The Kuroshio Sea Tank: Okinawa’s Hidden Marine Gem You Can’t Miss
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is one of Japan’s most famous marine attractions, and its crown jewel is undoubtedly the Kuroshio Sea Tank. Home to giant whale sharks, graceful manta rays, and a dazzling array of marine life, the tank is a breathtaking display of ocean beauty and conservation. Whether you are a marine enthusiast or simply looking for a unique experience in Okinawa, the Kuroshio Sea Tank is an unforgettable destination.
Overview and Highlights
Tank Size & Structure
The Kuroshio Sea Tank is an engineering marvel, holding 7,500,000 liters of water. It measures 35 meters long, 27 meters wide, and 10 meters deep. Its massive acrylic viewing panel, standing 8.2 meters high and 22.5 meters wide with a thickness of 60 cm, was the world’s largest when the aquarium first opened. This enormous window into the ocean allows visitors to witness marine life in an almost surreal, panoramic setting.
Main Attractions
Whale Sharks
The true stars of the Kuroshio Sea Tank, the whale sharks glide gracefully through the water, showcasing their gentle nature. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium holds the world record for the longest breeding period of whale sharks, a conservation achievement that began in 1995.
Manta Rays
The tank is also home to various species of manta rays, including the rare all-black reef manta and the giant oceanic manta. In 2024, the aquarium achieved a world-first by successfully breeding an all-black manta pup, adding to its list of groundbreaking conservation efforts.
Other Marine Life
In addition to whale sharks and manta rays, the tank hosts mobula rays and numerous migratory fish, creating a vibrant ecosystem that mirrors the Kuroshio Current’s natural environment.
Tours & Activities
Visitor Experience
Viewing Areas
Main Viewing Panel
This expansive acrylic wall provides uninterrupted views of the majestic marine life, making it perfect for photography and quiet reflection.
Aqua Room
A unique underwater viewing space where visitors can gaze up through an acrylic ceiling, offering a one-of-a-kind perspective of swimming whale sharks and rays.
Special Seating
For a relaxed experience, visitors can enjoy designated seating areas or the adjacent café, where they can savor snacks while watching the captivating aquatic scene.
Feeding Times
Whale Shark Feeding
Daily at 15:00 and 17:00, visitors can witness the spectacular sight of whale sharks feeding—a highlight not to be missed. For fewer crowds, aim for the 15:00 feeding on weekdays.
Educational Programs
Shark Research Lab
Learn about shark biology and behavior through interactive exhibits that include hands-on displays of shark and ray skin samples.
Commentary Panels
Multilingual panels provide in-depth insights into ongoing research and conservation efforts, accompanied by rare footage of breeding and habitat behaviors.
Behind-the-Scenes Tours
Special programs offer visitors a rare opportunity to view the Kuroshio Sea Tank from above, revealing the scale and complexity of maintaining one of the world’s largest aquarium tanks.
Access and Practical Information
Address
424 Ishikawa, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture, within Ocean Expo Park.
Getting There
By Car
About 2 hours from Naha Airport via the Okinawa Expressway.
By Bus
Take an express bus from Naha Airport to the Ocean Expo Park stop (approx. 3 hours), then walk 10 minutes to the aquarium.
Official App
The Churaumi App provides real-time facility information, creature guides, event updates, and congestion notifications in multiple languages (Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean).
Travel Tips
Recommended Visit Duration
Plan for at least 2–3 hours to explore the aquarium, with additional time for Kuroshio Sea Tank feedings and behind-the-scenes tours.
Photography Tips
The main tank is an ideal photo spot. Capture silhouettes of visitors against the blue backdrop for dramatic images.
Peak Times
Weekends and holidays are typically crowded, so aim for weekdays or early afternoons for a more relaxed visit.
Accessibility
The aquarium is fully accessible, with elevators and barrier-free routes for wheelchair users.
Dive into the Depths
The Kuroshio Sea Tank at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is a spectacular experience that combines conservation, education, and the thrill of observing some of the ocean’s most majestic creatures up close. Whether you’re a seasoned marine lover or a curious traveler, this exhibit is a must-see highlight of any visit to Okinawa.
