Churaumi Aquarium
The Churaumi Aquarium (C, Churaumi Suizokukan) is widely considered Japan's best aquarium. It is the main attraction of the Ocean Expo Park on the former grounds of the 1975 International Ocean Expo in northern Okinawa Honto. The aquarium was completely redesigned and reopened in 2002.
The highlight of a visit to the Churaumi Aquarium is the massive Kuroshio Tank, one of the largest in the world. The tank takes its name from the warm Kuroshio current which plays a large part in the variety of Okinawa's of marine life. The tank contains a wide variety of species, the most striking of which are the giant whale sharks and manta rays.
The aquarium is spread out over three floors with the entrance on the third floor and the exit on the first floor. Near the entrance is a tank with a large scale exhibit of living coral. The route then leads past the Kuroshio Tank, where visitors will likely want to spend quite a bit of time. Feeding shows are held twice daily. Located just beside the tank is a high definition movie theater about Okinawa's marine life.
Past the Kuroshio Tank are a few more interesting tanks and displays including an area dedicated to sharks with live tiger sharks and bull sharks. Another area is dedicated to marine life in the extremely deeps waters of Okinawa and includes displays of bioluminescent fish.
Outside of the main aquarium building, there are a few outdoor pools near the waterfront where shows of dolphins, sea turtles and manatees can be viewed for free.
Getting there and around
The Churaumi Aquarium is part of the Ocean Expo Park on the Motobu Peninsula in northern Okinawa Honto, about 90 kilometers from Naha.
By direct bus from Naha
The Okinawa Airport Shuttle, the Yanbaru Express and bus line 117 directly connect the airport and city center of Naha with the Churaumi Aquarium. The one way trip takes a little over two hours and costs 1900-2000 yen on the Okinawa Airport Shuttle and the Yanbaru Express and 2770-2880 yen on bus 117. There are 1-2 buses per hour. In central Naha, the Airport Shuttle and Yanbaru Express are available from the Prefectural Office bus stop (k, Kenchō Kitaguchi) while bus 117 stops at the Naha Bus Terminal. Discounted round trip tickets are available through Klook.
By bus from Nago
Most buses along the lines 65 and 66 connect Nago with the Kinen Kōen-mae (LOO) bus stop in front of the Ocean Expo Park (50 minutes, 920 yen one way, hourly). Note that a few buses run on a slightly different route that does not serve the aquarium.
By car
By car, take the Okinawa Expressway from Naha all the way to its northern end near Nago (1040 yen one way) and then follow regular roads across the Motobu Peninsula to the Ocean Expo Park. In total, the journey takes about two hours one way (more during rush hours).
How to get to and around Okinawa Honto
Hours and Fees
Hours
Closed
Admission
Typical Visit Duration
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Okinawa Island
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La Passione Boutique B&BView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
La Passione Boutique B&B in Naha offers a terrace and free WiFi. Guests enjoy air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and balconies with city views.Delicious Breakfast
A continental, vegetarian, gluten-free, and Asian breakfast is served, featuring local specialities, warm dishes, pancakes, and fruits.Convenient Facilities
The property provides private check-in and check-out, a lounge, shared kitchen, coffee shop, outdoor seating area, bicycle parking, express services, and luggage storage.Prime Location
Located 4 km from Naha Airport and less than 1 km from Yachimun Street, attractions such as Naminoue Beach and Tamaudun Mausoleum are nearby. Highly rated for its friendly host and excellent breakfast. -
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Best ever hotelView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Best ever hotel in Naha offers aparthotel-style accommodations with free WiFi, air-conditioning, and a fully equipped kitchenette. Each unit includes a private bathroom with a bidet, washing machine, and free toiletries.Convenient Facilities
Guests benefit from a lift, full-day security, and free parking. Additional amenities include a work desk, TV, microwave, and electric kettle. The aparthotel is highly rated for its laundry, kitchen, and convenient location.Prime Location
Located 4 km from Naha Airport, the aparthotel is a short walk from Naminoue Beach and near attractions such as Yachimun Street. Highly rated for its laundry, kitchen, and convenient location. -
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Hotel CollectiveView on Booking.comPrime City Centre Location
