がけ下、眼下は、多様なマリンブルー しかし監視船が等間隔に並んでいる
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Busena Marine Park Underwater Observatory

4.3
·2k reviews·Nago, Japan

Descend into an underwater world at Busena Marine Park's observatory, offering close encounters with vibrant marine life.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mornings

Better visibility & fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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がけ下、眼下は、多様なマリンブルー しかし監視船が等間隔に並んでいる

Busena Marine Park Underwater Observatory

Best Time

Mornings

Better visibility & fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Descend into an underwater world at Busena Marine Park's observatory, offering close encounters with vibrant marine life.

4.3
(2k reviews)

"Such a unique experience for an amazingly cheap price!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Visibility Report

See real-time visibility on their website before you go! :iphone:

Bring Coins for Fish Food

¥200 in 100-yen coins to feed the fish! :moneybag:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Underwater Observatory

Underwater Observatory

Submerged viewing area

Descend into a unique underwater world and witness vibrant marine life up close through circular windows.

Glass-Bottom Boat Ride

Glass-Bottom Boat Ride

Surface of the sea

Glide over coral reefs and observe marine creatures from above without getting wet.

Fish Feeding on the Footbridge

Fish Feeding on the Footbridge

Footbridge above observatory

Attract a flurry of fish by tossing specially purchased food into the water.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Visibility

Check the official website for real-time visibility reports before you go. While fish are often visible even on 'cloudy' days, optimal conditions enhance the experience. Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure a good spot at the viewing windows.

Accessibility and What to Bring

Be aware of the steep, narrow spiral stairs leading down to the observatory. This may not be suitable for those with mobility issues or very young children. Consider bringing ¥200 in 100-yen coins to purchase fish food for an interactive experience on the footbridge.

Best Times

When
Mornings
Why
Better visibility & fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Fish are active, good for families
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Underwater Observatory at Busena Marine Park , OKINAWA 🇯🇵🐟🌊 #JourneyofKemtis #visitokinawa #okinawa #เที่ยวญี่ปุ่น #เที่ยวญี่ปุ่นด้วยตัวเอง #visitjapan
journeyofkemtis
7 likes • 392 views

Check Visibility Report

See real-time visibility on their website before you go! :iphone: Reddit

Bring Coins for Fish Food

¥200 in 100-yen coins to feed the fish! :moneybag: Reddit

Busena Marine Park Underwater Observatory🌊🐠🐟#japan #japantravel #okinawa #okinawatrip #ocean #oceanlife #underwater #underwaterphotography #observatory #busenamarinepark #adventure #amazing #nature #naturephotography #naturelovers #photography #portraitphotography #photo #photooftheday #happiness #cousins #cousingoals #pinoy #pinoyshoutout #shoutout #asian #fishes #blessed #thanksgod
shivashanti03
7 likes • 2.2K views
Explore the underwater world 🐠🪸of Okinawa Japan 🇯🇵. The Busena Marine Park Underwater Observatory let’s you have a look at the marine life up and close. It’s a fun thing to do for adults or families. It is located next to the Busena Terrace resort in Kise. Combine with a glass bottom boat ride and pay around 2100 yen for adults and around 500 for kids. #busenamarinepark #kiseokinawa #okinawa #buse...
birdseyehk
82 likes • 5.2K views

Steep Stairs Alert

Narrow spiral stairs down. Not ideal for mobility issues. :walking: Reddit

Glass Bottom Boat First

Go for the boat ride first in case of weather changes. :boat: Reddit

Fomos conhecer 2 observatório de peixes no mar! Em Okinawa … fica em Onna e chama Busena Marine Park underwater observatory (para quem tiver interesse em ir só por assim no Google que já aparece) #okinawa #observatory #observatorio #peixes #japao #foryou
gabihanyu
103 likes • 4.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Visibility Report

See real-time visibility on their website before you go! :iphone: Reddit

Bring Coins for Fish Food

¥200 in 100-yen coins to feed the fish! :moneybag: Reddit

Steep Stairs Alert

Narrow spiral stairs down. Not ideal for mobility issues. :walking: Reddit

Glass Bottom Boat First

Go for the boat ride first in case of weather changes. :boat: Reddit

Free Parking Available

Park at the resort, short walk to ticketing. :car: Reddit

Shuttle Bus Convenience

Use the shuttle bus to the jetty and back. :bus: Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Busena Marine Park Underwater Observatory to be a unique and affordable experience, offering close-up views of marine life. While the steep stairs can be a challenge for some, the opportunity to feed fish and see vibrant underwater scenes makes it a worthwhile stop for many.

"Such a unique experience for an amazingly cheap price (¥1050 per adult). The website will tell you how clear the visibility is, but even though today was said to be "cloudy" the fish swim directly up to the viewing windows and you can enjoy them all, scale to tail!

Card payment is available for tickets; Bring an extra ¥200 (in 100¥ coins) to buy fish food on the foot bridge! The fish come to the surface VERY quickly to eat it all up.

The stairs up and down are quite steep, this would not be a good activity for very young children or those with mobility issues."

Sten Edwards

"Parking is available within the resort and it’s free. Just a short walk to the ticketing booth.
If you are going for the glass bottom boat ride, recommended to go for that first in case of change of weather and causing the ride to be cancelled.
There’s a shuttle bus available and it will drop you near the jetty and when you are done, you can hop back on to head down to the observatory.
We found the observatory to be interesting. Note: it’s a narrow stairwell to head down(abt 3M) to the viewing area. So nice to be seeing the fishes so close and in their natural environment."

Ginny Toh

"You can come here for a ride in a glass floored boat the view the coral and fishes.

Short trip but interesting to see the fishes and corals in the wild.

Do visit the marine observatory as well."

Nigel Chee

What People Like

Affordable ticket prices
Close-up marine life views
Interactive fish feeding

What People Dislike

Steep spiral stairs
Can get crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The observatory is located within the Busena Marine Park in Onna, Okinawa. Many visitors arrive by car and park at the adjacent resort, which offers free parking. A shuttle bus service is also available, taking you from the resort area to the jetty and the observatory. InstagramReddit

While specific bus routes can vary, it's generally recommended to check local Okinawa bus schedules or consider a taxi for direct access if not driving. Many visitors combine their trip with other northern Okinawa attractions. Instagram

Yes, the park is located near the Busena Terrace resort and is a popular stop for those exploring the northern coast of Okinawa. Consider pairing it with a visit to nearby beaches or other marine activities. Instagram

Parking is available within the resort area and is generally free for visitors to the marine park. It's a short walk from the parking lot to the ticketing booth and the pier. Reddit

The observatory is well-signposted within the Busena Marine Park area. Follow the signs for the underwater observatory and the glass-bottom boat rides. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets are quite affordable. For adults, it's around ¥1050, and for children, it's approximately ¥500. Combining the observatory with a glass-bottom boat ride might offer a package deal. InstagramReddit

Yes, card payment is available for tickets, which is convenient for many visitors. However, it's advisable to have some cash for smaller purchases like fish food. Reddit

Advance booking is generally not required for the underwater observatory. Tickets can be purchased on-site. However, checking their website for any special events or group booking information is always a good idea. Instagram

Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Busena Marine Park website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times before your visit. Instagram

Yes, often a combined ticket is available that includes both the underwater observatory and a glass-bottom boat ride, offering good value for experiencing both attractions. Instagram

🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience

You can expect to see a variety of colorful tropical fish, coral formations, and other marine creatures in their natural habitat. The fish often swim right up to the viewing windows. InstagramReddit

While children can enjoy seeing the fish, the steep and narrow spiral staircase down to the observatory might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. Reddit

Yes, you can purchase fish food for ¥200 (in 100-yen coins) on the footbridge above the observatory. Tossing this food attracts many fish to the viewing area. Reddit

A visit to the underwater observatory itself is relatively short, often around 15-30 minutes, depending on how long you spend observing the marine life. The glass-bottom boat ride adds extra time. Reddit

The observatory can get crowded, especially during peak times. They limit the number of people allowed down at once, so you might have to wait. Visiting in the morning can help avoid the largest crowds. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the observatory. However, be mindful of other visitors and the lighting conditions, which can be dim. Instagram

