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The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is a must-visit spot on your trip to Okinawa.
It’s one of the largest aquariums in the world and a great place to encounter rare marine life!
Learn more about this aquarium, which is perfect for a family vacation or a couple’s date.
- 1 What is Churaumi Aquarium?
- 2 Churaumi Aquarium Basic Information
- 3 Highlights of Churaumi Aquarium!
- 4 Tips for enjoying Churaumi Aquarium 120%.
- 4.1 1. planned visits
- 4.2 2. visit early in the day
- 4.3 3. use an audio guide
- 4.4 4. participate in special programs and events
- 4.5 5. enjoy "Kuroshio Exploration (Water Viewing Course)
- 4.6 6. use the re-entry system
- 4.7 7. relax at the in-house café
- 4.8 8. enjoy the surrounding facilities
- 4.9 9. visit souvenir stores
- 4.10 10. use of annual passport
- 4.11 11. Let's check the congestion situation in advance.
- 5 What to know before visiting Churaumi Aquarium
- 6 History and Background of Churaumi Aquarium
- 7 summary
- 8 Climate and Clothing by Month
- 9 If you want to enjoy Okinawa, get discount tickets online!
- 10 special feature article
What is Churaumi Aquarium?
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is located on Motobu Peninsula in the northwestern part of Okinawa’s main island, within the National Okinawa Memorial Park and Ocean Expo Area.
Churaumi” means “clear (shii) sea” in the Okinawan dialect. As the name suggests, this facility recreates the beautiful Okinawan sea, allowing visitors to enjoy the ecosystem and attractions of the Okinawan sea to the fullest.
Churaumi Aquarium Basic Information
| address (e.g. of house) | 424 Aza-Ishikawa, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, Japan |
| Business Hours | 8:30-18:30 (until 21:00 during extended hours) |
| regular closing day | The first Wednesday of December and the following day every year |
| Phone number | 0980-48-3748 |
Churaumi Aquarium discount tickets are here.
A great way to reserve a rental car that locals also use!
Highlights of Churaumi Aquarium!
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is a fascinating facility where visitors can experience the diverse ecosystem of the Okinawan sea.
Click here for Churaumi Aquarium Discount Information
1. giant aquarium “Kuroshio Sea
The Kuroshio Sea Tank is the centerpiece of the Churaumi Aquarium. With a water volume of 7,500 tons, the tank is 35 meters long, 27 meters wide, and 10 meters deep, allowing visitors to observe whale sharks, southern blue rays, and other giant marine creatures swimming at their leisure up close. The acrylic panels are also impressive in size, measuring 8.2 m high, 22.5 m wide, and 60 cm thick, and were once recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest.
Whale Shark: The whale sharks swimming gracefully in the tank are a sight to behold. The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium holds the record for the longest whale shark breeding, which shows the high level of breeding technology.
Nanjo Manta Ray: This is a type of giant ray that can also be observed in the large tank, and boasts the world’s first successful breeding case.
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2. “Coral Sea” tank
In the “Coral Sea” tank, more than 470 groups of corals are on display, growing in a near-natural environment with sunlight. Visitors are captivated by the sight of the beautiful coral reefs of Okinawa, which appear to have been recreated exactly as they are.
Coral species: About 80 species of corals are cultivated here, and their diversity and beautiful colors are worth seeing.
Symbiotic organisms: Small fish that live with coral and various other creatures that inhabit the coral reef can also be observed.
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3. “Deep Sea” tank
The “Deep Sea” tank exhibits creatures that live in the deep sea of Okinawa. In this tank, which reproduces the environment at depths of 200 to 700 meters, visitors can observe mysterious creatures unique to the deep sea.
Deep-sea fish: Rare deep-sea creatures such as yellowtail snapper, longnose barracuda, and luminous shrimps are on display.
Deep-sea environment: There are also explanatory panels on the environment and ecology of the deep sea to deepen your knowledge.
4. “The Creatures of Ino”
In the “Ino Creatures” exhibit, visitors can learn about the creatures that live in the “ino,” which means shallow coral reefs in the Okinawan dialect. Visitors can learn by touching starfish, sea cucumbers, and other creatures in a touch pool format.
Touch Pool: This area is popular among children because they can actually touch living creatures.
Shallow-water creatures: starfish, sea cucumbers, nudibranchs, and other shallow-water creatures can be observed up close.
5. shark doctor’s room
In the “Shark Doctor’s Room,” visitors can learn more about the ecology and species of sharks. A wide range of information is on display, from dangerous sharks to lesser-known sharks.
Dangerous shark exhibit: Visitors can observe sharks that are considered dangerous, such as bull sharks and tiger sharks.
Explanatory panels: You can read detailed explanations about sharks and their role in the ecosystem.
