Fairfield by Marriott Wakayama Kumano-Kodo Susami is teaming up with Susami Town's Shrimp and Crab Aquarium (すさみ町立エビとカニの水族館) to offer an exclusive backstage tour on Sunday, August 2, 2026. The event is open only to guests who stay at the hotel on the night of August 1 (Saturday).
About the Shrimp and Crab Aquarium
Located at the site of a former junior high school gymnasium in Susami Town, Wakayama, the Shrimp and Crab Aquarium is a one-of-a-kind facility dedicated to crustaceans. It displays over 200 species of shrimp, crabs, and related creatures, combining specialist depth with an approachable, nostalgic atmosphere.
Tour Highlights
During the tour, the aquarium's normally off-limits backstage area will be opened exclusively to participants. Director Atsushi Hirai will personally guide guests through the facility's behind-the-scenes operations, including tank management and day-to-day care routines.
Among the highlights is a hands-on feeding session with the world's first exhibited "Panda Melita Amphipod" (パンダメリタヨコエビ) and "Yori Panda Melita Amphipod" (ヨリパンダメリタヨコエビ), named for their distinctive panda-patterned markings. Guests can observe these unique creatures up close while the director explains their biology.
Additional experiences include:
- Feeding the American horseshoe crab larvae — often called a "living fossil" — and learning about its growth stages
- A "Touching Corner" where visitors can make direct contact with Japanese spider crabs (タカアシガニ)
- Sea turtle feeding
The tour is suitable for children aged 5 and up, making it an ideal summer activity for families.
Event Details
Date: Sunday, August 2, 2026, 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
(End time may vary slightly depending on conditions on the day.)
Venue: Susami Town Shrimp and Crab Aquarium
808-1 Esumi, Susami-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama
Eligibility: Guests staying at Fairfield by Marriott Wakayama Kumano-Kodo Susami on Saturday, August 1, 2026
(Ages 5 and up; those under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian)
Participation fee: Free
Capacity: 10 participants
How to apply: After making a hotel reservation, contact Fairfield by Marriott Wakayama Kumano-Kodo Susami at 0739-34-2105 to request a spot in the tour.
Fairfield by Marriott Wakayama Kumano-Kodo Susami
The hotel is located in Susami Town, Wakayama, and features an onsen facility called "Nozomi no Yu" (望海のゆ) on the basement floor, where guests can soak in an open-air bath with views of the Pacific Ocean.
