Churaumi Aquarium and Motobu Bise North Okinawa Day Course

This is a one day plan on the Motobu Peninsula centered on the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, the highlight of northern Okinawa. You can enjoy giant whale sharks and the scenery of an old village in one trip. Because it is far from Naha, this course assumes you use a rental car.

Course Route

9:30 Arrive at Ocean Expo Park About two hours from Naha via the expressway. Park in the large lot and enter the grounds. 10:00 Tour the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium The whale sharks in the large Kuroshio Sea tank are stunning. The coral and deep sea displays are also worth seeing. 12:30 Lunch in the park and a view of the sea The free area dolphin show and Emerald Beach are close by. 14:00 A break with Motobu local food Motobu town has many famous Okinawa soba shops. Soba places toward Yaedake are popular too. 15:00 Walk the Bise fukugi tree lane About a ten minute drive from the aquarium. Stroll a lane of fukugi trees hundreds of years old. 16:00 Look out at the sea from Bisezaki A cape beyond the village. On clear days you get a fine view of Ie Island. 16:30 Finish Allow plenty of time on the way back to avoid the evening traffic.

Highlights

The main tank at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is one of the largest in the world, where whale sharks and manta rays swim freely. The Bise fukugi lane is made of trees planted as windbreaks that form a tunnel, preserving a classic Okinawan landscape. You can also tour it by water buffalo cart.

Access and Tips

Since it is far from Naha, an early start gives peace of mind. The aquarium tends to be less crowded in the afternoon, so shifting your timing helps if you want to avoid crowds. People still live in the Bise village, so remember to walk quietly.

A Quick Tip

Some afternoon time slots offer discounted aquarium entry, so you could reverse the order with the tree lane in the morning and the aquarium in the afternoon.