{"id":3235,"date":"2026-05-03T13:47:27","date_gmt":"2026-05-03T04:47:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/okinawa-tabiblog.com\/en\/?p=3235"},"modified":"2026-05-04T15:05:10","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T06:05:10","slug":"churaumi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/okinawa-tabiblog.com\/en\/churaumi\/","title":{"rendered":"Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: Must-See the Giant 8-Meter Whale Shark! And Free Dolphin Show"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If there\u2019s one place everyone agrees you simply can\u2019t miss on an Okinawa trip<\/strong><\/span>, it\u2019s the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium<\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Located inside Ocean Expo Park<\/strong><\/span> in Motobu, northern Okinawa, this aquarium is actually one of the world\u2019s top-class aquariums, boasting one of the largest tanks on the planet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watching a Whale Shark Over 8 Meters Long Glide<\/strong><\/span> gracefully through the water is a truly breathtaking experience for both adults and kids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s even a Free Dolphin Show<\/strong><\/span>, so you can easily spend the whole day enjoying the area!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, I\u2019ll give you a relaxed and easy introduction to the Churaumi Aquarium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Japanese Page<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related Post<\/span><\/div>
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Explore Okinawa with just a tap<\/strong><\/span>! Click here to see our sightseeing guide.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: Features and Highlights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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    \n
  • What is Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium? Breathtaking 8-Meter Whale Shark in Okinawa’s Ocean Recreated<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Highlight 1: Giant Whale Sharks and Manta – “The Kuroshio Sea”<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Highlight 2: Colorful Fish – “The Sea of Tropical Fish”<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Highlight 3: Large Scale Coral Reef – “The Coral Sea”<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Highlight 4: A Must See Dolphin Show – “Surrounding Area (within Ocean Expo Park)”<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Highlight 5: Whale Shark Monument – “Aquarium Building Entrance”<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    What is Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium? Breathtaking 8-Meter Whale Shark in Okinawa’s Ocean Recreated<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"churaumi\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium<\/strong><\/span> opened in 2002 as the central facility of the Ocean Expo Park<\/strong><\/span>, part of the National Okinawa Commemorative Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It houses and exhibits over 10,000 marine creatures from around 700 species across about 75 tanks of various sizes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The biggest highlight is the Massive \u201cKuroshio Sea\u201d tank<\/strong><\/span>, one of the largest in the world, where Whale Sharks swim gracefully<\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The aquarium is also among the world\u2019s best in long-term whale shark care, and you can see individuals over 8 meters in length gliding through the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    With its overwhelming scale that lets you experience Okinawa\u2019s ocean as a whole, it\u2019s a place you won\u2019t easily forget once you visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Whether it\u2019s your first time at an aquarium or a return visit, there\u2019s always something new and inspiring to discover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Highlight 1: Giant Whale Sharks and Manta – “The Kuroshio Sea”<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"churaumi\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The star of Churaumi Aquarium is the huge tank called “Kuroshio Sea<\/strong><\/span>,” with a massive capacity of about 7,500 cubic meters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The sight of giant whale sharks, manta rays, and many other fish swimming together is truly breathtaking!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And of course, the Star of the Show is the Whale Shark!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When you get close to the glass, its enormous size is so powerful that you might find yourself stepping back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"churaumi\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The Oceanic Manta Ray<\/strong><\/span>, known for being the first ever successfully bred in captivity, is also a Must-See, its graceful swimming looks just like a dance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    At The Daily Feeding Shows<\/strong><\/span> (9:30 \/ 15:00 \/ 17:00), you can even see the whale shark stand straight up vertically to eat, a truly shocking sight!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Highlight 2: Colorful Fish – “The Sea of Tropical Fish”<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"churaumi\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    In contrast to the dynamic “Kuroshio Sea,” the “Tropical Fish Sea<\/strong><\/span>” shows the colorful and shallow waters of Okinawa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Watching many different kinds of Tropical Fish<\/strong><\/span> swimming around in rainbow-like colors instantly makes you feel like you are in a tropical paradise!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"churaumi\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The Clownfish<\/strong><\/span> -known as Nemo- and small fish that look like little jewels darting through the coral are very popular with children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is a zone that will make you think, “Okinawa’s ocean is so beautiful and sparkling!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Highlight 3: Large Scale Coral Reef – “The Coral Sea”<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"churaumi\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    “Coral Sea<\/strong><\/span>” is an area where more than 80 types of coral spread across a bright tank filled with natural sunlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    An aquarium that displays living coral on such a large scale is very rare, even in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"churaumi\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The coral sparkling in the sunlight comes in so many different shapes and colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Small fish swimming between the coral is a real and natural view of the ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is truly an area where you can feel the richness of Okinawa’s ocean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Highlight 4: A Must See Dolphin Show – “Surrounding Area (within Ocean Expo Park)”<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"churaumi\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Without a ticket, you can enjoy the Free Dolphin Show held at “Okichan Theater”!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Dolphins jumping and performing tricks are very popular with both children and adults!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"churaumi\"
    Manatee Pool: Free<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    “Sea Turtle Pool” and “Manatee Pool” are also Free<\/strong><\/span> to enjoy, so you can easily spend a whole day having fun in the park!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Highlight 5: Whale Shark Monument – “Aquarium Building Entrance”<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"churaumi\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The first thing you will see when you arrive at the aquarium is “The Powerful Whale Shark Monument<\/strong><\/span>” in front of the entrance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Its size feels like real thing, making it a very popular spot for taking photos!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is also a great idea to stop by again on your way out to take one last memorable photo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"churaumi\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Inside the building, there is also a Viewing Spot where you can see the Beautiful Blue Ocean and Ie-Island<\/strong><\/span>, making it a perfect background for photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    With such a beautiful view, you are sure to get the perfect shot for your Okinawa trip!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It\u2019s truly a symbolic \u201cFace\u201d of Churaumi that gets you excited even before entering the aquarium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: Basic Info, Fees, Parking, and Access<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \n
      \n
    • Basic Information<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Fees<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Parking<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Estimated Time Required<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Access<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

