What to know
Kamo Aquarium (加茂水族館, Kamo Suizokukan) is renowned for its spectacular collection of jellyfish. Located on the Sea of Japan coast in Tsuruoka City, it lies south of Sakata and west of the Dewa Sanzan mountains.
The aquarium's "Jellyfish Park" features dozens of jellyfish species displayed in backlit circular tanks, creating a mesmerizing effect in the dimly lit space. Species descriptions are provided next to the tanks, though mostly in Japanese. A jellyfish farm inside the aquarium incubates thousands of tiny, unborn jellyfish.
Beyond jellyfish, the aquarium showcases local freshwater and saltwater fish, and hosts seal shows several times daily in a small outdoor arena. The rooftop offers a pleasant green area with a deck and sea views. There is also a cafe and souvenir shop.
Kamo Aquarium is a stop on the bus line connecting Tsuruoka Station with Yunohama Onsen (湯野浜温泉). The one-way trip from Tsuruoka Station takes about 40 minutes and costs 760 yen (not covered by the Japan Rail Pass). Buses run roughly every two hours. Tsuruoka Station is a 20-30 minute train ride south of Sakata (510 yen by local train or around 1000-1500 yen by limited express, covered by the Japan Rail Pass).
By taxi, the aquarium is about 25 minutes from central Tsuruoka (around 6,000 yen) or 35 minutes from Sakata (around 10,000 yen).
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:00)
- Closed
- No closing days
- Admission
- 1500 yen (~$9.6)
- English name
- Kamo Aquarium
- Original name
- Kamo Aquarium
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.