Churaumi Aquarium

There are many things to see and do when visiting Okinwa’s main island, however something you must-see is Churaumi Aquarium!

Located in the north of the main island of Okinawa, Churaumi Aquarium is part of the “Ocean Expo Park”, a popular tourist destination. The Aquarium itself is visited by over 3 million people annually. It is a fun & educational experience and especially the “Kuroshio Sea”, the 2nd larges tank in the world is why people flock here.

So let’s see what this Okinawa aquarium has to offer!

An Overview of Churaumi Aquarium

A simple concept, the mission of this place is to let visitors “encounter the waters of Okinawa”. It is accomplished by featuring around 21’000 marine creatures, including 740 species and creating breathtaking exhibits for you to “submerge” yourself.

Spread over three floors, visitors are guided through the ocean. Starting in the shallow waters, you get to experience the coral reef and its tropical fish, to then slowly move on down into the deep sea, until at last, you reach the Kuroshio Sea with its gigantic whale sharks!

The Kuroshio Sea @ Churaumi Aquarium

The main exhibit and what you will probably have seen on social media is called the Kuroshio Sea. It is the largest tank in Japan and 2nd largest in the world. With a size of 10 m (depth), 35 m (length), and 27 m (width) it is an impressive structure. To stand in front of it is like looking through a window into the ocean.

However, what makes the Kuroshio Sea really spectacular are its inhabitants. Home to two whale sharks (each about 8 m long), reef manta rays, and other fish, this aquarium is truly in a league of its own. As you watch them swim by, so close you can see every scale on their skin, it is truly magical. Almost as if time stood still, they seem to move in slow motion. A truly captivating experience and not to be missed!

There is More – Ocean Expo Park

What most visitors do not realize, the aquarium is only one part of a bigger complex called the Ocean Expo Park. The Park actually offers a variety of things to do, including a free Dolphin show at “Kaiyohaku Park Dolphin Lagoon”, the possibility to feed Sea Turtles as well as other museums such as the “Oceanic Culture Museum Planetarium” and the “Tropical Dream Center“.

This is also a prime opportunity to enjoy one of the best beaches on the main island, the “Emerald Beach“. With its white sand and blue waters, it is the perfect place to relax. So make sure you have enough time to check out all the attractions this place has to offer.

How to Get to Churaumi Aquarium and Other Info

Access

If you do not have a car, the easiest way to get to Churaumi Aquarium from Naha is by Bus. Take the Yanbaru Express Bus (888) from Tomaritakahashi Station. It will cost you 1’900 Yen one-way and it will take about 2h to get there. The Bus runs every two hours you can check the timetable here.

Address: 424 Ishikawa, Motobu, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-0206

Entrance Fee

Adults:1,880yen, Highschool student 1,250yen, Elementary School Student 620yen, Children under 6 Free. There is also a discounted rate for entrance after 4 pm: Adults:1,310yen, Highschool student 870yen, Elementary School Student 430yen, Children under 6 Free.

Opening Hours

Website: https://churaumi.okinawa/en

And if You Still Want More…

Make sure to check out our “Ultimate Guide to Naha” or why not watch this recent YouTube Video and get an up-and-close look and feel for what it is like to visit this beautiful Aquarium in Okinawa?!