6. oki-chan theater
At the “Oki-chan Theater,” dolphin shows are put on. Visitors can enjoy performances by a variety of dolphins, including bottlenose dolphins, southern bottlenose dolphins, and okigondas.
Dolphin Show: Both adults and children can enjoy the dynamic jumps and cute tricks of the dolphins.
Fuji with an artificial tail fin: The story of Fuji, a dolphin with an artificial tail fin that was once the talk of the town, is also introduced.
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7. manatee pavilion and sea turtle pavilion
The Manatee Pavilion and the Sea Turtle Pavilion exhibit manatees and sea turtles, respectively. Visitors can learn about these creatures that inhabit the seas of Okinawa.
Manatee Pavilion: Manatees donated from Mexico are kept here. Visitors can observe their leisurely movements.
Sea Turtle Pavilion: Visitors can see various species of sea turtles, including the hawksbill turtle, green turtle, and loggerhead turtle.
Churaumi Aquarium Official Online Tickets are here.
Tips for enjoying Churaumi Aquarium 120%.
When visiting the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, visitors can do more than simply admire the exhibits.
Here are some tips for enjoying Churaumi Aquarium 120%.
1. planned visits
Churaumi Aquarium is a vast facility.
Check the hours of operation and event schedule to plan the day and time of your visit.
Avoid especially crowded weekends and holidays, so that you can enjoy the museum at a leisurely pace.
2. visit early in the day
By visiting first thing in the morning, you can avoid the crowds and take your time to see the most popular exhibits.
Since the museum is relatively empty immediately after opening, visitors can comfortably tour popular areas such as the “Kuroshio Sea” where whale sharks and Nanyo Manta Rays swim.
3. use an audio guide
Audio guides can be rented at Churaumi Aquarium.
An audio guide allows visitors to listen to detailed explanations of the exhibits for a better understanding and enjoyment.
4. participate in special programs and events
Various events are held regularly at Churaumi Aquarium, including feeding shows, special interpretation programs, and backyard tours.
By participating in these programs, you can experience behind-the-scenes and special moments that you would not normally see. Check the schedule on the official website in advance to make sure you don’t miss anything.
Click here for Churaumi Aquarium Discount Information
Click here for details on programs to enjoy Churaumi Aquarium.
5. enjoy “Kuroshio Exploration (Water Viewing Course)
The “Kuroshio Exploration” tour, which allows visitors to view the “Kuroshio Sea” tank from the top, is a popular course that allows them to enjoy the tank from a different perspective than the usual tour.
It is often held in the early morning or evening hours, and we encourage you to attend.
6. use the re-entry system
Re-entry to Churaumi Aquarium is possible only on the same day.
Visitors can visit the museum once in the morning, enjoy lunch and the surrounding facilities, and then return to the museum in the afternoon to continue their visit. This allows visitors to enjoy the entire day without wasting time.
7. relax at the in-house café
At the cafe “Ocean Blue” adjacent to the “Kuroshio Sea” tank, visitors can spend a relaxing time while gazing at the large aquarium.
Relax with a cup of coffee and watch whale sharks and manta rays swimming leisurely by.
8. enjoy the surrounding facilities
Around Churaumi Aquarium, there are many free facilities such as “Oki-chan Theater” where you can enjoy dolphin shows, “Manatee Pavilion” and “Sea Turtle Pavilion”.
Families, especially those with children, can spend a fulfilling day by visiting these facilities as well.
9. visit souvenir stores
Churaumi Aquarium has a souvenir store with limited edition products and local specialties.
Purchase figures and original goods available only here to keep your travel memories in shape.
10. use of annual passport
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium has an annual passport.
The two admission fees allow you to visit the aquarium as many times as you like during the year, making it a great deal for frequent visitors to Okinawa and aquarium lovers.
Also, there are special offers available only to Passport members, making it highly worthwhile to use this service.
11. Let’s check the congestion situation in advance.
When visiting the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, it tends to be crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. To avoid crowds, it is wise to avoid the peak hours of 10:00 to 16:00 and visit on weekdays or first thing in the morning just after the aquarium opens.
In addition, the museum is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. during the regular season, but during peak season the hours are extended from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Also, checking parking lot congestion in advance will help ensure a smooth visit to the park. Please check the following link for the latest parking information.
Ocean Expo Park Parking Lot Congestion
Even on days when crowds are expected, knowing the information in advance will ensure a safe and enjoyable time.
Click here for Churaumi Aquarium Discount Information
Click here for details on programs to enjoy Churaumi Aquarium.
What to know before visiting Churaumi Aquarium
We have compiled a list of useful information that you should know in advance when visiting the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. By keeping these points in mind, you can enjoy a smoother and more comfortable visit.
1. advance reservation
The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium offers a number of popular programs and tours. Some of these programs require advance reservations and may not be available on the day of the tour. Please check the official website for details and make the necessary reservations in advance.
