Churaumi Aquarium: A Must-Visit Spot in Okinawa
One of the must-visit spots when you come to Okinawa is the Churaumi Aquarium.
The Churaumi Aquarium is an essential tourist spot for Japanese visitors to Okinawa.
“Churaumi” means “beautiful ocean” in the Okinawan dialect, and true to its name, the aquarium is located in Motobu Town in the northern part of Okinawa’s main island, surrounded by beautiful sea and rich nature.
This article provides detailed information for first-time visitors to Okinawa, including the highlights of the Churaumi Aquarium, how to enjoy your visit, and access information.
Access to Churaumi Aquarium
*Image taken from Churaumi Aquarium website
The Churaumi Aquarium is located in the northern part of Okinawa’s main island, about a two-hour drive from Naha Airport.
The most common way to access the aquarium is by rental car, but there are also many sightseeing bus tours available, making it convenient to use them as well.
If you prefer public transportation, it takes about two and a half hours by express bus from the bus terminal in Naha city. Since the number of buses is limited, it’s a good idea to check the timetable in advance.
For more detailed information, please refer to the Ocean Expo Park website.
Other information
Opening hours |
|
Entire Facility |
May 7th – July 19th, 2024, September 1st – April 26th, 2024
|
Dolphin Lagoon, Sea Turtle Pavilion, Manatee Pavilion |
May 7th – July 19th, 2024, August 1st – April 26th, 2024
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Churaumi Plaza |
May 7th – July 19th, 2024, September 1st – April 26th, 2024
|
Adults |
Adolescents (high school students) |
Children (elementary/middle school students) |
Under 6 years old |
|
Admission Fees |
¥2,180 |
¥1,440 |
¥710 |
Free |
*Taken from Churaumi Aquarium website
Highlights of Churaumi Aquarium
Churaumi Aquarium, which opened in 2002, has become a popular spot visited by millions of tourists annually.
The aquarium features large-scale exhibits that recreate the sea of Okinawa, divided into four main areas: “Invitation to the Great Sea,” “Journey to the Coral Reef,” “Journey to the Kuroshio Current,” and “Journey to the Deep Sea.”
Let’s take a closer look at each of these four areas!
“Invitation to the Great Sea”
*Image taken from Churaumi Aquarium website
This area allows visitors to view the “Coral Sea” and “Tropical Fish Sea” tanks from above, showcasing brightly colored corals and tropical fish illuminated by natural sunlight.
*Image taken from Churaumi Aquarium website
You can also enjoy a lunch buffet featuring Okinawan ingredients at “Ino,”Inoh, an ocean-view restaurant that looks out onto the East China Sea.
Why not take a break in between seeing the sights to savor unique local flavors such as Okinawa soba or goya chanpuru?
“Journey to the Coral Reef”
*Image taken from Churaumi Aquarium website
In this area, you can closely observe the creatures living around the coral reefs of Churaumi. You’ll see a variety of corals, colorful tropical fish, and crustaceans like spiny lobsters.
Ino’s Marine Life (Touch Pool)
*Image taken from Churaumi Dayori
This area features a touch pool where visitors can touch real marine creatures
“Ino” is a word in the Okinawan dialect for the shallow waters surrounded by coral reefs.
The touch pool recreates life in the ino, allowing you to get up close and personal with marine life by picking up real starfish, sea cucumbers, and sea urchins, and experiencing their textures firsthand.
“Journey to the Kuroshio Current”
*Image taken from Churaumi Aquarium website
The massive Kuroshio Sea tank, with large fish like whale sharks and manta rays swimming within, is so famous that it may well be the first thing people think of when they hear “Churaumi Aquarium.”
With one of the largest acrylic panels in the world, the tank is worth a visit for its grandeur and beauty alone.
Plus, Jinta the whale shark, who has been kept there since March 1995, is marking his 29th anniversary this year.
He already holds the world record for longest time in captivity.
*Image taken from Churaumi Dayori
During feeding time, they show off their impressive mouths, so be sure to gather in front of the tank at that time.
[Whale shark feeding]
Times: 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Location: Kuroshio Sea tank
*Please be aware that the program is subject to change/cancellation without notice depending on the health of the animals.
Aqua Room
*Image taken from Churaumi Aquarium website
Additionally, in the Aqua Room in the Kuroshio Journey area, you can watch whale sharks and reef manta rays swimming around from various angles including below and in front.
It’s like having a VIP seat under the sea. Relax as though you were on the ocean floor.
“Journey to the Deep Sea”
*Image taken from Churaumi Aquarium website
In this area, you can see the deep-sea environment at a depth of 300 meters and the strange creatures that live there.
*Image taken from Churaumi Aquarium website
You’ll also encounter rare creatures that you can only see at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium like the difficult-to-keep ruby snapper and Japanese spear lobster and the parent and child sawsharks bred at our aquarium.
Hands-on programs at Churaumi Aquarium
Churaumi Aquarium offers various interactive programs for visitors of all ages, making it enjoyable for both children and adults.
Kuroshio experience: Above-Water Observation Course
*Image taken from Churaumi Aquarium website
This course lets you freely observe the large Kuroshio Sea tank from the top of the tank on the fourth floor, a hidden-away spot where you can see the whale sharks and manta rays from a different angle than usual.
You get there by taking a dedicated elevator in the Whale Shark & Manta Ray Corner on the first floor. It’s easy to miss, so you can use these photos to find the designated location.
Observation times |
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Above-Water Observation Course |
・8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (last entry 10:45 a.m.)
|
*Images taken from Churaumi Dayori
Dolphin Show
*Image taken from Churaumi Aquarium website
You can watch the Dolphin Show at the Dolphin Lagoon without making a reservation.
False killer whales and bottlenose dolphins put on a fun show.
This show will also teach you about how dolphins live and what they are capable of.
The five start times are provided below, so take the timing into account on your visit to the aquarium.
・10:30 a.m. / 11:30 a.m. / 1:00 p.m. / 3:00 p.m. / 5:00 p.m.
Guided tour by caretaker
*Image taken from Churaumi Aquarium website
One of the hands-on programs is a guided tour by a caretaker.
What goes on behind the scenes at an aquarium?! Guided personally by a caretaker, you’ll learn in detail about the aquarium’s back areas, how the animals are taken care of, and how the animals live.
This tour will give you a backstage peek at things you don’t normally get to see, so it’s a very valuable experience.
Souvenir shop
*Image taken from Churaumi Aquarium website
At the souvenir shop, you can buy unique Churaumi Aquarium merchandise and Okinawan specialties.
The adorable whale shark and manta ray-themed items are popular among Japanese people as gifts for family and friends.
They also sell Okinawan traditional crafts and food, so don’t forget to stop by.
Conclusion
In this article, we gave an introduction to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, a favorite destination for young and old alike.
What did you think?
If you found this article helpful, if you’re planning a trip to Okinawa, or if you have any suggestions for things you’d like to see, be sure to share them with us.