About Medaka no Gakkō
Okayama City Environmental Learning Center, commonly known as Medaka no Gakkō, is located in Takebe Town, Kita Ward, Okayama City, in central Okayama Prefecture. Its mission is to help visitors understand the importance of nature and environmental conservation through encounters with medaka and other aquatic organisms.
The center’s main attractions include a small freshwater aquarium displaying fish native to the Asahi River and Omocha no Yado, a collection of traditional Japanese toys made from natural materials. Educational classes are also held regularly, explaining how to care for medaka and introducing the fascinating workings of the natural world in an accessible way.
Takebe Town is surrounded by mountains, farmland, and peaceful rural landscapes. The Asahi River, an important local waterway, supports a variety of freshwater life. At the center, visitors can discover this natural diversity while learning about the region’s traditional culture and the importance of preserving local ecosystems.
A Hands-On Environmental Learning Experience
Learning About Medaka and Their Habitats
Medaka no Gakkō is known for its practical approach to environmental education. Visitors can learn about medaka, which are listed as an endangered species in Japan, alongside other aquatic organisms that depend on healthy freshwater environments.
Educational sessions explore themes such as “Rivers Where Medaka Can Live” and “How Nature Works.” These programs encourage visitors to consider the relationships between living creatures and their surroundings, helping children and adults alike develop a deeper appreciation of biodiversity and the value of every form of life.
Environmental Festival and Seasonal Activities
The center hosts a variety of events throughout the year. One of its major annual activities is the Environmental Festival, which attracts approximately 2,000 participants. During the event, the facilities open free of charge, and families can take part in activities such as catching amago trout by hand, bamboo crafting, stone painting, and candle making.
Another popular event is the Kirari Experience Festival, which offers a range of hands-on programs introducing participants to nature and environmental conservation. These events provide enjoyable opportunities for people of different ages to learn together through practical experiences.
Asahi River Mini Freshwater Aquarium
The Asahi River Mini Freshwater Aquarium showcases approximately 30 species of fish living in the Asahi River, a waterway known for its rich diversity of freshwater fish. The collection includes valuable native species such as the Japanese aucha perch and the Japanese kissing loach.
Exhibits also feature fish such as catfish and crucian carp, helping visitors understand the variety of life found in Japanese rivers. The aquarium introduces conservation efforts aimed at protecting native species from habitat degradation and the effects of introduced fish.
Fish and Aquatic Creatures on Display
The center’s exhibits include a diverse selection of freshwater fish, such as southern medaka, mosquitofish, Kanahira, Aburaboté, Japanese rosy bitterling, dark chub, Japanese eel, largemouth bass, catfish, Japanese kissing loach, northern snakehead, and Gigi catfish.
These species represent different aspects of Japan’s freshwater ecosystems. Comparing native fish with introduced species also helps visitors understand the challenges facing aquatic environments and the importance of protecting local biodiversity.
The “Spring Stream” and the Revival of Nature
One of the center’s special features is an area known as Haru no Ogawa, or “Spring Stream,” where medaka, frogs, and other small creatures can live in a naturalistic environment.
The stream was restored through the “Revive the Spring Stream” initiative, which began in 1988, the year Medaka no Gakkō opened. The project sought to bring back the atmosphere of Japan’s traditional rural waterways, creating a place where visitors could observe small animals in a setting reminiscent of the country’s natural landscapes.
Walking beside the stream offers a chance to watch these creatures in their habitat and reflect on the importance of healthy ecosystems. It is an especially appealing experience for families, giving children a direct connection with the natural world.
Explore the Medaka Exhibition Room
The dedicated medaka exhibition room features several types of aquariums, including circular tanks, a tank modeled on the Tajiko River, and special viewing tanks designed to let visitors observe fish from close range.
These displays make it easier to see the behavior and characteristics of medaka and other fish. Visitors can also observe young medaka, offering an opportunity to learn about their development and life cycle.
The general reception area handles admission tickets and includes displays of freshwater fish from the Asahi River. Together, these exhibits provide an accessible introduction to the aquatic life of the region for visitors of all ages.
Omocha no Yado: Traditional Japanese Toys
Omocha no Yado, or the Toy Inn, is a separate exhibition space displaying traditional toys from across Japan. The collection includes handmade dolls, masks, kites, and other folk toys created from simple, natural materials. The displays evoke the atmosphere of earlier times and offer a glimpse into Japan’s regional traditions and craftsmanship.
Visitors can also try traditional toys such as kendama, a cup-and-ball game, and spinning tops. These activities make the exhibition enjoyable for children and adults alike, bringing traditional playthings to life rather than leaving them as objects to admire behind glass.
The garden and surrounding grounds are also home to a group of 97 mud Buddha figures, known locally as Dorobutsu-san. Their distinctive appearance has made them a popular feature of the site.
Enjoy Local Treats at the Yogurt Workshop
Next to Medaka no Gakkō is a yogurt workshop where visitors can enjoy refreshments made with Takebe yogurt. Popular choices include yogurt-based soft-serve ice cream and parfaits.
Stopping here after exploring the aquarium and toy exhibits is a pleasant way to combine environmental learning with a taste of local food. It also provides an opportunity to discover one of Takebe Town’s regional specialties.
Environmental Classes and Major Events
Medaka no Gakkō offers environmental classes that explain medaka care and the wonders of the natural world in easy-to-understand terms. Topics include the characteristics of rivers that support medaka and the processes through which nature sustains life. These sessions encourage participants to think about environmental protection through observation and discussion.
Environmental Festival
The Environmental Festival is one of the center’s three major annual events and attracts around 2,000 people each year. The center opens free of charge for the occasion, with family-friendly activities including hand-catching amago trout, bamboo crafts, stone painting, and candle making.
Kirari Experience Festival
The Kirari Experience Festival features a variety of practical activities designed to help participants discover nature and environmental conservation. With programs suitable for children and adults, the event is popular with local families and community members.
A Family-Friendly Destination for Nature and Discovery
Okayama City Environmental Learning Center, Medaka no Gakkō, offers an engaging way to explore the freshwater ecosystems and traditional culture of Okayama. From observing rare native fish to discovering the small creatures living in the restored Spring Stream, visitors can learn about the value of biodiversity through direct experience.
The traditional toys at Omocha no Yado, seasonal educational events, and refreshments at the neighboring yogurt workshop add to the appeal. For families, nature enthusiasts, and travelers interested in local culture, Medaka no Gakkō is a rewarding place to discover the natural world and the importance of protecting it for future generations.