Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is renowned for being one of the biggest and most fabulous aquariums in the world. Located inside Ocean Expo Park in the northwest of Okinawa Island, the aquarium accommodates approximately 710 species of marine creatures, including a whale shark - the world’s biggest extant fish, lots of benthic fishes, hard-to-raise mantas, and large-scale coral reefs. More importantly, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium adopts an open system in which the fresh seawater flows into the tank and then flows back to the ocean, simulating the real living conditions of the marine animals and also guaranteeing the freshest seawater in the tank.
A Blue Lobster in Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
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Exhibition Halls You Should Not Miss:
Deep Sea Exhibition Hall on 1st Floor:
There are around 150 species of rare benthic creatures. Almost all of them are from waters under 200 meters (656 feet) and deeper. It’s not common to see these deep-sea creatures in aquariums since it’s not easy to create a suitable environment with specific temperature, light, and a rather high water pressure.You can see shining marine creatures such as bioluminescent fish glowing like fireflies, coral twinkling beautifully, blacksail snake mackerel, and ruby snappers.
“Kuroshio Sea” with Whale Shark on 2nd Floor:
“Kuroshio Sea” is a huge tank that contains almost 70 species of sea creatures. The name derives from Kuroshio current, which along with California current, is constantly bringing abundant marine creatures to the waters around Okinawa.Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is holding the record for the longest captive breeding of whale shark, the largest known extant fish. The Aquarium started this career in March 1995. You can see the gigantic 8.8-meter-long (9.6 yards) whale shark, manta, and numerous fish here. In addition, you can see six different kinds of sharks in this exhibition, each attached with elaborate introductions. What’s more, visitors can go right to the top of the tank, and watch the animals without the barrier of acrylic.
Feeding time in “Kuroshio Sea” is 9:30, 15:00, and 17:00. It’s recommended that visitors pay a visit to the exhibition hall at these times.
Coral Reef Exhibition Hall on 3rd Floor:
Come to see the large-scale coral colonies on the 3rd floor of Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. There are 80 various species of coral reefs, starfish, and sea cucumbers living in the shallow sandy area. The topless design of coral tanks helps corals get more sunshine, and people can watch the coral reefs directly in a visiting area above the tanks. Besides, there are tanks specifically accommodating sea creatures living in or near coral reefs, such as some kinds of tropical fishes and lobsters.
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What’s Outside the Aquarium:
Sea Turtle Room:
There are 8 species of extant turtles in the world, and Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium raises 5 of them. Here you can see sea turtles at sandy spawning area as well as explanatory introductions of their living habits displayed on panels.Manatee Room:
It’s said that manatee is the prototype of mermaid. Now manatee is designated as a threatened species. The older male manatee in the aquarium was donated by the Mexican government. His daughter Yuma was born here in 2001. When you are visiting this area, please keep quiet and do not turn on the flashlight in case the timid manatees feel pressured.Free Dolphin and Shark Performance:
In Okichan Theater, you can enjoy solo shows of killer whales and dolphins along with fantastic performances interacting with their trainers.Five dolphin performances each day: 10:30, 11:30, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00; each performance will last for about 20 minutes.
Close Encounter with Dolphins:
Next to Okichan Theater, visitors can have a close encounter with dolphins at Dolphin Lagoon. You can feed them by paying 500 yen.How to Get Here:
From Naha airport: After getting off the plane, head to the airport domestic terminal and take the OAS (Okinawa Airport Shuttle) for 5 stops or YKB888 for 25 stops to Ocean Expo Park. Then go into the park and walk towards the northeast for about 5 minutes; you will get to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. It will take no more than 2.5 hours in total to get here.From Naha City: Take the OAS from Kencho Kitaguchi for 9 stops to Ocean Expo Park. It will take about 2 hours and 50 minutes to get here.
Opening Time:
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Regular Days |
8:30-18:30, last entry at 17:30 |
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Busy Days, such as the golden week around May 1st and late July |
8:30-20:00, last entry at 19:00 |
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Peak Time, for example, August |
8:30-21:00, last entry at 20:00 |
The opening time is not fixed, and you can confirm with the aquarium before you set off.
Admission Fee:
| Adult | 2,180 yen |
| Children under 6 | Free |