Located in Motobu, in the northwest of Okinawa, Churaumi Ocean Expo Park is one of the island’s most iconic sites. It is a vast place that combines nature, culture, and marine discoveries, where one can easily spend two full days without getting bored. Between paradise beaches, a world-famous aquarium, museums, shows, tropical gardens, and traditional villages, the park is a destination in itself for visitors.
Before construction and inauguration
Ocean Expo Park was built on the site of the International Ocean Exposition (Expo ’75), organized in 1975 to celebrate the maritime and cultural richness of Okinawa. After the exposition, the infrastructure was transformed into a permanent park, intended to preserve the memory of the event while developing a sustainable tourist and educational offer. The park was officially inaugurated in 1976, and since then, it has continued to expand and modernize to welcome millions of visitors each year.
An impressive area and a unique atmosphere
With its more than 70 hectares, the park is made up of a multitude of varied spaces: museums, beaches, tropical gardens, traditional village, marine theater…
Unlike a simple park, here each area tells a facet of Okinawan identity.
The architecture was designed to dialogue with the environment:
- wide paths that open onto the sea
- viewpoints to enjoy the sunset
- gardens where one can stroll in the shade
The visit takes place at a gentle, almost contemplative pace, while offering many activities for families.
The Ocean Expo Park
The vast Ocean Expo Park immediately captivates with the richness of its landscapes and the diversity of its plantations. Flower-lined paths, tropical trees, and colorful flowerbeds make it an ideal place for long walks. Access is completely free, and the beauty of the site alone justifies an extended visit.
Along the paths, a discreet musical atmosphere accompanies the walk. Visitors enjoy soft melodies, often inspired by Okinawan tradition, which contribute to a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. Three marked routes are offered: 3 km, 5 km, and 7 km, but everyone is free to adapt their itinerary according to their own pace.
The walk also offers the opportunity to listen to the song of cicadas and subtropical birds, which contribute to the unique charm of this park between nature and culture.
Click to visit “Ocean Expo Park” in video
Discovery of plants
In my video dedicated to Ocean Expo Park, each filmed plant is identified by its Latin name displayed in overlay. This choice guarantees precise recognition and avoids any translation errors. Thanks to this universal reference, it is easy to search on the internet for the species that catch your attention, to learn more about them and, why not, to consider acquiring some to decorate a garden or an indoor space.
Picnic and sweetness of life
Ocean Expo Park is sure to charm with its vastness and peaceful atmosphere. Despite the crowds, one never feels cramped: everyone can easily find a quiet spot to meditate, rest, or share a family picnic away from the hustle and bustle. For those who prefer not to sit directly on the grass, the park also provides wooden picnic tables, harmoniously integrated into the landscape, which offer a pleasant setting for outdoor dining.
Ocean Expo Park Okinawa: A cultural and scientific theme park
Okinawa’s Ocean Expo Park is not a classic park: there are no rides, no roller coasters, and no mechanical attractions. Instead, this vast 70-hectare space is presented as a cultural and scientific theme park, designed to highlight the natural and heritage treasures of the archipelago.
Several worlds predominate:
- the sea, with the famous Churaumi Aquarium
- the free dolphin theater
- Emerald Beach
- culture, through the reconstructed Okinawan village
- the maritime museum
- nature, thanks to the Tropical Dream Center, the orchid greenhouses, and the subtropical arboretum
This unique combination makes Ocean Expo Park an educational and touristic site of its own, comparable to other major Japanese commemorative parks such as Expo ’70 Park in Osaka or Showa Kinen Park in Tokyo, but with its own identity: a tribute to the ocean and the traditions of Okinawa.
The infrastructures of Ocean Expo Park
The Churaumi Aquarium: the star of the park
It is impossible to talk about Ocean Expo Park without mentioning its Churaumi Aquarium, considered one of the most beautiful in the world. From the entrance, the subdued light immerses the visitor in a mysterious atmosphere, like a gradual dive into the ocean.
