Meguro Parasitological Museum, Tokyo

Nestled in the quiet residential neighborhood of Meguro, Tokyo, lies a unique and somewhat eerie attraction: the Meguro Parasitological Museum. This specialized institution, the only one of its kind in the world, offers visitors an in-depth and often hair-raising glimpse into the world of parasites.

The museum was established in 1953 by Dr. Satoru Kamegai, a renowned parasitologist, with the intention of educating the public about the diversity and impact of parasitic organisms. The two-story building houses an extensive collection of over 300 varieties of parasites, including the museum's most famous specimen – a 8.8-meter-long tapeworm extracted from the body of a human host.

Upon entering the museum, guests are greeted with detailed exhibits that cover the life cycles, modes of transmission, and the effects parasites have on their hosts. The displays are not for the faint of heart, showcasing a wide array of preserved specimens in various forms, from larvae to full-grown adults. Information is presented through a mix of scientific artifacts, diagrams, and photographs, which together convey the complex relationship between parasites and the natural world.

The Meguro Parasitological Museum also serves as a research institution, contributing to the study of parasitology with its extensive library containing over 60,000 volumes related to parasites and parasitic diseases. This makes the museum an invaluable resource for both professionals and students in the field.

Visitors to the museum can explore the exhibits at their own pace, and admission is free, though donations are encouraged to help maintain the museum's operations. The museum shop offers a range of parasite-themed souvenirs, from books and postcards to more unusual items like parasite-related t-shirts, providing a unique memento from this unusual museum experience.