Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Don't miss the large tank where two whale sharks swim around
Based on the concept that "everything is connected," this aquarium conveys the connection between the regions and creatures surrounding the Pacific Ocean. Large sharks such as whale sharks and scalloped hammerhead sharks swim leisurely in the "Pacific Ocean" tank, which is 9 meters deep, has a maximum length of 34 meters, and holds 5,400 tons of water.
You can look underwater as you descend from the top, and you'll be amazed at how the creatures change at each level, just like in the real ocean. In the deeper parts, you can see thrush sharks, bamboo sharks, and cat sharks, and it's fun to look for sharks.
"Meal time" when the keepers feed the whale sharks occurs twice a day. Also, on certain days of the week, you can take a paid personal backyard tour, which allows you to watch the feeding from up close through a passageway that is normally only accessible to the keepers.
Shimane Prefectural Shimane Aquarium Aquas
Observe different types of sharks in the land of myth
The crocodile that appears in the Izumo myth "The White Rabbit of Inaba" is angry at being tricked by the rabbit and skins the rabbit. In the San'in region, sharks are called crocodiles, and it is said that the crocodile in the myth was also a shark. The largest aquarium, "The Sea of Myth," focuses on such myths and sharks.
The large tank is 17m wide, 4m deep, and holds approximately 1,000 tons of water, and displays over a dozen species of sharks, including impressive dusky sharks and scalloped hammerhead sharks that are over 2m long. Fish found in the Sea of Japan, such as stingrays and horse mackerel, as well as loggerhead turtles, can also be seen in the same tank.
There is an underwater tunnel next to the aquarium, allowing visitors to observe the creatures from various angles. There is also a projection mapping with a mythological motif in front of the aquarium, creating a fantastical atmosphere.
