Churaumi Aquarium — Whale Shark Mega Tank

Published: Jun 2, 2026

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Churaumi Aquariumwhale sharksmanta raysmega tankOcean Expo Park

Churaumi Aquarium — Whale Shark Mega Tank

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium houses the world's second-largest aquarium tank (after Dubai) — the Kuroshio Sea tank holding 7,500 cubic meters of water, home to three whale sharks (the world's largest fish, growing to 12 meters) and manta rays with 6-meter wingspans. The tank's 8.2m x 22.5m acrylic panel allows floor-to-ceiling viewing as the whale sharks glide past at eye level.

The aquarium is part of Ocean Expo Park, a sprawling coastal park also containing the Oceanic Culture Museum, Tropical Dream Center botanical garden, and free dolphin shows (5 times daily). Allocate a full day to cover the entire park.

Getting There

Access Information

Ocean Expo Park, Motobu, Nago City. 90-min drive from Naha Airport or 2-hour bus (Yanbaru Express Bus, ¥2,000). Aquarium entry: ¥2,180 adults, ¥1,440 high school, ¥710 elementary. Hours: 8:30–18:30 (Oct–Feb until 17:30). Arrive at opening or after 15:00 to avoid peak crowds.

Insider Guide

Premium

**Feeding time:** Whale sharks are fed at 15:00 and 17:00 daily (9:30 and 15:00 on weekends) — they swim vertically with mouths open, filtering plankton from the water in a dramatic display. The 15:00