Meguro Parasitological Museum

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The museum displays an 8.8-meter-long tapeworm specimen, the world's longest recorded human-parasitic tapeworm.

2. 2

   It was founded as a private medical institution rather than a public museum.

3. 3

   The facility maintains a research library that is heavily utilized by international scholars in tropical medicine.

4. 4

   The museum relies on voluntary donations from visitors to maintain its operations.

5. 5

   Many specimens in the collection were donated by patients and doctors over the last seven decades.

Overview

The Meguro Parasitological Museum is the world’s only museum dedicated exclusively to the study and display of parasites. Established in 1953 by Dr. Satoru Kamegai, the facility preserves thousands of biological specimens for academic research. The collection includes over 60,000 specimens, though only a fraction are on public display across two floors. The first floor focuses on the biological diversity of parasites, while the second floor highlights the impact of parasites on human health and history. The museum serves as both a public educational center and a base for active parasitological research. It remains a unique niche destination in Tokyo, offering a scientific perspective on often-overlooked biological organisms.

Insider tips

• Read the English placards carefully as they provide detailed scientific context for the specimens.

• Visit the small gift shop, which is famous for its unconventional merchandise featuring parasite motifs.

• Budget extra time if you wish to study the detailed, albeit academic, medical descriptions accompanying the exhibits.