Overview
The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is a public aquarium located within Ocean Expo Park on the Motobu Peninsula in northwestern Okinawa Island. It opened in 2002 and is operated by the Okinawa Churashima Foundation. Its name was chosen by public vote: chura means "beautiful" or "graceful" in the Okinawan language, and umi means "ocean."
Highlights
- ●The Kuroshio Sea tank, once the largest aquarium tank in the world
- ●Whale sharks and manta rays swimming in the main tank
- ●An exhibit recreating the sea of Okinawa
- ●A JAZA member accredited as a Registered Museum
History
The aquarium opened within Ocean Expo Park in 2002. Its Kuroshio Sea tank held the title of the world's largest aquarium tank until the Georgia Aquarium in the United States opened in 2005. The building has also received a Public Buildings Award.
Access
The aquarium stands within Ocean Expo Park in Motobu, Okinawa, on the Motobu Peninsula in the northwestern part of Okinawa Island.
Best season
As the exhibits are chiefly indoors, the aquarium can be visited year-round. Warmer months are comfortable for enjoying the surrounding coastal scenery as well.
Map
26.6944, 127.8779 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Arrive at Ocean Expo Park and enter the grounds
- 2Enter the aquarium and view the exhibit recreating the Okinawan sea
- 3Watch the whale sharks in the Kuroshio Sea tank
- 4Explore the free-admission facilities in the surrounding area
Did you know?
💡 The name Churaumi comes from the Okinawan word chura, meaning "beautiful" or "graceful," and was selected through a public vote.
Nearby spots
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