When it comes to Okinawa, many people might think of the crystal-clear blue ocean and the unique tropical resort vibe that differs from mainland Japan. The DMM Kariyushi Aquarium is a fantastic place where you can easily experience the essence of Okinawa’s sea and nature, even indoors. Here, you can observe various marine life up close, combined with a surprising space design and interactive animal encounters, making it a fun-filled entertainment aquarium. This article provides a comprehensive introduction to the aquarium’s features, must-see highlights, as well as essential information about nearby products and food before your visit. If you’re looking to make the most of a brief stay, be sure to check out this guide!
Table of Contents
- What is DMM Kariyushi Aquarium?
- 3 Must-See Animals You Can Interact with at “Interactive Plaza Tetote”
- 3 Highlights for Close Animal Encounters
- 3 Highlights to Observe Marine Life Up Close
- A Must-See! A Dreamlike Performance Combining Light, Sound, and Images
- Exclusive DMM Kariyushi Aquarium Merchandise & Must-Try Foods
- Recommended to Purchase Tickets on the Official Website
- Conclusion
What is DMM Kariyushi Aquarium?
DMM Kariyushi Aquarium is an experiential aquarium located within the large commercial facility “iias Okinawa Toyosaki” in Toyosaki City, Okinawa Prefecture. The total area of the building is approximately 7,000 square meters, and it takes about 60 to 80 minutes to explore the entire aquarium. Since it is an indoor facility, you don’t have to worry about the weather, making it a year-round attraction that is especially popular among families.
How to Get to DMM Kariyushi Aquarium
It takes about 20 minutes by car from Naha Airport to reach DMM Kariyushi Aquarium. You can also take the Naha Bus “95: Airport Ashibinaa Line,” which takes about 20 minutes, or the Tokyo Bus “TK02: Umikaji Liner,” which takes about 35 minutes to get off at “iias Okinawa Toyosaki.” The aquarium is conveniently accessible from nearby locations like the Senaga Island Sea Breeze Terrace or Okinawa Outlet Mall ASHIBINAA, and you can easily reach it by bus from the “Kume District” and “Kokusai Street.”
Check Basic Information about DMM Kariyushi Aquarium
Features of DMM Kariyushi Aquarium
The standout feature of DMM Kariyushi Aquarium is the opportunity to interact with small-clawed otters and sharks, as well as feed penguins and sloths up close—experiences that are hard to find elsewhere. In the “Interactive Plaza Tetote,” set to open in spring 2025, you can also meet mini pigs making their debut in Okinawa, and feed owls and call ducks. Plans are underway to introduce large dog interaction experiences, making each visit a new discovery at this experiential entertainment facility.
3 Must-See Animals You Can Interact with at “Interactive Plaza Tetote”
Located on the first floor of the aquarium, the newly opened “Interactive Plaza Tetote” is a rare interactive space where you can encounter various exotic animals. Here, you can feed them by hand or take memorable photos with them, allowing for a unique close encounter with animals that are usually hard to see!
1. Owls
You can observe owls up close, especially their adorable cheeks puffing up while they eat. After feeding, you can take photos with the owls (flash photography and lighting are prohibited throughout the aquarium).
2. Mini Pigs
As you step into “Interactive Plaza Tetote,” you’ll be greeted by 16 enthusiastic mini pigs welcoming every visitor. In this area, you can not only feed them but also gently touch these adorable mini pigs, enjoying a rare moment of interaction.
3. Call Ducks
These small, round, and pure white call ducks are incredibly cute. Their feathers are smooth and soft, providing a delightful tactile experience!
Note: The “Interactive Plaza Tetote” is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM). Operating hours may vary.
Purchase Tickets on the Official Website
3 Highlights for Close Animal Encounters
The aquarium is generally divided into two floors: the “Evergreen Forest (常綠之森)” on the second floor and the “Clear Sea (澄清之海)” on the first floor. Here are three highlights from each floor where you can have close encounters with animals.
1. Touch Pool Area - Feed Small-Clawed Otters & Touch Sharks and Starfish (2nd Floor)
The “Touch Pool (タッチプール)” is home to small-clawed otters, sharks, and starfish. You can experience feeding the small-clawed otters, whose adorable attempts to reach for food and soft little hands will surely capture the hearts of both adults and children!
2. Penguin City - Observe Penguins Up Close (2nd Floor)
In “Penguin City (ペンギンぐすく),” about 15 Humboldt penguins reside. You can observe their various behaviors, including swimming gracefully in the water or waddling on land. When feeding time arrives, the sight of penguins gathering eagerly is simply adorable.
3. Yui-Yui Zoo - Observe Land Animals Living Freely (2nd Floor)
At the “Yui-Yui Zoo (ゆいゆいズー),” you can see two-toed sloths and Aldabra tortoises living freely.
