Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Japan’s premier marine attraction featuring whale sharks, manta rays, and the world’s largest acrylic panel
Aquarium Guide Contents
Overview: Japan’s World-Class Marine Attraction
The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (沖縄美ら海水族館) is consistently ranked among the world’s finest aquariums. Located within Ocean Expo Park on Okinawa’s northwestern Motobu Peninsula, this spectacular facility brings the wonders of the Kuroshio Current to life through innovative exhibits and immersive experiences.
World Records: Home to one of the largest aquarium tanks in the world (7,500m³ Kuroshio Sea tank) featuring the world’s largest acrylic viewing panel (8.2m × 22.5m).
Star Residents: Multiple whale sharks, manta rays with 7-meter wingspans, and over 80 species of coral—all thriving in carefully maintained ecosystems.
Scientific Achievement: First aquarium in the world to successfully breed manta rays in captivity, demonstrating cutting-edge marine biology expertise.
Educational Mission: Beyond entertainment, Churaumi (“beautiful ocean” in Okinawan) serves as a major research facility studying Okinawa’s unique marine ecosystems and coral conservation.
Quick Facts
Location
Ocean Expo Park, Motobu Peninsula
Northern Okinawa Main Island
Opened
2002 (original 1979)
Major renovation completed 2002
Total Volume
10,000m³ of seawater
77 tanks throughout facility
Species
740+ species
21,000+ individual animals
The Name “Churaumi”
Etymology: “Chura” (美ら) means “beautiful” or “graceful” in the Okinawan language, while “umi” (海) is Japanese for “sea.” Together, Churaumi represents the beauty of Okinawa’s ocean environment.
Mission: The name reflects the aquarium’s dedication to showcasing and preserving Okinawa’s magnificent marine ecosystems, from shallow coral reefs to deep ocean trenches.
Main Exhibits & Highlights
The aquarium’s exhibits follow a journey from shallow coastal waters down to the mysterious deep sea, mirroring Okinawa’s diverse marine environments.
1. Kuroshio Sea (黒潮の海) – The Main Tank
The Crown Jewel: This massive 7,500-cubic-meter tank recreates the nutrient-rich Kuroshio Current that flows past Okinawa, supporting one of the ocean’s most biodiverse ecosystems.
Whale Sharks (ジンベエザメ): Multiple whale sharks—the world’s largest fish species—glide majestically through the tank. These gentle giants can grow up to 12 meters long and are fed twice daily in spectacular feeding shows.
Manta Rays (マンタ): Several manta rays with wingspans exceeding 7 meters perform graceful underwater ballet. Churaumi was the first facility worldwide to successfully breed manta rays in captivity.
Supporting Cast: Schools of tuna, massive groupers, eagle rays, and dozens of other pelagic species share the tank, creating a dynamic representation of open-ocean life.
The Acrylic Panel: Stand before the 8.2m × 22.5m × 60cm-thick acrylic viewing window—one of the world’s largest—for an unforgettable perspective. The engineering required to create this seamless panel was revolutionary.
Best Viewing: Arrive for feeding times (3:00 PM and 5:00 PM daily) when whale sharks rise vertically to feed. The multi-level viewing area offers perspectives from multiple angles, including a stunning overhead view from the 4th-floor café.
2. Coral Sea (サンゴの海)
Living Coral Reef: An open-air tank showcasing over 80 species of living coral—the aquarium pumps fresh seawater directly from the adjacent ocean, maintaining the perfect conditions for coral growth.
Natural Sunlight: Unlike most aquarium exhibits, this tank uses natural sunlight to support photosynthesis, allowing the coral to thrive just as they would in Okinawa’s reefs.
Reef Fish: Hundreds of colorful tropical fish dart among the coral formations, including parrotfish, butterflyfish, damselfish, and clownfish.
Conservation Message: This exhibit highlights the fragility of coral reefs and the threats they face from climate change, ocean acidification, and human activity.
3. Tropical Fish (熱帯魚の海)
Shallow Reef Environment: Multiple interconnected tanks recreate Okinawa’s colorful shallow-water ecosystems at depths of 5-10 meters.
Species Highlights: Garden eels, moray eels, octopuses, cuttlefish, sea snakes, and vibrant reef fish representing the incredible biodiversity of Okinawan waters.
Interactive Elements: Touch pools allow visitors (especially children) to gently interact with sea cucumbers, starfish, and other hardy species under staff supervision.
4. Deep Sea (深海への旅)
Journey to the Abyss: Descend into dimly lit exhibits showcasing the bizarre and fascinating creatures that inhabit Okinawa’s deep waters (200-700 meters depth).
Rare Species: Giant isopods, spider crabs, lanternfish, and other creatures rarely seen in aquariums. Many specimens were collected from waters surrounding Okinawa.
