Located in the beautiful Motobu district of Okinawa, Japan, the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in marine life. With a wide range of exhibits and interactive displays, this aquarium offers a fascinating look into the wonders of the ocean.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what you can expect to see and experience at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, with information on ticket prices, location, and more.
Discovering the Marine Life of Okinawa
The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is home to an impressive array of marine life, with exhibits featuring everything from tiny seahorses to massive whale sharks. The aquarium’s main tank, the Kuroshio Sea, is one of the largest aquarium tanks in the world and holds over 7,500 cubic meters of water.
One of the highlights of the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is the opportunity to see several whale sharks up close. These gentle giants can grow up to 10 meters (33 feet) long and are the largest fish in the ocean. Visitors can also see manta rays, sea turtles, and a wide variety of tropical fish.
Why Is Okinawa’s Churaumi Aquarium So Significant?
Okinawa’s Churaumi Aquarium is considered to be one of the best in the world for several reasons:
1. Home to the world’s largest captive whale sharks
The Churaumi Aquarium is the only place in the world where visitors can see whale sharks in captivity. It is home to several of these magnificent creatures, including the world’s largest captive whale shark, which measures over 8 meters in length.
2. Emphasis on conservation and education
The Churaumi Aquarium has a strong emphasis on conservation and education, with exhibits and programs designed to teach visitors about the importance of preserving marine life and ecosystems. The aquarium also engages in research and conservation efforts, such as breeding programs for endangered species.
3. One of the largest aquariums in the world:
The Churaumi Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world and has a massive tank that holds 7,500 cubic meters of water, making it one of the largest in the world. This allows visitors to see a wide variety of marine life up close and personal, including whale sharks and manta rays.
4. Showcasing the biodiversity of the Ryukyu Islands:
The Churaumi Aquarium is located in Okinawa, which is part of the Ryukyu Islands chain, and features exhibits showcasing the unique biodiversity of this region. Visitors can see a variety of marine life that is native to the Ryukyu Islands, such as coral, sea turtles, and colorful tropical fish.
Overall, the Churaumi Aquarium is significant because it offers visitors the opportunity to see and learn about a wide range of marine life, including some of the largest and most magnificent creatures in the ocean. Its focus on conservation and education is also important, as it helps to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the marine environment for future generations.
How To Buy Tickets To The Churaumi Aquarium
There are several ways to purchase tickets to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium:
At the aquarium: You can also purchase tickets in person at the aquarium’s ticket counter. This is a good option if you prefer to pay with cash or if you need to purchase tickets for a large group.
Online: You can purchase tickets online via Klook. It’s the same price but you can skip the queue.
Through a travel agency: If you are traveling to Okinawa as part of a tour group or package, your travel agency may be able to arrange tickets for you in advance.
It’s a good idea to check the aquarium’s official website or Klook for information on the latest ticket prices or combo offers.
How Much Does It Cost?
- Adults (aged 16 and over): 2,180 yen
- High school students (aged 13 to 15): 1,440 yen
- Children (aged 6 to 12): 710yen
- Kids Under 6: Free
There are also discounts available for groups and people with disabilities. Additionally, the aquarium offers various combination tickets that include admission to other attractions in the area, such as the Oceanic Culture Museum and the Tropical Dream Center.
Admission fees and policies can change over time, so it’s best to check the official website or contact the aquarium directly for the most up-to-date information.
Exploring the Aquarium’s Exhibits
The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is home to several exhibits that showcase the diversity of marine life in Okinawa and the surrounding seas. In addition to the Kuroshio Sea tank, visitors can explore the Coral Sea tank, which features a range of coral reef ecosystems and their inhabitants.
The aquarium also has a Touch Pool exhibit, where visitors can interact with small marine creatures like starfish and sea cucumbers, and the Jellyfish exhibit, which features a mesmerizing display of colorful jellyfish.
The aquarium also has a number of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn more about the marine life on display. The Deep Sea Zone exhibit, for example, features a replica of a deep-sea submersible and an interactive video display that shows visitors what it’s like to explore the deep ocean.
How To Get To The Churaumi Aquarium
The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is located in the Motobu area of Okinawa, Japan, and there are several ways to get there:
By bus: You can take the Yanbaru Express Bus from Naha Bus Terminal to the aquarium. The bus ride takes about two hours, and there are several departures per day. You can also take the Okinawa Airport Shuttle Bus from Naha Airport to the aquarium.
Car: If you are driving, you can take the Okinawa Expressway and exit at Kyoda Interchange. From there, follow the signs to the aquarium. There is a parking lot available, and the parking fee is included in the admission price.
Sum Up
Overall, a visit to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is a fascinating and educational experience that offers a window into the diversity of marine life in Okinawa and beyond. With its impressive exhibits, interactive displays, and stunning location, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Japan.
