Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) performing at the Sea Mammal Exhibit.
The “bloom” of a white-spotted jellyfish (Phyllorhiza punctata).
The aquarium is also not free and some find it a bit expensive. It runs 1,800 Yen per per-
son (students less, several rates). Two thoughts. First, this is Japan and everything's expensive.
Second, have you visited any aquaria in the US lately? How about the National Aquarium in
Baltimore, one of America's finest? Tickets there range from $25 to $30 per person depend-
ing on the type of ticket, which makes the Churaumi seem like a pretty good deal. It's a very
fine aquarium and well worth the visit. In addition to the enormous main tank, which sports
the world's largest acrylic panel, 27 feet high by 74 feet wide (8.2 meters high by 22.5 meters
wide) with a thickness of 24 inches (60 centimeters), there are dozens of other lesser tanks,
some big, some small, full of around 750 types of exotic sea creatures from a variety of envir-
onments. It's a comprehensive learning experience.
6
NAKIJIN CASTLE RUINS
今帰仁城跡
The Churami Aquarium is located at the Motobu Peninsula's westernmost point, quite close
to the top of the peninsula. From here, we'll head due east, riding along the peninsula's north-
ern edge on the Motobu Loop Road, which in this section is Route 505. It's a little less than
4 miles (6 kilometers) until the signs for Nakijin Gusuku. Then turn right, a bit more than
three-quarters of a mile (1 kilometer) and you're there.
