Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium offers a wide variety of programs so that visitors can deeply experience and enjoy the beautiful marine life and culture of Okinawa.
The attraction is packed with learning and excitement, from the spectacular large aquarium with whale sharks, to interacting with marine life, to exploratory tours of the backside. Below is an introduction to the main programs.
Churaumi Aquarium Program List
The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is more than just an aquarium to look at. Visitors can deeply experience the charm of the Okinawan sea through a variety of programs, including a magnificent large tank with whale sharks, interaction with marine life, and behind-the-scenes exploration tours.
There is a wide variety of content for both children and adults, and the learning and excitement expands with each visit. Please join us to create memories with your family and friends.
1. Kuroshio Exploration (Water Viewing Course)
Kuroshio Exploration (Water Viewing Course) is a popular program that allows visitors to observe the Churaumi Aquarium’s “Kuroshio Sea” large water tank from the surface of the water. This program allows visitors to observe the inside of the tank from a perspective not normally available.
This program allows visitors to view the “Kuroshio Sea” large tank from the top of the tank on the 4th floor. Visitors can view the giant whale sharks and the giant manta rays from the surface of the water.
Note: Reservations are not required, but early participation is recommended due to limited viewing time. Subject to change depending on the animals’ condition.
Viewing hours
8:30 – 11:00 (Admission deadline 10:45)
17:30 – closing (admission closes 15 minutes before closing)
*No viewing from 11:00 to 17:30 due to animal health care work.
Click here for Churaumi Aquarium Discount Information
Highlights:
View from the water: Giant whale sharks and southern blue manta rays can be seen swimming from the surface of the water, giving visitors an even greater sense of their size and power.
Animal health work: The museum is closed to visitors from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. due to animal health work.
Notes:
Reservations are not required, but early attendance is recommended due to limited viewing time.
Viewing times are subject to change depending on the animals’ physical condition.
2. wakuwaku aqua lab
Waku Waku Aqualabo is a hands-on program that allows visitors to learn about marine life while having fun. Especially popular with children, the program combines learning and fun.
Program Description:
Interacting with living creatures: Through touch pools and experimental exhibits, visitors can learn through direct contact with marine life.
Explanatory panels and videos: Easy-to-understand explanatory panels and videos on the ecology of living creatures and the characteristics of Okinawa’s ocean are on display.
How to participate: There are programs that take place at specific times, and you can participate by visiting at those times.
How to enjoy:
Experiences for children: There are a wide variety of exhibits and experiences designed to interest children.
Parent-child learning: Parents and children can participate together to learn about marine life together and make great family memories.
Click here for Churaumi Aquarium Discount Information
3. backyard tour (backyard tour, charged)
The Backyard Tour is a special guided exploration of the Aquarium’s behind-the-scenes areas not normally seen by visitors, led by the keepers of the Aquarium. During this tour, visitors can go behind the scenes of the aquarium and learn about the breeding grounds and how the aquarium manages its creatures.
Date and time of implementation:
Everyday: ①10:00 ②11:00 ③12:00 ④13:00
The content of the tour may change depending on the work and facility conditions.
Location:
Reception location: Dedicated reception counter inside the Aquarium’s 3F entrance. Registration for all sessions will begin after the opening of the aquarium (first-come, first-served).
Meeting place: In front of the “Coral Sea” tank. After registration, gather 10 minutes before the program starts.
Fee: 5,000 yen/group (max. 5 people). Separate entrance fee is required.
Capacity: Only one group per session. Elementary school students and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Conditions of participation:
Must be able to walk 60 minutes. No wheelchairs, strollers, or baby carriers allowed.
Large luggage is not allowed.
Must be able to understand explanations in Japanese.
Highlights:
Tour of the breeding area: observe up close the daily work of the keepers and ask questions.
Animal Care and Management: Hear expert commentary on husbandry and health care initiatives.
Privileges: Privileges are available to participants (details to be confirmed on the day of the event).
Churaumi Children’s Breeding Experience (fee required)
This is a hands-on keeper experience program for 4th to 6th graders. Students experience the work of a keeper and deepen their understanding of marine life.
- Period: Wednesdays and Saturdays from December 4, 2024 to January 4, 2025
- Note: Advance reservations are required.
5. the Oki-chan Theater (dolphin show)
You can enjoy a dynamic show of dolphins against the backdrop of the beautiful ocean of Okinawa.
- Hours: several times a day (see official website for details)
- Fee: Free
6. dolphin feeding experience/ sea turtle feeding experience
Experience feeding dolphins and sea turtles directly. You will learn valuable lessons and be moved by the living creatures you interact with.
- Time: Several times each day (check the official website for details)
- How to participate: Registration on the day of the event (will close when capacity is reached).
summary
The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium offers a wide variety of programs, such as viewing the spectacular large tank where whale sharks swim, interacting with marine creatures, and tours to explore behind-the-scenes of the breeding grounds.
The program offers a wide variety of activities for both children and adults, and is a fascinating experience filled with learning and excitement. Please join us as an opportunity to learn about the rich ecosystem and culture of Okinawa’s oceans and create memories with family and friends.
If you want to enjoy Okinawa, get discount tickets online!
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