When speaking of Japan’s top tourist destinations, Kyoto is always mentioned. The very word “Kyoto” brings to mind shrines, Buddhist temples, and a city where traditional Japanese culture and architecture are alive.

Kyoto is also home to two public aquariums: Kyoto Aquarium and Kyoto Hanazono Church Aquarium.

The Kyoto Hanazono Church Aquarium is run by Hanazono Church of the Nazarene and has been operating for 13 years. The inspiration for opening this aquarium came from the realization that behind Kyoto’s glamorous image as a world-famous tourist destination, poverty—and especially child poverty—was spreading in the city.

In Japan, Christian churches are generally not places where people feel comfortable entering. But Pastor Shunichiro Shinozawa of Hanazono Church wanted to create a casual, welcoming space—a place where children could belong.

Ryota Ogawa was impacted by this aquarium. Ryota now serves as a youth leader at Hanazono Church. As a child, Ryota’s parents divorced, and he moved with his mother to an area near the church.

Ryota loved animals and was fascinated by the many fish tanks lined up at the church. He soon began visiting every day.

Through the aquarium, Ryota built a relationship of trust with Pastor Shinozawa and found peace of mind in that space. But those days did not last. His mother’s mental illness made life difficult and affected him deeply. He stopped attending school in junior high. When his mother suffered a nervous breakdown, home was no longer safe, and Ryota was placed in a residential facility for two years.

When he was taken there, he had a chance to again see Pastor Shinozawa. The pastor told him firmly, “Two years from now, you must come back to the aquarium!”

“Yes!” Ryota answered. They made a strong promise to each other, and the pastor handed him a Bible before they parted.

Several years later, Ryota was baptized at Hanazono Church. Today, he serves as a volunteer leader, helping children suffering in the same way he once did. The aquarium has become a place of healing through contact with living creatures, as well as a refuge where children in need can find support.

The site is no longer just a privately run aquarium. For two years in a row, it has received awards from the United Nations for biodiversity, and government agencies in Japan now recognize it as a museum facility with an excellent academic reputation. This past year, Pastor Shinozawa and the church received the Kyoto Shimbun Welfare Award, a regional honor presented by the Kyoto Shimbun newspaper to recognize individuals or organizations who have made significant contributions to community welfare. The aquarium receives more than 5,000 visitors each year.

About 60 percent of the animals on exhibit at the aquarium were once pets—abandoned or surrendered when owners could no longer care for them. Thus, the aquarium also serves as a rescue center for creatures in need.

Children who once received help through Hanazono Church’s child support ministry are among those who care for the animals. The ministry focuses on creating a supportive community for children from difficult backgrounds, offering activities such as camping trips, outings, and community service projects like neighborhood cleanups. Having experienced love and care through the church, these children now extend that same compassion to the rescued animals. It’s a beautiful example of Christ’s love coming full circle.

One child who helps at the aquarium did not attend school for three years because of neglect at home. After building supportive relationships at the church, the family situation improved. The student started attending school again and is now working hard to catch up on their studies.

Beyond the aquarium and ministry to children from single-parent households, the church partners with local companies to provide “Compassion Day”—a food bank program that supports families facing poverty. Through this effort, the church extends practical support beyond the Christian community to the wider public.

“Hanazono Church hopes to continue offering Christ’s love in ways that transcend religion, race, and community boundaries, serving as a landmark of care and hope in the city,” said Pastor Shinozawa.

“Please remember to pray for the church in Kyoto, Japan.”