If you’re a fan of creepy-crawlies, you might want to visit the Meguro Parasitological Museum in Tokyo, Japan. It’s the only museum in the world dedicated to parasites, and it has a collection of over 45,000 specimens, including some that are over 8 meters long!
The museum was founded in 1953 by Dr. Satoru Kamegai, a parasitologist who wanted to educate the public about the diversity and importance of parasites. He donated his own research materials and specimens to the museum, and since then, it has grown to include donations from other researchers and institutions.
The museum has two floors of exhibits, each with a different theme. The first floor focuses on the life cycle and ecology of parasites, and how they affect their hosts and the environment. You can see displays of various parasites, such as tapeworms, roundworms, flukes, and ticks, as well as models and diagrams that explain their anatomy and behavior. You can also learn about the history and culture of parasitology, and how parasites have influenced human society and art.
The second floor is more gruesome, as it shows the effects of parasites on human health. You can see specimens of parasites that have been extracted from human bodies, such as a giant liver fluke that was removed from a woman’s bile duct, or a 8.8-meter-long tapeworm that was expelled from a man’s intestine. You can also see examples of diseases caused by parasites, such as elephantiasis, malaria, and schistosomiasis, and how they can be prevented and treated.
The museum is not for the faint-hearted, but it is a fascinating and educational place to visit. You can learn a lot about the hidden world of parasites, and how they are not just enemies, but also allies and partners of humans and other animals. You can also buy some souvenirs at the museum shop, such as parasite-themed T-shirts, keychains, books, and even chocolates!
The Meguro Parasitological Museum is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Wednesdays to Sundays, and admission is free. However, donations are welcome, as the museum relies on them to maintain its collection and activities. The museum is located near Meguro Station on the JR Yamanote Line or the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line. If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in Tokyo, don’t miss this museum of parasites!
