Great place for family, friends and couples to visit and have a fantastic time. Exhibits are detailed, captivating and definitely worth the visit 110%. A must go place if you're on oki.
We had a great time every time we went while being stationed in Okinawa Japan. We love this place it was awesome and my kids enjoy it too.
So many parts to this Ocean Expo Park! We were rushed and just about ran in the hot sun for 15 minutes to visit the Aquarium and Manatee Center. We wish we'd had time to see the Cultural Center, which others in our group greatly enjoyed. The Aquarium was amazing in its variety of species and grandeur of the open ocean tank, and is the subject of another review. Throughout the grounds, beautiful Sago Palms (Cycas revoluta) are found in abundance. You can also access the sandy beach via stairways if you have time.
While the Aquarium is very impressive, the park itself is huge and has many other interesting displays and experiences. Despite previous contributors comments, it is easy to get to here via local bus from Nago plus you can buy discount Aquarium tickets at the Nago bus terminal (The park itself and many of the displays and shows are free).
To get the most of your visit you should spend most of a day here, exploring the various venues, shows, parks and of course, the Aquarium. It is well set out and easy to get around either walking or taking the little train.
The Aquarium of truly impressive and carefully set out so you are not overwhelmed. The tanks are arranged so you are gradually introduced to the denizens of the deep. Standing behind the 600m thick tank window with a monstrous whale-shark looking back at you is truly awe inspiring.
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is only a very small portion of the park. Aside from the aquarium which is fantastic in its own right, there are plenty of other things to do in the park - platforms to enjoy the ocean views, children's playground, dolphin theatre etc.
We spent only half-day due to other plan which is barely enough to just visit the aquarium and watch the dolphin theatre. There was definitely so much more to explore. So I'd recommend a full day trip for the park because it packs so much fun and covers such a vast ground. And wear plenty of sunscreen.
