Fodor's Expert Review Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium at Ocean Expo Park

With one of the biggest saltwater tanks in the world, this is the most impressive aquarium in Japan. A pioneering coral-breeding experiment explains the fragile tropical ecosystem, while tanks hold sharks, freaky deep-water species, and thousands of other sea creatures. The star attraction is the 30-foot-deep tank holding a majestic whale shark, a dozen manta rays, and fish native to Okinawa. Additionally Ocean Expo Park includes an Oceanic Culture Museum with a planetarium (¥190), the Tropical Dream Center (¥760) that houses a vast number of orchid species, and a reconstruction of a traditional Okinawan village. A short stroll north of the park is the idyllic village of Bise with its narrow roads lined by fukugi trees. You can get to Ocean Expo Park by car or via the Yanbaru Express bus service that runs from Naha Airport, via central Naha to the aquarium (two hours, 20 minutes). Up-to-date bus schedules are on the park website.