The highlight of the visit is the Kuroshio Sea, a huge tank containing several million liters of water. Behind its glass wall, one can see hundreds of tropical fish, majestic rays, and above all a giant whale shark. Watching this several-meter-long animal slowly glide above the visitors is an unforgettable experience. Alongside it, the manta rays, with their elegant flight, add a touch of grace to the spectacle.
The aquarium is not limited to this tank: it also offers rooms dedicated to living corals, deep-sea creatures, and jellyfish, in a route that combines education and wonder. To extend the experience, a panoramic restaurant allows visitors to have lunch facing the large tank. You enjoy your meal while the whale shark passes a few meters behind the glass; an extraordinary sensation.
Note: The whale shark is without a doubt one of the most spectacular inhabitants of the aquarium. Its presence immediately captures attention, as it is both beautiful and majestic. The experience may also provoke mixed feelings in some visitors, sensitive to the issue of animals in captivity. This reflection is to be appreciated according to your own sensibility.
Okichan Theater and its playful dolphins
Outside, the Okichan Theater attracts both young and old. This open-air theater faces the sea, and admission is free. The dolphins perform acrobatics, spectacular jumps, and interact with their trainers, under the applause of the audience.
It is not only a show: one also learns a lot about the behavior of these marine mammals. After the show, visitors can participate in interactive moments, such as feeding the dolphins or giving food to the sea turtles housed in a nearby pool. Precious memories, especially for families with children.
Emerald Beach: a life-size postcard
A few steps from the aquarium lies Emerald Beach, with its evocative name. With its white sand and turquoise water, it offers one of the most beautiful swims on the island. A particularity: the beach is divided into three zones: one reserved for swimming, another for admiring the horizons, and the last for relaxing (ball games, etc.). One can therefore choose between peaceful idleness, meditation, or family games.
It is also a magical place to admire the sunset, when the sea is tinted with golden and pink reflections.
The supervised swimming area is accessible from April to October and secured by anti-jellyfish nets.
The sand is very light beige and the seawater exceptionally clear, as can be seen in my video.
Adventure Land: children’s paradise
Near the Churaumi Aquarium is Kid’s Adventure Land, a unique play space. It is a huge playground built with nets, designed to evoke the beauty and diversity of the seas of Okinawa.
Four different worlds unfold there, each inspired by an aspect of the ocean. This includes areas where children can climb, jump, crawl, or simply swing safely. The most spectacular is undoubtedly the one that reproduces the open sea, with a vast blue net suspended in the air. By venturing onto it, the youngest feel as if they are floating above the waves, carried by the marine currents.
This space is not reserved only for children: parents can accompany them, observe, or rest in the natural environment surrounding the playground. The site is ideal for a family break after visiting the aquarium, and it is easily accessible on foot from parking lot P7.
Practical advice: prioritize visiting in the morning or late afternoon to avoid high heat, plan comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for nets.
The Maritime Museum and its life-size boats
Less known, but fascinating, the Maritime Museum highlights the history of navigation in the Pacific. Traditional canoes from Polynesia, boats from Southeast Asia, and Okinawan vessels can be discovered there, some reconstructed at full scale. During this visit, one realizes the vital role of the sea in the survival and cultural exchange of island peoples.
A journey into the stars at the Planetarium
Not far from the museum, the planetarium completes the experience by taking us into the sky. The audiovisual shows immerse the spectator in the starry vault while explaining the links between traditional navigation and the observation of constellations. After exploring the sea, one discovers that the sky has also guided the peoples of Okinawa.
The planetarium of Ocean Expo Park offers a program of projections that varies according to the days, times, and seasons. Each session is followed by a different projection, which avoids repetition and gives visitors the possibility of discovering several themes in the same day.
Okinawa Native Village: An Immersion in Tradition
The Native Okinawa Village is a reconstruction of an old Ryukyu village, featuring houses with red-tiled roofs or bamboo structures. You’ll also find stone-paved alleys and flower-filled gardens. Walking through feels like stepping into a place frozen in time, where you can discover local crafts, music, and scenes of traditional life.
