The DMM Kariyushi Aquarium is located in the newly opened shopping mall “Iiasu Toyosaki” in Tomigusuku City. The beautiful beach of Toyosaki, Chura SUN Beach, is right in front of the aquarium, and on a clear day you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Okinawan sea. We bought a ticket at the entrance and went inside the DMM Kariyushi Aquarium.
For some reason, there was a video screen in front of me as I entered the entrance. The theme of the room was Okinawa, and it represented the story of “water” and “life,” and it was said to be the room that signaled the beginning of the journey. The large, multi-sided screen enveloped the entire room, providing an immersive visual experience. We were a little surprised right from the start since we had imagined an aquarium.
After about five minutes of video, we could finally enter the aquarium. At the entrance, we were greeted by a large freshwater tank. I was a little surprised that the aquarium started with a tank of freshwater fish, since I have an image of the Churaumi Aquarium when I think of aquariums.
My hobby is aquariums, so I was quite interested to see them. It was refreshing to see goldfish in a tank where water plants were growing beautifully. It made me think that I should try to have a goldfish.
This is what the entrance area of the DMM Kariyushi Aquarium looks like.
It was built in the image of subtropical nature. That’s why there were arowanas, piranhas, lizards, chameleons, and other animals that looked like they belonged in a subtropical forest. I went there with an image of an aquarium, but I was betrayed in a good way.
I was a little surprised to see that some of the exhibits included crocodiles, hermit frogs, and other animals that we wouldn’t normally see.
It was a little interesting that the alligator didn’t move an inch. I wondered if it was real or just a realistic figurine. I felt a little sorry for the fish that were probably put in the crocodile’s tank as bait.
There was also a staircase where we could see the tank from above. It was refreshing to see an aquarium from above.
As we proceeded to put down the tropical corner, we came to the Humboldt penguin corner. What a moving experience to see penguins in Okinawa. There were two cute penguins from a large rocky area. The penguins are very popular among children.
Penguins are cute, but so are happy children. Both the penguins that walk slowly on land and those that swim freely in the water are cute.
Behind the penguin tank is a space that recreates the expressive sky patterns and wave-crashing beaches of Okinawa. I often swim in the ocean, and the shallow waters of Okinawa are well reproduced. You can observe the small saltwater fish at the edge of the waves.
And my favorite part of the DMM Kariyushi Aquarium is the zone where we can walk on top of the large tank. The entire floor is made of transparent glass, and when we look inside, we can look down about six meters from the top of the large tank. It’s like you are walking on the surface of the water, which is a little scary and gives you a strange feeling. It’s like looking down from the top of the tank, and you can observe the various marine life in the waters around Okinawa.
It may be a little difficult to see in the video, but since my feet were under the water tank, you will feel as if you are walking on the sea. You can even hear the occasional “creaking” sound, which gives you a thrill (lol). I get a little excited when I see a manta ray swimming leisurely by my feet.
Next to the glass ceiling, there was also a corner where you could get a closer look at terrestrial life. We were able to see capybaras, owls, tortoises, armadillos, and other animals that we don’t usually get to see up close.
I was a little surprised to see that there were also sloths. It was the first time I had ever seen a live sloth so close to me. They were lying in the shade of a tree, so it might be hard to tell from the picture, but there were two sloths.
In front of the stairs leading down to the first floor, there was a corner with doctor fish (Galalfa). We asked the fish to eat the waste on our hands. It was a little ticklish.
After enjoying the second floor to the fullest, I went down to the first floor and found myself in an area with many aquariums lined up.
Each tank had a different coral reef and a different type of fish, giving us a different view of the ocean.
Opposite the small aquariums, there was also a large aquarium with an underwater tunnel, which was quite impressive. It looked a lot like the ocean just off the coast of Okinawa.
And on the first floor of the DMM Kariyushi Aquarium, what I liked the most was the jellyfish corner. It is a jellyfish-only world with a huge cylindrical tank. The spatial presentation that changes with time and the fantastic atmosphere of the drifting jellyfish are quite soothing. It’s a great way to relax after a long day of work.
I could look at this fantastic scenery forever.
After enjoying the jellyfish tank to the fullest, we were welcomed by the large tank on the first floor, which was located on the second floor looking down from the glass ceiling. This tank was also quite powerful.
Across from the large tank is a virtual tank where giant marine creatures suddenly appear before your eyes, the images projected on five acrylic panels expressing the power of these powerful creatures.
We were able to enjoy it to the fullest until the end.
Thoughts on the DMM Kariyushi AquariumThoughts on the DMM Kariyushi Aquarium
The DMM Kariyushi Aquarium is the second aquarium to open in Okinawa after the Churaumi Aquarium. When we think of aquariums, we tend to associate them with the Churaumi Aquarium, but the DMM Kariyushi Aquarium gave me the impression of being a museum of living creatures. Freshwater fish, saltwater fish, water creatures, and even land creatures such as penguins and sloths were all there for us to see. I think this is an aquarium that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, whether you are a family with children or a couple. If you install the official app on your phone, you can quickly see information about various creatures and get a good reference.
However, I would be happy if the admission fee was a bit cheaper. ・・・・・ I can’t help but compare the admission fee to that of the Churaumi Aquarium. ・・・・
- Address: Zip905-0206 Toyosaki 3-35, Tomishiro city, Okinawa
- Parking: A large free parking lot is available.
- Open: 10:00～21:00
- Click here to visit the DMM Kariyushi Aquarium website.
The DMM Kariyushi Aquarium is here ↓
If you want to know recommended sightseeings in Okinawa
Since you are coming to Okinawa traveling a lot, you want to know the shops and spots that local people only know. This book is a little different from the ordinary guidebook, and the local recommend these books. Every book has many pictures and it is easy to understand. It is recommended.
※If you click on the image you can buy it directly from Amazon Japan
