Ocean Expo Park has published the November 2026 issue of "Churaumi Tsushin" (美ら海通信), a newsletter with the latest news and event information from inside the park. This month's programs include a plant observation session where visitors can get close to the park's nature, a thatching workshop that offers a taste of traditional Okinawan culture, and an event based on Kobito Zukan (こびとづかん). The issue highlights things to do at the park now that the harsh heat of midsummer has eased.
Kobito Festival in Ocean Expo Park (こびとフェスティバルin海洋博公園)
Chura Island Botanical Garden hosts a "Kobito search," while the Ocean Culture Museum runs a "Kobito quiz rally." Collaboration menu items and limited-edition novelty goods are also available. For details, check the Ocean Expo Park website.
- Dates: October 1 (Thursday) to November 30 (Monday), 2026, except every Wednesday
- Venues: Chura Island Botanical Garden (Tropical Dream Center) and the Ocean Culture Museum
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (last admission at 5:00 PM)
- Fees: Kobito search ¥300 per person; Kobito quiz rally ¥200 per person (separate admission fee required)
Live Planetarium Commentary
A "Starry Sky Guide" (星空案内人) gives a detailed explanation of the constellations spreading across the Okinawan sky and how to enjoy them, in a special program held on this day only.
- Date: November 7 (Saturday)
- Venue: Ocean Culture Museum Planetarium
- Times: 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM (30 minutes each)
- Fee: Admission fee only
- Capacity: 180 people per show; no advance registration required (first come, first served)
Thatching Workshop
At the Kami Asagi (神アサギ), a traditional Okinawan place of prayer, participants try thatching work by inserting kaya (茅) grass into a roof. The workshop offers a hands-on way to experience traditional techniques and feel Okinawan culture up close.
- Date: November 28 (Saturday)
- Venue: In front of the Kami Asagi at おきなわ郷土 (Okinawa Kyodo)
- Times: 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM (3 sessions)
- Fee: Free
- Capacity: 20 people per session (60 in total)
- Reservations: Advance reservation required through the Ocean Expo Park website
Christmas Wreath Workshop
Participants make an original Christmas wreath using nuts and other materials.
- Dates: November 7 (Saturday) and 8 (Sunday), 14 (Saturday) and 15 (Sunday), 21 (Saturday) and 22 (Sunday), and 28 (Saturday) and 29 (Sunday)
- Venue: Tropical and Subtropical Urban Greening Botanical Garden (熱帯・亜熱帯都市緑化植物園)
- Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (reception until 4:00 PM)
- Fee: ¥300 per wreath
- Weekdays: Reception on weekdays is by consultation. Contact the park by the day before at TEL 0980-48-3624.
- Groups: Groups of 10 or more must reserve at least 3 days in advance.
More Events This Month
The newsletter also lists other events, including plant observation sessions, Ocean Culture lectures and the 2nd Churaumi Otona Juku (第2回美ら海オトナ塾).