Besides the underwater observatory, the glass-bottom boat ride offers unique perspectives of marine life. The scenic coastal views from the pier and surrounding resort area are also great for photos. Instagram+1

While generally permitted, avoid using flash photography directly at the windows, as it can disturb the marine life and affect visibility for others. Instagram

For clear shots through the windows, a camera with good low-light performance is beneficial. If you plan on using a phone, ensure it's protected from any potential splashes on the boat ride. Instagram

The scenic backdrop of the ocean and marine life makes for great selfie opportunities. The pier and the resort grounds also offer picturesque settings. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Busena Marine Park is a great outing for families, offering a glimpse into marine life that kids often find fascinating. The underwater observatory provides a safe and accessible way for children to see colorful fish and coral without getting wet. Instagram However, parents should be aware of the steep spiral staircase leading down to the observatory; younger children might need assistance or a parent to carry them. Reddit The fish feeding activity on the footbridge is a definite highlight for kids, turning the visit into an interactive experience. Reddit

Consider purchasing the combined ticket for the observatory and the glass-bottom boat ride to maximize the fun. The boat ride offers a different perspective and is generally well-tolerated by children. Instagram Remember to bring some cash for fish food and be prepared for potentially crowded conditions during peak hours. Visiting in the morning can help ensure a more relaxed experience for the whole family. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Busena Marine Park Underwater Observatory is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers looking for an engaging experience without a hefty price tag. With ticket prices around ¥1050 for adults and ¥500 for children, it's a very affordable attraction. InstagramReddit The option to pay by card adds convenience, but having ¥200 in 100-yen coins for fish food is a small, worthwhile expense for the interactive fun. Reddit

Parking at the resort is free, saving on additional costs. Reddit While there are package deals for the observatory and glass-bottom boat, even visiting just the observatory offers significant value. For those exploring Okinawa on a budget, this attraction provides a memorable encounter with marine life that rivals more expensive options. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Underwater Observatory

The Busena Marine Park Underwater Observatory offers a unique perspective into Okinawa's vibrant marine ecosystem. Visitors descend approximately 3-4 meters below sea level via a lighthouse-like spiral staircase, emerging into a submerged chamber with circular viewing windows. Reddit Here, you can get remarkably close to a variety of tropical fish and coral formations, observing them in their natural environment. The visibility is often good, with fish frequently swimming right up to the glass, eager for a glimpse or perhaps a treat. Reddit

While the experience is fascinating, it's important to note the accessibility. The steep and narrow spiral stairs are a significant consideration for those with mobility challenges or very young children. Reddit Despite this, the observatory provides an engaging and educational experience, allowing you to witness the underwater world without needing to dive or snorkel. The presence of fans helps to keep the air circulating, making it comfortable even with a number of visitors. Reddit

For an even more interactive experience, visitors can purchase fish food on the footbridge above the observatory. Tossing this food into the water attracts a flurry of fish, creating a dynamic spectacle right at the viewing windows. Reddit This simple act transforms the observation into a more engaging encounter with marine life, making it a memorable part of the visit for many. Instagram

The Glass-Bottom Boat Experience

Complementing the underwater observatory, the glass-bottom boat rides at Busena Marine Park offer another fantastic way to explore Okinawa's aquatic wonders. These boats allow you to peer directly into the ocean through transparent panels in the floor, providing a clear view of the coral reefs and the diverse marine life that inhabits them. Instagram It's a perfect option for those who prefer to stay dry while still getting an up-close look at the underwater world. Reddit

Many visitors recommend taking the glass-bottom boat ride first, especially if visiting during a time when weather can be unpredictable. Reddit This is because boat rides are more susceptible to cancellation due to sudden changes in sea conditions. By experiencing the boat tour early in your visit, you increase your chances of enjoying it before any potential weather disruptions. Reddit The ride itself is typically a short but rewarding journey, offering a different perspective than the static observatory. Reddit

Combining the observatory and the glass-bottom boat ride provides a comprehensive marine experience. While the observatory offers a submerged view, the boat ride gives you a surface-level perspective of the same vibrant ecosystem. Instagram This dual approach ensures you get a well-rounded appreciation for the beauty and biodiversity of Okinawa's coastal waters. Instagram

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