AugustAquarium · Tohoku
Tsuruoka City Kamo Aquarium (Tohoku Epson Aquarium Kamosui)
Tsuruoka, YamagataMostly indoors · rain-friendly
Overview
Overview
An aquarium in Tsuruoka facing the Sea of Japan, known for its jellyfish exhibits. After a five-month closure, it reopened after renovation on April 1, 2026 under the nickname Tohoku Epson Aquarium Kamosui. It displays about 100 species of jellyfish.
- Address
- 657-1 Okubo, Imaizumi, Tsuruoka, Yamagata
- Closed
- None (open year-round). Any temporary closures, such as for winter maintenance, are announced in advance on the official website
- Official website
- https://kamo-kurage.jp/
Highlights
Highlights
The highlight is the Jellyfish Dream Theater, where about 10,000 moon jellyfish drift in a large 5m-diameter tank. T-JERI, the new three-story jellyfish research building added in the renovation, features a micro-aquarium for viewing tiny jellyfish and a 2m-diameter circular tank. There are also sea lion and seal exhibits, and the rooftop terrace overlooks the Sea of Japan and the Shonai region.
Hours
Opening hours
Opening hours9:00–17:00
Last entry 16:00
Hours vary by day and season. Check the official website before you go.
Tickets
Prices & tickets
General (high school and older)¥1,500
Groups: ¥1,350
Elementary & junior high students¥500
Groups: ¥450
Young childrenFree
Reductions for people with disabilities, etc.Reduced fees available
Check eligibility and prices on the official admission page
Prices include tax and may change. Check the official website before buying.
🎫 How to buy tickets
- →Admission can be paid by credit card, PayPay, and other cashless methods
- →Re-entry is generally not allowed once you leave. For a quick errand such as getting something from your car, tell the staff and you can come back in
Tickets & tours for this attractionPR
Tips
Tips for travelers
- ✓The April 2026 renovation increased the jellyfish exhibits to about 100 species and added the T-JERI research building
- ✓About 35–40 min by local bus from Tsuruoka Station. Buses are limited, so check the timetable
- ✓Photography is banned when it's crowded, so if you want photos, go at a relatively quiet time
- ✓You can also enjoy views of the Sea of Japan from the rooftop terrace
Access
Getting there
- Nearest station
- Kamo Suizokukan bus stop (Shonai Kotsu)Right at the stopYunohama Onsen Line via Kamo Aquarium from Tsuruoka Station
- From major stations & airports
- Tsuruoka Station / S-MALL Bus Terminal: Shonai Kotsu Yunohama Onsen Line via Kamo Aquarium (About 35–40 min)
- Shonai Airport: Car (About 20 min)
- Getting back
- Buses from Tsuruoka Station run 13 times on weekdays and 14 times on weekends and holidays (timetable revised April 1, 2026). Check return times in advance
- The bus continues on to Yunohama Onsen, making it easy to combine with a hot spring stay
Weather
Weather & what to wear
Spring
Reopened after renovation on April 1, 2026.
Autumn
Some years feature pre-registration events such as jellyfish collecting and classification workshops (October 18 in 2026).
Winter
May close temporarily for maintenance in winter (announced in advance).
- ☂ Rainy days
- Exhibits are indoors, so you can visit even on rainy days
Rules
Rules & what you can bring
- !No pets (guide dogs, service dogs, and hearing dogs allowed)
- !Photography is prohibited when crowded. Professional tripods, occupying the front of a tank for long periods, and live streaming are prohibited
- !Re-entry only for short errands (tell the staff)
Facilities
Facilities & services
- Lockers & luggage
- Coin lockers (62 small, 4 medium, 8 large). Large items can be left at the front desk
- Payment
- Credit cards, PayPay, and other cashless payments
- Strollers & wheelchairs
- Strollers and wheelchairs available for loan
- Accessibility
- Slopes and elevators make the building wheelchair accessible. Assistance dogs welcome
Events
Events & festivals in Yamagata, Zao & Yamadera
August
December–FebruaryZao Snow Monsters Light-up
Tohoku ・ Yamagata, Zao & Yamadera
The light-up is usually held on selected days from late December to late February (36 days between December 27 and February 22 in the 2025–2026 season). The best season for the snow monsters is late January to late February
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Hours, prices and access are based on official and other primary sources. They may change, so check the official website before you go.
Last checked: 2026-10-02
