A Complete Guide to Public Transportation Access
The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is one of the island’s most popular attractions — but it’s located far up north in Motobu, about 100 km from Naha. Many travelers assume you need a rental car to get there, but that’s not true!
You can absolutely visit using public transportation only — it just takes a little planning. Based on my actual trip using local and express buses, here’s a full guide to getting there comfortably without driving.
Perfect for solo travelers, budget travelers, or anyone who prefers a car-free trip around Okinawa.
- How to Get from Naha to Churaumi Aquarium
- 3 Public Transport Routes from Naha to Churaumi Aquarium
- My Experience: Local Bus Going, Express Bus Returning
- Tips for Bus Travelers
- Useful Apps & Services
- FAQ: Getting to Churaumi Aquarium Without a Car
- Summary: Yes, You Can Visit Churaumi Aquarium Without a Car!
How to Get from Naha to Churaumi Aquarium
The aquarium is located in Motobu, in northern Okinawa.
It’s about 100 km from Naha Airport, or roughly 2 hours by car. But even without driving, you can reach it by public transport.
Main Options:
- Yanbaru Express Bus (Highway Bus)
- Local Bus + Transfer at Nago
- Local Bus + Taxi from Nago to the Aquarium
Let’s take a closer look at each option.
3 Public Transport Routes from Naha to Churaumi Aquarium
A. Highway Bus (Yanbaru Express Bus)
- Travel time: about 2 hours
- Departs from: Naha Airport / Kencho Kitaguchi (downtown Naha)
- Fare: around ¥2,000
- Pros: Direct, no transfers, comfortable seats
- Cons: Limited departures — plan around the timetable
B. Local Bus + Transfer at Nago
- Travel time: 2.5–3 hours
- Example route:
Take Bus No.117 from Naha to Nago Crossroad, then transfer to Bus No.66 → get off at Ishikawa Iriguchi stop. - Fare: around ¥3,000 total
- Pros: More frequent buses, enjoy local scenery
- Cons: Requires one transfer
C. Local Bus + Taxi
- Fare: Around ¥5,000 from Nago to the Aquarium
- Best for: Travelers with heavy luggage or groups
- Tip: Great balance between convenience and cost if 2–3 people share
My Experience: Local Bus Going, Express Bus Returning
On my trip, I took a local bus route to the aquarium and a Yanbaru Express Bus back to Naha.
Outbound: Local Bus + Transfer
- Departure: Kencho Kitaguchi Bus Stop (Bus 117)
- Transfer: At Nago Crossroad, change to Bus 66
- Arrival: Ishikawa Iriguchi stop → 10-min walk to the aquarium
- Total time: ~2 hours 45 min (with light traffic)
Return: Yanbaru Express Bus
- Departure: Royal View Hotel Churaumi-mae bus stop
- Arrival: Kencho Kitaguchi (downtown Naha)
- Total time: ~2 hours
It was the perfect combo — scenic and local on the way there, relaxing and direct on the way back.
Tips for Bus Travelers
- Leave early in the morning to avoid heavy traffic.
- Check stops on Google Maps before boarding — some can be tricky to find.
- IC cards: Suica & PASMO work on the Yanbaru Express Bus, but not all local buses accept them. Keep cash or a contactless credit card as backup.
- Take motion-sickness pills if you get carsick easily.
- Restrooms: No bathroom stops during the ride — go before departure or during transfers.
Useful Apps & Services
- BusNavi Okinawa App: Check timetables and routes in real time.
- Google Maps: Set “Depart at” time to preview schedules.
- Travel essentials: Hat, sunscreen, portable charger.
- Luggage delivery (Hands-Free Travel): Send bags directly from Naha Airport to your hotel and enjoy sightseeing light!
FAQ: Getting to Churaumi Aquarium Without a Car
Q. Can I really visit without renting a car?
Yes! You can reach the aquarium using the Yanbaru Express Bus or a combination of local buses. Just allow extra travel time.
Q. Where can I catch the Yanbaru Express Bus?
From Naha Airport or downtown (Kencho Kitaguchi). Check the official website for updated timetables and stops.
Q. Can I use Suica or PASMO?
Yes for the Yanbaru Express Bus. Some local buses, however, still don’t accept IC cards — have cash or a tap-enabled credit card ready.
Q. Is a taxi from Nago expensive?
Around ¥5,000 one way. Reasonable if shared among two or more travelers, especially with luggage.
Summary: Yes, You Can Visit Churaumi Aquarium Without a Car!
Even without renting a car, you can easily reach the Churaumi Aquarium by public transport.
With a bit of planning and an early start, it’s a relaxing and budget-friendly journey that lets you enjoy Okinawa’s local scenery and culture along the way.
Enjoy the ride — the bus trip itself can be part of your Okinawa adventure!
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