Churaumi Aquarium, Okinawa

What is Churaumi Aquarium?

Churaumi Aquarium — 'beautiful sea' in Okinawan — stands in Ocean Expo Park on the Motobu Peninsula in northern Okinawa. It's one of the world's best-known aquariums: its main Kuroshio Sea tank, 7,500 cubic metres, was the largest on the planet until 2005.

It holds whale sharks — the biggest fish on Earth — and huge manta rays, and through glass several storeys high you feel as if you're standing on the ocean floor. The exhibits span four floors, leading from the shallows and coral reef to the Kuroshio Current and the deep sea.

Tickets and hours

According to the official site, entry is ¥2,180 for adults, ¥1,440 for high-schoolers and ¥710 for elementary and junior-high pupils; under-6s go free. Tickets are sold at the counter and online.

The aquarium opens 8:30 to 18:30, last entry 17:30; in summer and the Golden Week holidays hours are extended to 20:00–21:00. No closing days are planned until 31 March 2027 — it may close only for a typhoon. It's open at New Year too.

What to see

• The Kuroshio Sea tank — whale sharks and mantas.
• The coral reef — living corals under open sky.
• The deep-sea hall — glowing creatures of the depths.
• Sharks — a hall of dangerous species.
• The dolphin show at the Okichan Theatre — free.
• Emerald Beach in the park nearby.

Churaumi or Kaiyukan in Osaka

How long do you need?

Allow 2–2.5 hours for the aquarium itself, and half a day with Ocean Expo Park — the dolphin show, beach and tropical garden. With the journey from Naha, it's a full-day trip.

It pairs well with neighbouring Kouri Island and its turquoise shallows, and Cape Manzamo on the way — many tours and rental cars follow this loop. At weekends and in summer the expressway can be congested, so set off early.

At the free Okichan Theatre beside the aquarium, dolphins perform several times a day, and at Emerald Beach you can swim in season. The park's tropical botanical garden charges a small separate fee.

Is Churaumi Aquarium worth visiting?

Yes: whale sharks in a giant tank are one of Japan's most powerful experiences, for children and adults alike.

The YesGo take: it's a long drive, and by day the main glass is crowded with groups. Come at opening or after 16:00, once the buses have left. If you have only a few days on Okinawa, combine the aquarium with Kouri Island so the trip north justifies four hours on the road.

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How to do it right

• Arrive at the 8:30 opening.
• Watch the whale shark feeding.
• The dolphin show is free.
• Leave Naha early.
• Nearby: Kouri Island.

Questions