Day One Japan

Okinawa (沖縄県)

Spend a separate day at Ocean Expo Park in Motobu. Start at the aquarium’s huge Kuroshio Sea tank, then visit the outdoor marine exhibits nearby.

Open the full walk in Google Maps
The exterior of Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium beside the sea in Motobu
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium · そらみみ · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and framed for this page

Getting to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

From Naha Airport (那覇空港)

Take a Yanbaru Express Bus (やんばる急行バス) or expressway bus 117 serving Kinen Koen-mae (記念公園前). Get off at that stop by the Central Gate (中央ゲート) and follow the park signs to the aquarium.

Naha Airport, domestic terminal (那覇空港 国内線ターミナル)

At the domestic terminal, look for the highway-bus stop for route 117 and check the airport’s boarding map for your operator. Official transport information

The domestic terminal at Naha Airport
そらみみ · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized
Public transport in Google Maps Ocean Expo Park’s bus and return-stop guide

Three stops in order

  1. 1. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (沖縄美ら海水族館)

    Start inside the aquarium and make time for the Kuroshio Sea tank (黒潮の海). The main viewing area is a good place to pause and watch the fish pass.

    Walk in Google Maps Map of the stop Churaumi Aquarium opening hours and admission times

  2. 2. Sea Turtle Pool (ウミガメ館)

    Head outside to see sea turtles from above the pool and through the lower viewing windows.

    Walk in Google Maps Map of the stop Aquarium area and sea turtle guide

  3. 3. Manatee Pool (マナティー館)

    Continue to the nearby manatee enclosure for above-water and underwater views. Leave time to walk back to the Central Gate bus stops.

    Walk in Google Maps Map of the stop Aquarium area and manatee guide

Choose your return bus before leaving Naha. Check which side of the Central Gate to wait on for your operator and allow for traffic.

Transport and visitor information checked .