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Baby turtles await alongside closeup encounters with 3 species of sea turtles at this interactive refuge.
Ojima Island is a small island connected to Kumejima by bridge in Shimajiri District, Okinawa that’s also home to the Kumejima Sea Turtle Museum, a dedicated conservation hub for sea turtles that doubles as an educational center for marine life and environmental issues.
The highlight of the museum is the super-sized viewing tank, offering a glimpse of three species of sea turtles, loggerhead, green, and hawksbill, as they glide by. Peer into the fascinating world in the baby turtle tank as hatchlings move about, and catch the exhibition corner detailing the ecology and current conditions of sea turtles through panels. Another section displays shellfish native to Kumejima. The museum also hosts hands-on experiences such as turtle feeding and touch sessions.
In addition to exhibitions, the museum actively engages in conservation efforts, including beach cleanups, rescuing stranded turtles, and monitoring nesting activity. Nearby attractions include Tatami-ishi, a natural rock formation, and a campground, making the area ideal for a day of exploration and nature learning.
You can watch sea turtles swim gracefully right before your eyes.
An educational exhibit area offers insights into the lives and conservation of sea turtles.
There’s also a display of various shell species found around Kumejima.
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
No free Wi-Fi available.
Q
Are coin lockers available?
Not available.
Q
Are there restrooms available?
Yes, there are.
Some reviews are AI-translated.
The exhibits aren’t too complicated, so it’s perfect for a light, casual visit where you can learn their stories as you walk around.
If you’re lucky, you can see the sea turtles slowly swimming over, which is honestly really soothing 🐢
You don’t need much time here, maybe about 30 minutes, but it feels very meaningful.
It’s the kind of place that leaves your heart feeling softer after you’re done.
It feels small and cozy, with a nice local vibe.
It’s not one of those big, super commercialized museums.
The place isn’t very large, so you can see everything in about 30 minutes to an hour, which makes it easy to fit into your schedule.
It's a small place, but super cute! You can see sea turtles of different ages up close, and watching them swim around is so relaxing. The explanations are really thoughtful—they talk about how sea turtles live and how they're protected. It makes you feel sorry for them, but also admire how tough they are. You can see everything in about 30 to 40 minutes, so it's the perfect stop to fit into your schedule. Great for animal lovers or anyone who wants to chill in the AC for a bit. Totally fine to bring kids, too!
