Recommended for such people
・ I don't know that there is a botanical garden in the same area
・ I like plants and beautiful scenery
About Kaiyohaku Park
Kaiyohaku Park in Okinawa is a park with the famous "Churaumi Aquarium".
In the same area, there is also a botanical garden called "Tropical Dream Center" where you can fully enjoy the uniqueness of Okinawa.
This time, we will introduce the aquarium and the botanical garden together.
Churaumi Aquarium
First of all, from Churaumi Aquarium. ("Churaumi" means "beautiful sea")
Many people think of Okinawa first, and it is a tourist destination of The Okinawa.
Because it is popular nationwide as an aquarium,
"It's too far from Naha Airport by car for more than 2 hours. Would you like to go sightseeing closer?"
"I heard that it's the best in Japan, but isn't it narrower than I expected?"
Even if you think about it, never say it.
If you want to speak locally, be careful as you can't complain even if you are hit by a goo.
Japan's largest aquarium "Kuroshio Sea Aquarium"
Churaumi Aquarium is the 7th largest aquarium in Japan in terms of size (floor area), so it is not that big.
The best in Japan is the Kuroshio Sea Aquarium, which boasts a water volume of 7500 tons as a single aquarium.
Its size is overwhelming, and it is a size that allows multiple whale sharks to swim comfortably.
It is said that this is the first attempt in the world to breed whale sharks in one aquarium at the same time.
In the evening, you can see the scene of feeding, so be sure to check the time.
Feeding information: Official website
Large-scale breeding of coral
The highlight of Churaumi Aquarium is not only the large aquarium.
Each aquarium is vividly grown using the abundant seawater and natural light pumped from the sea.
Especially large coral reefs are extremely difficult to breed and have been completed by staff over 10 years.
Take a closer look at the coral reefs and feel like you're scuba diving.
Everyone's popular "Chinanago"
Everyone loves spotted garden eels.
The name comes from the fact that the face resembles the dog "Chin".
Now it's safe for children to ask the origin of the name.
Here, pay attention to the spotted garden eel in the lower right.
I was fighting something.
I have a good look.
Huge hermit crab "coconut crab"
It is a coconut crab that lives in Okinawa.
It looks like a large hermit crab, and the power of scissors is said to be the strongest in crustaceans.
It's over 40 cm in length, so it's a creature you definitely don't want to meet at the front door.
It is almost extinct on the main island of Okinawa, but it is eaten as a delicacy on Ishigaki Island.
"Himetenguhagi" with horns
It is a "unicornfish", also known as a unicorn fish.
What the horn is for is a mysterious fish that is still unknown.
There are many other deep-sea fish and rare fish.
Backyard tour
There is also a backyard tour, and you can see the largest aquarium in Japan from above.
Advance reservations are not possible, so check the holding time.
(Maybe only immediately after opening and just before closing.)
The location of the elevator at the meeting place is difficult to understand, so it may be a good idea to ask a nearby staff member.
Information on Kuroshio Exploration (Water Viewing Course): Official Website
Churaumi Plaza
It is a rest area that is open for free, and you can enter without an admission ticket to the aquarium.
Sperm whales and light meals are on sale, and the whole body skeleton of sperm whales is also on display.
The sperm whale is the largest toothed creature in the world.
(Blue whales are larger for toothless creatures)
Free dolphin show
There are many free facilities around Churaumi Aquarium.
There are also "Manatee Pool", "Sea Turtle Pool", and "Okichan Theater" where you can see dolphin shows, so if you have time, take a look.
Admission fee and time required
The admission fee is 1880 yen for adults, and the staying time is about 90 to 120 minutes.
If you want to re-enter, ask your hand to stamp it when you leave.
Usage guide: Churaumi Aquarium official website
Tropical Dream Center
It is a botanical garden that is a 15-minute walk from Churaumi Aquarium, but there are not many customers.
I didn't know the existence itself, but I found it while taking a walk, so I decided to go in.
As a result, this was the correct answer.
A botanical garden full of tropical feeling
The inside was full of flowers (grass?) With an Okinawan atmosphere.
More than 2000 orchids are always in bloom in the greenhouse, and even I, who is not very interested in flowers, get excited.
It is a wood carving mask of unknown use, but it looks like a tropical country.
Maybe a talisman.
The garden is made of brick
There are many brick buildings in the park, and you can enjoy the scenery that is not in Japan.
36m high observatory
There is also an observatory that is 36 meters high.
I was so excited that I couldn't find any pictures taken closer than this.
From the top of the tower, you can overlook the beautiful sea.
I think it was the best view in Okinawa.
(Or the place where you can monopolize the scenery is the one that increases your satisfaction)
Admission fee and time required
The entrance fee is 760 yen, but if you show the ticket for Churaumi Aquarium, it will be half price.
I think people who come this far also go to the aquarium, so it's actually 380 yen.
It takes about XNUMX hour.
Access
If you do not rent a car, we recommend taking a local bus tour.
Bus Tour Details: Naha Bus Reservation Site
There are several tour companies, but I liked the Naha Bus tour the most.
However, if you go on a bus tour, you have 3 hours of free time, so it may be a little quicker.
(It takes about 60 minutes to see Churaumi Aquarium, and I think it would be more satisfying to go to the botanical garden.)
It's a 15-minute walk from the aquarium to the botanical garden, but there is also a bus for 100 yen.
Finally
Personally, I enjoyed the Atami Dream Center more like Okinawa than the Churaumi Aquarium.
(Maybe the aquarium had too high expectations)
It's a wasteful botanical garden to pass by, so be sure to visit it together with the aquarium.
However, going to the botanical garden in midsummer is hot enough to die, so it might not be a bad idea to stay cool in the aquarium.