Sight guide · Okinawa · Japan
Visiting Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
The aquarium's centrepiece is the Kuroshio Sea tank, holding about 7,500 cubic metres of water, in which whale sharks and manta rays swim behind one of the world's largest acrylic panels.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Image Science and Analysis Laboratory, NASA - Johnson Space Center. "The Gateway to Astron, Public domain
Quick answer
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is an aquarium in Motobu Peninsula, Okinawa. Allow half a day with the park; it is mid-priced. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Aquarium
- Area
- Motobu Peninsula
- Time needed
- Half a day with the park
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- kids and rainy day
- Best months
- January, June and August
About Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
The aquarium's centrepiece is the Kuroshio Sea tank, holding about 7,500 cubic metres of water, in which whale sharks and manta rays swim behind one of the world's largest acrylic panels. Coral-reef and deep-sea zones lead down to it, and the surrounding Ocean Expo Park has a free dolphin show, a turtle pool and Emerald Beach.
Tip: Watch a whale-shark feeding session at the big tank, then walk to the free dolphin show and Emerald Beach in the same park.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: Half a day with the park.
- Cost: Mid-priced.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Motobu Peninsula, northern peninsula with the aquarium, Bise's tree-lined lanes and island bridges.
Best time to visit Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is indoors, which makes it a good plan for the wettest months:
- June: 29°C (84°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- August: 32°C (90°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, very busy crowds.
- January: 20°C (68°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, quiet crowds.
When to visit Okinawa has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Okinawa itinerary visits Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium on day 1, together with Nakijin Castle, Kouri Island and Kokusai-dori.
- No. 1 of the 18 sights in our Okinawa things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 5-day plan.
- One of the picks in okinawa on a rainy day.
- A family favourite in Okinawa with kids.
Near Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Also in Motobu Peninsula, so you can walk between them:
- Nakijin Castle — 1 hour, low cost
- Kouri Island — 2 hours, free
- Bise Fukugi Tree Road — 1 hour, free
If you like Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
- Okinawa World and Gyokusendo Cave — Nanjo and the south, 2–3 hours
Staying near Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Stay in Motobu Peninsula ($$$) to walk here: northern peninsula with the aquarium, Bise's tree-lined lanes and island bridges. All areas to stay in Okinawa.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium?
Plan half a day with the park. With Nakijin Castle nearby, it fits a half-day in Motobu Peninsula.
+Is Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium free?
No, it is mid-priced. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium?
January, June and August, the wettest months, when an indoor sight is most welcome. Watch a whale-shark feeding session at the big tank, then walk to the free dolphin show and Emerald Beach in the same park.
+Do I need to book Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Okinawa. Okinawa is one of Japan's top family destinations: calm, netted beaches, a world-class aquarium, caves and short drives.