Churaumi Aquarium
One of the world's largest aquariums, featuring whale sharks, manta rays, and vibrant marine life in stunning tanks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Churaumi Aquarium
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
One of the world's largest aquariums, featuring whale sharks, manta rays, and vibrant marine life in stunning tanks.
"The highlight was the massive manta rays gracefully gliding—truly spectacular and mesmerizing."
🎯 Book Cafe Window Seats
Secure a spot at Ocean Blue Cafe for a unique dining experience with whale sharks! Book early.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the aquarium and Ocean Expo Park.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kuroshio Sea Tank
Main Aquarium Hall
Witness whale sharks and manta rays glide through one of the world's largest aquariums. Mesmerizing!
Manta Ray Feeding
Kuroshio Sea Tank
See these majestic creatures up close during their feeding time. A truly unforgettable sight.
Ocean Blue Cafe
Inside the Aquarium
Dine with a view of the massive Kuroshio Sea Tank. Book ahead for window seats!
Dolphin Lagoon
Outdoor Exhibit
Enjoy entertaining dolphin shows and observe their playful antics.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Views
Beyond the Big Tanks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Cafe Window Seats
Secure a spot at Ocean Blue Cafe for a unique dining experience with whale sharks! Book early. 
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the aquarium and Ocean Expo Park.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Vending machines can sell out, especially during peak times. Bring your own water.
📸 Avoid Flash Photography
Flashes can disturb marine life. Be mindful of the animals' well-being.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Cafe Window Seats
Secure a spot at Ocean Blue Cafe for a unique dining experience with whale sharks! Book early.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the aquarium and Ocean Expo Park.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Vending machines can sell out, especially during peak times. Bring your own water.
📸 Avoid Flash Photography
Flashes can disturb marine life. Be mindful of the animals' well-being.
⏰ Arrive Early or Late
To avoid the biggest crowds, visit right at opening or a couple of hours before closing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the awe-inspiring scale of the Kuroshio Sea Tank and the mesmerizing sight of whale sharks and manta rays. The aquarium is considered a must-visit for its educational value and unique marine life. However, some find the food overpriced and mediocre, and a few express ethical concerns about the captivity of large marine animals.
"I visited Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium and found it absolutely worth seeing. The highlight for me was the massive manta rays gracefully gliding through the water—truly spectacular and mesmerizing. As for the whale sharks, they didn’t impress me as much because I’ve previously swum with whale sharks in Cebu, but first-time visitors would still find them impressive.
The aquarium features a wide variety of unique and unusual marine creatures, making the visit both surprising and educational. It’s a great experience for anyone interested in marine life. The only downside was the aquarium’s restaurant, where the food was mediocre and overpriced, but this didn’t significantly affect the overall experience.
Overall, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is a must-visit spot in Okinawa. Whether you’re with family, friends, or alone, it offers a wonderful opportunity to get up close with marine creatures. The manta ray display, in particular, is truly unforgettable."
Niel J.
"A little overpriced for what it offers, but probably because it’s more tailored towards children. Still, if I was a child I’d be lost in the dream world. We enjoyed the free parking, and the amenities of the park around it, but I would recommend hydrating before because every vending machine we saw was sold out. The lines were short, despite the crowds being deep. I lived in Atlanta Georgia USA, and the whale shark here reminded me of how massive and majestic they truly are. The grounds around the aquarium offer so much more, and the staff is quite accommodating and kind."
Michael R
"The Aquarium is very big and shows an amazing number of fishes and other animals from the sea.
To see a whale shark is very impressive, definitely! But I don’t believe the shark is happy in the tank. Even the tank is big for all the other fishes and mantas, for the whale shark is a small cage. This fish is swimming 100s of km every day, in the aquarium he circles only…
Also the sea turtles live in a too small cage, they almost have no space to swim without touching each other.
Even is a beautiful place to go, I feel it’s time we give these animals much more space or we should be prison them in too small cages… (just my opinion)"
Thomas Müller
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is by car, taking about 1.5-2 hours via the Okinawa Expressway. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Naha Bus Terminal to Motobu Town, then transfer to a local bus or taxi to the aquarium. +1
Yes, there is free parking available at Ocean Expo Park, where the aquarium is located.
Taxis are available, but can be expensive for the journey from Naha. It's more common to use them for shorter distances within the Motobu area.
Yes, Churaumi Aquarium is located within Ocean Expo Park, which features botanical gardens, a traditional Okinawan village, and other attractions.
