Kasaoka City Horseshoe Crab Museum (笠岡市立カブトガニ博物館)

Flow of the course

About this spot

A rare specialist museum worldwide dedicated to the horseshoe crab, a 'living fossil' that has remained virtually unchanged for 200 million years. The building itself, shaped like a horseshoe crab, is uniquely distinctive. Live horseshoe crabs move slowly in the indoor tanks, where you can observe them up close and learn in an engaging way about their development and the creatures of Kasaoka Bay's tidal flats. The mudflats of Kasaoka Bay facing the museum are designated as a national natural monument for horseshoe crab breeding—a truly authentic experience. The outdoor Dinosaur Park features life-sized dinosaur models that stand in reference to how horseshoe crabs survived the dinosaur era, making it extremely popular with children.

Tips

General admission is 520 yen; children's rates are discounted. The air-conditioned interior is comfortable even in summer. The Dinosaur Park is outdoors, so dress children in comfortable, moveable clothing and bring drinks. Free parking is available.

Best time to visit

Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. Right after opening, the tank areas are less crowded, allowing you to observe the horseshoe crabs at leisure.

Access & map

1946-2 Yokoshima, Kasaoka, Okayama, 714-0043