The main tank of the Churaumi Aquarium, the Kuroshio Sea, contains 7,500 cubic meters of water and was one of the largest in the world at the time of its construction.
The park was built on the site of the 1975 Okinawa International Ocean Exposition.
Emerald Beach is officially designated as a 'AA' water quality beach, the highest rating under Japanese environmental standards.
The park grounds house a dedicated Manatee Pool, where manatees gifted by the Mexican government are kept for research and preservation.
The Tropical Dream Center contains over 2,000 orchid species and maintains a high-tech climate control system to replicate tropical environments.
The architecture of the Native Okinawan Village follows specific historical layouts, including stone walls designed to protect structures from typhoons.
The park features an outdoor dolphin theater, 'Okichan Theater', which has been a staple of the facility since its opening.
Ocean Expo Park is a massive coastal recreational facility in Motobu, Okinawa, originally constructed to host the 1975 International Ocean Exposition. The park serves as the home of the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, which is world-renowned for its massive Kuroshio Sea tank. The grounds include the Tropical Dream Center, featuring greenhouses with thousands of orchids and a 36-meter observation tower. Visitors have access to Emerald Beach, a Y-shaped coral sand beach characterized by its distinct turquoise water. The park hosts the Native Okinawan Village, a collection of reconstructed traditional island dwellings from the 17th to 19th centuries. Botanical offerings include the Tropical & Subtropical Arboretum, which displays native flora of the Ryukyu Islands. The park spans a large coastal area on the Motobu Peninsula, offering integrated pathways between its aquarium, gardens, and seaside zones.
The glass viewing panel in front of the Kuroshio Sea tank inside the aquarium.
Use the free park shuttle bus to navigate the extensive grounds, as the distance between the aquarium and the botanical areas is significant.
Check the park's online event calendar before arrival, as dolphin shows and feeding times are scheduled throughout the day.
Bring a hat and high-SPF sunscreen, as much of the park's outdoor walking paths lack significant natural shade.
Attempting to walk the entire perimeter of the park without utilizing the internal shuttle system; skipping the aquarium's feeding demonstrations.
The park is closed for maintenance on the first Wednesday of December and the following day.
Maintain silence inside the aquarium to avoid disturbing the marine life; do not touch the exhibits.
