5 recommended tourist spots in Motobu Town, Home to the must-visit Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium!

Motobu Town is located in the northern part of Okinawa’s main island, on the western side of the Motobu Peninsula. It’s known as one of the most beautiful coastal areas in Okinawa, with numerous beaches that sparkle in vibrant emerald green. Even if the name “Motobu” doesn’t ring a bell, many will recognize it as the location of the famous Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. But beyond the aquarium, Motobu Town is home to many other amazing tourist attractions. In this article, we’ve handpicked and compiled 5 must-visit spots in Motobu Town for your travel inspiration.

1. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is not just one of Okinawa’s top attractions—it’s one of the most renowned aquariums in all of Japan. Until the opening of the Georgia Aquarium in the U.S. in 2005, it was the largest aquarium in the world. It’s easily accessible from Naha Airport or downtown Naha via the Yanbaru Express Bus or the Airport Shuttle.

The aquarium is part of the expansive Ocean Expo Park, which also includes other attractions such as the Oceanic Culture Museum and Emerald Beach. Let’s take a look at some of the aquarium’s main highlights below.

“Kuroshio Sea” – Where Whale Sharks Swim Gracefully

The star attraction at Churaumi Aquarium is undoubtedly the massive tank known as the “Kuroshio Sea,” where whale sharks swim in all their glory. You’ll also see enormous reef mantas and a variety of large and small fish. The scale of the tank gives you the sense that you're truly in the middle of the Pacific Ocean—an awe-inspiring experience.

This grand tank can be viewed from multiple angles: look up at it from below in the Aqua Room or walk directly above it via the surface-viewing route. You can even enjoy a meal or a coffee break while watching the whale sharks swim by at Ocean Blue Café.

“Okichan Theater” – Get Up Close with Dolphins

Of course, the aquarium also features the classic dolphin show. With the scenic backdrop of Motobu’s beautiful sea and the unique shape of Ie Island, dolphins like the bottlenose and false killer whale deliver powerful performances.

Surprisingly, admission to Okichan Theater is free! After the show, visitors are welcome to re-enter the aquarium.

At the nearby Dolphin Lagoon, you can watch and interact with dolphins up close. The exhibit also provides fun educational content about dolphin biology and the health management practices of the aquarium.

Since it's located a short walk from the main building, be sure not to overlook it during your visit.

“Sea Turtle Pool” – Observe Like You’re Diving

Located downhill from the main building toward the ocean, the Sea Turtle Pool is home to five of the world’s eight sea turtle species. From the basement level, you can watch them through the side of the tank—it almost feels like you're diving alongside them!

If you’re lucky with the timing, you might even spot baby sea turtles swimming around. Seeing them energetically paddling in small tanks or on man-made sandy beaches is incredibly heartwarming. Like the Okichan Theater, this exhibit is also free, so it’s highly recommended to stop by.

2. Bise Fukugi Tree Road

Fukugi trees are evergreen species whose northernmost limit is around the Amami Islands. In Okinawa, they are commonly planted as windbreaks or hedgerows. The Bise District, located north of Ocean Expo Park, is home to some of the finest Fukugi tree-lined paths in Okinawa, making it a popular sightseeing destination.

Step into the path and it feels like you’ve entered a maze of trees! While ordinary houses lie just beyond the trees with no fences, the dense growth of Fukugi makes them surprisingly hard to spot.

There’s a designated walking route around the area that takes just under an hour to complete. On the way back, you can stroll along the beach while enjoying a view of Ie Island across the sea.
In addition to walking, you can also explore the area by water buffalo cart. Riding slowly through the trees in a buffalo- or horse-drawn cart offers a unique and tranquil Okinawan experience.

Since this is a functioning residential area, please be respectful and avoid causing any disturbance during your visit.

3. Sesoko Island

About 500 meters west of Motobu Port lies Sesoko Island, home to a population of less than 1,000. The island is connected to the Okinawa main island via the Sesoko Bridge, making it easily accessible by car, bus, or taxi.

The main attraction here is without a doubt the crystal-clear blue sea! The island features two beaches—Anchihama on the east and Sesoko Beach on the west—both known for their top-tier water clarity. With just a snorkel and some goggles, you can clearly see fish swimming beneath the surface.

There are a number of stylish cafés around the island, making it a perfect place to relax while enjoying the fresh breeze of Motobu. There are also plenty of guesthouses and pensions, so staying overnight in Sesoko Island is highly recommended as part of your Motobu sightseeing trip.

4. Yohena Hydrangea Garden

Located near the center of the Motobu Peninsula, the Yohena Hydrangea Garden is a floral paradise lovingly handcrafted by Ms. Uto Yohena. She began planting hydrangeas little by little around the age of 60, and today it has grown into a breathtaking garden with around 8,000 bushes and over 250,000 blooms, making it a major tourist attraction.

Ms. Yohena passed away peacefully in 2018 at the age of 100, but her family continues to care for the garden. When in full bloom, the hydrangeas blanket the hillside so thoroughly that people often say, “the entire mountain turns blue.” In recent years, the garden has also welcomed many visitors from abroad.

The hydrangea season runs from around May 20 through the end of June. During this period, the garden is open every day, warmly greeting visitors who come to explore Motobu.

5. Minnajima (Minna Island)

Further offshore from Sesoko Island lies Minnajima (Minna Island), which has a croissant-like shape. Once considered sacred and uninhabited, it saw its first settlers around the end of the Meiji era. Today, it is home to about 50 residents.

Like other nearby islands, Minnajima’s biggest appeal is its breathtaking sea. Every year, it welcomes about 60,000 tourists—1,200 times its population! The island comes alive with people enjoying diving and snorkeling, exploring coral reefs and vividly colored tropical fish through the transparent waters lit up by the sun.

However, given the small population, facilities on the island are limited. If you plan to visit Minnajima, make sure to book and prepare everything in advance.

◎ Summary

This article introduced five must-see tourist spots in Motobu Town, Okinawa. From the world-famous Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium to stunning natural beauty and rich history, there’s something for everyone. Nearby, you’ll also find other popular destinations such as the Nakijin Castle Ruins, a World Heritage Site, and the rapidly rising star Kouri Island. Coming all the way to the Motobu Peninsula and not staying overnight would be a waste! Take your time, explore at your own pace, and experience the full charm of Motobu with your own eyes.