On with our adventure in Kamogawa Seaworld. The aquarium is located right at the coast, and you can see the Pacific Ocean stretched before you in all its beauty. This was one of the reasons why we came here! We took in everything…filled our lungs with salty air and enjoyed the tranquility of the scene before us. We lingered there for a while before going inside.

The sun and the vast ocean. We’re feeble little beings on this earth.

We watched all of the shows. The sea lions were a hoot! And yes, like what was posted on their website, there was a “smiling” sea lion. You could have your photo taken with the sea lion grinning mischievously at the background for only 200 yen. Actually, I wanted to have my photo taken while being “kissed” by the orca, but they only allow 15 persons per day. By the time we got to the reservations counter, it was already full.

We found out that the marine life collection at the Seaworld is not as extensive as in other aquariums we’ve visited before. But for what they lacked in quantity, they made up for quality. The shows were all good, and really worth watching.

Dolphins in mid-air. “So long, so long, and thanks for all the fish.” Ever watched “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”? 😉

The main attraction was the orcas, of course. But the orcas were not in the mood that day. We waited for about half an hour waiting for the giants to get in the performing mood. Apologies blared from the loudspeakers every minute as the announcer tried to assure the people that the show will start anytime soon. But as firsttimers, we didn’t mind waiting at all. The whales were not as agile as the dolphins, but they sure make huge splashes. Seeing the people’s reactions as they got splashed made it all the more fun (haha, evil us).

Here are some photos we took during the orca show.

Here’s the orca (the mother, I think) doing a back flip and ramming the ball with its tail.

Orcas at the finale. This was the only time we saw their huge bodies in full view. Amazing, huh? How were they trained to haul their bodies out of the water like that?

After the show, we went to eat lunch at the “Ocean Restaurant,” which according to the website, is “the only cafeteria-style restaurant in Japan where you can enjoy a meal while watching killer whales swim by.” The food wasn’t that great, but eating while the orcas were swimming by made it one of the most unique dining experiences ever.

We spent the whole day at Seaworld. There were benches outside where you can just sit and appreciate the view of the ocean. There were lots of stalls, selling food and stuffs. Plus a coffee bar! So instead of pinacolada, we were sipping cafe lattes; instead of hammocks, we were sitting on benches. But who’s complaining? We have a fantastic view of the ocean. That was enough.

The Killer Whales.

We went back to Branshe at the end of the day, tired but happy, hungry, and very eager about what’s for dinner ahead. 🙂 Again, we were not disappointed. We were glad that we stayed for two nights instead of one. And if the following photos won’t make your mouths water, I don’t know what will. 🙂

Main course, second night at Branshe. Sweet roast pork, with vegetable garnishings.

Die, die, die!!! 🙂

There was only one more destination for us before heading home. The Uomizuka Lookout Point. More about this in next entry! Suspense ba. 😛