Aquarium · Okinawa

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Motobu & ChuraumiMostly indoors · rain-friendly
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Overview

Overview

This aquarium sits in Ocean Expo Park on the Motobu Peninsula in northern Okinawa Island. Its exhibits trace the creatures of Okinawa’s waters in sequence, from coral reefs out to the open ocean. It’s about 2 hours by car or about 2.5 hours by express bus from Naha Airport.

Address
424 Ishikawa, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa 905-0206 (inside Ocean Expo Park, Okinawa Commemorative National Government Park)
Closed
No closures planned through Mar 31, 2027 (excluding temporary closures for typhoons, etc.)
Time needed
The average aquarium visit is 1.5–2 hours. Half a day if you include the dolphin show and other parts of Ocean Expo Park
Highlights

Highlights

The star attraction is the giant “Kuroshio Sea” tank, which recreates the open waters off Okinawa, where whale sharks and reef manta rays swim together. Manta ray feeding is at 9:30, and feeding talks at the Kuroshio tank are at 15:00 and 17:00. Outside the aquarium, you can also catch dolphin shows at the Okichan Theater in Ocean Expo Park.

Hours

Opening hours

Opening hours8:30–18:30 (last entry 17:30)

Regular season. In 2026, open until 20:00 in spring (Apr 25–May 6) and summer (Jul 18–Jul 31), and extended to 21:00 for night openings in August

Okichan Theater and others (Ocean Expo Park)8:30–17:30
Churaumi Plaza8:30–18:30

Hours vary by day and season. Check the official website before you go.

Tickets

Prices & tickets

Adult¥2,180

Tax included

High school student¥1,440

Tax included

Elementary and junior high school student¥710

Tax included

Under 6Free
Group (20+)Adult ¥1,730 / High school ¥1,140 / Elementary & junior high ¥560

Tax included

Annual passportAdult ¥4,360 / High school ¥2,880 / Elementary & junior high ¥1,420

Tax included

Prices include tax and may change. Check the official website before buying.

🎫 How to buy tickets
  • →No advance reservation needed. Same-day tickets are sold at the aquarium ticket counter, and web tickets are also sold online
  • →The ticket counter accepts credit cards (VISA, Mastercard, AMEX, JCB, Diners, etc.)
  • →Same-day re-entry allowed (show your ticket)
  • →Holders of a physical disability certificate, mental disability certificate, or intellectual disability certificate (Ryoiku Techo) enter free, along with 1 companion
  • →Reselling admission tickets is prohibited under Japan’s Act on Prohibiting Unauthorized Resale of Tickets. You may be asked to show ID
Tickets & tours for this attractionPR
Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓Plan your route around manta ray feeding (9:30) and the Kuroshio tank feeding talks (15:00, 17:00)
  • ✓The Okichan Theater dolphin show is inside Ocean Expo Park, so it’s easy to combine with the aquarium
  • ✓If driving, the P7 multi-story parking garage (North Gate) is closest to the aquarium. All parking at Ocean Expo Park is free
  • ✓You can get around the large park by sightseeing tram (1-day ticket ¥200, single ride ¥100, cash only)
  • ✓Disposable diapers (size L) are sold at the Blue Manta shop, but bring your own formula
Access

Getting there

Nearest station
  • Kinen Koen-mae (bus stop; Yanbaru Express Bus, Express Bus Route 117, airport limousine bus)There are no train stations nearby, so go by route bus or rental car. Several bus stops are in the area, so confirm your stop in advance
From major stations & airports
  • Naha Airport: Express Bus Route 117 to “Kinen Koen-mae” (rest stop at Nago Bus Terminal). ¥2,880 (About 2 hr 30 min)
  • Naha Airport: Yanbaru Express Bus (for Motobu/Nakijin) to “Kinen Koen-mae.” ¥2,000 (About 2 hr 30 min)
  • Naha Airport: Airport limousine bus (Okinawa Airport Shuttle, reservation required) to “Kinen Koen-mae.” ¥2,400 (About 2–3 hr)
  • Naha Airport: By car via expressway (Ocean Expo Park parking is free; the closest lot to the aquarium is the P7 multi-story parking garage) (About 2 hr)
  • Naha Bus Terminal: Express Bus Route 111 or 117 (Route 111 requires a transfer at Nago Bus Terminal)
Direct buses & boats
Direct options from Naha Airport with no transfers: the airport limousine bus (Okinawa Airport Shuttle, reservation required), Yanbaru Express Bus, and Express Bus Route 117
IC cards
Express Bus Route 117 accepts OKICA (tap when getting off), cash, and credit cards; Yanbaru Express Bus accepts Suica and other transit IC cards, cash, and credit cards
Getting back
  • Board return buses at the bus stop in front of the Central Gate
  • Buses from Naha Airport run about once an hour. Check the bus company’s timetable for return times in advance
Open in Google Maps ↗
Crowds

