Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: A Popular in Sightseeing Spot in Japan

Produced by "Sanpostyle", "Okinawa Sightseeing - Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium Digest Almost Route（沖縄観光　沖縄美ら海水族館　ほぼ順路をダイジェストで）" is a video that introduces the charm of Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, a popular tourist location in Okinawa, Japan.

The aquarium is introduced in tandem with the video, so if you watch the video you'll definitely want to visit it for real!
This article introduces the attractions and highlights of Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium; a recommended sightseeing spot in Okinawa.
Please enjoy it!

What Is Churaumi Aquarium?

Photo：Coral reef

The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, popular among visitors to Okinawa, is located in Ocean Expo Park in Motobu Town, Okinawa Prefecture, and opened in 1979. It was the largest aquarium in the world until 2005.
The total number of exhibition water tanks is 77.
It was the world's first successful whale shark breeding location as well.

The mysterious fish and other creatures of Okinawa are displayed in the world's largest aquarium, attracting many tourists.
They breed about 520 species and 10,500 animals.
You can enjoy the sea of Okinawa as much as you want. Enjoy the Kuroshio Sea, the world's largest aquarium where you can observe Nanyo Manta, and the Coral Sea, where you can see coral breeding exhibits.
At the coral sea, you can see 800 groups of coral (0:35).

During the sightseeing season, it might be crowded, but it is relatively empty during the evening.
On-site facilities include a restaurant with an ocean view, a cafe where you can relax while watching the large aquarium, and a shop where you can purchase souvenirs from Okinawa.
It has English-speaking staff, making it a popular facility for foreigners.

The Charm of Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Photo：Churaumi Aquarium

What attracts people to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is that you can see various Okinawan creatures in a massive aquarium.
You can see great white sharks and manta rays in the main aquarium of the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, which can be seen from 2:12 in the video.
"Journey to the Deep Sea," which can be viewed from 3:44 in the video, reproduces the mysterious deep sea of Okinawa and allows you to observe about 70 species of deep-sea creatures.

At the entrance of the aquarium there is a great white shark monument, welcoming tourists.
Behind that, there is the Uminchu Gate, and the emerald green sea seen from this space is a special beauty.

In addition, there are the "Inou Creatures" (Video 0:23-), "Sea of Tropical Fish" (Video 0:55-), "Journey to Coral Reefs (Video 1:27-), "Waterside Creatures," "Beauty Sea Theater," "Dr. Shark Room" (Video 2:51-), "Water Viewing: Kuroshio Exploration" (Video 3:13-), "Jimbe Manta Corner," "Aqua Room," "Deep Sea Exploration Room" (Video 3:44 -), "Small creatures in the deep sea," "Planetarium in the sea," "Aqua Lab," "general rest area," "coral room," "event hall," "deep sea map," and so on.
The in-house facilities are full of charm.

You can enjoy lunch at the restaurant "Inoh" or at the "Ocean Blue" cafe.

Information on Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Photo：Churaumi Aquarium

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium ticket prices are 1,880 yen (~$17.50 USD) 8:30 to 16:00 for adults, elementary and middle schoolers 1,250 yen, and 620 yen for children. After 16:00, it is 1,310 yen for adults, 870 yen for middle-aged people, and 430 yen for children (as of November 2019).

Out-of-area sales tickets that can be purchased at a discount from the above general rates can be purchased at Umi churara Naha Airport Store or at a convenience store in Okinawa Prefecture.
If you are visiting with more than 20 people, make a reservation and a special group rate will be applied.

The average time spent at the aquarium is 1.5 to 2 hours.
Access from Naha Airport is about 2 hours by car on the expressway and about 3 hours by express bus.
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium has a nearby parking lot called North Gate Parking Lot. The official website also contains information on congestion and events.

In addition, there are various hotels around the aquarium.
Stay at a hotel that offers a variety of courses and relax yourself.

Summary of Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is quite popular for sightseeing in Okinawa. Refresh your mind and feel the power and greatness of life in Japan's leading aquarium!

Make sure to watch the video to see the power of one of the world's largest aquariums and the appearance of beautiful marine life!

◆ Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium ◆
【Address】424 Ishikawa, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa 905-0206
【Access】From Naha Airport, about 2 hours by car (using expressway), about 3 hours by bus (using express bus)
【Entrance fee】8:30-16:00 (regular fee) Adult 1,800 yen / child 1,250 yen, 16:00- adult 1,310 yen / child 870 yen (* as of November 2019)
【Hours】Normal period (October-February) 8:30-18:30, Summer period (March-September) 8:30-20:00
【Closures】First Wednesday of December and the following day (Thursday)
【Parking】Available (9 locations) Free
【Telephone No】0980-48-3748

【Official Website】Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium-Take the Churaumi of Okinawa to the next generation.
https://churaumi.okinawa/en/

【Tripadvisor】 Reviews of Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1120808-d1151352-Reviews-Okinawa_Churaumi_Aquarium-Motobu_cho_Kunigami_gun_Okinawa_Prefecture.html