Churaumi Aquarium is the centerpiece of Ocean Expo Park in northern Okinawa. Its Kuroshio Sea tank holds 7,500 cubic meters of water and houses whale sharks and manta rays, and the facility was the first in the world to successfully breed manta rays in captivity.
Churaumi Aquarium opened in 1975 as part of the Okinawa International Ocean Exposition and has since grown into one of the most visited aquariums on earth. Its signature Kuroshio Sea tank measures 35 meters wide by 27 meters deep and is viewed through one of the largest acrylic panels in the world, giving visitors a head-on view of whale sharks gliding past manta rays and schools of tuna. The aquarium's research arm has achieved several breeding milestones, including the world's first successful captive breeding of manta rays. Beyond the main tank, exhibits trace the Kuroshio Current's marine life from shallow coral reef species up through deep-sea creatures rarely seen alive. The surrounding Ocean Expo Park adds dolphin and sea lion shows, a sea turtle pool, a native botanical garden, and Emerald Beach, a white-sand swimming beach created for the 1975 expo that remains one of the cleanest swimming spots on the main island.
Good to know
- Hours
- 8:30AM-6:30PM (Mar-Sep); 8:30AM-5:30PM (Oct-Feb); closed first Wednesday of December
- Best time
- Weekday mornings right after opening, or the final 2 hours before closing for smaller crowds
- Best for
- Families, Nature, Marine life
Location
424 Ishikawa, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa 905-0206
26.6939, 127.8786 View on map
Highlights
- Kuroshio Sea tank with whale sharks and manta rays
- World-first captive manta ray breeding program
- Dolphin and sea lion shows at the adjacent lagoon
- Emerald Beach swimming area within Ocean Expo Park
Tips for visiting
- Arrive at opening or in the last two hours to avoid peak midday crowds
- Combine with Nakijin Castle Ruins and Cape Hedo for a full northern Okinawa day
- Bring swimwear if visiting April-October to use Emerald Beach afterward
When to visit
Arrive right at opening on a weekday, or return in the last two hours before closing, to avoid the midday peak crowds around the Kuroshio Sea tank.
Accessibility
Ocean Expo Park and the aquarium building are wheelchair and stroller accessible with ramps and elevators throughout; wheelchair rental is available near the main entrance.
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Frequently asked questions
How long should I plan for Churaumi Aquarium?
Most visitors spend 3-4 hours to see the full aquarium plus a dolphin show; add another hour or two if visiting Emerald Beach or the botanical garden in Ocean Expo Park.
Can I see whale sharks up close?
Yes — the Kuroshio Sea tank's main viewing panel puts visitors directly in front of whale sharks and manta rays swimming past, with bench seating for longer viewing.