(沖縄美ら海水族館) Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

The most iconic picture of Okinawa, even more iconic than its islands and beaches, is its wildlife that is represented by this Aquarium. I may not know how to pronounce it, but all you have to say is "aquarium" and I bet everyone in Okinawa will know what you mean. 

Budget: JPY3,810 (~USD37)

• JPY2,500. Okinawa Bus Pass.
• JPY1,310. Entrance fee, after 4pm.
• The entrance fee is JPY1,880 for those entering before 4pm. 

Visit Date

• February 28, 2017

When to Go
Anytime during the year. 

Special Notes

• Website. Very foreigner friendly.
• Access. Easily navigated with Google maps (google maps pin here)
• JPY2,550, 2h22m from Naha Airport. 

Itinerary

• Check the feeding time for the main aquarium, and schedule your walk around that. On my end, here's what I did.
• 03:40pm. Arrived at the park, and was immediately distracted by the garden. 
• 04:00pm. Watched the dolphin show. 
• 04:39pm. Arrived at the Aquarium. 
• 05:00pm. Watched the feeding. 
• 05:24pm. Left the aquarium, got distracted by the garden again, caught the bus to my hostel.

The first distraction - CRAB!

There's a whale too! And a whole lot more, but I better get to the aquarium. 

But first - My very first dolphin show!

Finally, the aquarium. 

I did enjoy the path towards it. 

A section where you touch the sea creatures. 

I looked at it.... and passed. 

A school of fish!

What the f* is that?!

and that?!

Some night fish. 

The main attraction. 

Whaleshark. Humans for scale. 

Oh, and and actual shark. 

Huh. This was a surprise. I thought the previous one was the biggest aquarium. Based on the size of the humans, I am definitely wrong. 

Hey whaleshark!

Fish that needs the dark. 

Aaand I'm out. 

...to be distracted by plant fishes!

Hey mr turtle!

A... rat? Guess sea creatures wasn't an exclusive theme. 

the cutest frog!

Ok time to catch my bus. 

But they aren't done! Turtle plants!