Hotel Collective in Naha offers a 5-star experience in the city centre. Guests enjoy easy access to Naminoue Beach, just 1.8 km away, and Yachimun Street, a 9-minute walk. The Naha Airport is 5 km from the property.Exceptional Facilities
The hotel features spa facilities, a sauna, fitness centre, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and free WiFi. Additional amenities include a public bath, steam room, hot tub, and electric vehicle charging station.Comfortable Accommodations
Rooms offer air-conditioning, private bathrooms, city views, and modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and work desks. Executive lounge access and sofa beds enhance the stay.Dining Experience
The family-friendly restaurant serves Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, sushi, international, European, barbecue grill, and Cantonese cuisines. Breakfast is a buffet with a variety of options. -
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The Royal Park Hotel Iconic NahaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Rooms feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms with free toiletries, and modern amenities such as streaming services and flat-screen TVs. Additional comforts include sofa beds and executive lounge access.Exceptional Facilities
Guests can enjoy a fitness centre, bar, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and free WiFi. The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, paid off-site private parking, and a buffet breakfast.Prime Location
Located in Naha city centre, the hotel is a 13-minute walk from Naminoue Beach and 4 km from Naha Airport. Nearby attractions include Yachimun Street and Tamaudun Mausoleum. -
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Yukureba Maejima HotelView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Yukureba Maejima Hotel in Naha offers spacious rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Guests enjoy free WiFi, private check-in and check-out services, and a lounge.Convenient Facilities
The hotel features a lift, concierge service, family rooms, and bike hire. Additional amenities include a washing machine, work desk, and parquet floors.Prime Location
Located 4 km from Naha Airport, the hotel is a short walk from Naminoue Beach (16 minutes) and Yachimun Street (1.7 km). Nearby attractions include Tamaudun Mausoleum (3.9 km) and Nakagusuku Castle (17 km).Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for room size, comfort, and bathroom amenities, the hotel ensures a pleasant stay for all visitors. -
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Southwest Grand HotelView on Booking.comElegant Accommodations
Southwest Grand Hotel in Naha offers 5-star comfort with air-conditioned rooms featuring private bathrooms, balconies, and city views. Each room includes a minibar, TV, and free toiletries.Exceptional Facilities
Guests can enjoy an indoor swimming pool, sauna, fitness centre, terrace, and hot tub. Additional amenities include a restaurant, bar, and coffee shop. Private check-in and check-out, concierge service, and daily housekeeping ensure a comfortable stay.Dining Experience
The family-friendly restaurant serves Italian, Japanese, and Steakhouse cuisines with vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free options. Breakfast is available as a buffet, and lunch and dinner are served in a modern and romantic ambience.Prime Location
Located 5 km from Naha Airport, the hotel is an 18-minute walk from Naminoue Beach and less than 1 km from Yachimun Street. Nearby attractions include Tamaudun Mausoleum and Nakagusuku Castle. Guests appreciate the attentive staff, scenic views, and comfortable rooms. -
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Hotel GrandConsort NahaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Hotel GrandConsort Naha in Naha offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and city views. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and soundproofing for a relaxing stay.Exceptional Facilities
Guests enjoy free WiFi, a lounge, lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, and full-day security. Additional amenities include a hot tub, bicycle parking, and luggage storage.Delicious Breakfast
A buffet breakfast with fruits is served daily, providing a perfect start to the day.Prime Location
Located 5 km from Naha Airport, the hotel is an 18-minute walk from Naminoue Beach and 1.1 km from Yachimun Street. Nearby attractions include Tamaudun Mausoleum and Sefa Utaki.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its attentive staff, convenient location, and comfortable rooms. -
