Discover What Makes Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium Special! A Journey to Meet Sea Life and the Future of the Ocean

Getting to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium takes around 2 hours from Naha Airport via the expressway (Okinawa Expressway). Driving a rental car is the most common option, and enjoying a seaside drive along the way is part of the appeal. The aquarium offers parking for Approx. 1,900 vehicles across surface and multi-level lots, so drivers can visit with peace of mind.

From Naha Airport, you can also access it via the Yanbaru Express Bus or an express bus. The boarding area is the Naha Airport Bus Terminal: the Yanbaru Express Bus departs from Stop 2, and the express bus departs from Stop 1. Get off at the “Kinen Koen Mae” bus stop; travel time is Approx. 2.5 hours.

As soon as you enter, what first catches your eye is an area that recreates “Ino,” an Okinawan dialect word meaning a shallow sea surrounded by coral reefs, along with “Coral Sea,” where corals are cultivated on a large scale. The tanks have no roof and are designed to bring in sunlight directly, so the way the fish look changes depending on the time of day and the weather.
Here, Approx. 80 species and 420 coral colonies are kept, and coral spawning inside the tank has been confirmed every year in early summer. The next tank, “Tropical Sea,” is home to Approx. 180 species of fish such as clownfish and butterflyfish, and is also popular as a photo spot where you can feel the vivid colors of Okinawa’s ocean.

Next up is the “Coral Room.” It focuses not only on the beauty of coral reefs, but also on their dangers. Nearly life-size models of creatures like the habu jellyfish and the sea anemone known as “unbachi” are on display, letting you learn about dangerous animals you may encounter on coral reefs.
In the following “Journey to the Coral Reef: Individual Tanks,” around 30 tanks of various sizes are lined up, featuring a wide variety of creatures such as spiny lobsters and seagrass-bed life. You can take your time observing the diverse ecosystems surrounding coral reefs.

When you reach the highlight of the aquarium, “Kuroshio Sea,” you’ll be blown away by the world-class tank. With a capacity of 7,500 tons, this tank lets you experience schools of fish swimming through Okinawa’s open ocean up close, seen through a huge acrylic panel that stands 8.2m tall and 22.5m wide.
The symbolic star of this tank is the whale shark “Jinta,” which marks 30 years in care in 2025. Long-term care in an aquarium is considered extremely difficult, and the record has drawn worldwide attention. Don’t miss the manta rays gliding through the tank, either. Along with individuals reaching 4m in width, the aquarium also exhibits the all-black “black manta,” offering a rare chance to observe multiple manta species at once.

After Kuroshio Sea, you’ll enter “Journey into the Deep Sea,” themed around the deep waters off Okinawa. This area introduces creatures living at depths of 200m and deeper, and features exhibits that reflect the results of surveys conducted in partnership with universities and research institutions.
In the tanks you’ll find creatures that are hard to see elsewhere, such as hamadai, box shrimp, and saw sharks. You can also observe species unique to Okinawa’s deep sea, including the shimahata, exhibited for the first time in the world, and the vividly red kaiebisu. Feel the unknown as if you’re exploring a mysterious sea.

After making your way through the aquarium, head outside to the surrounding area. Waiting for you is “Okichan Theater.” Starting with the bottlenose dolphin “Okichan,” which marks 50 years in care, these charming dolphins put on energetic performances. The free show, set against Okinawa’s blue sky and sea, is a program everyone from kids to adults can enjoy. Since the content changes by season, it’s fun no matter when you visit.

This program lets you look down from directly above the large “Kuroshio Sea” tank. Take the dedicated elevator in the Whale Shark & Manta Corner on the 1st floor to the upper section of the tank on the 4th floor. Looking down through the transparent deck is incredibly powerful, and you can observe the fish from a different perspective than usual. It’s a popular program where you can take your time watching whale sharks and manta rays from above. Entry is available from 8:30am to 10:45am after opening, and from 5:30pm until 15 minutes before closing (viewing hours may change depending on the season). It’s also a great idea to plan your schedule around this.

They also run “Behind-the-Scenes Full Watching,” where you can tour care facilities and work spaces that are normally off-limits. This tour is limited to 4 groups per day and requires advance reservations (paid). With guide staff, you can see the feeding prep room, the back side of tanks, and the crane used to transport whale sharks up close.

