Visiting Churaumi Aquarium in Motobu
Located within the Okinawa Ocean Expo memorial park, Churaumi Aquarium stands as one of the largest and most impressive marine facilities in Japan. It focuses on the biodiversity found in the subtropical waters surrounding the Okinawa archipelago, while educating visitors on the complexity and fragility of these marine ecosystems.
The Kuroshio Sea tank: a massive display
The main draw of the aquarium is the massive Kuroshio Sea tank, which holds 7.5 million liters of water (nearly 2 million gallons). This tank mimics the oceanic currents of the Kuroshio Current and houses species such as whale sharks, manta rays, and schools of tropical fish. Through an acrylic viewing panel 8 meters wide and 22 centimeters thick, visitors can observe these creatures in an immersive setting that feels like standing on the ocean floor.
An educational path through ecosystems
The visitor path explores various marine environments, ranging from colorful coral reefs to the deep sea. Touch pools allow children to touch sea stars and other harmless species, while exhibits highlight living corals and local biodiversity, showcasing the preservation efforts currently underway in the region.
Activities to extend your visit
Beyond the aquarium itself, the Ocean Expo park offers free dolphin shows at the Okichan Theater, along with walking paths through botanical gardens and nearby beaches. These additional attractions make the site a solid choice for families and nature enthusiasts.
Opening hours
*Information subject to change
Unlike many other aquariums, this one has outdoor spaces that really add a lot.
I also loved the whale sharks, they are just huge. Another plus: the ticket price, less than €15 (about $16) is totally fair.
What I liked less: it is super far from the city! A 2-hour drive from Naha, that makes for 4 hours round trip in one day...