The park is quite large. While walking is possible, there are also shuttle buses available to help you navigate between different areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission for adults is around 2,180 JPY. Prices may vary slightly, so it's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended to save time and potentially secure your entry, especially during peak seasons.
The aquarium typically opens around 8:30 AM and closes at 6:00 PM or 6:30 PM, with extended hours during peak seasons. Always check the official website for current hours.
Discounts may be available for children, seniors, or group bookings. Check the official website or inquire at the ticket counter for any applicable offers.
Entry to the Ocean Blue Cafe itself is free, but you will need to purchase an aquarium ticket to access it. Window seats have an additional charge.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
The Kuroshio Sea Tank with whale sharks and manta rays is the main attraction. Don't miss the sea turtle and dolphin exhibits as well.
You can see the main exhibits in about 30-60 minutes if you move at a moderate pace. However, exploring the entire Ocean Expo Park can take a full day.
Yes, it's very family-friendly with engaging exhibits and shows. Many visitors find it particularly magical for children.
Photography is generally allowed, but avoid using flash as it can disturb the marine life.
While the focus is on observation, there are areas where you can learn more about marine life and conservation efforts.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are several dining options within Ocean Expo Park, including the popular Ocean Blue Cafe inside the aquarium with views of the main tank.
Reviews are mixed; some find it mediocre and overpriced, while others enjoy the unique experience. It's more about the view than the culinary delights.
Dining options vary, but it's advisable to check menus in advance or ask staff about available vegetarian choices.
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the aquarium itself, but you might find designated picnic areas within Ocean Expo Park.
Food prices can be on the higher side, especially at the Ocean Blue Cafe. Expect to pay around 350-1450 JPY for light meals and drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
The Kuroshio Sea Tank offers incredible photo opportunities. The Ocean Blue Cafe window seats are also highly sought after for unique shots.
No, flash photography is strictly prohibited to protect the marine animals.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial. A wide-angle lens can help capture the vastness of the main tank.
Yes, Ocean Expo Park offers scenic views, gardens, and cultural sites that make for great photographs.
Professional photoshoots might require special arrangements or permits. It's best to contact the aquarium management in advance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the main exhibits, the Ocean Expo Park offers space for kids to run around, and there are often interactive elements or smaller tanks that are perfect for little hands to explore. Consider visiting the sea turtle and manatee pools for a closer look at these gentle giants. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, or be prepared for the on-site dining options which can be a bit pricey.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Remember the strict no-flash policy to protect the animals. This means relying on ambient light, which can be dim. Experiment with different angles and compositions, especially from the Ocean Blue Cafe for a truly iconic shot. The surrounding Ocean Expo Park also offers beautiful natural landscapes and cultural sites for diverse photographic opportunities.
💑 Couples and Day-Trippers
+1As a day trip, it's a significant journey from Naha, but the aquarium and the surrounding Ocean Expo Park provide enough to fill a full day. Consider combining your visit with a scenic drive along the coast for a complete Okinawan experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majestic Kuroshio Sea Tank
This tank is not just for show; it's also a testament to the aquarium's commitment to research and conservation. The name 'Kuroshio' refers to the warm ocean current that flows past Okinawa, supporting a rich marine ecosystem. Observing these animals in such a vast environment offers a unique perspective on their natural behavior, though some visitors express concerns about the ethics of keeping such large animals in captivity.
For the best viewing experience, try to catch the manta ray feeding sessions, which offer a more dynamic and engaging spectacle. Remember to be patient and observant, as the sheer size of the tank means the animals are constantly in motion.
Dining with a View: Ocean Blue Cafe
+1However, securing these coveted window seats requires planning. There are only a limited number of tables, and visitors are advised to book their spot early upon entering the aquarium or be prepared to wait for their number to be called. The cafe offers a selection of drinks and light meals, though reviews suggest the food quality is secondary to the spectacular view.
+1While the cafe itself is free to enter, the window seats come with an additional charge. It's a popular spot, so arriving early in the day or during off-peak hours can increase your chances of getting a prime seat.
+1Conservation and Ethical Considerations
Despite these efforts, the ethics of keeping large marine animals, particularly whale sharks and manta rays, in captivity is a topic of discussion among visitors. Some express concern that even the largest tanks may not fully replicate the vast migratory needs of these animals, leading to potential stress or unnatural behaviors.
It's a complex issue, and visitors are encouraged to engage with the educational materials provided by the aquarium to understand the challenges and importance of marine conservation. The aquarium's efforts in research and breeding programs are also part of their contribution to the future of these species.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit