Churaumi Aquarium and the North in Okinawa
Part of the Okinawa travel guide — see every topic in All Okinawa Guides.
The north of the main island is greener and quieter than the south. Churaumi Aquarium on the Motobu peninsula is the big sight, and the Yanbaru forests in the far north are a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.
Churaumi Aquarium
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, in Ocean Expo Park, is one of the largest aquariums in the world. Its Kuroshio Sea tank holds 7,500 m³ of water, with whale sharks and manta rays. Adult tickets cost about ¥2,000–2,200, less after 16:00, and free dolphin shows run outside several times a day. It is open about 8:30–18:30, later in summer.
Kouri Island and Motobu
Kouri Island, about 30 minutes from Churaumi by car, has a 2 km bridge over turquoise water, beaches and shrimp-rice food trucks. Bise village, near the aquarium, has a quiet path through tall fukugi trees. Nago Pineapple Park and the Orion beer factory in Nago are easy stops on the way.
Junglia
Junglia Okinawa, a large theme park built in the northern forest, opened in July 2025, with rides, a tethered balloon over the jungle and a spa. Tickets are expensive; buy online for the best price.
Yanbaru forests
Yanbaru, the far north, became part of a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 2021. Its forests are home to rare animals such as the flightless Okinawa rail. Hiji Falls is a 30–40 minute forest walk each way, and Cape Hedo is the island's northern tip. Drive slowly: wild animals cross the roads.
Churaumi Aquarium and the North at a glance
| Churaumi tickets | About ¥2,000–2,200 for adults; less after 16:00 |
|---|---|
| Hours | About 8:30–18:30 |
| From Naha | 1.5–2 h by car; 2–2.5 h by bus |
| Kouri Island | About 30 min from Churaumi |
| Yanbaru | UNESCO World Natural Heritage since 2021 |
| Plan | Stay a night in Motobu or Nago |