Welcome to our comprehensive guide to Churaumi Aquarium, a world-class marine attraction located in Okinawa, Japan. As one of the largest and most impressive aquariums globally, Churaumi Aquarium offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to explore the rich diversity of marine life found in the waters surrounding Okinawa. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the most of your visit, including transportation, ticket information, must-see exhibits, and more.
Aquarium Highlights
Churaumi Aquarium offers a wide range of exhibits showcasing the fascinating marine life found in the waters around Okinawa. Some of the highlights include:
- The Kuroshio Sea Tank: The main attraction of the aquarium, this massive tank holds 7,500 cubic meters of water and features a stunning array of marine life, including whale sharks, manta rays, and various species of fish. The tank’s 22-meter-long acrylic panel provides a breathtaking view of the underwater world.
- Coral Sea: This exhibit showcases the vibrant and diverse coral reefs found in Okinawa. The aquarium is committed to coral conservation, and many of the corals on display are cultivated in-house.
- Deep Sea: Journey to the depths of the ocean and discover the mysterious creatures that inhabit the darkest corners of the sea. This exhibit showcases bioluminescent fish and other deep-sea dwellers.
- Okinawan Waters: Learn about the unique marine species found exclusively in Okinawan waters, such as the dugong and the Okinawa rail.
- Sea Turtle Pool: Get up close and personal with sea turtles, including the endangered loggerhead and green sea turtles.
Interactive Experiences
Churaumi Aquarium offers several interactive experiences that provide visitors with unique opportunities to engage with marine life:
- Touch Pool: Here, visitors can gently touch various marine creatures such as sea cucumbers, starfish, and sea urchins. This hands-on experience is both educational and fun for all ages.
- Dolphin Lagoon: Observe bottlenose dolphins up close as they play and interact with each other in their spacious outdoor pool. You can also watch the trainers interact with the dolphins during scheduled shows and feeding times.
- Manatee Encounter: Get a chance to meet the aquarium’s gentle giants, the West Indian manatees. These endangered mammals are known for their friendly nature and playfulness.
- Shark Research Lab: Learn about the different species of sharks in Okinawan waters, their behaviors, and the aquarium’s ongoing research and conservation efforts.
Ocean Expo Park
Churaumi Aquarium is just one of the many attractions within the Ocean Expo Park. After exploring the aquarium, consider visiting some of these nearby attractions:
- Tropical Dream Center: Wander through a world of lush tropical plants, including orchids, ferns, and various exotic flowers.
- Okinawa Native Village: Discover the traditional Okinawan way of life at this open-air museum featuring restored historic buildings and cultural demonstrations.
- Emerald Beach: Relax on this beautiful white-sand beach with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Nearby Attractions
If you’re looking to explore the surrounding area, there are several other attractions worth visiting:
- Nakijin Castle Ruins: Just a 20-minute drive from the aquarium, these UNESCO World Heritage-listed ruins offer a glimpse into Okinawa’s rich history.
- Bise Fukugi Tree Road: Stroll along this picturesque avenue lined with traditional Okinawan houses and ancient fukugi trees.
- Motobu Port Market: Sample the freshest seafood and local delicacies at this bustling market near the Motobu Port.
How to get there
To get to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium from the center of Okinawa (Naha City), you have several options:
- By bus: Take the Yanbaru Express Bus (also known as the Y-number 1 bus) from the Naha Bus Terminal. The bus runs directly to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, and the journey takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes. You can also take the local number 117 bus from Naha Bus Terminal to Nago Bus Terminal, then transfer to the number 70 or 66 bus bound for the aquarium. This option may take longer due to additional transfers.
- By rental car: Renting a car is a popular option for getting around Okinawa, as it provides more flexibility to explore the island at your own pace. From Naha City, take Highway 58 north, then switch to Highway 449 in the direction of Motobu. The drive to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
- By organized tour: Many travel agencies and hotels in Naha City offer organized day tours to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium and other attractions in the area. This option provides a convenient and hassle-free experience, as transportation and entrance fees are often included in the tour package.
Remember to check the latest information on transportation options, schedules, and fares, as they may be subject to change.
