The Churaumi Aquarium (美ら海水族館, Churaumi Suizokukan) is widely considered Japan's best aquarium. It is the main attraction of the Ocean Expo Park on the former grounds of the 1975 International Ocean Expo in northern Okinawa Honto. The aquarium was completely redesigned and reopened in 2002.

The highlight of a visit to the Churaumi Aquarium is the massive Kuroshio Tank, one of the largest in the world. The tank takes its name from the warm Kuroshio current which plays a large part in the variety of Okinawa's of marine life. The tank contains a wide variety of species, the most striking of which are the giant whale sharks and manta rays.

The aquarium is spread out over three floors with the entrance on the third floor and the exit on the first floor. Near the entrance is a tank with a large scale exhibit of living coral. The route then leads past the Kuroshio Tank, where visitors will likely want to spend quite a bit of time. Feeding shows are held twice daily. Located just beside the tank is a high definition movie theater about Okinawa's marine life.

Past the Kuroshio Tank are a few more interesting tanks and displays including an area dedicated to sharks with live tiger sharks and bull sharks. Another area is dedicated to marine life in the extremely deeps waters of Okinawa and includes displays of bioluminescent fish.

Outside of the main aquarium building, there are a few outdoor pools near the waterfront where shows of dolphins, sea turtles and manatees can be viewed for free.

Getting there and around

The Churaumi Aquarium is part of the Ocean Expo Park on the Motobu Peninsula in northern Okinawa Honto, about 90 kilometers from Naha.

By direct bus from Naha

The Okinawa Airport Shuttle, the Yanbaru Express and bus line 117 directly connect the airport and city center of Naha with the Churaumi Aquarium. The one way trip takes a little over two hours and costs 1900-2000 yen on the Okinawa Airport Shuttle and the Yanbaru Express and 2440-2550 yen on bus 117. There are 1-2 buses per hour. In central Naha, the Airport Shuttle and Yanbaru Express stop at the Prefectural Office (県庁北口, Kenchō Kitaguchi) while bus 117 stops at the Naha Bus Terminal. Discounted round trip tickets are available through Klook.

By bus from Nago

Most buses along the lines 65 and 66 connect Nago with the Kinen Kōen-mae (記念公園前) bus stop in front of the Ocean Expo Park (50 minutes, 900 yen one way, hourly). Note that a few buses run on a slightly different route that does not serve the aquarium.

By car

By car, take the Okinawa Expressway from Naha all the way to its northern end near Nago (1040 yen one way) and then follow regular roads across the Motobu Peninsula to the Ocean Expo Park. In total, the journey takes about two hours one way (more during rush hours).

How to get to and around Okinawa Honto

Hours and Fees

Hours

Closed

Admission

Typical Visit Duration

Hotels around Okinawa Island

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    • Hotel Collective
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      In a prime location in Naha, Hotel Collective offers air-conditioned rooms, a fitness centre, free WiFi and a restaurant. Each accommodation at the 5-star hotel has city views, and guests can enjoy access to a sauna and a hot tub. The accommodation provides a kids' club, a 24-hour front desk and currency exchange for guests. At the hotel, every room has a wardrobe. The units in Hotel Collective are equipped with a TV and a hairdryer. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy an American breakfast. Naminoue Beach is 1.8 km from Hotel Collective, while Tamaudun Mausoleum is 3.5 km away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 5 km from the hotel.
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    • Okinawa EXES Naha
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      Set in Naha, 1.2 km from Naminoue Beach, Okinawa EXES Naha offers accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, private parking, a fitness centre and a restaurant. With free WiFi, this 5-star hotel offers room service and a 24-hour front desk. The property is 700 metres from the city centre and 4.9 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a terrace and a private bathroom with a bidet. At Okinawa EXES Naha all rooms come with bed linen and towels. Nakagusuku Castle is 20 km from the accommodation, while Sefa Utaki is 22 km away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 4 km from Okinawa EXES Naha.
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    • JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Naha
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      JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Naha offers accommodation in Naha. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant during their stay. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and private parking is available on site for an additional fee. JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Naha is completely non-smoking and fully equipped with barrier-free facilities. Each of the hotel's carpeted rooms is air-conditioned and soundproofed. The rooms have a flat-screen satellite TV. The bed is equipped with a Simmons pocket coil mattress. Rooms are equipped with an electric kettle, clothes rack and refrigerator. The rooms have a private bathroom with a bathtub. Towels, bathrobes, slippers, toothbrushes and free toiletries are also provided. There is also a safety deposit box and a laptop safe. Free luggage storage is available at the 24-hour front desk. Drinks vending machines and a free trouser press are available on site. Paid massages and meeting/banquet facilities can be arranged for an additional fee. JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Naha is a 1-minute walk from Naha Kokusai Dori Shopping District and a 5-minute walk from Miebashi Monorail Station. Naha Airport is within 30 minutes by train.
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    • Ryujin Hotel Ukishima
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      Ryujin Hotel Ukishima features accommodation within 600 metres of the centre of Naha, with free WiFi, and a kitchen with an oven, a microwave and a toaster. With city views, this accommodation offers a terrace. The aparthotel has family rooms. All units are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, slippers and a desk. There is a private bathroom with bath in all units, along with a hair dryer and free toiletries. At the aparthotel, all units are soundproof. Naminoue Beach is 1.8 km from the aparthotel, while Tamaudun Mausoleum is 3.6 km from the property. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 5 km from Ryujin Hotel Ukishima.
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    • The Kitchen Hostel Ao
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