Churaumi Aquarium Complete Travel Guide
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, inside Ocean Expo Park in Motobu, is one of the largest aquariums in the world and the main reason many visitors drive up to Okinawa's northern coast, built around a giant Kuroshio Sea tank with whale sharks and manta rays.
Quick Facts
Best Things to Do
- Stand in front of the Kuroshio Sea tank, one of the world's largest single aquarium tanks, to see whale sharks and manta rays swim together.
- Walk through the Coral Sea tank and the Deep Sea tank for a fuller picture of Okinawan marine life.
- Catch a dolphin show at the adjacent outdoor lagoon if the schedule lines up with your visit.
- Combine the aquarium with Ocean Expo Park itself, including Emerald Beach and the Tropical Dream Center gardens.
Tickets and Fees
Checked in July 2026: adult admission runs around yen 2,180, with discounted combo tickets that also cover other Ocean Expo Park facilities, and a cheaper after-4pm rate on most days. Hours are typically 8:30am to 6:30pm with last entry an hour before close, but closing times shift seasonally and around events, so check the official aquarium site for the exact hours and prices on your travel dates.
How to Get There
There is no train to this part of Okinawa. Most visitors rent a car and drive about 90 minutes north from Naha Airport via the Okinawa Expressway, or take a highway bus such as the Yanbaru Express bus from Naha, which takes roughly 2 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic and stops.
Nearby Attractions
Combine the aquarium with the rest of Ocean Expo Park and the Motobu coastline for a full day trip from Naha. If you have time for Naha itself, Shurijo Castle is a separate, roughly 90-minute drive back south.
Book Before You Go
Use official information for opening hours and ticket rules, then book tours or tickets only when they fit your route.