What other travelers are saying about Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
This is by far the most famous aquarium in Okinawa, and possibly one of the most famous aquariums in all of Japan. The main highlight — and true signature of this aquarium — is the massive whale shark, which is absolutely breathtaking to see up close. It alone makes the visit unforgettable.
Beyond the whale shark, there are many other impressive marine exhibits that showcase the rich ocean life of Okinawa. The overall scale and quality of the displays are outstanding.
In addition, the walk leading to the aquarium is also very enjoyable, surrounded by open space and beautiful scenery, which adds to the entire experience. It’s not just an aquarium visit, but a full, memorable outing that is highly recommended.
More about Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium from our blog
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, photography for personal use is allowed inside the aquarium. However, the use of flash and tripods is prohibited in certain areas to ensure the well-being of the animals and the comfort of other guests.
Yes, the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium has several dining options within its premises, offering a variety of meals and snacks. Options range from quick bites to sit-down restaurants that serve local Okinawan cuisine as well as international dishes.
Yes, the aquarium is designed to be accessible for visitors with disabilities, featuring ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms throughout the facility. Wheelchair rental is also available.
While direct interaction with marine animals is generally not permitted to ensure their safety and well-being, the aquarium offers educational programs and feeding demonstrations where visitors can learn about marine life and observe the animals up close.
I am not a fan of aquarium but this was amazing. Highlights of this aquarium is the whale shark and the manta ray. It is a magnificent view!
There are a lot of interesting fishes and sea mammals I have never seen before. Worth a visit.
Admission tickets are available on site and I think going on weekdays is better. Not too crowded.
Parking is a little distance away from the aquarium. There is no direct parking there.
The giant, mesmerizing viewing tank is absolutely stunning.
The turtle feeding experience was fun and engaging.
The service truly stood out—maintenance responded quickly and went above and beyond to help me retrieve a ring I accidentally dropped into a sewage gutter. They arrived with a special grabber tool and carefully clawed my ring out of the (surprisingly clean) gutter. Top-notch service!
I visited Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium and found it absolutely worth seeing. The highlight for me was the massive manta rays gracefully gliding through the water—truly spectacular and mesmerizing. As for the whale sharks, they didn’t impress me as much because I’ve previously swum with whale sharks in Cebu, but first-time visitors would still find them impressive.
The aquarium features a wide variety of unique and unusual marine creatures, making the visit both surprising and educational. It’s a great experience for anyone interested in marine life. The only downside was the aquarium’s restaurant, where the food was mediocre and overpriced, but this didn’t significantly affect the overall experience.
Overall, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is a must-visit spot in Okinawa. Whether you’re with family, friends, or alone, it offers a wonderful opportunity to get up close with marine creatures. The manta ray display, in particular, is truly unforgettable.
You don’t realise how large this place is! We took about 2 hours of wandering through a huge selection of different size aquarium’s without stepping outside the building. The biggest aquarium is awesome! Amazing to be able to stand in front of a huge acrylic wall watching sharks and fish swim by. Worth the visit and these is loads of parking.