If this topic interests you, a article is available on this blog, along with a video filmed in the village on my YouTube channel. From the light dwellings with fragile bamboo floors to traditional Japanese-style houses with tatami mats and sliding doors, this video traces in detail the evolution of architectural techniques in Okinawa and Japan in the past.
By turning on the subtitles, you’ll also learn about historical aspects of the caste system, where social position and living comfort were directly tied to the power one held.
Tropical Dream Center: the floral jewel of Ocean Expo Park
A true greenhouse jungle, the Tropical Dream Center brings together thousands of tropical plants. Orchids are the highlight, presented in a multitude of shapes and colors. One also finds rare and surprising plants, such as the titan arum, nicknamed “corpse flower” because of its astonishing smell.
A blog article and a video published on YouTube are also dedicated to this botanical center, perfect for flower lovers and fans of natural curiosities.
Sunset Square and Aqua Town
At the end of the day, head to Sunset Square, a vast modern esplanade where one can admire magnificent sunsets. Right next to it, Aqua Town delights children with its 43 play structures: slides, climbing areas, interactive sound games (such as the “moshi-moshi pipe” that transmits the voice from one place to another).
Children’s areas and playgrounds
Ocean Expo Park is particularly well-suited for families. Several areas are designed for the youngest ones:
- Riding Ground: near the Okinawan Village, with a 50-meter climbing wall.
- Kid’s Corner: located inside the Haisai Plaza Information Center, featuring picture books and educational videos.
- Cultural Experience Room (at the Oceanic Museum): hands-on activities and wooden toys to experience traditional life.
Main Rest House (Churaumi Plaza)
This large building serves as a rest house but also as an exhibition space. Inside are models, impressive marine skeletons (such as that of a whale), and a place to take a break between visits.
The Tropical and Subtropical Arboretum of Ocean Expo Park
A green setting in the heart of the park
Within the vast Ocean Expo Park, the tropical and subtropical arboretum is a true plant kingdom. Accessible free of charge, it invites visitors to discover an incredible diversity of plants from Okinawa and other regions of the world with similar climates. Between themed gardens, shaded areas, and play spaces, it is an ideal place for a walk combining relaxation and learning.
Varied themed gardens
Herb Garden Zone
A space dedicated to aromatic herbs capable of withstanding high heat. Visitors discover different varieties cultivated in Okinawa, highlighted in carefully arranged flowerbeds.
Tropical Garden
This garden showcases tropical plants and floral compositions used to decorate flowerbeds. It illustrates the art of flowering in an island climate.
Hedge and Vine Zone
A setting of hedges and vines, accompanied by pergolas and plant structures, offering a green and relaxing atmosphere.
Salt/Wind Tolerant Zones
Palms, shrubs, and trees adapted to typhoons and sea spray find their place in these sectors. They testify to the ability of plants to adapt to the sometimes harsh conditions of Okinawa.
Acid-loving Plant Zone
A garden where camellias and other species adapted to acidic soils display their colors.
Forage Garden for Butterflies
Designed to attract butterflies, this garden allows the observation of these colorful insects, especially in the morning.
Activities and discoveries
The arboretum is not limited to contemplation: it also offers fun and educational experiences.
- Creative workshops with plants: plant dyeing on fabric, flower crowns, botanical candles, wind chimes, pressed flower calendars, and seasonal decorations.
- Ground Golf: a fun course accessible to everyone, ideal for playing with the family among flowers and greenery.
- Stamp Rally: a game consisting of collecting stamps in different areas of the garden, with a reward for the most persistent.
- Water games: a mushroom-shaped fountain invites children to cool off during the summer (bring a change of clothes).
Arboretum visit routes
Three routes are suggested to suit the time and desires of each visitor:
- 30 minutes: a quick circuit, perfect for spotting butterflies and smelling aromatic herbs.
- 60 minutes: a more complete walk, ending with a lookout offering a magnificent view of the sea.
- Family route: combining creative workshops and play areas, it is ideal for children.
Banko Forest: the friendly space
At the heart of the route is Banko Forest, a perfect gathering place for families and groups. One can picnic there, attend activities, or simply enjoy the greenery.
A visit not to be missed
The tropical and subtropical arboretum of Ocean Expo Park is not only a botanical garden: it is a true journey through the flora of Okinawa. Between walks, educational discoveries, and creative activities, it offers a complete experience that will appeal both to nature enthusiasts and to families seeking relaxation.
A walkway that connects the arboretum to the entire Ocean Expo Park
The tropical and subtropical arboretum naturally integrates into the continuity of the vast Ocean Expo Park. Everything here is freely accessible, including parking lots, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the space without constraint. For a complete walk, it is possible to begin the visit at the arboretum and then continue by crossing the entire park. The route thus leads, from one end of the site to the other, to Emerald Beach, offering a progressive discovery of all the riches of the complex, between gardens, museums, aquarium, and natural spaces.
How much time to plan?
Many travelers think they can visit Ocean Expo Park in a single day. In reality, given the richness of the activities, it is preferable to plan two full days. The first day can be dedicated to the marine area (aquarium, dolphins, beach), and the second to the museums, the Okinawan village, and the gardens. This allows you to fully enjoy each space without rushing.
Where to eat, where to sleep?
The park is surrounded by hotels ranging from simple family accommodations to upscale establishments with sea views. Several restaurants are located inside and around the park, offering both local specialties (Okinawa soba, grilled fish) and Western dishes.
For souvenirs, the park’s shops offer a wide selection: Ryukyu glassware, traditional textiles, local treats such as chinsuko cookies.
Services and amenities
The park is very well equipped:
- Souvenir shops (Ryukyu glassware, local sweets, textiles).
- Restaurants and cafés (Okinawan dishes, snacks, drinks).
- Rest areas, changing rooms, lockers, nurseries.
- Stroller and wheelchair rentals.
- Parking lots, bus stops, smoking areas, vending machines, first aid stations.
Practical information
- Hours: the park opens from 8:00 a.m., with slightly reduced hours in winter. Generally 8:00–18:30 in winter, 8:00–19:30 in summer.
- Open all year round without interruption, except in special cases (typhoon, earthquakes, etc.).
- Admission: entry to the park is free (beach, village, Adventure Land).
Official website (non-affiliated): churaumi.okinawa
Paid attractions:
- Churaumi Aquarium: about ¥1,880 (adults), ¥620 (children).
- Tropical Dream Center: ¥760.
- Maritime Museum and Planetarium: less than ¥200 each.
Getting around by electric shuttle
To make it easier to move inside the vast Ocean Expo Park, electric shuttles run regularly between the different zones. This practical service saves time while providing a comfortable and ecological ride. The fare is ¥300 for a single ride and ¥500 for a day pass offering unlimited trips. Schedules and routes may vary, so it is recommended to check updated information via the QR code available on site.
Access from Naha Airport
Ocean Expo Park is located in the northwest of Okinawa, about 2 to 3 hours from Naha Airport. Several options make it possible to reach the site:
By car:
- by National Route 58 (about 2 h 50) or via the expressway to Kyoda I.C. (about 2 h).
By bus:
- Highway Bus (line 111): about 3 h.
- Local Bus (line 120): about 3 h 30.
- Yanbaru Express Bus: about 2 h 20.
- Okinawa Bus Airport Limousine: about 2 h 15.
- Okinawa Airport Shuttle: between 2 and 3 h depending on traffic.
Several direct lines and connections serve the park, notably via the Nago Bus Terminal. Local lines 65, 66, and 70 cover the last section to Ocean Expo Park.
Practical tip: it is recommended to check schedules and connections on the Bus Navi Okinawa website, which brings together information from the island’s main bus companies.
Additional resources
To prepare, a 1h44 walking tour video is available on my Japan Okinawa Daily Life channel. It crosses the park from the Arboretum to Emerald Beach, offering a realistic overview of the vastness of the site.
Watch the video of Ocean Expo Park, Arboretum, and Emerald Beach
Watch the video of the Tropical Dream Center
Watch the video of the Native Okinawa Village
Texts, images and videos © Japan Okinawa Daily Life
Copying, downloading and reuse prohibited without permission
