Aquamarine Fukushima

Aquamarine Fukushima is a modern marine museum and aquarium in the city of Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture. It opened in 2000 and is now one of Japan's most important institutions for environmental education and marine research. With its striking glass architecture right on the harbour of Onahama, it gives the impression of a huge ship's hull towering above the water. The concept of the museum combines the presentation of fascinating marine animals with a strong focus on ecological relationships and the protection of the oceans.

The centrepiece of the exhibition is the large tank ‘Shiome no Umi’, which illustrates the confluence of the warm Kuroshio Current and the cold Oyashio Current. In a long underwater tunnel, visitors can experience sharks, schools of sardines and other species typical of this marine region up close. Particularly impressive is the huge Janome Beach, the world's largest walk-in touch pool, where guests can wade barefoot through shallow water and experience marine animals such as starfish and small fish up close.

In addition to classic exhibitions on tropical and Arctic habitats, the aquarium also offers interactive activities. There is a fishing experience where visitors can catch fish themselves and then have them prepared – an unusual combination of experience and education. Aquamarine Fukushima is also home to hundreds of animal species, including sea lions, seals, penguins, rare deep-sea fish and numerous plant species that represent the diversity of coastal ecosystems.

In addition to its role as a tourist destination, the aquarium attaches great importance to research and environmental education. It works closely with scientific institutions and runs programmes to protect endangered species and raise awareness of sustainable fishing. This makes it not only a place of wonder, but also an important ambassador for the responsible use of the oceans.