Guide
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is located within Ocean Expo Park on the Motobu Peninsula in northern Okinawa. The name "Churaumi" comes from the Okinawan word for "beautiful/pure sea," and the facility truly lives up to its name by showcasing the stunning marine ecosystems of the region. The highlight of the aquarium is the massive "Kuroshio Sea" tank, where giant creatures like whale sharks (reaching up to 8.6m in length) and manta rays swim freely. This monumental tank measures 35m in length, 27m in width, and 10m in depth, separated from visitors by a massive 8.2m high, 60cm thick acrylic panel that provides an immersive viewing experience.
The facility's roots trace back to the 1975 Okinawa International Ocean Expo. Originally opened in 1979 as the "National Okinawa Ocean Expo Memorial Park Aquarium," the site underwent a major transformation. Following a reconstruction to modernize the facility, it reopened in November 2002 under its current name, "Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium." The institution is dedicated to preserving Okinawa's precious marine resources and passing this knowledge down to future generations.
The most iconic feature is the "Kuroshio Sea" tank, where large migratory fish such as whale sharks, rays, and sharks swim through the viewer's field of vision. The aquarium also showcases unique research-based displays, including successful breeding of manta rays and displays of species like the spotted eagle ray. Beyond the main tanks, the surrounding Ocean Expo Park offers a variety of other facilities, such as the Manatee Tank, the Sea Turtle Tank, and the Okichan Theater, where visitors can enjoy lively dolphin shows.
While the aquarium is open year-round, the experience changes with the seasons. For instance, there are specific periods for seasonal exhibitions, such as coral breeding displays. To see the animals in action, we recommend visiting during scheduled feeding times, when staff provide detailed explanations of the large fish's movements. For a relaxing experience, you can visit the adjacent "Ocean Blue" cafe to enjoy a drink while gazing at the massive tank.
Visitors can engage in more than just passive observation. There are educational programs available, such as the "Kuroshio Exploration" (water surface viewing course), though these are capacity-limited and require checking availability. The facility also provides educational materials like the "Sea Mystery Discovery Sheet" to help visitors learn about marine biology from multiple perspectives. The entire Ocean Expo Park area provides a comprehensive way to connect with the ocean through various exhibits and shows.
As part of the larger Ocean Expo Park, there is much more to explore than just the aquarium. You can enjoy dolphin shows at the "Okichan Theater," or visit the "Dolphin Lagoon," "Manatee Tank," and "Sea Turtle Tank." These areas are designed to be easily navigated together, allowing for a full day of exploration throughout the park.
While the aquarium exhibits are primarily indoors, moving between different sections of the Ocean Expo Park involves walking outdoors. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.