Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium Travel Guide | Giant Whale Shark Tank, Free Dolphin Shows, and How to Visit

Fun for All Ages! Discover the Wonders of Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is one of the must-visit attractions on any Okinawa trip. From the world-famous giant tank where whale sharks swim to colorful coral reefs and mysterious deep-sea creatures, it offers an immersive experience of Okinawa’s ocean.

Beyond the exhibits, free attractions like dolphin shows, a sea turtle hall, and a manatee hall make it a destination that both adults and children can enjoy.

This article introduces the highlights and experiences at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium to help you make the most of your visit.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Located in Motobu Town in northern Okinawa, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in Japan. Opened in 1979 as part of Ocean Expo Park under the theme of “Sun, Flowers, and the Sea,” it was renovated in 2002 to its current form.

Inside, visitors can see whale sharks and manta rays swimming in massive tanks, alongside coral reef and deep-sea exhibits. It’s a beloved attraction where visitors can truly experience the wonders of Okinawa’s ocean.

Discount tickets are also available. For details, see below:

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium Parking Guide: 9 Free Lots in Ocean Expo Park

Find the best parking for Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. This guide covers 9 free parking lots in Ocean Expo Park and the closest option to the aquarium.

Recreating Okinawa’s Ocean! Giant Tank, Coral Reefs, and the Deep Sea

One of the aquarium’s biggest appeals is its large-scale exhibits that recreate Okinawa’s diverse marine environments. From tropical coral reefs and the Kuroshio Current to the mysterious deep sea, visitors can explore multiple zones.

Here are four representative exhibition areas:

The Kuroshio Sea | The Giant Whale Shark Tank

The highlight of Churaumi Aquarium is the Kuroshio Sea. This massive tank, one of the largest in the world, holds 7,500 tons of water, measuring 35m wide, 27m long, and 10m deep, vividly recreating the ecosystem of the Kuroshio Current.

The main attraction is, of course, the whale shark—the largest fish in the world. Watching these majestic giants swim gracefully is unforgettable, and with several whale sharks housed here, visitors can experience a scale rarely seen elsewhere.

Manta rays and other large pelagic fish also circle the tank in schools, adding to the spectacle. Standing before this tank, you’ll feel the richness of the Kuroshio and the mysteries of the ocean—a signature experience at Churaumi.

Coral Sea | A Colorful World of Tropical Fish

The Coral Sea exhibit showcases Okinawa’s renowned coral reefs. Bathed in natural light, the tank is filled with corals cultivated by aquarists over more than a decade, alongside countless tropical fish swimming gracefully.

In this 300㎥ tank, visitors can spot clownfish, anthias, and other familiar species. The fish also play an ecological role by helping maintain the reef’s health, keeping the environment close to a natural coral ecosystem.

In contrast to the dynamic Kuroshio Sea, this tranquil space invites relaxation and is especially popular with families. Visitors can also see garden eels, one of the aquarium’s beloved residents.

Deep Sea | Encounter Mysterious Creatures

The deep sea, where sunlight doesn’t reach, is an unfamiliar world. The Deep Sea exhibit recreates this mysterious environment. Visitors can see bioluminescent creatures and uniquely shaped animals drifting in the dimly lit tanks.

Here, you’ll find sharks, shrimp, and luminous organisms collected from waters deeper than 200m around Okinawa. Observing these rare creatures up close is a unique opportunity.

Unlike the Kuroshio or Coral Sea, this exhibit envelops you in silence and mystery, offering a glimpse into Okinawa’s hidden ocean depths.

Kuroshio Exploration | Free Program to View the Tank from Above

The Kuroshio Exploration is a free program that lets visitors look into the giant Kuroshio Sea tank from above the water’s surface. From this unique angle, you can watch feedings by aquarists and see whale sharks and manta rays from directly overhead.

It’s a chance to observe the creatures’ dynamic movements from a completely different perspective. No reservation or fee is required, making it easily accessible for all visitors.

Free Attractions! Dolphin Shows, Sea Turtle Hall, and Manatee Hall

As mentioned earlier, the aquarium is part of Ocean Expo Park. Surrounding the aquarium are free attractions that don’t require tickets, making them easy to enjoy even without entering the main facility.

