Enormous whale sharks dwarfing everything in their path are a truly humbling experience and an unforgettable sight for all ages. To the south Kamogawa Sea World is famous for its killer whales, and there is more than a passing resemblance to Sea World in Orlando, but it is Okinawa that holds the ultimate thrill. There is even a small hotel within the park for the adventurous so you can fall asleep to the sound of dolphins chatting. The pleasure park at Yokohama’s Sea Paradise is a resort with aquarium and amusement park combined. You only have to travel a little further for gargantuan tanks and enormous sharks and whales. In Tokyo, we are spoilt for choice with aquatic lands in the very heart of the city. Feed, cuddle, kiss, play, but try not to drop! Close up viewing has been embraced by Japanese aquariums, and now it’s hard to avoid the barrage of flippers, fins and spiny tentacles vying for our attention. Hands-on exhibits have tanks with lower sides and “touch pools” remove the divide between marine life and ourselves. Around every corner monsters of the deep lurk beside tamer aquatic life. Progressive aquariums are typically split into zones that take you on a voyage through the world’s aquatic life, from rivers and ponds, to oceans and tropical rain forests. They are wonderful places to inspire children to get a feeling of the relationship of all living things, and to learn to care for our planet. Large or small aquariums have a serenity all of their own. Walls of water 4 stories high, walk-through observation tunnels and marine interaction points bring aquariums firmly into the world of 21st century ‘Edutainment’. There are now over 100 around Japan varying in size from the traditional tanks in the lesser zoos and parks to the contemporary plexi-glass palaces. Japan has had a love affair with these aquatic worlds since 1892, when the first was constructed in Ueno Zoo.
Aquariums are always a winner at this time of year.
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