Okinawa: Okinawa Churami Aquarium

I am not a big fan of zoos or aquariums, but the Okinawa Churami Aquarium was truly spectacular – one of the largest aquariums in the world with amazing presentation and variety all dedicated to the local sealife of the northwestern Pacific Ocean. There were coral reef, mangroves, deep water, and other displays – many species that you just can’t see in real life. But the biggest draw was the massive central tank with whale sharks and manta rays, just within a hand’s reach! You could watch them for hours from different vantage points. Still not the same as swimming with them in the open ocean – but you get to see more and easier.