      Basic Information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
      Name<\/td>Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Photo<\/td>\"churaumi\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Address<\/td>424 Ishikawa, Motobu Town, Okinawa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Official Website<\/td>Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Tel<\/td>0980-48-3748<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Hours<\/td>8:30am\u20136:30pm
      \n*Last entry 5:30pm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Closed<\/td>Open Year-Round:
      \nexcluding temporary closures due to typhoons, etc.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Fee<\/td>\u30fbAdults: 2,180 yen
      \n\u30fbStudents(High School): 1,440 yen
      \n\u30fbChildren(Elementary & Junior High): 710 yen
      \n\u30fbUnder 6: Free
      \n*All prices include tax<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Parking<\/td>Free.
      \nThe closest parking to the aquarium is P7.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Access<\/td>Approximately 2 hours from Naha Airport (via expressway).
      \nKyoda IC > Route 58 > Route 449 > Prefectural Road 114 > Ocean Expo Park<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Description<\/td>One of the largest aquariums in Japan.
      \nYou can enjoy whale sharks over 8m long, as well as coral reefs and tropical fish that recreate the seas of Okinawa.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n

      Fees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Admission fees for the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Category<\/th>Price<\/th><\/tr>
      Adults<\/td>2,180 yen<\/td><\/tr>
      High School Students<\/td>1,440 yen<\/td><\/tr>
      Elemntary and Junior High School Students<\/td>710 yen<\/td><\/tr>
      Children under 6<\/td>Free<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      “Dolphin Show(Okichan Theater)<\/strong>,” “Sea Turtle Pool<\/strong>,” and “Manatee Pool<\/strong>” are all Free<\/strong> of charge! You can enjoy them without an aquarium ticket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Parking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      \"churaumi\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      You can use the parking lots at Ocean Expo Park for free<\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The parking lots are numbered P1 to P9, and the closest one to the aquarium is “P7 North Parking Lot (multi-story parking lot)<\/strong><\/span>.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      There are many parking spaces available, but please note that it can get crowded during busy seasons and on weekends<\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      If you want to use the parking lot closest to the aquarium, it is recommended to arrive early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Estimated Time Required<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      If you are visiting only the aquarium<\/strong><\/span>, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours<\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      If you include the dolphin show<\/strong><\/span> and other nearby facilities<\/strong><\/span>, it will take about 3 to 4 hours<\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      There are also cafes and rest areas inside, so taking your time and enjoying a relaxed visit is highly recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Estimated Time Required<\/span><\/div>
      \n
        \n
      • Aquarium Only<\/strong>: about 1.5 to 2 hours<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Including the Dolphin Show and nearby Facilities<\/strong>: about 3 to 4 hours<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

        Access<\/h3>\n\n\n\n