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.
Highlights are the Botanical Garden area, with Japan's finest avenue of Alexander palms, and the Water Paradise area, where you can see baobabs, lotuses, and dragon trees. You can also interact with goats and capybaras, ride the "Yassy-go" sightseeing bus around the grounds, and try fishing at the fishing pond.
Check the official website for the last entry time
During the illumination period (2025–2026: October 24 – May 24, last entry 21:30). Dates for 2026–2027 not yet announced
Hours vary by day and season. Check the official website before you go.
Revised June 1, 2025. During the illumination period (October–May), the evening price applies
Entry for both day and evening
One caregiver also pays half price
Prices include tax and may change. Check the official website before buying.
The illumination runs until late May (until May 24 in 2025–2026).
Summer-only evening events (in 2026, "Nangoku ECO Lights SUMMER," July 18 – September 27) and morning lotus and water lily events are held.
The evening illumination usually starts in late October (from October 24 in 2025).
Illumination season. Special nights (event pricing) at Christmas and over the New Year.
Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
AquariumOkinawa ・ Motobu & Churaumi
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.
Theme parkOkinawa ・ Nakijin / Nago
An immersive, nature-themed park that opened in July 2025 near the Yanbaru forest in northern Okinawa Island. Set on vast grounds that were once a golf course, it offers a dinosaur safari, aerial attractions, a spa with spectacular views, and restaurants serving Okinawan ingredients.
ZooOkinawa ・ Okinawa City
A facility in Okinawa City that combines a zoo with a hands-on museum. With the outdoor Animal Zone and the indoor Wonder Museum, it's fun rain or shine. Admission is free for ages 15 and under.
ZooOkinawa ・ Nago
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.
AquariumOkinawa ・ Tomigusuku
An aquarium inside the iias Okinawa Toyosaki shopping center, about 20 minutes by car from Naha Airport. Opened in 2020, it combines spatial effects using video and light with hands-on encounters with marine life. It's open until 19:00, making it easy to drop by on your arrival day or before departure.
Theme parkOkinawa ・ 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
