Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, the best one in Japan

Okinawa churaumi Aquarium is located about 90 Km from Naha city in Okinawa main island and is widely considered Japan’s best aquarium. It was the largest aquarium in the world until it was surpassed by the Georgia Aquarium in 2005.

In 1975, the World’s Exposition or World’s Fair was held in Okinawa, Japan at the Ocean Expo Park, afterward, the park began to lose tourism and it was believed that a new aquarium would help revive the area and celebrate Okinawa’s marine tradition.

This Churaumi aquarium was opened on 1^st of November, 2002 and “Chura” means “beautiful in Okinawa dialect and “Umi”means Ocean.

The highlight of a visit of this aquarium is the massive Kuroshio Tank, one of the largest in the world. The tank takes its name from warm Kuroshio current which plays a large part in the variety of Okinawa’s of marine life. The tank contains a wide variety of species, the most striking of which are the giant whale sharks and manta rays.

There are also few outdoor pools near the waterfront where animals show of dolphins, sea turtles and manatees can be viewed free of charge. You won’t miss them, too!