🏛️ Japan Amphibian Laboratory / Nihonryoseirui Research Institute 日本両棲類研究所

Hear me out, I know most people go to Nikkō in Tochigi to see the beautiful fall foliage, but I think one of the best things you can do when you're there is visit the Nihonryoseirui Research Institute (日本両棲類研究所) or the Japan Amphibian Laboratory.

It's a private research institute in Nikkō, where they house indigenous and international species of Japan like the fire belly newt (which all have different belly markings depending on where in Japan they live!), Hakone salamander, Tōhoku salamander, the Japanese toad, tree frogs, and others. They are also known for their conservation work to promote salamander safety and spawning. They had SO many different types of amphibians and reptiles here that I had never seen before and it was a huge highlight of our trip!

📍 Chūgūshi, Nikkō-shi, Tochigi（中禅寺湖畔 / confirm exact address on official site）
🕐 10:00–16:00 / Closed Tuesdays (irregular closures — check Facebook or Instagram before visiting)
💴 Adult ¥1,000 / Junior & senior high school ¥800 / Child (age 4–elementary) ¥500 / Café-only visits: no admission fee
📞 Confirm via official site
🔗 japan-amphibian-laboratory.jp
📸 @japanamphibianlaboratory