Whale sharks
In the big tank.
Pagemoral — CC BY-SA 3.0 · pelican from Tokyo, Japan — CC BY-SA 2.0 · そらみみ — CC BY-SA 4.0 · pelican from Tokyo, Japan — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Allentchang — CC BY 2.5 · Pauloleong2002 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Suicasmo — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Tomokazu Kitjaima — CC BY-SA 3.0
One of the world's best-known aquariums, in Ocean Expo Park on the Motobu Peninsula in northern Okinawa, opened on 1 November 2002 to replace an older aquarium built after Expo '75. Churaumi means «beautiful sea» in Okinawan. Its showpiece is the Kuroshio Sea tank, 35 metres long, 27 wide and 10 deep, holding 7.5 million litres, with an acrylic window 8.2 by 22.5 metres and 60 centimetres thick, the largest such panel in the world when it opened. Whale sharks and manta rays swim in it. The route begins with «Encounter the Okinawan Sea», with pools of living coral reef and tropical fish, then descends to the big tank. Around it the park has dolphin shows, beaches and gardens. Tickets are about 2,180 yen, and it opens 8:30-18:30 with last entry at 17:30, longer in peak seasons, per visitor guides. It is about two hours by car or bus from Naha, and the whale sharks' feeding time is a highlight.
In the big tank.
Gliding by.
Living.
Ocean Expo Park, Motobu Peninsula
About two hours by car or bus to the Motobu Peninsula; it combines easily with nearby Nakijin Castle and Kouri Island.