The world's second-largest aquarium featuring whale sharks
Updated at
Address
424 Ishikawa, Motobu, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-0206 Japan
Contact
Facilities
Nursing Room, Diaper Changing Table, Stroller Rental, Parking, Reservation
Reservation
Available for both advance reservation & same-day visit - Klook reservation
Open/Closes
Mon 08:30 ~ 18:30 Tue 08:30 ~ 18:30 Wed 08:30 ~ 18:30 Thu 08:30 ~ 18:30 Fri 08:30 ~ 18:30 Sat 08:30 ~ 18:30 Sun 08:30 ~ 18:30
Prices & Programs of Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
- [Fees]
- Adult: 2,180 yen
- High school student: 1,440 yen
- Elementary/middle school student: 710 yen
- Under 6: Free
- Re-entry is permitted on the same day
- [Programs]
- <Dolphin Show>
- Start times (approximately 20 minutes) - 10:30 / 11:30 / 13:00 / 15:00 / 17:00
- Fee: Free
- <Dolphin Feeding Experience>
- Start times (30 minutes) - 10:00 / 11:00 / 12:00 / 13:30 / 15:30
- Sale: Dolphin Lagoon (while supplies last)
- Fee: 500 yen per set (up to 5 sets per person)
- <Sea Turtle Feeding Experience>
- Start times - 11:00~until tickets are sold out / 14:00~until tickets are sold out
- Sale: Main Tank of the Sea Turtle Hall (outdoors)
- Fee: 500 yen
- [Visitor Information]
- Operating hours by season
- Regular season: 08:30~18:30 (last entry at 17:30)
- Peak season1 (April 27~May 6, July 20~July 31): 08:30~20:00 (last entry at 19:00)
- Peak season2 (August 1~August 31): 08:30~21:00 (last entry at 20:00)
Parenting Tips for Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
- A world-class large aquarium offering a Dolphin Show and Feeding Experience. The tanks are smaller than in our country, but the main Whale Shark Aquarium is huge and crowded. To enjoy the show and feeding experience, please check the start times in the Fees and Programs sections. Arrive early to enjoy feeding first and then watch the dolphin show. It takes about 2 to 3 hours to fully enjoy it. It can be exhausting on hot days, so manage your time well. There is a playground outside that's great for light play. Under 6 is free, and there are 2 nursing rooms and a separate stroller path, making it stress-free to bring infants. The nursing rooms have formula ports, but no microwave for warming baby food. The aquarium shop 'Blue Manta' sells disposable diapers. Stroller rental is available for free in front of P7 parking lot. There are two cafes on 1F where you can enjoy a light meal or ice cream and take a break. Try the Blue Whale Shark Drink from the vending machines. The P7 parking lot is the closest, and you can park there for free.
A Family Ocean Adventure at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
A Special Place to Discover the Sea of Okinawa
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is one of Japan's leading large-scale aquariums, located on the coast of Motobu in northern Okinawa, inside Ocean Expo Park. With its world-class scale and wide variety of marine life, it is especially loved by families.
Highlights
Kuroshio Sea Tank
- This enormous tank lets you see whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, and manta rays, which were first successfully bred here in the world.
- Through the massive glass panel, you can watch graceful whale sharks and many rare fish species up close, making a strong impression on your kids.
Coral Sea
- This large coral tank, filled with natural sunlight, houses and displays around 800 coral colonies.
- Designed to reflect the real sea of Okinawa, this area also features around 150 species of tropical fish living among the coral reefs.
Deep Sea
- In tanks that recreate the mysterious deep-sea environment of Okinawa, you can observe around 100 species of deep-sea creatures that are rarely seen in everyday life.
- It is a special chance for families to experience the mystery of the ocean floor together.
Hands-On Exhibits and Encounter Spaces
- There are areas where children can touch and directly experience creatures that live around coral reefs, letting them explore marine life with all five senses.
- Open tanks and a variety of marine life explanations are also available.
Outdoor Dolphin Show
- The free dolphin show, held five times a day, is also very popular.
- The whole family can enjoy exciting marine animal performances together.
Visitor Information
- Hours: March to September 08:30 to 20:00, October to February 08:30 to 18:30, with last entry 1 hour before closing
- Location: 424 Ishikawa, Motobu, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-0206
- Parking: P7 parking is the closest, and free parking is available
- Recommended visit time: If you arrive early in the morning, you can explore more comfortably.
What Makes Churaumi Aquarium Special
- More than 710 species of marine life are on display.
- With world-class tank size and facilities, it offers an immersive ocean experience.
- The viewing route gradually descends from the fourth floor to the first floor, following the depth of the sea and making you feel like you are exploring underwater.
Good to Know for Families
- Free stroller rental is available in front of P7 parking, and family-friendly facilities such as nursing rooms are well equipped.
- Inside Ocean Expo Park, you will also find a botanical garden, beach, planetarium, and other attractions, making it easy to enjoy a full day here.
- At the aquarium entrance, there is a whale shark sculpture that is popular for family souvenir photos.
Recommended For
- Families who want a special experience with children who love ocean plants and animals
- Travelers looking for a must-visit attraction in Okinawa
- Families with children from toddlers to elementary school age who want a hands-on nature experience using all five senses
FAQ about Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
What are the must-see exhibits and experiences for kids at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium?
At the large Kuroshio Sea tank, you can see whale sharks and manta rays. Inside and around the aquarium, there are also various programs such as the dolphin show, dolphin feeding experience, and sea turtle feeding experience. The dolphin show can be watched for free at 10:30, 11:30, 13:00, 15:00, and 17:00. The dolphin and sea turtle feeding experiences require a separate fee and are available at designated times: dolphins at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:30, and 15:30, and sea turtles at 11:00 and 14:00. There is also an outdoor playground where kids can have fun.Does Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium have good family facilities such as strollers, nursing rooms, and parking?
Yes. There are two nursing rooms, diaper changing stations, free stroller rental in front of P7 parking, a spacious parking lot with P7 being the closest, and reservation services, so it is well equipped for families with children. Please note that baby chairs are not available. The nursing rooms have hot water pots for formula, but there is no microwave. Disposable diapers can also be purchased at the shop inside.How much is admission for children at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, and from what age is admission charged?
Children under 6 years old can enter for free. Elementary and middle school students aged 6 to 14 are 710 yen, high school students aged 15 to 17 are 1,440 yen, and adults are 2,180 yen. If you purchase a same-day ticket, re-entry is allowed on that day only.How long does a visit usually take at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, and what times or visiting tips are recommended?
A full visit usually takes about 2 to 3 hours. It is recommended to check the schedule for experience programs such as the dolphin show before you arrive. If you visit right after opening at 08:30 in the morning, you can usually look around more comfortably. On weekends and holidays, visiting in the morning is especially recommended. In hot weather, be mindful of how you pace your time.Are there places inside or around Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium where families can eat or rest comfortably with kids?
On the first floor of the aquarium, there are two cafes where you can enjoy ice cream and simple meals. You can also try a blue whale shark drink from the vending machines, which is recommended as a fun treat. Outside, there is a playground, making it a nice place to take a short break.Are there any benefits available through MomMom Membership at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium?
At this place, there is currently no confirmed information about separate discounts or special benefits through MomMom Membership. If benefits are added in the future, please check the MomMom app or website.
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium Address
Address: 424 Ishikawa, Motobu, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-0206 Japan
How to make a reservation for Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium?
Available for both advance reservation & same-day visit - Klook reservation