Crowds & best time to go

Busy
Golden Week, summer vacation, long weekends, weekends
Quieter
Weekdays, right after opening, and late afternoon
Time needed
The average aquarium visit is 1.5–2 hours. Half a day if you include the dolphin show and other parts of Ocean Expo Park
Weather

Weather & what to wear

Spring

In 2026, “Churaumi Coral DAYS 2026” began on Mar 1. Hours were extended to 20:00 over Golden Week (Apr 25–May 6 in 2026).

Summer

Open until 20:00 in late July and until 21:00 for night openings in August (as in 2026).

Autumn

Regular hours (8:30–18:30) from October. The aquarium may close temporarily when typhoons approach.

Winter

Indoors, you can explore at a relaxed pace even in winter. Sea breezes can be chilly at the outdoor dolphin show on some days

☂ Rainy days
The aquarium is indoors, so you can visit in the rain. It may close temporarily during typhoons
Heat
Comfortable indoors. The sun is strong when walking around Ocean Expo Park or at the (outdoor) dolphin show, so bring a hat and sunscreen and stay hydrated
Cold
Comfortable indoors. In winter the park can feel chilly in the sea breeze, so bring a light jacket
What to wear & bring
Comfortable walking shoes. If you’re exploring the park too, bring a sun hat and drinks
Rules

Rules & what you can bring

  • !No eating or drinking inside the aquarium (allowed in Ocean Expo Park; covered areas include Churaumi Plaza)
  • !No pets inside (except assistance dogs)
  • !No selfie sticks, monopods, or tripods. Flash is allowed for personal photography (except at some tanks), but video lights and other continuous lights are not
  • !No smoking anywhere inside
Facilities

Facilities & services

Lockers & luggage
Coin lockers to the left of the aquarium entrance (8:30 until last entry, cashless accepted). Extra-large ¥800, large ¥500, small ¥300
Payment
Credit cards accepted at the ticket counter, Restaurant Inoh, and shops. E-money (transit IC, iD, WAON, etc.) and code payments (PayPay, etc.) vary by outlet. The park’s sightseeing tram is cash only
Strollers & wheelchairs
Strollers and wheelchairs lent free on the 1st floor of the P7 parking garage, at the Central Gate information desk, and at the main information center (Haisai Plaza), among other places (first come, first served; no reservations). None are lent inside the aquarium
Accessibility
Elevators connect the 1st floor with the 3rd and 4th floors, and almost all main routes are wheelchair accessible. Electric wheelchairs lent free on the 1st floor of the P7 parking garage (limited numbers). Nursing rooms at the entrance (3F) and in front of the Churaumi Theater (2F); baby changing seats in restrooms on every floor
Language support
English pages on the official website. Free audio guide for each tank on your smartphone (via the official “Churaumi App”; free Wi-Fi inside; earphones required)
Food

Food

Must-try
Ocean-view lunch buffet at Restaurant Inoh (4F)Light meals at Café Ocean Blue (1F) while watching the “Kuroshio Sea” tank“Agu pork menchi-katsu burger” at Okichan Parlor
Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Okinawa Churaumi AquariumPR

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

Attractions

Attractions in Okinawa

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JUNGLIA OKINAWA

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Zoo

Okinawa Zoo & Museum

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An outdoor botanical garden in Okinawa City, officially named "Churayashi Park Okinawa Southeast Botanical Gardens." You can see about 1,300 species of tropical and subtropical plants, and an evening illumination is usually held from autumn through spring.

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A zoo in Nago City whose official name is Nago Nature Botanical and Zoological Park. It uses what is said to be Japan's largest flying-cage system, and many animals roam freely in the park. Walking through areas themed on Africa, South America, and Oceania, you can experience how close you get to the animals.

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Theme park

Okinawa World

Okinawa ・ Nanjo

A theme park in Nanjo City in the south of Okinawa Island, centered on the Gyokusendo limestone cave. Besides exploring the cave, you can watch Eisa dance and try crafts in the Ryukyu Kingdom castle town lined with old houses, visit the Habu Museum Park, and experience Okinawa's nature and culture all in one place. It's about 30 minutes by car from Naha Airport.

Hours, prices and access are based on official and other primary sources. They may change, so check the official website before you go.

Last checked: 2026-10-01