National Alps Azumino Park's Horigane-Hotaka district, in Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture, is hosting Gyogyo-ten, a fish exhibition running through Sunday, August 23, 2026. Billed as one of the prefecture's largest exhibitions of fish taxidermy and specimens, the show fills the Azumino School Multipurpose Hall with roughly 200 species on display, including a taxidermied sailfish measuring about 3 meters long.
Now in its second year, this year's exhibition brings together many dangerous and rare species, including goblin sharks and hammerhead sharks. Visitors can also see familiar fish such as marlin and tuna alongside unusual deep-sea creatures like anglerfish, frilled sharks, and coelacanths, presented as taxidermy, specimens, and replicas.
Touch Specimens and Kid-Made Displays
A corner lets visitors touch specimens of small sharks, pufferfish, and other deep-sea creatures not normally accessible, including juvenile hammerhead sharks. Around 30 challenge booths also display taxidermy and specimens made by "fish doctor" children passionate about marine life.
Goods from fish-loving illustrators and original Gyogyo-ten merchandise are also for sale. It's an opportunity to enjoy a fish exhibition in landlocked Nagano Prefecture.
Event Overview
- Event: Gyogyo-ten (Fish Exhibition)
- Location: Azumino School Multipurpose Hall, National Alps Azumino Park, Horigane-Hotaka District
- Dates: Now through Sunday, August 23, 2026
- Hours: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Closed days: None
- Admission: ¥500 (elementary school age and up; cash only; preschool children free); a separate park admission fee is required. Admission is free for visitors with a disability certificate and one accompanying person.
- Park admission: Adults (15 and up) ¥450, seniors (65 and up) ¥210, children (elementary and middle school age) and younger free; two-day passes and group rates are also available.
