Okinawa Ocean Expo Park and Okichan Theater

#OctoberTravelSupport

The site of the 1970s Okinawa International Ocean Expo was repurposed into a park,
and that's Ocean Expo Park.

The most famous attraction here is the Churaumi Aquarium, known as the largest aquarium in Asia. Having previously visited the aquarium on a bus tour,
this time, we briefly visited the Folk Village and the free dolphin show, the Okichan Theater.

We also had the chance to see the exterior of the Tropical Dream Center along the way.

This space preserves a traditional Okinawan village, reminiscent of a traditional village. The diverse local houses, each with its own unique characteristics, were fascinating to see.

The realistic display of Okinawan plants was also educational.

Next, we missed the Okichan Theater on our last bus tour due to time constraints, but this time, we were able to see the dolphin show.

This is a favorite with children, offering a fantastic view of Ie Island from the expansive outdoor stage.

Watching the well-trained, adorable dolphins brought a smile to my face, but at the same time, I also had a brief moment of animal love, wondering how much hardship they must have endured to be so desperate.

But that was only for a moment. After the exhilarating tour, I started feeling a little hungry, so I went to Okinawa's Sea Grapes for dinner. It was conveniently located right behind Starbucks, so I could eat while waiting for the bus.

I ordered the Okinawan version of sashimi rice bowl, which is served with a seafood rice bowl called kaisendon or chirashizushi, topped with a seaweed called umibudo.

Umibudo literally means sea grape,
but it got its name because it looks like a grape. After a delicious dinner, I boarded the bus and headed to Naha City, where my hotel was located.

Of course, I slept soundly on the bus, but when I arrived at my stop,
my eyes automatically opened. Thank you.