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All Japan Nagasaki Museum of Tropical Medicine

Museum of Tropical Medicine

A hub of information on tropical diseases and their treatments.

Nagasaki, Japan

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Giulia Gaudenzi
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Specimens on display.   Juliette Marang / Atlas Obscura User
The museum entrance.   Juliette Marang / Atlas Obscura User
Protective equipment used when handling viruses.   Juliette Marang / Atlas Obscura User
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If you want to come within inches of preserved Ebola-spreading bats or see how the larvae of the parasite Anisakis grows inside the many cavities of the human body, the Museum of Tropical Medicine in Nagasaki, Japan is the place to do it.

Jars full of formaldehyde, containing a wide range of specimens such as strains of tropical diseases, parasites, bacteria, viruses, poisonous insects, and dangerous animals fill the museum. There’s also a small audio-visual room and displays of public health data that any epidemiological enthusiasts are free to peruse.

The collection serves as both a museum and resource center for information on tropical disease. Originally founded in March, 1942, to perform basic and applied studies on endemic tropical diseases in East Asia, the institute has since grown into the leading research center for tropical medicine in Japan. 

The museum aims to use its collection to strengthen public health science and risk communication. After the visit, you’ll be sure to remember to always wash your hands, use mosquito spray, or thoroughly inspect your raw sushi dinner. 

Related Tags

Museums And Collections Museums Insects Bacteria Disease Science Science Museums Health Medical Museums

Know Before You Go

The museum is free of charge. From Nagasaki central station, take tram Number 1 or Number 3 for "AKASAKO" and get off at "HAMAGUCHI-MACHI." Walk about eight minutes toward Nagasaki's Medical University Campus.

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Added By

Juliette Marang

Published

August 11, 2017

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  • Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University - http://www.tm.nagasaki-u.ac.jp/nekken/
Museum of Tropical Medicine
Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University
1-12-4 Sakamoto
Nagasaki
Japan
32.772785, 129.866337
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