SUI TAXI · NORTH OKINAWA
Busena Marine Park Into Okinawa's Underwater World Without Getting Wet.
Nago City ｜ Undersea Observatory Tower ｜ Glass-Bottom Boat & Coral Reef
No swimsuit required — experience Okinawa's underwater world.
Busena Marine Park is a leading marine attraction in northern Okinawa, located at the tip of Busena Cape in Nago City. The park features two main attractions — the Undersea Observatory Tower, where you can observe Okinawa's coral reefs and tropical fish up close without diving, and the Glass-Bottom Boat, which glides over coral reefs viewed through glass panels in the hull. No swimsuit or swimming ability is required, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
The Undersea Observatory Tower was built offshore from the cape. Descending a spiral staircase takes you to an observation room about five meters below the surface. Through the windows, an emerald-green underwater world unfolds — colorful schools of tropical fish, sea turtles, and vivid coral reefs visible through the glass, as if you were inside an aquarium tank. On sunny days, natural sunlight filters down and makes the water even more brilliant. Admission starts from ¥1,050 for adults (combo tickets with the Glass-Bottom Boat available), making it great value for families, couples, and seniors alike.
Busena Cape juts out into the East China Sea from Nago City, surrounded by rich coral reef ecosystems. The entire cape is developed as the "Busena Resort," and the adjacent The Busena Terrace is one of Okinawa's finest luxury resort hotels. Many guests combine the marine park with a leisurely lunch at the hotel's restaurant. Located about 90 minutes from central Naha by expressway, it is ideally positioned for a full-day northern Okinawa course combined with Churaumi Aquarium and Kouri Island.
Coral reefs and tropical fish visible through the windows of the Undersea Observatory Tower.
Highlights and how to enjoy the Observatory Tower and Glass-Bottom Boat
The main highlight of the Undersea Observatory Tower is the breathtaking combination of coral reefs and tropical fish spread beneath your feet. Multiple windows in the observation room allow nearly 360-degree underwater viewing. Northern Okinawa's waters are renowned as a diving destination, and the natural coral reefs remain pristine. Fish often swim right up to the glass, making close-up watching a delight. The changing quality of light throughout the day adds to the experience — bright and sun-drenched in the morning, calm and atmospheric in the afternoon.
The Glass-Bottom Boat offers approximately a 20-minute cruise, gliding over coral reefs viewed through the hull's glass panels. Watching tropical fish, sea slugs, sea cucumbers, and other marine life from above provides a unique and fascinating perspective especially popular with children. Note that the boat may be suspended in bad weather or rough seas, so it is advisable to check conditions before heading out. Capacity is limited and wait times may occur during peak season.
The Busena Cape walking trail surrounding the facility is free to explore and offers stunning views of Nago Bay. On clear days, you can see across Nago Bay to the Motobu Peninsula from the cape tip, making it a popular photography spot. The facility also has a gift shop and light refreshment area selling original goods inspired by the sea and shisa guardian lions. After sightseeing, your driver can take you on to nearby Nago City for Okinawan soki soba and other local cuisine.
Coral reefs viewed through the glass hull of the Glass-Bottom Boat.
Nago Bay as seen from Busena Cape. On a clear day you can see all the way to the Motobu Peninsula.
Visiting Busena Marine Park by taxi
A round-trip charter from Naha to Busena Marine Park (8-hour course) starts from ¥56,000 (tax included, expressway tolls separate). The "Northern Full-Day Course" combined with Churaumi Aquarium (8 hours) starts from ¥56,000. Nago City is the hub of northern Okinawa sightseeing, and can easily be combined with Kouri Bridge, Nago Castle Park, and local dining spots in Nago.
Because northern Okinawa is a considerable distance from Naha, a charter taxi — where you can travel at your own pace without a rental car — is particularly convenient. The "North Marine Course" combining Churaumi Aquarium and Busena Marine Park in a single day is especially popular with families. Your driver handles the route, the parking and the timing between the northern highlights, which keeps the day stress-free even for first-time visitors to Okinawa.