Highlights include the popular dolphin shows at Okichan Theater, the Sea Turtle Hall where you can see endangered turtles up close, and the Manatee Hall, home to rare marine mammals.

Okichan Theater | Thrilling Dolphin Shows

No visit to Churaumi is complete without seeing a show at Okichan Theater. Against the backdrop of the East China Sea, bottlenose dolphins and false killer whales leap and perform spectacular tricks, thrilling audiences. With the pool located so close to the seats, you may even get splashed!

Shows are held several times a day and are free of charge. Since tickets are not required, even those not entering the aquarium can enjoy them.

The humor-filled trainers and synchronized dolphin performances captivate audiences of all ages, making Okichan Theater one of the park’s top attractions.

Sea Turtle Hall | Observe Endangered Turtles Up Close

At the Sea Turtle Hall, visitors can closely observe endangered sea turtles. The facility includes an artificial beach for nesting and a large tank where grown turtles swim, showcasing their full life cycle.

Outdoor tanks allow visitors to see turtles both from above and below the waterline. Children especially enjoy watching turtles swim at eye level.

Admission is free, and no aquarium ticket is required. The hall provides both educational and recreational value by teaching about the importance of marine life.

Manatee Hall | Meet the Gentle “Sea Cows”

At the Manatee Hall, visitors can see manatees, known as the gentle “sea cows.” The manatees here were a gift from the Mexican government, making this one of the few places in Japan to see them.

The spacious tanks let visitors watch manatees drift gracefully or munch on lettuce, cabbage, and pumpkin—a heartwarming sight that leaves you feeling relaxed.

Admission is free, and no aquarium ticket is required. This rare chance to see manatees up close makes it a popular spot for families and couples.

Souvenirs and Relaxation | Shops and Cafes at the Aquarium

After exploring the exhibits, take a break at the aquarium’s café. At Ocean Blue, you can enjoy drinks and sweets with a view of the Kuroshio Sea tank—an unbeatable spot for relaxation.

The museum shop Blue Manta offers exclusive aquarium-themed souvenirs, plush toys, and Okinawan gifts—perfect for mementos or presents.

Beyond the exhibits, the aquarium’s shops and cafes add even more ways to enjoy your visit.

Access to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium | By Car and Bus

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is in Motobu, northern Okinawa, about 90km (roughly 2 hours) from Naha Airport.

By Car

The most common route is via the Okinawa Expressway from Naha. Exit at Kyoda IC and continue north on local roads for about 2 hours. The toll is approximately ¥1,000 one way.

Rental cars are the most popular choice, with many agencies near the airport and in Naha City, offering flexible travel options.

Parking is available in Ocean Expo Park’s free lots. Since the park is large with multiple lots, see below for the closest parking options to the aquarium:

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium Parking Guide: 9 Free Lots in Ocean Expo Park

Find the best parking for Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. This guide covers 9 free parking lots in Ocean Expo Park and the closest option to the aquarium.

By Bus (Convenient Direct Routes)

For those traveling by public transport from Naha, the easiest way is to take a direct bus to the aquarium without transfers. The main options are the Yanbaru Express Bus, Okinawa Airport Shuttle, and Highway Bus No.117 (Churaumi Direct). Let’s compare their features:

All depart from Naha Airport or central Naha, dropping you off right at “Kinen Koen-mae,” just steps from the aquarium. Compare fares, travel times, and reservation requirements to choose the best fit for your schedule.

If you’re starting from Kokusai Street: Highway Bus 117 departs from the Naha Bus Terminal (near Yui Rail Asahibashi Station), while the Yanbaru Express Bus and Okinawa Airport Shuttle depart from the Kencho Kitaguchi (west end of Kokusai Street).

Experience Okinawa’s Ocean at Japan’s Largest Aquarium

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is one of Japan’s largest aquariums, where you can fully experience the ocean of Okinawa. From the dynamic whale shark tank to colorful coral reefs and mysterious deep-sea exhibits, the variety is stunning.

With free facilities like the dolphin shows, Sea Turtle Hall, and Manatee Hall, visitors of all ages can easily spend a full day here.

Relax with a drink overlooking the giant tank at the café, or shop for exclusive gifts at the museum shop—Churaumi offers experiences beyond the exhibits themselves.

As one of Okinawa’s top attractions, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is well worth a visit. Don’t miss the chance to see the ocean’s wonders up close.