An area with exhibits on shark ecology. Here, you can learn about sharks through valuable specimens such as a great white shark fetus and panels that clearly explain research results.
It also shares insights that help clear up misconceptions, such as “sharks are surprisingly light eaters, and only a very small number of species attack humans,” while conveying their diversity and the depth of their ecology. Since you can also see various sharks in the tanks, such as blacktip sharks and spot-tail sharks, this is another area you won’t want to miss.

A space where you can comfortably enjoy the large “Kuroshio Sea” tank in a movie-theater-like setup. In a quiet environment, you can watch the fish right in front of you. It’s also a great spot for those who want to enjoy the tank while avoiding crowds, or for taking a short break.

Inside the aquarium, feedings and staff commentary programs are held regularly. One highlight is the feeding in front of “Kuroshio Sea,” held three times a day. At 9:30am, there’s manta ray feeding and commentary, and whale sharks are fed at 3:00pm and 5:00pm. If you’re lucky, you might catch the thrilling moment when a whale shark eats while swimming vertically.

Around the aquarium, there are also facilities where you can see sea turtles and manatees. At the Sea Turtle Pool, they keep five of the world’s eight sea turtle species. From above, you can observe the sandy nesting area and turtles swimming near the surface, while in the underground viewing room you can enjoy watching them glide by from the side. Sea turtle feeding experiences (paid) are also held at 11:00am and 2:00pm. Since it ends as soon as it sells out, it’s recommended to visit early.
Also, at the Manatee Pool, four American manatees—said to be the model for mermaid legends—are kept. This rare exhibit can be viewed for free, even within Japan.

“Ocean Blue” is a popular cafe inside the aquarium. It’s a special space where you can enjoy drinks and sweets while looking out at the giant “Kuroshio Sea” tank. Watching whale sharks and manta rays glide by beyond the glass while you relax is a luxury you can only experience here. With photogenic drinks and light meals, it’s perfect for a break during your visit.

The buffet-style “Restaurant Ino” on the 4th floor serves Okinawan dishes like rafute and Okinawa soba, along with classic Western staples. There are also options like DIY taco rice, making it a casual restaurant that’s easy to use for families and groups.

When you visit the aquarium, don’t forget to look for souvenirs at the shops inside and outside.
Original goods featuring whale sharks and manatees—icons of the aquarium—such as plush toys, stationery, and mugs are popular with both kids and adults. There’s also a great selection of Okinawa-style sweets and limited-edition items, perfect as trip memories or gifts.

One of the park’s most striking spots is the “Tropical Dream Center.” After Approx. 40 years since it was built, the plants and architecture have blended together to create a unique landscape. Across three large greenhouses, more than Approx. 2,000 orchid plants bloom in full glory, alongside tropical and subtropical flowers and fruit trees. There are plenty of highlights, including colorful flower arches and views from the 36m-high observation tower. You can stroll inside without worrying about the weather, and it’s extremely photogenic.

A must-visit spot in Ocean Expo Park is the “Oceanic Culture Museum.” It has a planetarium that recreates Okinawa’s night sky, and with starry skies projected across the full dome and video effects, you can experience stories of stars unique to southern islands and the mysteries of space.

From right after opening until around 10:00am, it’s relatively uncrowded, so you can enjoy the exhibits at a relaxed pace. After 4:00pm is also less busy, making it a good option for those who want to avoid crowds.
In particular, the giant “Kuroshio Sea” tank looks even clearer before the 9:30am feeding, so you can take your time watching whale sharks and manta rays swim gracefully. That’s one reason many people aim for an early visit. It’s also a time when you can enjoy your schedule with a bit more breathing room.
Also, the popular in-aquarium cafe “Ocean Blue” is relatively uncrowded if you go early. The popular seats by the tank (paid) are also best right after opening. A moment spent watching the tank with a drink in hand is sure to become a special travel memory.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium offers many programs you’ll want to visit with timing in mind, such as “Kuroshio Adventure (Overhead Viewing Course),” sea turtle feeding experiences, and the dolphin show at Okichan Theater. Checking the times for these helps you explore the aquarium efficiently.
It’s also recommended to check the latest schedule on the official website or on-site signs and build your own personalized route.

Around midday, the aquarium tends to get crowded. In those moments, rather than forcing your way through exhibits, it’s also recommended to step outside and stroll around Ocean Expo Park. Aquarium admission tickets allow re-entry on the same day, so you can use your time effectively while avoiding crowds.

Inside the park, highlights are scattered around, including the “Oceanic Culture Museum” with its planetarium, and the photogenic “Tropical Dream Center,” whose exterior looks like ancient ruins. It’s also appealing to take it slow while feeling Okinawa’s nature. By shifting your aquarium viewing time, you can return and enjoy the exhibits at a relaxed pace.

