During the salmon migration season from late October through December, when wild salmon can be observed through the 10 underwater viewing windows in the basement. The hatchery and aquarium are accessible year-round.
A salmon-salting workshop runs from late November to mid-December at the on-site Echigo-Murakami Sannomaruryu Sake-shiobiki Dojo. Sessions last two hours and participants leave with their own salt-cured salmon.
It is Japan's first salmon museum, featuring a 50-meter underground corridor built beneath the Tane River with 10 windows looking directly into the riverbed — allowing views of wild salmon during migration season.
A single bilingual information sheet is provided at the entrance. All other signage and exhibit labels are in Japanese only. The aquariums, hatchery, and underground observation windows remain accessible regardless of language.
イヨボヤとは新潟村上の方言で鮭のことを言う模様。鮭に関する新潟の歴史と文化を学べる施設。三面川の分流種川とも一部つながっており、地下の施設を含めると相当大規模な施設である。
水槽ではあるが、鮭の亜種の魚達も展示されており、イトウやイワナ、チョウザメなど大型の魚達の泳いでいる姿も観察できる。
鮭の養殖は江戸時代に当時の村上藩に所属していた青砥武平治により世界に先駆けて事業化に成功した模様。
Iyoboya appears to be the Niigata Murakami dialect term for salmon. This facility teaches visitors about Niigata's history and culture related to salmon. It is partially connected to the Miomote River, a tributary of the Sanmen River, and is a substantial facility, especially when including its underground sections.
While primarily aquariums, related fish species—subspecies of salmon—are also displayed. Visitors can observe large fish like Japanese huchen, char, and sturgeon swimming.
Salmon farming was apparently pioneered globally by Aoto Buheiji, who belonged to the Murakami domain during the Edo period.