Welcome to the minus 20 degrees Celsius aquarium! For a summer getaway from the heat, visit the Ice Aquarium/Shark Museum in Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture.

  • Miyagi
  • Experience Gifu
Fish frozen on ice using special technology
Kesennuma is located in close proximity to the Sanriku Sea, one of the world's largest fishing grounds. Ice is indispensable for the distribution of seafood caught in Kesennuma. Kesennuma has an "ice aquarium" that makes use of the ice-making technology unique to the port town. The Shark Museum, located on the second floor of the same building, is the only shark museum in Japan and is unique to Kesennuma, which accounts for more than 80% of all shark landings in Japan.

Ice Aquarium," an icy world of minus 20 degrees Celsius

The museum mainly exhibits fish and shellfish landed at Kesennuma Port and living off the coast of Sanriku. What makes this aquarium different from ordinary aquariums is that the fish are displayed in a frozen state. The high degree of transparency of the ice is made possible by advanced ice-making technology.
Projection mapping
The exhibit is full of attractions such as projection mapping of fish frozen in time and moving out of the ice, ice sculptures, and more. In addition, we have a unique project called the world's first⁉"Ice Gacha". A capsule-shaped ball of ice comes out of a capsule toy machine, and as time goes by, the ice melts and a prize comes out of the capsule. Prizes vary depending on the time of year. For details, check the official Instagram. ♪ Warm clothes can be rented free of charge, so adults and children alike can safely dive into the icy world of minus 20 degrees Celsius!
Great for photos!
Ice Aquarium" official Instagram is here

Japan's only shark museum "Shark Museum

The reopening is scheduled for April 2024 with the cooperation of Dr. Kazuhiro Nakatani (professor emeritus at Hokkaido University and doctor of fisheries science), an authority on shark research and honorary director of the aquarium, and shark researchers from the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium! This hands-on museum provides visitors with an in-depth understanding of shark ecology through exhibits such as "Shark Theater," "Shark Trivia," and "Churaumi Shark Doctor's Room, Kesennuma Branch Office.
Why? What? Shark Trivia" corner with Q&A on "Why?
In the "Shark Doctor's Study Room," visitors are greeted by a powerful objet d'art of a great white shark. As you enjoy watching the exhibits and videos, you will find yourself becoming a shark doctor! On the official Instagram, you can find information on events and the ecology of the sharks kept at the Shark Museum. You will be healed by their cute appearance. Be sure to check it out!
Great white shark objet d'art
"Shark Museum" official Instagram is here

You can also enjoy dining and shopping! Sea Market

The Ice Aquarium and Shark Museum are located on the first and second floors of the Umi-no-ichi tourist product facility. Located next to the Kesennuma Fish Market, Umi no Ichi features stores where you can buy seafood landed at Kesennuma Port and processed seafood products made from them, as well as restaurants where you can taste the freshest seafood.

This is a facility where visitors can learn about and enjoy the charms of the sea from various angles, so why not pay it a visit?
Exterior view of Kesennuma "Umi no Ichiba
Kesennuma "Umi no Ichiba" official HP is here

Let's combine your favorite train and lodging to save money!

You can make your own original trip!

The " JR East View Dynamic Rail Package " is a variable-price individual travel product sold exclusively through the Internet that allows you to freely select a train and accommodations and make a reservation at once. Depending on the timing and conditions of your reservation, you may be able to save even on the day of departure at the earliest! We also offer one-day trip plans! Enjoy your own unique trip according to your schedule and purpose.

Click here for details

For train + accommodation reservations in Miyagi area, please visit 【 JR East View Dynamic Rail Package 】
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