Bioluminescence: Special displays demonstrate how deep-sea creatures produce their own light in the perpetual darkness of the ocean depths.
Research Component: This exhibit reflects Churaumi’s ongoing deep-sea research programs, which continue to discover new species in Okinawan waters.
5. Shark Research Lab (サメ博士の部屋)
Educational Exhibit: Learn about shark biology, diversity, and conservation through preserved specimens, models, and interactive displays.
Species Diversity: Okinawa’s waters host over 60 shark species. The exhibit showcases jaws, teeth, skin samples, and full-body specimens of various species.
Conservation Focus: Addresses shark finning, population decline, and the critical ecological role sharks play in marine ecosystems.
Whale Shark Feeding: 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM daily (15 minutes). Watch these giants rise vertically to feed—an unforgettable sight.
Manta Ray Feeding: 5:00 PM daily. Observe mantas gracefully filter-feeding near the surface.
Coral Feeding: 12:30 PM daily in the Coral Sea tank. Learn how coral polyps capture food.
Dolphin Shows: Located outside the main aquarium building in Ocean Expo Park. Multiple shows daily (check schedule).
Manatee Feeding: Also in the park’s separate Manatee Pool. Schedule varies seasonally.
Hours, Tickets & Access Information
Opening Hours
Regular Season:
October-February: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
(Last entry 5:30 PM)
Peak Season:
March-September: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
(Last entry 7:00 PM)
Closed
First Wednesday and Thursday of December (maintenance days)
Ocean Expo Park itself remains open
Open every other day of the year including holidays
Admission Fees (2024)
Adults (18+): ¥2,180 (≈$15 USD)
High School Students (16-17): ¥1,440 (≈$10 USD)
Elementary/Junior High (6-15): ¥710 (≈$5 USD)
Children Under 6: Free
Annual Pass: ¥4,360 adults (pays for itself after 2 visits)
After 4 PM Discount: Reduced admission ¥1,740 adults (October-February)
Group Discounts: Available for groups of 20+ people
Purchase Options: Buy tickets at entrance, online (slight discount), or at convenience stores (FamilyMart, Lawson)
Getting There
By Car (Recommended for Flexibility):
• From Naha: 90 minutes via Okinawa Expressway
• Take Expressway to Kyoda IC (Exit 3), then Route 449 north
• Follow signs to “Ocean Expo Park” / “美ら海水族館”
• Free parking available (9 lots with 1,800+ spaces)
By Bus from Naha:
• Yanbaru Express Bus (やんばる急行バス): Direct bus from Naha Airport and central Naha. 2.5-3 hours, ¥2,500 one-way. Most convenient option for non-drivers.
• Highway Bus #111: From Naha Bus Terminal, 2.5 hours, ¥2,190. Fewer daily departures than Express Bus.
• Book bus tickets in advance during peak seasons (summer, Golden Week)
By Bus from Nago City:
• Local bus #65 or #66 from Nago Bus Terminal
• 50 minutes, ¥1,000. Good option if staying in northern Okinawa
Taxi:
• From Naha: ¥15,000-20,000 (90 minutes). Expensive but convenient for groups
• From Nago: ¥4,000-5,000 (30 minutes). More reasonable for shorter distance
• Purchase tickets online in advance for small discount (¥1,850 vs ¥2,180)
• Visit after 4 PM in winter for discounted admission (October-February only)
• Combination tickets with other Ocean Expo Park facilities available
• Pack lunch—restaurants inside are pricey. Picnic areas available in park
• Parking is FREE (huge saving compared to many major attractions)
• Consider annual pass if visiting 2+ times—¥4,360 pays for itself quickly
Visitor Tips for the Best Experience
When to Visit
Best Time of Day: Arrive at opening (8:30 AM) to experience exhibits before crowds. The aquarium is busiest 11 AM-3 PM. Late afternoon (4-6 PM) also quieter and offers discounted admission in winter.
Best Season: Year-round attraction with climate-controlled interiors. However, spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer pleasant weather for exploring Ocean Expo Park outdoors. Summer is peak season—expect maximum crowds.
Crowd Avoidance: Weekdays significantly less crowded than weekends. Avoid Japanese national holidays (Golden Week, Obon, Silver Week) when possible. January-February are quietest months.
Rainy Day Bonus: Perfect rainy day activity as aquarium is entirely indoors. Crowds often lighter on rainy days despite this.
How Long to Spend
Aquarium Only: 2-3 hours for thorough visit. Can be done in 90 minutes if rushed.
Ocean Expo Park (Full Day): 4-6 hours to include aquarium plus outdoor attractions (Emerald Beach, Tropical Dream Center, dolphin shows, planetarium).
Recommended: Allocate half day (4 hours) to see aquarium highlights and explore some park areas. Full day ideal for families with children.
