Trendy boutiques packed with the latest looks, twenty-four hour clubs with lighted pools and movie theaters that serve champagne... Perhaps these are some of the images that spring to mind when you think of places to hang out in Tokyo. 

But where do you go after you've been dazzled by all the glitz and glamour of this metropolis? One place that might tickle your fancy is the Meguro Parasite Museum.  Yes, you read that correctly, parasite museum.

Before you scoff and dismiss the idea, remember parasites are not as gross and frightening as you might think.  After all, the average human body is said to host a million of them. It's also well documented that renowned opera legend Maria Callas ingested parasites in order to maintain her slim figure. 

To shed light on the mysterious and often misunderstood world of these organisms, the Meguro Parasite Museum (MPM) was established over 50 years ago. The little known research facility carries over 45,000 immersed and prepared parasite specimens and showcases 300 actual specimens.

The MPM's large collection certainly has a bit of shock value. The first thing inside the museum is an 8.8 meter long tapeworm taken from a woman, who became infected with the parasite after eating sushi.  Kind of makes you rethink the merits of ingesting raw fish.

But that's not all, from tapeworms to malaria parasites and blood flukes, the exhibit will take you on a journey of the complex web of parasitic relationships and enlighten you on how parasites latch onto living animals or hosts as their source of food. 

And after you have had your fill of viewing parasites, what better way to commemorate your visit than a stop at the museum shop.  From t-shirts and books to cell phone straps, you can now advertise to the rest of the world your new found interest in the parasite world.  Out of all the items sold at the MPM shop, the best selling souvenir is the key chain and ruler, which both have real specimens enclosed inside. 

So whether you are looking for an educational place to take the kids or are feeling rather adventurous and have grown tired of the usual dusty museum fare, the MPM is a unique destination to add to your itinerary of places worthy of visiting while in Tokyo. 

Written and Photographed by Erika Wiseberg

4-1-1 Shimomeguro Meguro-ku Tokyo 153-0064
15 minute walk from the West Exist of Meguro Station
Tue.-Sunday 10am-5pm
*Closed on Mondays