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Daiwa Roynet Hotel NAHA-OMOROMACHI PREMIERView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Daiwa Roynet Hotel NAHA-OMOROMACHI PREMIER in Naha offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and city views. Each room includes a bath, bidet, hairdryer, refrigerator, shower, slippers, TV, electric kettle, and wardrobe.Essential Facilities
Guests enjoy free WiFi, a lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping service, full-day security, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include a washing machine, microwave, and carpeted floors.Dining Options
A buffet breakfast with Italian cuisine and juice is served daily. The hotel also provides a variety of dining options, including a restaurant and bar.Prime Location
Located 7 km from Naha Airport, the hotel is near attractions such as Yachimun Street (1.8 km), Naminoue Beach (3 km), and Tamaudun Mausoleum (2.8 km). Guests appreciate the room comfort, convenient location, and nearby shops. -
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Rihga Royal Gran OkinawaOffering direct access from Asahibashi Monorail Station, Rihga Royal Gran Okinawa features spacious Western-style accommodations with free WiFi. Guests can ask for concierge services at the front desk. All rooms are non-smoking and feature air conditioning, a flat-screen satellite TV, safety deposit box and fridge. Guests can make green tea using the electric kettle and wear the provided sleepwear. The en suite bathroom comes with a hairdryer and toothbrush sets. Currency exchange and photocopying services are offered at the front desk. Laundry services are provided and on-site parking is available at an extra charge. The lobby is located on the 14th floor. A breakfast buffet and Western a la carte dishes are served at Dining 19, which offers beautiful sunset views from the top floor. Okinawa Gran Rihga Royal is a 10-minute walk from Kokusai Street and a 25-minute drive from Shuri Castle. Naha Airport is just a 10-minute drive or train ride away. A 24-hour convenience shop can be found next door.View on Booking.com -
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The Naha TerraceLocated a 20-minute drive from Naha Airport and a 10-minute walk from DFS Galleria Okinawa, The Naha Terrace boasts a seasonal outdoor pool, spa facilities, 3 restaurants, a bar and a lounge in the heart of Naha City. Private parking is available on site. Rooms at The Naha Terrace feature a seating area with a city view, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and free WiFi. The en suite bathroom is equipped with free toiletries. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk with concierge service and free luggage storage. Guests can enjoy a variety of beauty treatments on site. There are sauna facilities for male guests as well. At The Naha Terrace, guests can enjoy Japanese, Western and Teppanyaki meals at on-site restaurants. Okinawa Prefectural Museum is just a 3-minute walk from The Naha Terrace, while Kokusai Dori Street is a 10-minute walk away. Shuri Castle can be reached within 15 minutes by car.View on Booking.com
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Experiences around Okinawa Island
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Onna Free Diving Experience in OkinawaGo on a free diving at the Blue Cave, one of Okinawafs most popular spots for this exciting sportView on Klook -
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2N3D Meditation & Fasting Treatment PackageEnjoy meals with fresh vegetables made in Okinawa and itfs all Vegan.View on Klook -
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3-Day Open Water Diving Course in OkinawaJoin this 3-day diving course and get yourself the Diving Certification C Card.View on Klook -
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Onna Village Natural Beach and Snorkeling Experience in OkinawaEnjoy snorkeling experience at the natural beach in Onna village in OkinawaView on Klook -
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Northern/Central/Southern Okinawa One Day TripJoin a comfortable small size 4-9 people private tour to explore OkinawaView on Klook -
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Yukata and Kimono Rental in OkinawaCompletely immerse yourself in Japanese culture by dressing up with a kimono or a summer yukataView on Klook -
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Blue Cave Snorkeling and Diving in OkinawaExplore the glowing wonders of the Blue Cave on a snorkeling or diving experienceView on Klook -
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Casual Ryuso Costume Experience & Photo Shoot (Naha)Reasonable & Easy! Experience wearing traditional Okinawan costumesView on Klook -
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Okinawa Sunset Kayak Tour with PhotosJoin the 2.5-hour river kayaking tour in OkinawaView on Klook
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