A Fascinating and Unusual Exhibition Concept
One of the aquarium’s most impressive inhabitants is the Japanese spider crab, or taka-ashi-gani, whose enormous body and exceptionally long legs make it an unforgettable sight. Some specimens are large enough to make a strong impression even before visitors have explored the rest of the aquarium.
Alongside these giant crustaceans, visitors can see small shrimp with striking colors and many other fascinating species. The contrast between the enormous spider crabs and tiny, intricately shaped shrimp demonstrates the extraordinary diversity of crustaceans.
The aquarium also features other marine animals, including sea turtles and seals. These additional exhibits allow visitors to gain a broader appreciation of the rich marine environment surrounding Susami.
A Destination Integrated with Michi-no-Eki Susami
A major advantage of the aquarium is its location within Michi-no-Eki Susami, a roadside station along National Route 42. It is also conveniently located near the Susami-Minami Interchange of the Kisei Expressway, making it an easy stop during a road trip through southern Wakayama.
The roadside station offers a variety of facilities, including the restaurant Sokai, a seafood shop, a café, and stores selling local products. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, local specialties such as Inobuta pork, and traditional dishes from the region.
Its location overlooking the Pacific Ocean is another attraction. By combining food, scenery, shopping, and wildlife experiences in one place, Michi-no-Eki Susami serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area.
A Gateway to Local Tourism and Community Life
Michi-no-Eki Susami is more than simply a place to stop and rest while driving. It also plays an important role in regional tourism and community development, as well as serving as a local disaster-prevention facility.
The surrounding area offers a variety of attractions where visitors can experience both nature and culture. These include Esuzaki Island, a nationally designated Natural Monument, and the Japanese Nursery Rhyme Garden, where visitors can see monuments dedicated to well-known Japanese children’s songs.
Thanks to this convenient location, the Shrimp and Crab Aquarium has become an important part of the area’s tourism network, attracting visitors who want to experience the distinctive character of southern Wakayama.
An Interactive Aquarium Experience
Hands-On Exhibits for Learning and Discovery
The aquarium offers more than traditional exhibits viewed through glass. Several interactive experiences allow visitors to get closer to marine life and learn about aquatic ecosystems in an enjoyable way.
At the touching pool, visitors can safely interact with creatures such as sea urchins and sea cucumbers. These hands-on experiences are particularly popular with children, while adults can also gain a new appreciation for marine life by observing these animals up close.
The aquarium also offers distinctive activities such as hermit crab fishing and opportunities to observe horseshoe crabs. These activities combine entertainment with education, helping visitors discover the fascinating characteristics of marine creatures.
From the Deep Sea to Rivers and Ponds
The exhibits are not limited to ocean environments. The aquarium also introduces aquatic creatures that live in the rivers and ponds of Susami, reflecting the diversity of the local natural environment.
Visitors may encounter species such as freshwater prawns, Japanese mitten crabs, and giant eels. These exhibits provide an opportunity to discover wildlife that might otherwise be difficult to notice while exploring the countryside.
The aquarium also showcases remarkable deep-sea creatures such as the giant isopod. By bringing together animals from rivers, coastal waters, and the deep sea, the aquarium offers an intriguing look at ecosystems across a wide range of aquatic environments.
The History of the Aquarium
From a Local Project to a Unique Tourist Attraction
The origins of the aquarium date back to the 1990s. It began as a local revitalization project, with fishermen from the area cooperating to create small aquatic exhibits and introduce visitors to the marine life of Susami.
The project later developed through a temporary exhibition held as part of the Nanki-Kumano Experience Expo. The popularity of the exhibits helped lead to the establishment of a permanent facility.
In 2015, the aquarium moved to its current location, making use of a former junior high school gymnasium. It subsequently became part of Michi-no-Eki Susami, strengthening its role as a regional tourism destination.
Exploring Susami’s Natural Environment
A Warm Coastal Region Shaped by the Kuroshio Current
Susami Town is located in the southern part of the Kii Peninsula and benefits from a warm climate influenced by the Kuroshio Current. The surrounding Pacific Ocean supports an exceptionally rich marine environment, making the area an ideal setting for an aquarium dedicated to coastal wildlife.
The nearby Karekigata Coast, characterized by a beautiful ria coastline, offers spectacular scenery and is well suited to scenic drives and walks. The combination of rugged coastlines, blue ocean, and lush vegetation gives southern Wakayama a distinctive natural beauty.
Esuzaki Island and Other Nearby Attractions
Esuzaki Island is another notable attraction near the aquarium. Designated as a Natural Monument of Japan, the island is covered with subtropical vegetation and has an atmosphere that feels almost mysterious and otherworldly.
The surrounding region also includes sections of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, including Nagaisaka, as well as waterfalls and other natural attractions. Travelers can therefore combine a visit to the aquarium with hiking, sightseeing, cultural exploration, and scenic drives.
A Must-Visit Spot in Southern Wakayama
Susami Town Shrimp and Crab Aquarium is much more than a conventional aquarium. By focusing on the fascinating diversity of shrimp, crabs, and other aquatic creatures, it offers an experience that is both unusual and educational.
Its location at Michi-no-Eki Susami also makes it easy to combine a visit with local food, shopping, and spectacular Pacific Ocean views. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, discover the unique wildlife of the region, and explore the natural and cultural attractions of Susami in a single trip.
For travelers exploring the Kii Peninsula, the aquarium is an excellent place to experience a different side of Japan’s marine life. A visit here offers an enjoyable opportunity to discover, touch, observe, and learn about the remarkable creatures that inhabit the waters of Wakayama.