The acrylic panel for the Kuroshio Sea tank was once the largest in the world, measuring 8.2 meters by 22.5 meters with a thickness of 60 centimeters.
The aquarium was the first in the world to successfully keep and display multiple whale sharks in the same tank.
The Kuroshio Sea tank maintains a continuous flow of natural seawater pumped from deep ocean layers to keep the water temperature and quality stable.
The 'Inoh' touch pool allows visitors to interact with sea cucumbers and starfish collected from the surrounding Okinawan reefs.
The Deep Sea exhibit features a real-time monitoring system of life forms living at depths exceeding 200 meters.
The aquarium conducts regular breeding programs for manta rays, a significant achievement for marine conservation.
The facility is integrated into the larger Ocean Expo Park, which was the site of the 1975 International Ocean Exposition.
The aquarium's architectural design mimics the tiered landscape of the nearby coast to reduce its visual impact on the surrounding park.
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is a premier marine facility located within Ocean Expo Park on the Motobu Peninsula. The centerpiece is the Kuroshio Sea tank, which holds 7,500 cubic meters of water and features a massive acrylic viewing panel. It is home to multiple whale sharks and manta rays, which are successfully bred in captivity. The aquarium utilizes a constant supply of fresh seawater pumped from 240 meters offshore. Exhibits are organized by depth and ecosystem, transitioning from the shallow coral reef zones to the deep-sea dark zone. A dedicated shark research lab houses a variety of species, including tiger sharks and bull sharks. The facility focuses heavily on marine biology research and conservation education. Visitors can observe the daily feeding cycles of the large pelagic species in the main tank. Outdoor areas integrated into the complex include the Okichan Theater for dolphin performances.
The bottom-floor viewing area of the Kuroshio Sea tank, looking up at the whale sharks.
Visit the Kuroshio Sea tank during the scheduled feeding times to see the whale sharks swim vertically.
Follow the designated path that mimics a descent from the surface to the deep sea for the most educational experience.
Utilize the outdoor sections of the park during your visit to view the manatee and sea turtle enclosures.
Do not attempt to see every single outdoor attraction in one go if you are short on time, as the park grounds are expansive.
The facility is open year-round, though specific sections like the Okichan Theater may have variable scheduling depending on weather conditions.
Do not use flash photography near the tanks to protect sensitive marine life; refrain from tapping on glass.
