 species! A "dry aquarium" packed with maritime culture.

Last update :
Supervised by :  一般財団法人境港市文化振興財団

A folk museum with a unique concept, housing as many as 4,000 fish specimens.

Inside this museum, repurposed from a sake brewery built in the Meiji era, around 700 species of specimens are displayed in a striking lineup, from the largest sunfish in Japan, caught in Shimane Prefecture in 2004 (*landed in Tottori Prefecture), to a 4.2-meter oarfish, known as the longest bony fish, and a 3.8-meter great white shark, often called the gangster of the sea. The shark collection is especially impressive, featuring 40 different types in all shapes and sizes.

The exhibits are so vivid and dynamic that the museum feels like a "dry aquarium." Because they are specimens, you can closely observe details such as the insides of open mouths and each individual scale. Major fish species also have explanations in English, Chinese, and Korean, so international visitors are sure to enjoy the experience.

Photography is allowed throughout the museum, and there are plenty of photogenic spots for social media, including a fishing boat (gillnet boat) that was once actually used and "Porcupinefish Street," where more than 500 porcupinefish specimens hang from the ceiling.

Highlights

  • Approx. 4,000 fish specimens from 700 species. A "dry aquarium" created inside a repurposed Meiji-era sake brewery.
  • Rare specimens are on display, including a sunfish, oarfish, and great white shark.
  • The shark collection is especially extensive, with 40 species! Experience their power and texture up close.
  • Multilingual explanations and free photography. Social-media-friendly spots such as a squid fishing boat and Porcupinefish Street are also popular.

Photos

  • A museum repurposed from a sake brewery built in the Meiji era

    A museum repurposed from a sake brewery built in the Meiji era

  • A specimen of Japan's largest sunfish

    A specimen of Japan's largest sunfish

  • A 4.2-meter oarfish

    A 4.2-meter oarfish

  • An awe-inspiring great white shark

    An awe-inspiring great white shark

  • A fishing boat (gillnet boat) once actually used is also on display

    A fishing boat (gillnet boat) once actually used is also on display

Official FAQs

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

Q

Is there free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A

No, there is not.

Q

Are there coin lockers?
A

No, but you can leave your luggage at the reception desk.

Q

Is re-entry allowed?
A

Yes, it is.

Q

Is there a smoking area?
A

No, there is not.

Q

Are there sightseeing spots nearby?
A

Yes, including the Mizuki Shigeru Museum and the Seafood Direct Sales Center.

Reviews

Details

Name in Japanese
海とくらしの史料館
Postal Code
684-0016
Address
8-1 Hana-machi, Sakaiminato, Tottori
Phone
0859-44-2000
Closed on
Tuesdays (the following day if Tuesday is a national holiday)
Hours
9:30am–5:00pm (Last admission at 4:30pm)
Admission
Adults: 410 yen, elementary, junior high, and high school students: 100 yen, free for preschool children and visitors age 70 and over, foreigners: 100 yen
Access
Approx. 20 minutes on foot from Sakaiminato Station on the JR Sakai Line
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
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