The Aquarium of the Great Land in Rubeshibe-cho, Kitami City, Hokkaido, specializes in freshwater fish. While smaller than giant aquariums, it has gained nationwide popularity for its unique exhibition and communication methods. What exactly makes it so popular? Let's dive into its charms.

What is the Aquarium of the Great Land?

Its predecessor, the "Mountain Aquarium and Local Museum," opened in 1978. After closing once in 2011 due to aging facilities, it was relocated to its current location in 2012 and reopened under the new nickname, "Aquarium of the Great Land."

Japan's First Waterfall Basin Tank

In this semi-domed tank, which you view from below, you can observe Dolly Varden trout and cherry salmon swimming dynamically from the bottom of a waterfall basin.

The bubbling water and the way the light shines through create a magical atmosphere, making it a popular photo spot.

A World First! The "Four Seasons Tank" Where the River Freezes

Outside the building, there is a tank that recreates a river, allowing you to observe the fish from indoors. It's a novel experience, like looking at a cross-section of a river. The fish on display change with the seasons, and autumn is particularly spectacular with chum salmon, pink salmon, and masu salmon!

A male masu salmon (Photo: Courtesy of Aquarium of the Great Land)

Rubeshibe, where the aquarium is located, is a region with harsh winters, where temperatures can drop below -20°C... which means that in the dead of winter, the surface of the water actually freezes! This is the only aquarium in the world where you can see fish living under the ice.

A sight you can't see anywhere else (Photo: Courtesy of Aquarium of the Great Land)

The Phantom Fish, Ito

The "Giant Ito Tank" is home to the Ito (Sakhalin taimen), Japan's largest freshwater fish, also known as the "phantom fish" due to its rarity. Watching a school of one-meter-long Ito swim together is another powerful sight.

Comparing them to a person really shows their size

The "Itadakimasu Live" feeding performance, where you can watch them eat live rainbow trout, is also a popular program. The sight of the Ito in hot pursuit of the fleeing trout and the moment of predation can be thrilling and a stark reminder of the harshness of nature. At the same time, it makes us reflect on how we humans also sustain our lives by consuming "life" every day.

When prey is introduced, their movements become incredibly swift (Photo: Courtesy of Aquarium of the Great Land)

And Many Other Fascinating Fish!

The corner dedicated to the world's tropical freshwater fish is full of unique characters, different from those found in Hokkaido.

The Arapaima from the Amazon is the world's largest freshwater fish

Colorful freshwater fish from Africa

Translucent Glass Catfish from Asia

In the touch pool corner, you'll find doctor fish, a staple of many aquariums. When you put your hand in the tank, they gather to nibble on dead skin cells, but what's remarkable here is their size! It's said to be a level that surprises even aquarium enthusiasts.

Doctor fish is a common name; their official name is Garra rufa (Photo: Courtesy of Aquarium of the Great Land)

So, what do you think? The charms we've introduced so far are surely enough to entice you, but in a way, the real show is just beginning...