This museum was opened in 1953 by Satoru Kamegai, a doctor who was overwhelmed by patients afflicted by parasites caused by the poor sanitary conditions which were widespread in post-war Japan. This unusual venture displays some 300 samples of 45,000 parasites he collected.
The second floor has a display of an 8.8m tapeworm taken from the body of a 40-year-old man, with a ribbon next to it to emphasise just how long 8.8m really is. Better yet, the shop sells parasites preserved in plastic keyrings − we are not kidding. Entrance is free, but the museum encourages donations. Go ahead and drop your contribution into the clearly marked donation box.