Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium Park to Host 'Ocean Expo Churaumi Summer Special 2026' from July 1 to August 31!

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium Park will host the 'Ocean Expo Churaumi Summer Special 2026' from Wednesday, July 1 to Monday, August 31, 2026. A variety of events perfect for creating summer vacation memories and school research projects will be available. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity!

Virtual Feeding Experience! Become a Keeper for a Day!

Experience virtual feeding of whale sharks and manta rays—normally reserved only for aquarium staff!

【Dates】July 18–19 (Sat–Sun), 25–26 (Sat–Sun)
【Time】2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
【Location】Event Hall, 4th Floor, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
【Fee】Free

Mysterious Plants and Insects Exhibition – Explore a Mini Jungle

Discover the miniature jungle world where carnivorous plants and insects thrive!

【Dates】July 18 (Sat) – August 23 (Sun), 2026
【Time】8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Last entry at 5:00 PM)
【Note】Closed every Wednesday
【Location】Tropical Dream Center (Mira Island Botanical Garden)
【Fee】Admission only (760 yen for high school students and above; free for junior high school students and below)

Cardboard Maze – Okinawan Ghost Special

Navigate through a cardboard maze while searching for hidden Okinawan yōkai (ghosts) to reach the goal!

【Dates】Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays from July 18 to August 23, 2026
【Time】9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Last entry at 4:00 PM)
【Location】Multipurpose Hall, 1st Floor, Ocean Cultural Center
【Fee】200 yen for junior high school students and below; 190 yen (Ocean Cultural Center admission) for high school students and above

Churaumi Music Night

Enjoy live violin and sanshin performances with whale sharks and manta rays gracefully swimming in the massive 'Kuroshio Sea' tank as the backdrop.

Vol. 1: Special Performance by Violinist 'Ryūma'
【Dates】August 1–3 (Sat–Mon), 2026
【Time】7:00 PM, 8:00 PM (approx. 30 minutes per session)

Vol. 2: Special Performance by Rinken Band's Chikako Uehara
【Date】August 11 (Tue, Holiday), 2026
【Time】6:30 PM, 7:30 PM (approx. 30 minutes per session)
【Location】In front of the 'Kuroshio Sea' tank, 1st Floor, Aquarium
【Fee】Aquarium admission only

Extended Operating Hours at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

【Operating Hours】
July 18 (Sat) – July 31 (Fri): 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM (Last entry at 7:00 PM)
August 1 (Sat) – August 31 (Mon): 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM (Last entry at 8:00 PM)

For more information about other events during the 'Ocean Expo Churaumi Summer Special 2026', please visit the official event website below.

Official Event Website

About Ocean Expo Park

Opened in 1976 on the site of the 1975 Okinawa International Ocean Exposition, Ocean Expo Park is a national park located in subtropical Okinawa, facing the East China Sea. The expansive grounds preserve the spirit and legacy of the Expo, which envisioned 'the sea and its desirable future.' Visitors can experience the 'sun, flowers, and sea' through authentic encounters with nature and culture. Key attractions include the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, where visitors can fully immerse themselves in Okinawa’s marine world; the Ocean Cultural Center, showcasing coastal lifestyles and traditions; and the Tropical Dream Center, a spiritual spot where the life force of nature is felt through ancient ruins and tropical plants. These three world-class facilities are must-see destinations. Ocean Expo Park is a place to reflect on humanity’s relationship with the sea, renew one’s understanding of global cultures, and explore a sustainable future for the ocean. Begin your journey with 'Churaumi' and experience the timeless culture and history that lie beyond.