The ocean around Okinawa is made up of three elements that form the marine life habitat; 1) the massive Kuroshio warm current, 2) coral reefs, and 3) the deep sea to the east and west of the Southwest Islands. This mysterious underwater world is home to an abundant variety of globally important species.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium has recreated this underwater world all the way from the water’s surface to a depth of around 700m, ensuring a variety of factors – light, water quality, underwater visibility etc. – are as close as possible to conditions in the natural sea. Through a simulated journey from the coast to offshore, to the Kuroshio Sea and even to the depths of the ocean, visitors can experience the wonder and importance of Okinawa’s sea.

Our attractions go beyond merely showing a selection of fish tanks; we have created attractions that can be experienced in many ways. Moreover, our guide staff have put together a guide program that features new exhibits throughout the year, so no matter how often you visit you won’t get bored - a new experience awaits you every time!

– How the name “Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium” came about Chura means beautiful in the Okinawan dialect, while umi means sea.

The name “Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium” was chosen by the majority of the 13,897 respondents to our nationwide survey just prior to the reopening of the aquarium on Nov. 1, 2002. The naming committee struggled with the sheer volume of responses, but finally settled on the name Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium as it was memorable, gave a sense of locality and distinguished it from other aquariums elsewhere in Japan.

We at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium will do our best to ensure this facility, encompassed by the beautiful Okinawan sea, finds a place in the hearts of more and more people each year.