Photography Tips
No Flash: Flash photography prohibited (stresses animals). Turn off flash on cameras and phones.
Low Light Challenge: Aquarium exhibits are dimly lit. Use high ISO (800-3200), wide aperture (f/2.8 or wider), stabilization, or bring phone/camera with good low-light performance.
Best Shots: Kuroshio Sea tank from multiple angles, whale shark feeding times, overhead view from café, coral sea in natural sunlight.
Video Tips: Video allowed. Capture whale shark feeding—incredible footage opportunity.
Facilities & Amenities
Restaurants/Cafés: Ocean Blue café on 4th floor overlooks Kuroshio tank (lunch ¥1,500-2,500). Coffee shop on 1st floor. Several restaurants in Ocean Expo Park.
Gift Shop: Large shop at exit with plush toys, books, Okinawan souvenirs. Whale shark plushies very popular.
Lockers: Coin lockers available (¥300-500) to store belongings and shopping bags.
Wheelchairs/Strollers: Free wheelchair rental. Facility is fully accessible with elevators and ramps. Stroller parking available.
Nursing Room: Dedicated space for nursing mothers with privacy.
English Support: English signage throughout. Audio guides available in English, Chinese, Korean. Staff have basic English ability.
• Start your visit on the 4th floor (top) and work down—follows the intended exhibit flow from surface to deep sea
• The café overlooking the Kuroshio tank doesn’t require aquarium admission—great view even if not visiting exhibits
• Exit through gift shop is mandatory (common in Japan). Plan extra time for shopping.
• Re-entry allowed same day with hand stamp—take break to explore Ocean Expo Park
• Bring jacket—air conditioning can be cold, especially in summer
• Download official Churaumi app for exhibit maps, feeding schedules, and AR experiences
Exploring Ocean Expo Park
The Churaumi Aquarium is the centerpiece of Ocean Expo Park—a massive 71-hectare oceanfront complex with beaches, gardens, museums, and cultural attractions. Entrance to the park itself is free; only specific attractions charge admission.
Emerald Beach (エメラルドビーチ)
Free Access: Beautiful artificial beach with three swimming lagoons protected by breakwaters. White sand, clear water, lifeguards on duty during summer.
Facilities: Showers, changing rooms, lockers (¥100). Beach gear rentals available. Shallow areas safe for children.
Swimming Season: April-October. One of Okinawa’s only beaches with “AA” water quality rating—highest designation.
Tropical Dream Center (熱帯ドリームセンター)
Admission: ¥760 adults. Stunning botanical garden featuring 2,000+ varieties of tropical and subtropical plants.
Highlights: Orchid collection with 20,000 plants (one of world’s largest), tropical fruit trees, observation tower with panoramic views.
Best Season: Year-round blooms, but peak orchid flowering January-March.
Dolphin Lagoon & Okichan Theater
Free Dolphin Shows: Multiple daily performances (typically 11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM, 5 PM—confirm schedule). Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins perform against beautiful ocean backdrop.
Dolphin Lagoon: Outdoor pools where you can observe dolphins outside show times. Educational displays about cetacean biology.
Special Program: Dolphin encounter experiences available (paid, advance booking required).
Manatee Pool & Sea Turtle Pool
Free Observation: Rare opportunity to see manatees (from Florida and Amazon) in outdoor pools. Feeding demonstrations 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 3:30 PM.
Sea Turtles: Multiple species including loggerheads and green sea turtles. Learn about conservation efforts.
Okinawa Native Village & Omoro Arboretum
Free Access: Replica traditional Okinawan village showcasing architecture and lifestyle from different eras. Traditional houses reconstructed from various islands.
Arboretum: Walking trails through native Okinawan forest. Peaceful escape from crowds.
Free Electric Cart Service: Regular shuttle carts run between attractions within the park. Great for families with small children or mobility limitations.
Walking Distances: Park is large. Aquarium to Emerald Beach is 10-minute walk. Bring comfortable shoes.
Picnic Areas: Many shaded areas with benches. Outside food allowed in park (not inside aquarium). Several lawns perfect for picnics.
Combination Tickets: Multi-facility passes available if visiting aquarium + Tropical Dream Center + other paid attractions. Calculate if worthwhile for your itinerary.
An Unforgettable Marine Experience
The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium offers one of the world’s most spectacular windows into marine life. Standing before the massive Kuroshio Sea tank as whale sharks glide overhead creates memories that last a lifetime. Combined with Ocean Expo Park’s beaches, gardens, and free attractions, this destination easily fills a full day. Whether you’re a marine biology enthusiast, family with children, or simply appreciate natural beauty, Churaumi delivers an extraordinary experience. Plan your visit strategically—arrive early, time your visit around feeding shows, and allow extra hours to explore the surrounding park. This is Okinawa’s must-see attraction for good reason.