Beneath the waves
Ever since I was small, I have been fascinated with aquariums. They have a calming effect on me, and I always spend more time in them than I initially allowed. Our oceans are still a place of mystery, I am unsure of where I heard this fact, but I believe our oceans are less explored than our solar system. Also a fun fact? I am terrified of the ocean. well dark waters.
I had the amazing opportunity to do several underwater shoots and each shoot will stay with me as a fond memory. Water is amazing, you can feel so weightless and ethereal and the images always look out of this world. I find myself occasionally wishing to do more underwater work.
I was naturally interested in what Japan could offer on the aquarium front. So far I have been to three and I can firmly say Oita Marine Palace is currently in the lead by a fair bit. It can easily take a good half day or more depending on your interests.
The aquarium is a fair bit out of the main town, but the bus ride to get there is worth it. It hugs the coast and you get a panoramic view of the bay area. For those with a full day, there is also a monkey park on the other side of the road. I oddly didn’t take too many images of the other exhibits, but I found myself enamored by the Jellyfish. Perhaps the calmest I had been for a while, they are also a fun challenge to take images of.
There are many different displays and a lot of interactive activities for younger budding marine enthusiasts. The gift shop also has a huge array of fun things to buy. I tried my hand at a game of chance and ended up with a very cute sea otter! Sea Otters are outdoing us all when it comes to romance! Holding hands whilst they sleep to ensure they do not float apart, is anyone else feeling the love?
Oita Marine Palace also has a restaurant and a beach section, however, I got so caught up with the Jellyfish I missed these. But honestly, with how impressed I had been I can imagine these are also to the same standards.
I am told the best aquarium in Japan is in Okinawa so for now Oita will hold its position of number one. But I am eager to see what the Southernmost islands can offer. I seem to have adopted the goal of visiting all 47 prefectures. As of this weekend, I will have 7 ticked off! It is a goal I want to make happen. I want to continue seeing as much of Japan as I can, the sights the flavors! As much as I am finding my time in Japan lonely, there are times like Oita were I feel on top of the world. That wasn’t just because I visited Beppu Tower…
Oita was my first real vacation in Japan. I was in a hotel, I was allowed to just be a tourist and do the main attractions. So I think it will always hold a very special spot in my heart even after I tick of more of the map.
My Oita adventures were truly amazing, after the emotional upheaval of the past few months, it was honestly just what I needed. Oita itself is nice and I love the fact it’s coastal. There are also stunning mountains. Oita was the first time I felt like I had a chance to experience rural Japan. For the next blog, I will discuss Bungo Mori a location used in Suzume. The train journey from Oita to the roundhouse was simply stunning. If I ever felt I was being spirited away this would have been it. Single track, mountains as far as the eye can see, platforms which were no more than paths. Oita has it all.
