Japan Guide
Okinawa
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
The highlight of northern Okinawa-Hontō is this aquarium, a spectacular facility showcasing the marine life of the Kuroshio Current. The main tank holds 7500 tons of water and is home to several whale sharks – the largest sharks in the world – as well as shoals of manta ray and many other fish; the cinema-scope view will hold you entranced. Most explanations are in English and there's an informative section on sharks that dispels many myths about these extraordinary creatures. There are other things to do around the sprawling park, several of them free, including dolphin shows, an ocean nursery and a tank for manatee, and a good beach at the north end. In the middle of the park you'll find the Oceanic Culture Museum (¥170) containing a vast collection of boats and artefacts from southeast Asia and the South Pacific, and the Tropical Dream Centre (¥670), containing two thousand types of orchids and flowers; while at the south end there's the Tropical and Subtropical Arboretum. All these places are connected by an electric bus (¥200 for a day-long ticket). Opening time: Daily: Jan– Feb & Oct– Dec 8.30am–6.30pm; Mar– Sept 8.30am–8pm; last admission one hour before closingPrice: ¥1800 
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