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Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: Tickets, Whale Sharks and Getting There
Published Updated
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium admission is JPY 2,180 for adults, JPY 1,440 for high school students and JPY 710 for elementary and junior high school students; children under 6 enter free. It is about 2 hours by car from Naha Airport, so arriving at the 8:30 a.m. opening is the easiest way to see the whale sharks before it gets busy.
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium tickets and prices
| Ticket | Adult | High school student | Elementary and junior high school student |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admission (one visit) | JPY 2,180 | JPY 1,440 | JPY 710 |
| Annual pass | JPY 4,360 | JPY 2,880 | JPY 1,420 |
Children under 6 enter free. You can re-enter on the same day (official information, checked October 17, 2026).
Our take: if you might visit twice in a year, the annual pass costs the same as two visits.
You can also book an admission ticket on Klook before your trip.
Book your ticket before the long drive north.
Churaumi Aquarium tickets on KlookKlook: Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium TicketRound-trip highway bus to the aquarium (Klook)Klook: Churaumi Aquarium Highway RoundtripPrices can change. Please check the latest price on the booking page before you pay.
Hours
The aquarium is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (last entry 5:30 p.m.). In summer, there are periods with longer hours. As of October 2026, no closed days were planned through March 31, 2027, except for typhoons and other emergencies.
The whale shark and the Kuroshio Sea tank
The aquarium's largest tank is the Kuroshio Sea. Whale sharks and manta rays swim in it.
The largest whale shark, "Jinta," was 8.8 m long and weighed 6 tons, according to the aquarium's announcement in January 2023.
Our take: go to the Kuroshio Sea tank right after opening at 8:30, before tour groups and buses from Naha arrive.
Getting there from Naha
| How | Time (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Car from Naha Airport | About 2 hours by expressway |
| Highway bus from Naha Airport | About 2.5 hours |
| From the bus stop | About 10 minutes on foot from the "Kinen Koen-mae" bus stop |
Parking at Ocean Expo Park is free. The closest parking lots to the aquarium are near the North Gate (P7 and P6).
There is also a round-trip highway bus ticket on Klook that goes to the aquarium.
Where to stay near the aquarium
Two hotels are within walking distance: Orion Hotel Motobu Resort & Spa (about 7 minutes on foot, according to the hotel) and Royal View Hotel Churaumi (the hotel describes itself as the closest hotel to the aquarium).
Our take: staying in Motobu lets you enter at opening time, which is the quietest part of the day.
Tips for families (our advice)
- Strollers and wheelchairs can be borrowed for free near the P7 parking (first come, first served).
- There are nursing rooms at the aquarium entrance (3F) and in front of the Churaumi Theater (2F).
- Bring baby formula: it is not sold inside.
FAQ
How much are Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium tickets?
On October 17, 2026, admission was JPY 2,180 for adults, JPY 1,440 for high school students and JPY 710 for elementary and junior high school students. Children under 6 are free.
What time does Churaumi Aquarium open?
8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with last entry at 5:30 p.m. Some summer periods have longer hours.
How big is the whale shark at Churaumi Aquarium?
The largest whale shark, Jinta, was 8.8 m long and weighed 6 tons, according to the aquarium's announcement in January 2023.
How do I get to Churaumi Aquarium from Naha?
About 2 hours by car on the expressway, or about 2.5 hours by highway bus. From the Kinen Koen-mae bus stop, walk about 10 minutes. Parking is free.
Sources and last checked
- Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium official website (admission, hours, access, FAQ; checked October 17, 2026)
- Orion Hotel Motobu Resort & Spa: Access (official)
- Royal View Hotel Churaumi (official)
Last checked: October 18, 2026