Depending on the season and weather, crowd levels and how you spend your time in the aquarium and park can change. Since you’ll spend a lot of time walking around the aquarium and nearby facilities, it’s reassuring to be prepared for the weather.

Especially in summer, Okinawa’s strong sun and high humidity can sap your energy, and even moving between outdoor areas can feel taxing. Staying mindful about frequent hydration and taking breaks in the shade can help you stay more comfortable. Don’t forget heat protection like a hat or a parasol.

Also, outdoor programs like Okichan Theater may change or be canceled depending on the weather.

A theme park set in the great outdoors of Yanbaru in northern Okinawa, where an overwhelming scale and out-of-the-ordinary experiences await. The concept is “Power Vacance!!”
Surrounded by the Yanbaru forest in northern Okinawa, vibrant plants and a lineup of new-sensation attractions draw visitors into a deeply immersive experience.
With attractions like “Dinosaur Safari,” where as many as 20 dinosaurs appear right before your eyes, and “Finding Dinosaurs,” where you search for a lost baby dinosaur, it’s packed with exciting experiences for both kids and adults.

A tree-lined road in the traditional village of Bise, laid out in a grid pattern. Along both sides of the Approx. 1km-long paths, thousands of fukugi trees standing 10–20m tall create an atmosphere filled with Ryukyu charm.
As the leaves of neighboring trees overlap to form shade that blocks the sunlight, time seems to slow down, making it a perfect place to stroll while soaking in a tropical resort mood.

An island bridge, 1,960 meters long, connecting Yagaji Island in Nago City and Kouri Island, opened in 2005.
It’s the second-longest toll-free bridge in Okinawa. With beautiful emerald-green ocean views spreading out on both sides, it’s known as a popular drive route and a favorite scenic spot.
On the Kouri Island side after crossing, there are spots such as “Kouri Beach” and “Kouri no Eki Sorahashi.”

An izakaya located right near the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium parking lot.
It offers a full lineup of classic Okinawan dishes such as goya chanpuru, Okinawa soba, and rafute.
Another highlight is its wide variety of menu options, including sushi, sashimi, pizza, and wagyu steak.
For drinks, it offers everything from the Okinawa staple Orion beer to highballs and awamori.
It’s also family-friendly, making it an easy stop for trips with kids.

An authentic American restaurant located Approx. 7 minutes by car from Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, at the entrance to Bise Fukugi Tree Road.
You can enjoy a wide range of dishes, including tacos, wagyu burgers, American steak, and garlic shrimp.
Another draw is the view of Emerald Beach from the terrace seats.
Since burgers and tacos are also available for takeout, it’s perfect for a break during a drive or a quick stop.

A cafe on a small hill in Motobu Town in northern Okinawa Island, with a fantastic location overlooking the sea and Ie Island.
Set in a traditional Okinawan house with a red-tile roof, it offers both indoor and terrace seating, where you can dine while taking in the emerald-green ocean and blue sky.
On sunny days, the terrace is especially recommended, with tropical breezes passing through.
The signature menu item is a classic pizza topped with plenty of cheese and Okinawan sausage pochigi, corn, onions, and green peppers.

Located in northern Okinawa Island, “Orion Hotel Motobu Resort & Spa” is a resort hotel where every room is oceanfront. The 12-story property has 238 rooms, all over 50㎡ and all with balconies.
Its key feature is the chance to relax with spectacular views overlooking Emerald Beach and Ie Island.
Facilities are also extensive, including a large bath with natural hot springs, an infinity pool, and a variety of restaurants and bars.

The closest resort hotel to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.
It’s in a convenient location with walkable access to Emerald Beach.
Split into a main building and an annex, it offers 8 room types. Options include Deluxe Twin rooms that families can relax in, and Superior Terrace Twin rooms inspired by Churaumi, letting you choose based on your situation and preferences.
There are also plenty of facilities for kids, such as a garden pool and a kids’ park.
Another highlight is the restaurant, where you can enjoy dishes made with ingredients unique to “Yanbaru.”

A luxury hotel built on a hill on Kouri Island, a remote island you can reach from Okinawa Island by bridge, known for stunning views from every ocean-view guest room.
Rooms range from Approx. 48㎡ to suites over 140㎡, and from any room you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the cobalt-blue sea filling the entire window.
The on-site restaurant is a sister restaurant of the creative Japanese cuisine spot “La BOMBANCE” in Nishi-Azabu, Tokyo.