- Reservations required for this program:
- Backyard Tour: A popular guided tour of the aquarium with a keeper to explore the behind-the-scenes of the aquarium.
- Specific workshops and events: Seasonal events and special workshops may also require advance reservations.
- How to make a reservation: Check the reservation page on the official website and fill in the required information to complete your reservation.
2. clothing and personal belongings
Proper attire and preparation of personal belongings are important for a comfortable visit inside Churaumi Aquarium. Especially for backyard tours, comfortable clothing is required.
Clothing:
Comfortable shoes for walking: The museum is large and the areas to be visited are diverse. Wear shoes that are easy to walk in to avoid fatigue.
Comfortable clothing: Comfortable clothing is recommended, especially for backyard tours, as visitors may pass through stairs and narrow passageways.
Belongings:
Cameras and smart phones: Bring your camera or smart phone for beautiful exhibits and photo opportunities.
Beverages: It is convenient to bring beverages to stay hydrated (however, eating and drinking may be prohibited in some areas).
Click here for Churaumi Aquarium Discount Information
3. use of re-entry
Re-entry is available at Churaumi Aquarium. This can be used to enjoy the surrounding facilities and other attractions.
- Re-entry: If you wish to re-enter the museum, you may do so only on the same day by presenting your admission ticket at the entrance/exit. Do not forget to bring your admission ticket when re-entering the museum.
- Cooperation with surrounding facilities:
- Oki-chan Theater: The Oki-chan Theater, where dolphin shows are free of charge, is located near the aquarium. Taking advantage of re-entry, visitors are encouraged to go back and forth between the aquarium and the theater.
- Manatee Pavilion and Sea Turtle Pavilion: These facilities are also located around the aquarium and are free to visit. Take advantage of your re-entry to enjoy these facilities together.
A great way to reserve a rental car that locals also use!
History and Background of Churaumi Aquarium
Okinawa International Ocean Expo and the First Aquarium
The history of Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium dates back to the Okinawa International Ocean Expo held in 1975.
The National Okinawa Ocean Expo Park Aquarium, built on the site of this expo, opened in 1979 and welcomed many visitors over the years. This first aquarium played an important role in conveying the charms of the Okinawan sea, but as the facility aged, the need for renovation grew.
Revitalization into a new aquarium
In 2002, the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium reopened as a new aquarium with the latest facilities and design.
This re-opening commemorates the 30th anniversary of Okinawa’s reversion to mainland Japan and is a major tourism resource for Okinawa. The new aquarium is more than just a tourist facility; it has also been enhanced to function as a research institute and has produced a variety of research results, including long-term breeding and propagation of marine life.
Design concept: “Encounter with the Okinawan Sea”.
The design concept of the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is “Encountering the Okinawan Sea.
The museum is designed to recreate the marine ecosystem of Okinawa, from shallow to deep waters, so that visitors can experience what it is like to explore the actual ocean.
Based on this concept, the exhibition contents and facility design are considered.
Facility Features
Incorporation of Natural Light: Many of the museum’s exhibit areas are naturally lit. The “Coral Sea” tank, in particular, has been designed without a roof to allow sunlight to directly enter the tank, allowing coral and fish to live in a more natural environment.
Large Tank “Kuroshio Sea”: The highlight of the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, this large tank allows visitors to observe 8.6 meter-long whale sharks and southern blue rays swimming at their leisure. The design of this tank provides ample space and depth for migratory fish to swim freely.
Deep-sea life exhibit: The deep-sea ecosystem is also reproduced, allowing visitors to observe rare creatures that inhabit the environment at depths of 200 to 700 meters. This allows visitors to feel close to the mysterious world of the deep sea.
summary
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is a place where visitors can experience the beauty of the Okinawan sea and its ecosystem.
With rare exhibits such as whale sharks, southern manta rays, and deep-sea creatures, you will discover something new every time you visit. On your next trip to Okinawa, enjoy the mysteries of Okinawa to the fullest at Churaumi Aquarium!
Climate and Clothing by Month
Okinawa Travel Guide! A thorough guide to travel costs and staycation techniques by time of year
If you want to enjoy Okinawa, get discount tickets online!
special feature article
Roadside Stations and Direct Selling Stations Special Feature!
Michi no Eki (Roadside Stations) and direct sales shops in Okinawa are very popular tourist attractions. Each has its own unique characteristics, making them 200% worth visiting! Please visit them!
Special feature on beaches on the main island of Okinawa!
The main island of Okinawa has many wonderful beaches that can only be found in the tropics. We will introduce each of them in an easy-to-understand manner, from the very secluded to the well-serviced executive beaches.
Typhoon Okinawa
We have compiled a list of points to keep in mind when a typhoon approaches so that you can respond without panic before or during your trip. We hope you will find it useful.
