Tourists simulated sniffing animal backsides at this bizarre wildlife exhibit in Japan.

Traveller Gabriella Bernard and her friend tried out the unusual olfactory experience while visiting the Atoa Aquarium in Kobe on June 20.

Portraits of various fauna were displayed in glass frames on the aquarium wall, with a small opening through which visitors can poke their noses. The pictures are said to be doused with synthetic scents that mimic the smell of the animal's bums.

Footage shows the curious pair taking a whiff of the animal asses, like penguins and big cats, with one of them recoiling in disgust upon inhaling the musky stench of a tiger's rump.

Gabriella said: 'If it's one thing about Japan, they make everything into an experience. We visited Atoa Aquarium in Kobe, Japan and were very surprised to see this exhibit that allowed persons to simulate sniffing animals' butts. It was totally free so we decided to do it, but we were UNPLEASANTLY surprised by the time we got to the tiger's bum.'

Though the exhibit is free, entrance to the Atoa Aquarium costs 2,400 JPY (around 16.6 USD), Gabriella said.