— Morning Glass-Bottom Boat rides are highly recommended: The sea is calmer and visibility is higher in the morning, making coral reefs appear even more vibrant from the glass-bottom boat. The Undersea Observatory Tower is also at its most beautiful in the morning when natural light streams in.
— Popular combination with Churaumi Aquarium: Busena Marine Park is about 40 minutes by car from Churaumi Aquarium. It makes an ideal full-day North Marine Course for family trips, letting you experience Okinawa's marine life from multiple angles in a single day.
Fares for Charters Including Busena Marine Park
| Plan | Fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Round-trip charter from Naha to Busena Marine Park (8 hours) | ¥56,000〜 | Up to 5 guests per vehicle. From ¥11,200 per person. Expressway tolls, parking and admission charged separately |
| Northern day course (8 hours, with Churaumi Aquarium) | ¥56,000〜 | Both fit within the same 8 hours Expressway tolls, parking and admission charged separately |
| Charter starting from a hotel in northern Okinawa (6 hours) | ¥42,000〜 | Charters starting in the north begin at 6 hours Expressway tolls and parking charged separately |
| Naha Airport → hotels near Busena Marine Park (transfer) | ¥28,000〜 | Up to 5 guests per vehicle. From ¥5,600 per person. Expressway tolls included |
| hotels near Busena Marine Park → Naha Airport (transfer) | ¥28,000〜 | Up to 5 guests per vehicle. From ¥5,600 per person. Expressway tolls included |
Charter fares are time-based at ¥7,000 per hour (¥3,500 per additional 30 minutes booked in advance). Extensions made after departure are ¥4,200 per 30 minutes. Admission, expressway tolls and parking are charged at cost. For charters of 6 hours or more we take a 30% deposit when you book, and the balance is paid on the day. Minimum booking times depend on where you start: from 3 hours in the south and central area, 4 hours in Onna Village and 6 hours in the north, and 8 hours for trips that cross between the south and the north. Where a long transfer is involved, the transfer fare for that stretch is the floor for the price.
Address
1744-1 Kise, Nago City, Okinawa
Hours
Apr-Oct 9:00–18:00 / Nov-Mar 9:00–17:30 (last entry 30 min before closing)
Admission
From ¥1,050 for adults (tower only); combo tickets available
From Naha
Approx. 90 min by expressway
Access Information
| Location | 1744-1 Kise, Nago City, Okinawa |
| Hours | Apr-Oct 9:00–18:00 / Nov-Mar 9:00–17:30 (last entry 30 min before closing) |
| From Naha | Approx. 90 min by expressway |
| Combinations | Popular north course combined with Churaumi Aquarium and Kouri Bridge |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a taxi from Naha to Busena Marine Park?
A round-trip charter from Naha (8 hours) costs from ¥56,000. That is the fare for one Alphard carrying up to 5 guests, so from ¥11,200 per person for a group of five. Expressway tolls, parking and admission to the underwater observatory are charged separately.
Can we combine it with Churaumi Aquarium?
Kise in Nago City is about a 40-minute drive from the aquarium, so both fit into an 8-hour charter. Busena in the morning and the aquarium in the afternoon is a common order.
How long should I allow for the visit?
About 1 to 1.5 hours if you want both the underwater observatory and the glass-bottom boat. You can also cut it short and move on.
What happens if the sea is rough?
Glass-bottom boat sailings are sometimes suspended when the swell is high. With a charter you can switch to somewhere else on the day, so speak to your driver and we will rework the route.
Can we add other places in Nago City?
Nago Castle Park, Neopark Okinawa and Orion Happy Park are all within Nago City and fit inside the same 8 hours. Tell us which ones you would like to include.
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Recommended Combination Courses
Churaumi Aquarium
One of the world's largest aquariums, home to whale sharks in northern Okinawa.
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Nago Castle Park
Famous cherry blossom spot in Nago City with panoramic views of Nago Bay from the summit.
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Kouri Island
Cross the cobalt blue Kouri Bridge to the "Island of Love."
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