Whale sharks
In the central tank.
jetsun — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Maarten Heerlien from Voorschoten, The Netherlands — CC BY 2.0 · KimonBerlin — CC BY-SA 2.0 · KimonBerlin — CC BY-SA 2.0 · jetsun — CC BY-SA 3.0 · KENPEI — CC BY-SA 3.0 · KimonBerlin — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Maarten Heerlien from Voorschoten, The Netherlands — CC BY 2.0
An aquarium in the port area of Minato, by Osaka Bay, which was the largest public aquarium in the world when it opened in 1990. It drew 5.6 million visitors in its first year, a Japanese record. Visitors start at the top of the building and spiral gradually down around a huge central tank representing the Pacific Ocean, where whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, swim with manta rays and countless schools of fish. Around the central tank are displays of the Pacific «Ring of Fire» habitats, from Japan's forests to Antarctica, with penguins, sea lions, otters, dolphins and glowing jellyfish. Tickets start at about 2,700 yen for adults with prices varying by date, and it usually opens 10:00-20:00, per visitor guides. Booking ahead is wise in holidays, and the big Tempozan Ferris wheel stands next door.
In the central tank.
From top to bottom.
Glowing in the dark.
Bay area, Minato ward, by Osaka Bay
Its huge central Pacific tank with whale sharks and manta rays, circled by a spiral route that visitors walk down from the top.
