Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium stands inside Ocean Expo Park, on the coast of Motobu in northern Okinawa. Its centrepiece is the Kuroshio Sea tank, two floors high, where whale sharks and manta rays swim among large schools of fish. Other tanks run from sunlit coral reefs to deep-sea species, some with bioluminescent animals. Outside the main building there is a free dolphin show, and manatees and sea turtles can be seen in their own areas. The current aquarium dates from 2002 and is open every day. Allow more than two hours.
The Kuroshio Sea tank
The main tank recreates the Kuroshio Current that flows around Okinawa. It is two floors high and is viewed through giant acrylic windows. Whale sharks and manta rays share it with large schools of fish. Some of the whale sharks are more than eight metres long.
The aquarium is known for its breeding work. It pioneered captive breeding of manta rays, and the Kuroshio Sea was the first tank to keep several whale sharks and manta rays together. The whale sharks can also be seen from a zone with a ceiling tank, which gives a view from below.
The tank draws the biggest crowds, but the viewing areas are laid out so that an open stretch of glass usually appears after a short wait.
From coral reefs to the deep sea
The aquarium has 67 custom-made tanks over three levels. They follow the seas around Okinawa: shallow coral reef, the Kuroshio Current, then the deep sea.
Some coral tanks are open to the sky, so sunlight reaches live coral colonies. The aquarium was the first large-scale facility to cultivate natural coral artificially. The deep-sea displays show species found in the waters around Okinawa, many of them rarely seen in captivity, including animals that produce their own light. There are also shark displays, and touch pools where children can handle starfish and sea cucumbers.
Information panels explain the marine life. On busy days it can be hard to stop and read them, so start at a quieter tank if you want to take your time.
Dolphins, manatees and turtles outside
Outside the main building, Okichan Theater stages a dolphin show with the sea behind it. Entry to the show is free, and it runs several times a day. Check the schedule when you arrive, and go early to the theatre, since seats fill.
After the show you can buy food to feed the dolphins and the sea turtles. Dolphin food costs ¥500. The manatees and sea turtles each have their own area, and these are free to visit as well.
Some visitors have raised concerns about enclosure sizes. The aquarium's own displays and programmes on coral, manta rays and whale sharks are the main reason most people come.
Ocean Expo Park around the aquarium
The aquarium sits inside Ocean Expo Park, a national government park built on the site of the 1975 International Ocean Exposition. Admission to the park is free apart from three facilities: the aquarium, the Tropical Dream Center and the Oceanic Culture Museum.
Other parts of the park include a tropical and subtropical arboretum, a traditional Okinawan village and a planetarium. The Tropical Dream Center is a greenhouse with flowers and an observation deck over the park. The Oceanic Culture Museum and the village show traditional Okinawan life and culture. The planetarium programmes include the Okinawan night sky and folk tales that change with the season.
The grounds are large, and walking all of them can tire young children. Electric shuttle cars run through the park for a small fee.
The name Churaumi means "beautiful sea" in the Okinawan dialect. Emerald Beach is close to the aquarium. The Fukugi tree road in Bise and Bisezaki Beach are also nearby.
Getting there and planning the day
Most visitors come by car, driving north from Naha on the Okinawa Expressway and then toward Motobu. There is a multi-storey car park, and the area has both free and paid parking. Traffic around Motobu can be heavy at weekends.
On site there are vending machines, food stalls and a cafe, as well as a large souvenir shop. There is a coat check and a playground. A Starbucks with a drive-through is a few minutes away at Okinawa Hanasaki Marche.
The aquarium is busy even on rainy days, and it is a standard indoor choice when the weather turns. To fit in the rest of the park or a beach, start early.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee for Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium?
Yes, the aquarium itself needs a ticket, and buying in advance is recommended. Much of Ocean Expo Park is free, including the dolphin show, manatees and sea turtles.
How long do you need at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium?
Allow more than two hours for the aquarium alone. With the dolphin show and other parts of Ocean Expo Park, it can fill most of a day.
Is the dolphin show free?
Yes. The show at Okichan Theater is free to watch. Food for feeding the dolphins costs ¥500.
Is the aquarium wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance, restrooms, seating and parking lot are wheelchair accessible. Electric wheelchairs can be borrowed free at parking lot 7.
How do you get to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium from Naha?
By rental car, drive north on the Okinawa Expressway and head toward Motobu Town. The aquarium is in Ocean Expo Park, on the Motobu coast, and has its own car park.
