Joetsu City Aquarium Umigatari in Niigata Prefecture is presenting a limited-time seasonal display called "Anago Ehomaki Aquarium" from January 20 (Tuesday) to February 3 (Tuesday), 2026. The installation coincides with the period between Daikan (the coldest part of winter in the 24 solar terms) and Risshun (the beginning of spring).
About Ehomaki
Ehomaki is a rolled sushi traditionally eaten on Setsubun (the day before the start of spring in the traditional Japanese calendar). People face the lucky direction of the year—south-southeast in 2026—and eat an entire ehomaki roll without speaking to invite good fortune, prosperity in business, and health.
The Conger Eel Ehomaki Display
The aquarium features Japanese conger eels (maariago) in a tank equipped with cylindrical tubes designed to resemble ehomaki rolls. Visitors can observe the natural behavior of the conger eels as they enter and settle into these tubes.
Umigatari has been presenting this "Anago Ehomaki Aquarium" annually since 2024. This year, the aquarium is attempting an extra-large, extra-thick ehomaki version. Visitors can see the humorous sight of multiple conger eels crowding together and poking their heads out from the tube.
This seasonal display offers an opportunity to learn about conger eel ecology and behavior while celebrating traditional Japanese culture.
Event Details
Period: January 20 (Tuesday) to February 3 (Tuesday), 2026
Location: 2nd Floor, Japanese Conger Eel Tank
Operating Hours
Note: The aquarium will be closed on January 14 (Wednesday), 15 (Thursday), February 4 (Wednesday), and 5 (Thursday), 2026 for facility maintenance.
Admission Fees
※ Holders of physical disability certificates, rehabilitation certificates, or mental health and welfare certificates (all grades) receive 50% discount from individual admission rates. One caregiver per certificate holder also receives 50% discount.
※ The digital disability certificate app "Mirairo ID" is accepted.
※ When purchasing annual passports, a photo of the passport holder will be taken, so the holder must visit in person.
※ No identification documents are required when purchasing annual passports.
※ No documentation is required to verify age when purchasing admission tickets.
Access
