Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Public aquarium in Motobu, Japan
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is a public aquarium in Motobu, Japan, displaying a series of tanks that recreate marine environments from the surface waters to the deep sea around Okinawa. The tanks are designed so visitors can walk through different levels and view marine habitats from various angles, including coral reefs, rocky shores, and dark deep-sea zones.
The facility opened in November 2002 within Ocean Expo Park and later received the Public Buildings Award for its architectural and educational contributions. The site was chosen to commemorate the Okinawa International Ocean Exposition held in 1975 and to advance regional marine research.
Th e na me co mes fro m th e Ok inawa n wo rd 'chura,' me ani ng be au ti ful o r cl ea n, ref lec ti ng th e isla nd's co nn ec ti on to it s surround ing wa ters. Vi si to rs oft en pa us e at th e ac ry li c pa ne ls whe re sc hoo lg ro ups an d fa mi li es ga th er to wa tch fe ed in gs an d li st en to st af f ex pl ai na ti ons ab ou t lo ca l ma ri ne li fe.
The facility is accessible for wheelchair users, with ramps and elevators connecting all main areas. Visitors should plan around three to four hours to view the exhibits comfortably and catch feeding times.
The main tank, Kuroshio Sea, measures 35 meters (115 feet) long and holds whale sharks and manta rays swimming among thousands of fish. The acrylic panel at the front weighs over 100 tons and ranks among the largest of its kind worldwide.
Location: Motobu
Inception: 2002
Official opening: November 1, 2002
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Fee: Yes
Charge: 2180 ¥;1440 ¥; 710 ¥
Operator: 一般財団法人 沖縄美ら島財団
Address: 字石川424
Opening Hours: October-February Monday-Sunday 08:30-18:30; March-September Monday-Sunday 08:30-20:00
Phone: +81980483748
Website: https://churaumi.okinawa
GPS coordinates: 26.69439,127.87794
Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:03
Marine museums present the history of seafaring, scientific exploration of the oceans, and the diversity of marine life. These institutions display ship models, nautical instruments, aquariums with living sea creatures, and exhibitions about oceanography. Visitors learn about historical voyages of discovery, modern ocean research, and the protection of marine ecosystems. Notable examples include the Oceanogràfic in Valencia with its various marine biotopes, the National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam with its collection on Dutch naval history, and the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, founded in 1910. The Maritime Museum of San Diego preserves historic vessels, while the Museum of Oceanography in Sopot documents Baltic Sea research. These museums combine scientific education with the fascination for seas and oceans.
Camp Hansen
26.3 km
Aquapolis
1.8 km
Okinawa Commemorative National Government Park
380 m
Neo Park Okinawa
14.6 km
Shio River
8.9 km
Hinpun Banyan Tree
16 km
Fukuji Dam
29.9 km
Kin-gū
27 km
Mount Yae
8.2 km
Kin Kannon-ji
27 km
Nago Castle
15.6 km
Sesoko Bridge
5 km
Kouri Bridge
13.9 km
Okinawa Fruits Land
12.5 km
Mount Onna
23.9 km
Kanna Dam
24.7 km
Cone Karst Region
4.1 km
Izena Castle
25.6 km
Nakadomari
30.2 km
Omoro Botanical Garden
373 m
Nago Museum
15.3 km
Onna Village Culture And Information Center
29.9 km
Ufunishi Tomb
12.7 km
Hotel Miyuki Beach
20.5 km
Nakijin Castle
5.2 km
Warumi Bridge
12 km
Cape Manzamo
21.3 km
Haneji Dam
17.3 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes