Embark on a one-day journey to Nakijin, where the marvels of the ocean and the charm of island life await you. Begin your adventure at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world, where you can immerse yourself in the underwater world for approximately 3 hours. Witness the majestic grace of whale sharks and manta rays, and experience the vibrant coral ecosystems that make this destination a must-see. After delving into the aquatic wonders, take a scenic drive to the tranquil Kouri Island. Spend 2 hours soaking in the panoramic views of crystal-clear waters and the island's serene atmosphere. This itinerary promises a day filled with awe-inspiring marine life and peaceful island vibes, perfect for travelers seeking a blend of education and relaxation.
1 Day in Nakijin Itinerary: Day 1
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Kickstart your Nakijin adventure with a splash at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, a marine sanctuary nestled within Kaiyohaku Park. As the first stop on your itinerary, allocate around 3 hours to be mesmerized by the vibrant aquatic life. The aquarium is a marvel of biodiversity, showcasing the rich underwater ecosystems of Okinawa. From the majestic whale sharks gliding through the massive Kuroshio Sea tank to the delicate coral reefs teeming with colorful fish, the Churaumi Aquarium offers an immersive experience that's both educational and enchanting.
Attraction Info
- 424 Ishikawa (inside Kaiyohaku Park), Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
- Suggested tour duration: 3-4 hour
- Open from 04/04-12/31,8:30am-6:30pm;Closed all day on 04/03,Wed
Recommended Nearby Restaurants
Kouri Island
After delving into the depths of the ocean, emerge to the sun-kissed tranquility of Kouri Island. A 2-hour visit to this picturesque isle provides a perfect contrast to your morning underwater escapade. Connected to the main island by a scenic bridge, Kouri Island is a haven of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. The island's laid-back atmosphere is ideal for a leisurely stroll or a quiet moment to soak in the panoramic views of the Pacific. It's a slice of paradise that captures the essence of Okinawa's natural beauty.
Attraction Info
- Kouri Island, Kouri, Nakijin, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-0406, Japan
- Suggested tour duration: 2-5 hour
Recommended Nearby Restaurants
Where to Stay Tonight
Top Things to Do in Nakijin-2024
- Recreate the deep sea world of Okinawa and watch 150 rare deep sea creatures from 200 meters deep in the sea up close.
- Learn more about shark habits in the ocean observation room through an intense and emotional Kuroshio adventure.
- Observe corals, colorful tropical fish, lobsters and other rich sea creatures up close, and listen to the call from the sea.
△ Whale Shark Sculpture, a huge whale shark statue is waiting for you at the entrance of Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. Stand in front of the Whale Shark Monument and take a beautiful commemorative photo with the words "Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium" on the back as the background!
After passing the Whale Shark Sculpture, Uminchu Gate awaits you. Uminchu means "fisherman" in the Okinawan dialect. From Uminchu Gate, you can enjoy the emerald-green ocean of Okinawa and the endless beauty of Ie Island. Take the escalator from Fisherman's Gate to the third floor. The entrance to Churaumi Aquarium is on your right. After entering the entrance, there is a row of touch pools. You can personally touch starfish, sea cucumbers and other marine life living in the coral reefs. They are all safe. You only need to touch them lightly, but please do not take them out of the water. There are special wash basins and hand dryers next to the touch pool. Going forward is a huge water tank called the "Coral Sea", with about 800 coral reef communities composed of 70 species of corals. There is also the "Sea of Tropical Fish", where various tropical fish thrive in seawater that simulates the natural environment.
△ The huge water tank "Kuroshio Sea" runs through two floors. In 7,500 cubic meters of sea water, three whale sharks over 8 meters long swim around above your head, which is very shocking. On the first floor of the aquarium, there are areas such as the deep-sea adventure area, Happy Ocean Research Laboratory and souvenir shop. If you want to buy some souvenirs, the aquarium’s T-shirts, whale shark and manta ray plush toys, mobile phone lanyards, etc. are all good choices. Outside the aquarium, there are several venues near the sea, including the Manatee Pavilion, Turtle Pavilion, Dolphin Lake and Dolphin Theater, which can be visited together.
△ The "Aqua Room" allows people to observe whale sharks and manta rays from various angles. There is a Cafe"Ocean Blue " next to the large tank, where you can enjoy pasta, pita bread, rice tortillas, cakes, sweet potato ice cream and other delicacies while watching the fish in the "Kuroshio Sea". The cafe does not accept reservations. When there are many people, you need to queue up to get a number. In addition, there is a "Churaumi Theater" on the second floor, which screens multiple high-definition documentaries about Okinawa's ocean every day.
* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.
* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.