Kitanodaichi Aquarium

Witness the magic of the world’s first frozen river tank in a land of extreme cold

Located within a Michi-no-Eki in Kitami City, Kitanodaichi Aquarium focuses on Hokkaido’s freshwater life, featuring world-first and Japan-first exhibits that bring the raw power of Hokkaido’s rivers to life.


As you step inside, the “Waterfall Basin Tank”—the first of its kind in Japan—immediately captures your attention. From a vantage point beneath the water, you can watch fish swim against a strong current. Their tails cut through white, foaming bubbles, creating a sense of raw energy. In winter, the aquarium unveils a world-first: a tank where the surface freezes over, mimicking a natural river. In the quiet atmosphere, fish glide beneath pale blue ice in a winter spectacle found only here.


Another highlight is the exhibit of Ito (Sakhalin taimen), Japan’s largest freshwater fish. This display is among the largest in the country, featuring around 10 massive individuals, each over 1 meter in length. Known as the “phantom fish,” the sight of these giants passing before you is striking. Surrounded by the scent of pure water and the sound of flowing streams, this spot offers a deep connection to Hokkaido’s aquatic ecosystems.

  • * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
Nearest airports
New Chitose Airport Sapporo Okadama Airport Hakodate Airport Okushiri Airport Asahikawa Airport Wakkanai Airport Rishiri Airport Okhotsk Monbetsu Airport Memanbetsu Airport Nemuro Nakashibetsu Airport Tancho Kushiro Airport Tokachi Obihiro Airport

General Information

Postal code
〒091-0153　
Address
北海道北見市留辺蘂町松山1-4
Telephone Number
0157-45-2223
Open
9:00-17:30
Closed
April 8 - April 14, December 2nd Monday - Friday, December 31, January 1
Prices
paid
Car Park
37 spaces, free
Directions
●By car: About 90 minutes from Asahikawa-Monbetsu Expwy Kamikawa Sounkyo IC
Website

Official site (Japanese)

* Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.

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