While you can’t touch them, the absence of barriers allows you to enjoy the fun of feeding them up close.
Must-See Highlights for Observing Aquatic Life
On the 1st floor, the “Clear Sea (多彩な生物が息づく澄み切った海)” is home to many marine creatures swimming gracefully.
You can admire them from various angles, making it one of the key attractions of this area.
Get your camera ready, as every shot is Instagram-worthy!
1. Okinawa Large Tank - A Massive Display of Diverse Marine Life (1st Floor)
The “Okinawa Large Tank (うちなー大水槽)” showcases around 30 species of creatures that inhabit the waters off Okinawa.
You can observe rays and tiger sharks swimming leisurely, as well as schools of golden-striped mackerel and other fascinating fish.
2. CHURAMINAMO - A Dreamlike Space That Feels Like Walking on Water (2nd Floor)
Located on the 2nd floor above the “Okinawa Large Tank,” the “CHURAMINAMO (ちゅらみなも)” features a transparent glass walkway.
Walking on it feels like being submerged in the tank, providing a magical experience as if you’re strolling on the water’s surface.
3. Submarine-Style Porthole - Peering into the Underwater World (1st Floor)
Near the “Jellyfish Zone,” there is a submarine-style porthole located on the side of the “Okinawa Large Tank.”
From this vantage point, you can glimpse another underwater world, illuminated by varying light conditions, adding a unique twist to your visit.
Don’t Miss! A Dreamlike Performance of Light, Music, and Imagery
Through stunning spatial design, the “Jellyfish Zone (クラゲよんなー)” and “Sea Breeze Dome (うみかじドーム)” are must-see highlights at the DMM Kariyushi Aquarium.
Let’s explore the unique charms of these two areas.
1. Enter a Dreamlike World with Light and Music at the “Jellyfish Zone”
The Jellyfish Zone is designed with the concept of “a beautiful emerald forest spreading beneath the sea.”
Inside the cylindrical tank, you can see moon jellyfish, lion’s mane jellyfish, and red jellyfish, all accompanied by soothing music as the colors of the tank change, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
2. Experience the Sky and Sea of Okinawa at the “Sea Breeze Dome”
In this vibrant shallow area, the visual effects change according to real-time weather,
allowing you to experience the ever-changing sky of Okinawa, from clear blue skies to sudden thunderstorms.
Purchase tickets on the official website
Exclusive Souvenirs & Must-Try Foods at DMM Kariyushi Aquarium
After interacting with the adorable creatures, don’t forget to visit the souvenir shop inside the aquarium to pick up unique items that will enhance your memories, or try some delicious specialties.
Here are some exclusive products and recommended dishes you can only find at DMM Kariyushi Aquarium.
1. Okinawa Floral Shirt Penguin Plush Toy
A plush toy penguin dressed in an Okinawa floral shirt (Kariyushi shirt).
Its elastic texture and round shape make it irresistibly cute.
2. Fluffy Plush Toy Series
This series of plush toys features a fluffy texture and a gentle, adorable expression that is incredibly soothing.
They can sit on a shelf, making for a perfect indoor decoration.
3. Golden Kurogane Chinsuko
Made from the finest domestic ingredients and carefully baked by artisans, this traditional Okinawan confectionery, “Golden Kurogane Chinsuko (くがにちんすこう),” is a must-try.
The packaging is designed with the DMM Kariyushi Aquarium theme, featuring vibrant colors, and it won a gold medal at the 26th National Confectionery Expo.
Seasonal Limited-Time Animal-Shaped Delicacies!
The aquarium offers many unique dishes shaped like the creatures found within DMM Kariyushi Aquarium.
These adorable meals and drinks change with the seasons, so you can enjoy new flavors with each visit.
Adorable meals and drinks inspired by animal shapes
Recommended to Purchase Admission Tickets on the Official Website
Tickets for the aquarium can be purchased at on-site ticket machines, ticket counters, or the official website.
Buying tickets through the official website does not require membership registration and can be completed in as little as 2 minutes. Therefore, we highly recommend purchasing your admission tickets online!
Buy tickets on the official website
Additionally, in addition to the admission tickets, various animal feeding activities require separate purchase of experience tickets.
These experience tickets are only available for purchase on-site and are limited in quantity each day, so it’s best to visit in the morning to secure your tickets.
Experience ticket sales area (recommended to purchase in the morning)
Conclusion
We have provided a detailed introduction to the “DMM Kariyushi Aquarium,” where you can fully immerse yourself in the joy of interacting with various creatures.
The emotional experiences gained from interacting with animals are truly unparalleled and are sure to create unforgettable memories for the whole family.
Conveniently located near Naha Airport, this aquarium is perfect for a visit either after your arrival or before your departure. We strongly recommend including it in your Okinawa itinerary!
