World’s Largest Freshwater Aquarium

Viewing Freshwater Fish from the Source to the Mouth of the Kiso Three Rivers and Nagara River

Aqua Toto Gifu features an exhibition that recreates the environment from the source to the mouth of the Nagara River. The display includes fish as well as reptiles, amphibians, and birds that inhabit the riverside. When viewed from the 4th floor, visitors can enjoy the journey from the upstream to the estuary.

In the ‘Nagara River Source’ area on the 4th floor, the falls and valleys of Kamusadani in Takasu Town, Gujo City, are recreated, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature within the aquarium through a lush green display. As you move down to the 3rd floor, you can enjoy exhibits of tanks that replicate each section of the river, from the upstream to the estuary.

The exhibition includes the Japanese giant salamander, the world’s largest amphibian at risk of extinction, and the adorable and popular Oriental small-clawed otter. In the middle and lower river tanks, familiar fish such as carp and crucian carp are displayed alongside rare freshwater fish like the hariyo and ushimotsugo, which are also facing extinction. This setup recreates the nostalgic, original scenery of Japan.

View Various Freshwater Fish from Around the World

On the 1st and 2nd floors of the aquarium, a wide variety of freshwater fish from around the world, rarely seen in Japan, are on display.

The area themed around the ‘Mekong River’ features some of the world’s largest freshwater fish, including the Mekong giant catfish and the giant freshwater stingray. In the ‘Congo River’ and ‘Lake Tanganyika’ themed areas, located in the African continent, you can find a multitude of unique creatures, including ancient fish with unusual features. The ‘Amazon River’ themed area, representing South America, showcases creatures that inhabit the Amazon rainforest, including one of the world’s largest freshwater fish, the pirarucu.

On the 2nd floor, the ‘Mekong River Freshwater Environment Research Institute’ is set up with the theme of researchers conducting environmental surveys of the Mekong River. It exhibits creatures from Japan, China, and Southeast Asia.

Learn About Freshwater Fish! Guides and Events Available

Aqua Toto Gifu hosts numerous in-house programs. Regular events that enable learning about the ecology of creatures, such as the ‘Feeding Watch,’ where you can observe pirarucus swallowing fish whole and clever Oriental small-clawed otters eating with their forepaws, and the ‘Point Guide,’ where staff explain the ecology of the creatures, are held. This is a unique opportunity to observe freshwater fish and riverside creatures up close!

Additionally, the ‘Backyard Tour,’ held only on weekends and holidays, is a fascinating tour where you can explore the unseen and inaccessible parts of the aquarium with staff guidance. It provides a deeper understanding of the aquarium’s maintenance facilities and roles.

Aqua Toto Gifu is equipped with both merchandise and restaurants, allowing you to enjoy a full day of activities.

At the museum shop ‘Fish Tank,’ you can purchase original goods. Here, they sell unique plush toys of freshwater fish and sweets decorated with illustrations drawn by the staff, different from other aquariums. Be sure to stop by before you leave.