Recommended

Recommended Photo Spot

In Ocean Expo Park and Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium there are many good spots for taking photographs. You might find it a little tricky to visit them all, but if you check them out in advance you will be able to find the ones you want to go to the most.

Whale Shark StatueRecommended photo location (1)

This statue is one of the most popular places to take photos at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. We recommend you take your pictures in front of "Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium" sign or at the statue itself.

Uminchu Gate Recommended photo location (2)

This is a popular spot for photographs. When you visit the area, you can enjoy the composition of the beautiful Okinawa Sea framed by Uminchu Gate. Take the escalator down to the third floor from Uminchu Gate, and you will find the Aquarium entrance on the right.

Manta Ray ReplicaA hidden character!

Near Uminchu Gate there is a replica of a manta ray. It's a great spot for a photograph!

Tiny Marine Life of the Coral ReefDon't miss the creatures exhibited in the individual tanks! Rare characters await!

The exhibits at the Tiny Marine Life of the Coral Reef gallery change regularly. Rare creatures often appear for just moments, so keep checking! Photography is permitted at the Aquarium, so test your skills with these tiny creatures!

Churaumi Theater A well-kept secret!? An extra-special place to learn!

Behind the screen lies the gigantic Kuroshio Sea Tank. Take a look in the tank if you have some time before the next screening. The Churaumi Theater is located on the second floor of the Kuroshio Sea, so you will have countless opportunities to see whale sharks passing by. Please enjoy a magical moment as the fish swim softly by.

Shark Research Lab (The Sea of Dangerous Sharks)The ancient shark they call 'Megalodon'

A reconstructed model of the jaw of this extinct 16-meter long shark is now on display. Replica teeth have been fitted so you can feel just how big they were! Photography is permitted in the Aquarium, so take a picture of someone next to the shark to get an idea of its massive size.

The Kuroshio Sea A dynamic world of migratory fish

The gigantic 7,500-cubic-meter tank affords views from multiple directions, for example, from the Aqua Room and through the large acrylic window. Only here can you enjoy the sight of never-before-seen groups of whale sharks and manta rays swimming in the ocean.

The Whale Shark ReplicaRecommended photo location (3)

This is one of the most popular places to take a photo at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. It's a great place to take a photo together with friends and family! Head left out of the Aquarium and you will find the replica near tour car stop number 4, "Aquarium Rotary".

Dolphin Viewing at Dolphin LagoonEnjoy watching the phenomenal abilities of dolphins!

During Dolphin Viewing (daily, free), you can observe dolphins right before your very eyes. It's not often you get the chance to see dolphins this close up. While describing the physical abilities of dolphins, the trainer will instruct the dolphins to move into the shallow pool. The dolphins remain quite still when they are in the shallow pool, so take this chance to observe them closely.
While the trainers talk about dolphin training, the dolphins will be waiting close by for instructions, so try to find a spot in this area.

Sea Turtle PoolHave fun learning about the ecology of sea turtles

From the underground observation deck, you can gaze at turtles that often inhabit the seas around Okinawa. At the Sea Turtle Pool, you can take photos of hawksbill turtles, loggerhead turtles and other massive turtles as they swim right before your eyes. The sea turtles will swim right up to the glass without a care in the world, so take this chance to snap a photo. You can use the explanatory panels around the aquarium to help you identify what kind of sea turtle you have caught on camera.

Manatee PoolA idealized model of mermaids

You can observe American Manatee parents with their child from the underground observation deck. Manatees move in a very humorous fashion. You're sure to enjoy their affectionate body language! Why not take a picture of this affectionate behavior while you watch them move around? We're sure you'll enjoy watching the manatees as they swim leisurely around the tank.

Must-see Points

Photo opportunity at the Kuroshio Tank

• At the very back of the upper level directly in front of the large tank, there is the special 56-seat 'Shark Stand'.
• The manta rays are fed a few minutes after the whale shark feeding begins. The mantas are fed at the left and right sides as you face the tank.
• The tank is at its most beautiful early in the morning.

Churaumi Column

Taking photos like a pro

When you take photos with the flash through the acrylic panel, aim at a slight angle to the glass to avoid flash glare.

• When you are taking a picture that only has the tank in it, you don't need to use the flash.
• If there is a person in the picture too, you should turn the flash on.
• When taking photos of fish, focus on the eyes.

You will get especially nice pictures if you focus well on patterned or colorful fish.

Notes:

1. Please do not tap the glass when you are taking photographs.
2. Please do not push or shove others when taking photographs.
3. Please do not spend long periods of time taking photos in front of the tank.
4. Parents and guardians are kindly requested to ensure that small children do not fall into the water.
5. Please avoid powerful flash photography or other photography that may interfere with or distract other visitors.
6. Please avoid waiting for long periods of time to take photos in the Aquarium walkways.

 

*Please note that there are reading mistake.

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