Ocean Expo Park (Ocean Expo Commemorative National Government Park), on the Motobu Peninsula in northern Okinawa, is a vast seaside park built for the 1975 International Ocean Exposition and one of the island’s top family destinations. While its most famous attraction is the world-class Churaumi Aquarium, the park offers far more across its expansive, beautifully landscaped grounds. Highlights include free dolphin shows at the Okichan Theater, the Dolphin Lagoon, a Manatee and Sea Turtle pool, the Tropical Dream Center with orchids and greenhouses, the Oceanic Culture Museum and planetarium, the reconstructed Okinawan village of Omoro Arboretum, and the lovely Emerald Beach for swimming. Much of the park is free to enter (the aquarium and some facilities are paid), and a shuttle helps you get around the large grounds. With enough to fill a full day, Ocean Expo Park combines the aquarium, marine life, gardens, culture and a beach into one superb northern-Okinawa outing.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Motobu, northern Okinawa |
| Hours | ~8:00–19:30 (varies by season/facility) |
| Admission | Park free; aquarium & some paid |
| Time needed | Half to full day |
| Best time | Year-round |
What to See
- The world-class Churaumi Aquarium (paid).
- Free dolphin shows and a manatee & sea turtle pool.
- Tropical gardens, a planetarium and culture museum.
- Emerald Beach for swimming (in season).
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with the Churaumi Aquarium inside.
- Pair with Emerald Beach in the park.
- Read our Okinawa overview .
Getting There
- By car: on the Motobu Peninsula, north of Nago.
- By bus: to Ocean Expo Park / Kinen-koen-mae.
Tips
Allow at least half a day (a full day if you want the aquarium plus the gardens, shows and beach), and check the free dolphin show times to plan around them. Use the in-park shuttle to cover the large grounds, note much of the park is free while the aquarium is paid, and combine it with Emerald Beach for a swim.
