Activities
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Peter SidellOne of Japan's finest aquariums, Churaumi boasts a wide-ranging collection of sea creatures from the waters around Okinawa, including three majestic whale sharks
The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is the central attraction at Ocean Expo Park. Based on the theme“ Encounters with the Sea of Okinawa ”, the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium showcases the rich nature of Okinawa's marine environment and strives to create a place where the People can get to know the diversity of marine life in the Kuroshio Sea around these southern islands.Because in the Okinawa dialect "chura" means "beautiful" and "umi" means "sea", the Churaumi Aquarium bears this name.
The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium was the first aquarium in the world that managed to raise and breed Manta Alfredi, one of the largest species of rays. They also managed to breed a number of whale sharks.
The highlight of the aquarium is a huge pool, which offers a perfect view through an acrylic window that is 8.2 meters high, 22.5 meters wide and 60 centimeters thick. There you can see whale sharks with a length of 8.8 m, manta rays and a variety of fish swimming.
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Two hours by car from Naha Airport, or three hours by express bus.
One of Japan's finest aquariums, Churaumi boasts a wide-ranging collection of sea creatures from the waters around Okinawa, including three majestic whale sharks
The Kuroshio Sea is the highlight attraction at Churaumi Aquarium, the third largest in the world.
ANSA Okinawa Resort is a hotel in Uruma City, Okinawa, where locals and visitors meet. Come here for workation, for a family outing or for a road trip with friends. This resort hotel in the middle of a golf course is a great base for many activities.
Learn the mysteries of the Kuroshio Sea at the theater and research center at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium or relax under the swaying trees on the beach outside
While in Okinawa I stayed at the Motobu Green-Park Hotel. The hotel is on a hilltop surrounded by a nearby golf course and the ocean. The panoramic views from the hotel were stunning. From the balcony of my room I could see the blue ocean and also Sesoko island and the bridge that connects this island with Okinawa. Seasonal rain likely curtailed a view much more breathtaking but it was still amazing.
Choose from nomadic tents, easy going campsites and cottages, which are powered by 100% renewable energy.
Could this be the best vegetarian and vegan cafe in Okinawa? Perched on an ocean side mountain just 90 minutes northwest of Naha, there are stunning views out to the magical mountain of Ie Island.
Shima Chubo Kafuu is located in the Kunigami district of Okinawa, and offers a range of vegan sweet treats. The dessert cafe also places an emphasis on using locally sourced ingredients
Located around 20 minutes drive from major attractions such as the Nago Pineapple Park, Nago Castle Park, and the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Captain Kangaroo Hamburger is renowned for having some absolutely massive burcreations to choose from.
The Oceanic Cultural Museum was originally part of the 1975 World Exposition, to celebrate the importance of the oceans to mankind. The highlight of that expo was the Aquapolis, a floating city which was designed to show how humans could live harmoniously on the ocean.
In many parts of Japan, tulips bloom around the April to May timeframe. If you're visiting earlier than that and want to get your flower fix, there is a way – at the Tulip Fair at Okinawa Ocean Expo Park.
The Okinawa International Orchid Exhibition is Japan's oldest orchid event and has been running for over 35 years.