Meguro Parasitological Museum

The Meguro Parasitological Museum is a 15-minute walk from the West Exit of Meguro Station. If you take a bus from that exit, get off at the second bus stop (Otori-Jinja Mae) and walk one minute. This rare research facility and museum devoted to parasites was established in 1953. The reference room in the basement has 60,000 parasite specimens (of 1,500 types) as well as 16,000 books and papers. On permanent display are 300 of the specimens along with related materials from Japan and overseas. The first floor shows the ecology of parasites with specimens and accompanying educational videos. On the second floor is an exhibition on “Human and Zoonotic Parasites” and the history of parasitology in Japan. The parasites — which include an 8.8-meter-long tapeworm — can be viewed from up close. A shop on the second floor sells parasitology-related books as well as original merchandise, such as T-shirts with fake pop-up tapeworms. While admission is free, donations are appreciated to support further research.