Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium featuring marine life and interior views
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium showing island views and general coastal views
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium which includes marine life and interior views
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium which includes interior views
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium which includes marine life


Marvel at huge whale sharks in one of the world’s largest aquariums at this marine centre that recreates the aquatic environment of Okinawa’s waters.

Take the family on an unforgettable trip to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, a vast undersea world teeming with whale sharks, rays, corals and tropical fish. Watch aquatic shows, learn about Okinawa’s marine life and touch a starfish.

The aquarium has 77 tanks spread out over four floors. Start on the fourth floor by looking down into the large, open Coral Sea Tank. Try to spot some of the sea creatures that live there, including spanner crabs that spend a lot of time buried in the sand. Visit the Touch Pool on the third floor and reach out and touch sea cucumbers and starfish.

The aquarium is famous for its Kuroshio Sea Tank located through the second floor to the first floor. The enormous container is 89 feet (27 metres) wide, 115 feet (35 metres) long and 33 feet (10 metres) deep. Through the large acrylic glass panel, you can see whale sharks, zebra sharks and manta rays.

Learn about life at the bottom of the ocean by visiting the exhibits on the first floor. Observe creatures that glow in the dark and see the giant squid specimen that is more than 20 feet (6.35 metres) in length. Throughout the day, you can listen to free informative talks about ocean life, and watch sharks and rays being fed.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is open every day except the first Wednesday and the following day of December. Admission charges apply with discounts for a group with more than 20 people and reduced cover after 4 p.m. After your visit, watch a free dolphin show at the nearby Okichan Theatre and view more porpoises at the Dolphin Lagoon. Visit the aquarium’s official website for details of fees and events.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is located in the Ocean Expo Park complex within the Motobu District. It is a 2-hour drive from Naha Airport, and you can park in the on-site free lot. You can also reach the aquarium by bus, which takes about 2.5 hours from the airport.

Popular places to visit


Top Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium Hotel Deals

The Orion Hotel Motobu Resort & Spa

The Orion Hotel Motobu Resort & Spa

4.5 out of 5
148-1 Bise, Motobu, Okinawa-ken
The Orion Hotel Motobu Resort & Spa
Royal View Hotel Churaumi

Royal View Hotel Churaumi

3 out of 5
938, Ishikawa, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Motobu, Okinawa-ken
Royal View Hotel Churaumi
Yukurina Resort Okinawa Umikaji

Yukurina Resort Okinawa Umikaji

3 out of 5
799-2 Ishikawa, Motobu, Okinawa
Yukurina Resort Okinawa Umikaji
ADANRESORT LANA Villa Suite

ADANRESORT LANA Villa Suite

4 out of 5
434 Ishikawa, Motobu, Okinawa-ken
ADANRESORT LANA Villa Suite
Ala MAHAINA CONDO HOTEL

Ala MAHAINA CONDO HOTEL

3.5 out of 5
1421-1 Yamakawa, Motobu, Okinawa
Ala MAHAINA CONDO HOTEL
Yukurina Resort Okinawa

Yukurina Resort Okinawa

3 out of 5
799-2 Ishikawa, Motobu, Okinawa-ken
Yukurina Resort Okinawa
CINEMA RESORTS 1

CINEMA RESORTS 1

3 out of 5
752-5 Aza-ishikawa, Kunigami-gun, Motobu, Okinawa
CINEMA RESORTS 1
CINEMA RESORTS 3

CINEMA RESORTS 3

3 out of 5
751-13 Ishikawa, Motobu, Okinawa
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CINEMA RESORTS 4

2 out of 5
751-4, Ishikawa, Motobu, Motobu, Okinawa
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

At Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including swimming and relaxing at a spa. For a unique experience, consider swimming with mantas or exploring the nearby Motobu Ikoi area. Additionally, the aquarium's impressive shark exhibits are a must-see, making it a delightful destination for both aquatic enthusiasts and families alike.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Okinawa Hanasaki Marche, just 1.4km away, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and local goods. If you're up for a drive, visit Michi-no-Eki Ogimi, 22.5km away, or JA Farmers' Market Yanbaru, 14.5km away, both showcasing local produce and crafts.

Recreation

Explore Nago Castle Historical Park, located 16.1km from Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, offering serene landscapes and relaxation spots. Just 6.4km away, indulge in luxury at Bel Beach Golf Club, or unwind in the tranquil Yaedake Sakura Forest Park, also 6.4km away, surrounded by nature's beauty.

Adventure

Embark on the Mount Awa Trail, a stunning hiking experience located 9.7km from Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, offering breathtaking scenery. Alternatively, enjoy the thrill of karting at Kukuru Yomitan Circuit, situated 35.4km away, or hike the scenic Jawbone Ridge Loop, located 24.1km from the aquarium.

Nightlife

In Okinawa, the Oceanic Culture Museum Planetarium, a mere 483m from the aquarium, offers a captivating stargazing experience. For adventure seekers, Yambaru Adventure Field, located 27.4km away, provides thrilling arcade fun, ensuring an exciting nightlife filled with culture and adventure.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium offers an array of attractions, including beautiful beaches, modern bridges, and stunning rock formations, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking scenic experiences. For a hassle-free visit, consider nearby hotels that provide great access to the aquarium and explore the local points of interest surrounding this captivating destination.

  • Emerald Beach: Located a mere 483m from the aquarium, Emerald Beach offers stunning turquoise waters and soft white sands. It's the perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun while enjoying the tranquil beach vibes.
  • Bise Fukugi Tree Road: Just 1.3km away, this picturesque landmark features a scenic path lined with ancient Fukugi trees. The serene atmosphere makes it ideal for leisurely strolls, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Okinawa.
  • Nago Pineapple Park: Situated 12.9km from the aquarium, this eco-friendly plantation invites visitors to explore interactive exhibits and enjoy fresh pineapples. Its outdoor vibes enhance the experience of learning about Okinawa's agricultural heritage.

Best time to go to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

The best time to visit Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature around Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January63.7°F (17.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March66.7°F (19.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April70.2°F (21.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May74.7°F (23.7°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June79.5°F (26.4°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
July82.9°F (28.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August83.3°F (28.5°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September82.0°F (27.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October77.9°F (25.5°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November72.9°F (22.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December66.7°F (19.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

To save money on your trip to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, consider visiting during the off-peak months of January to February and November, when hotel prices drop. Book your accommodation about a month in advance, preferably on a Wednesday for the best rates. Utilize Expedia's search tool to find affordable options and consider combining flights and activities for additional savings. Look out for last-minute deals and eco-certified hotels for sustainable choices. Additionally, walking can be a great way to explore the area without incurring transport costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and other preferences. You can sort your results to display hotels from the most affordable to the highest prices, allowing you to view the cheapest options first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save on costs by combining your hotel reservation for the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.