Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

沖縄美ら海水族館

One of Japan's most spectacular aquariums, famous for its massive Kuroshio Sea tank featuring whale sharks and manta rays. Located in Okinawa City, it's a must-see attraction showcasing the region's rich marine biodiversity.

Things to do

• Kuroshio Sea Main Tank — Stand before the iconic 7.5-meter-deep acrylic panel to watch whale sharks and manta rays glide through one of the world's largest aquarium tanks.
• Coral Kingdom Exhibition — Explore vibrant displays of over 800 species of coral and tropical fish native to Okinawan reefs in shallow water exhibits.
• Sea Turtle Pool — Watch endangered loggerhead and green sea turtles swim in a dedicated rehabilitation and education pool.
• Freshwater Fish Zone — Discover Okinawan and Asian freshwater species, including endemic fish found nowhere else in the world.
• Inoh Sea Creature Feeding — Observe scheduled feeding times of sharks, rays, and groupers to learn about predator behavior and ecology.
• Touch Pool Experience — Interact with starfish, sea cucumbers, and other harmless creatures in shallow contact tanks designed for hands-on learning.

Food to try

• Goya Champuru — A stir-fried dish of bitter melon with tofu, eggs, and spam that represents the quintessential comfort food of Okinawa.
• Okinawa Soba — Thick egg noodles served in a rich pork bone broth topped with stewed meat, a local variation distinct from mainland Japanese soba.
• Umi Budo (Sea Grapes) — A locally harvested seaweed with a unique popping texture, served fresh with soy sauce and vinegar as an appetizer or snack.
• Rafute — Slow-braised pork belly glazed in a sweet soy sauce, a signature Okinawan dish reflecting the island's historical culinary influences.
• Taco Rice — A fusion dish combining seasoned ground meat and vegetables over rice with cheese and salsa, born from American military influence in Okinawa.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect for Marine Life — The aquarium emphasizes Okinawan traditions of coexisting with the ocean; speak quietly and avoid tapping on tanks to honor the creatures.
• Visiting Hours and Crowds — Arrive early in the morning or visit on weekdays to avoid large tour groups; the aquarium is extremely popular with Japanese school field trips.
• Island Time and Planning — Okinawa operates at a slower, more relaxed pace; plan at least 3–4 hours to fully experience the aquarium without rushing through exhibits.