Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Public aquarium in Motobu, Japan
Description
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is a public aquarium in Motobu, Japan, displaying a series of tanks that recreate marine environments from the surface waters to the deep sea around Okinawa. The tanks are designed so visitors can walk through different levels and view marine habitats from various angles, including coral reefs, rocky shores, and dark deep-sea zones.
History
The facility opened in November 2002 within Ocean Expo Park and later received the Public Buildings Award for its architectural and educational contributions. The site was chosen to commemorate the Okinawa International Ocean Exposition held in 1975 and to advance regional marine research.
Culture
Th e na me co mes fro m th e Ok inawa n wo rd 'chura,' me ani ng be au ti ful o r cl ea n, ref lec ti ng th e isla nd's co nn ec ti on to it s surround ing wa ters. Vi si to rs oft en pa us e at th e ac ry li c pa ne ls whe re sc hoo lg ro ups an d fa mi li es ga th er to wa tch fe ed in gs an d li st en to st af f ex pl ai na ti ons ab ou t lo ca l ma ri ne li fe.
Practical
The facility is accessible for wheelchair users, with ramps and elevators connecting all main areas. Visitors should plan around three to four hours to view the exhibits comfortably and catch feeding times.
Did you know?
The main tank, Kuroshio Sea, measures 35 meters (115 feet) long and holds whale sharks and manta rays swimming among thousands of fish. The acrylic panel at the front weighs over 100 tons and ranks among the largest of its kind worldwide.
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Marine museums present the history of seafaring, scientific exploration of the oceans, and the diversity of marine life. These institutions display ship models, nautical instruments, aquariums with living sea creatures, and exhibitions about oceanography. Visitors learn about historical voyages of...
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