A location within a short distance to the Sea of Japan makes for an excellent place to feature and help aide Aquatic life. Not only that, but there is so much that can be learned in the process. KanikkoKan: Tottori Karo Crab Aquarium hopes to do just that and do it in an enjoyable way.

General Information

KanikkoKan: Tottori Karo Crab Aquarium is a very kid-friendly small Aquarium packed full of activities and things to see. It is located immediately next door to the Karoichi Fish Market in Tottori City, making it easy to check out both locations if you’ve already planned to see one or the other. The Aquariums host many species of sea life, many of which have unique characteristics, come from the depths of the sea, or are not commonly seen in most Aquariums. Of course, KanikkoKan wouldn’t be a Crab Aquarium without crabs. You may even be surprised at the variety of crabs on hand, from the cute (but poisonous) Floral egg crab, to the spiked Elbow crab, and even the large-legged Japanese spider crab are just a few of the species on exhibit. Now don’t think that these sea creatures are just for show, KanikkoKan staff are also involved in rehabilitation and caring for injured and diseased animals, which they have dedicated an entire room for their medical needs (you can actually see this room behind a counter in the aquarium).

There are also many things for children to do here beyond looking at the aquariums. First, for the youngest guests, KanikkoKan has set aside a section of the aquariums’ indoor area for a baby play yard. Throughout the year, KanikkoKan holds many workshops involving arts and crafts, coloring pictures of sea life, and even origami which the whole family can enjoy. Likewise, they also have a small shallow outdoor wave pool where you can get your feet wet (only open May-October), it simulates the beach with a sandy shore area where you can try out your sandcastle building skills. Lastly, the most popular spot is the Sea Creature Petting Pool, this shallow pool allows kids (and adults) to touch small crabs, starfish, and other sea life (the variety of which may change throughout the year), allowing learners of all ages to see and learn hand-on.

Admission is Free! Hours of operation is from 9:00 until 17:00 (with last entry for admission at 16:45). The Aquarium is open the following days: March 24 to April 8, July 20 to August 31, and December 24 to January 8. It is closed on Tuesdays, unless a holiday falls on a Tuesday, in which it will instead be closed the Wednesday following that holiday.

Getting There

KanikkoKan: Tottori Karo Crab Aquarium is in Tottori City, nearby the Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport off the Sea of Japan. The closest station is Tottoridaigaku-Mae Station, it is a 36-minute stroll from KanikkoKan, or 20-minute drive. Wheelchair taxis are readily available by the station.  The Karoichi Fish Market is immediately next door to this location.

Accessibility

For those traveling by car or taxi, accessible parking lots are available near the entrance.

All areas of the museum are flat, including the entrance, and exhibits have plenty of room around them. The height of the aquariums are around wheelchair height and easy to view.

There are various tables and chairs at this location for those who need to rest between short walks.

Caution is advised with weather when visiting the outdoor wave pool, while only open May-October, it can still be closed due to bad weather. Otherwise, the rest of KanikkoKan is indoors and weather would only be an issue in getting to the location.

Seeing-eye dogs are allowed in the building.  Tactile blocks are available in certain areas, including leading to the toilet.

There is a wheelchair accessible toilet available on the main floor near the other restrooms. It is in a multipurpose room, is ostomate-accessible and has an adult size change bed.  There is no backrest on the toilet.

Conclusion

If you find yourself in Tottori City and are looking for something fun and interesting to do for the whole family, KanikkoKan: Tottori Karo Crab Aquarium is a good place to start. Also, it is a great place for learning where you really can’t beat the free admission price! While here, you may want to visit the Karoichi Fish Market immediately next door to this location, which is an excellent location to get something fresh to eat.