If there’s one place everyone agrees you simply can’t miss on an Okinawa trip, it’s the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.
Located inside Ocean Expo Park in Motobu, northern Okinawa, this aquarium is actually one of the world’s top-class aquariums, boasting one of the largest tanks on the planet.
Watching a Whale Shark Over 8 Meters Long Glide gracefully through the water is a truly breathtaking experience for both adults and kids.
There’s even a Free Dolphin Show, so you can easily spend the whole day enjoying the area!
In this article, I’ll give you a relaxed and easy introduction to the Churaumi Aquarium.
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Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: Features and Highlights
- What is Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium? Breathtaking 8-Meter Whale Shark in Okinawa’s Ocean Recreated
- Highlight 1: Giant Whale Sharks and Manta – “The Kuroshio Sea”
- Highlight 2: Colorful Fish – “The Sea of Tropical Fish”
- Highlight 3: Large Scale Coral Reef – “The Coral Sea”
- Highlight 4: A Must See Dolphin Show – “Surrounding Area (within Ocean Expo Park)”
- Highlight 5: Whale Shark Monument – “Aquarium Building Entrance”
What is Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium? Breathtaking 8-Meter Whale Shark in Okinawa’s Ocean Recreated
The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium opened in 2002 as the central facility of the Ocean Expo Park, part of the National Okinawa Commemorative Park.
It houses and exhibits over 10,000 marine creatures from around 700 species across about 75 tanks of various sizes.
The biggest highlight is the Massive “Kuroshio Sea” tank, one of the largest in the world, where Whale Sharks swim gracefully.
The aquarium is also among the world’s best in long-term whale shark care, and you can see individuals over 8 meters in length gliding through the water.
With its overwhelming scale that lets you experience Okinawa’s ocean as a whole, it’s a place you won’t easily forget once you visit.
Whether it’s your first time at an aquarium or a return visit, there’s always something new and inspiring to discover.
Highlight 1: Giant Whale Sharks and Manta – “The Kuroshio Sea”
The star of Churaumi Aquarium is the huge tank called “Kuroshio Sea,” with a massive capacity of about 7,500 cubic meters.
The sight of giant whale sharks, manta rays, and many other fish swimming together is truly breathtaking!
And of course, the Star of the Show is the Whale Shark!
When you get close to the glass, its enormous size is so powerful that you might find yourself stepping back.
The Oceanic Manta Ray, known for being the first ever successfully bred in captivity, is also a Must-See, its graceful swimming looks just like a dance.
At The Daily Feeding Shows (9:30 / 15:00 / 17:00), you can even see the whale shark stand straight up vertically to eat, a truly shocking sight!
Highlight 2: Colorful Fish – “The Sea of Tropical Fish”
In contrast to the dynamic “Kuroshio Sea,” the “Tropical Fish Sea” shows the colorful and shallow waters of Okinawa.
Watching many different kinds of Tropical Fish swimming around in rainbow-like colors instantly makes you feel like you are in a tropical paradise!
The Clownfish -known as Nemo- and small fish that look like little jewels darting through the coral are very popular with children.
It is also a great spot for photos, and standing in front of the tank makes you feel like you are actually inside the ocean.
This is a zone that will make you think, “Okinawa’s ocean is so beautiful and sparkling!”
Highlight 3: Large Scale Coral Reef – “The Coral Sea”
“Coral Sea” is an area where more than 80 types of coral spread across a bright tank filled with natural sunlight.
An aquarium that displays living coral on such a large scale is very rare, even in the world.
The coral sparkling in the sunlight comes in so many different shapes and colors.
Small fish swimming between the coral is a real and natural view of the ecosystem.
This is truly an area where you can feel the richness of Okinawa’s ocean.
Highlight 4: A Must See Dolphin Show – “Surrounding Area (within Ocean Expo Park)”
Without a ticket, you can enjoy the Free Dolphin Show held at “Okichan Theater”!
The Dolphins jumping and performing tricks are very popular with both children and adults!
The show is held several times a day, so it is a good idea to plan your schedule to fit it in with your aquarium visit.
“Sea Turtle Pool” and “Manatee Pool” are also Free to enjoy, so you can easily spend a whole day having fun in the park!
Highlight 5: Whale Shark Monument – “Aquarium Building Entrance”
The first thing you will see when you arrive at the aquarium is “The Powerful Whale Shark Monument” in front of the entrance.
Its size feels like real thing, making it a very popular spot for taking photos!
It is also a great idea to stop by again on your way out to take one last memorable photo.
Inside the building, there is also a Viewing Spot where you can see the Beautiful Blue Ocean and Ie-Island, making it a perfect background for photos.
With such a beautiful view, you are sure to get the perfect shot for your Okinawa trip!
It’s truly a symbolic “Face” of Churaumi that gets you excited even before entering the aquarium.
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: Basic Info, Fees, Parking, and Access
- Basic Information
- Fees
- Parking
- Estimated Time Required
- Access
Basic Information
| Name | Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium |
| Photo |  |
| Address | 424 Ishikawa, Motobu Town, Okinawa |
| Official Website | Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium |
| Tel | 0980-48-3748 |
| Hours | 8:30am–6:30pm *Last entry 5:30pm |
| Closed | Open Year-Round: excluding temporary closures due to typhoons, etc. |
| Fee | ・Adults: 2,180 yen ・Students(High School): 1,440 yen ・Children(Elementary & Junior High): 710 yen ・Under 6: Free *All prices include tax |
| Parking | Free. The closest parking to the aquarium is P7. |
| Access | Approximately 2 hours from Naha Airport (via expressway). Kyoda IC > Route 58 > Route 449 > Prefectural Road 114 > Ocean Expo Park |
| Description | One of the largest aquariums in Japan. You can enjoy whale sharks over 8m long, as well as coral reefs and tropical fish that recreate the seas of Okinawa. |
Fees
Admission fees for the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium are as follows:
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | 2,180 yen |
| High School Students | 1,440 yen |
| Elemntary and Junior High School Students | 710 yen |
| Children under 6 | Free |
“Dolphin Show(Okichan Theater),” “Sea Turtle Pool,” and “Manatee Pool” are all Free of charge! You can enjoy them without an aquarium ticket.
Parking
You can use the parking lots at Ocean Expo Park for free.
The parking lots are numbered P1 to P9, and the closest one to the aquarium is “P7 North Parking Lot (multi-story parking lot).”
There are many parking spaces available, but please note that it can get crowded during busy seasons and on weekends.
If you want to use the parking lot closest to the aquarium, it is recommended to arrive early.
Estimated Time Required
If you are visiting only the aquarium, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
If you include the dolphin show and other nearby facilities, it will take about 3 to 4 hours.
There are also cafes and rest areas inside, so taking your time and enjoying a relaxed visit is highly recommended.
- Aquarium Only: about 1.5 to 2 hours
- Including the Dolphin Show and nearby Facilities: about 3 to 4 hours
Access
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