A New Kind of Immersive Aquarium Experience! What Makes “AQUARIUM ✕ ART átoa” So Special?

Take the Shinki Port Loop Bus from “Shin-Kobe Station-mae” for about 22 minutes and get off at “Shinko-cho.”

From “Kobe Airport” Station, ride the Port Liner for about 18 minutes and transfer at “Sannomiya” Station.
Then take a Shinki Port Loop or route bus from “Sannomiya-eki-mae” for about 8 minutes and get off at “Shinko-cho.”

From JR “Osaka” Station, take the Kobe Line for about 20 minutes and transfer at “Sannomiya.”
Then take a Shinki Port Loop or route bus from “Sannomiya-eki-mae” for about 8 minutes and get off at “Shinko-cho.”

Right after entering, you’ll find yourself in a magical space reminiscent of a cave. Colored lighting—symbolizing a school of fish—transitions through shades of yellow, red, green, and rainbow hues in the darkness. Light bounces off the multifaceted mirrored walls, with the floor reflecting as well, making you feel as if you’ve stepped into a kaleidoscopic world.
Within the darkness, a large tank appears like a screen; inside, adorable freshwater fish like guppies and cardinal tetras swim around energetically, as do Red Piranha—surprisingly timid fish, despite their fearsome image.

A refreshing ocean scent and blue-tinged light set the scene, making you feel as though you’re floating beneath the sea’s surface. Among the circular tanks scattered around, the “Mega Cylinder” tank stands out. Holding 50 tons of seawater, it’s the largest in the facility. You’ll see schools of Yellowtail fusiliers (whose Japanese name may come from the color of a ripe plum), along with Flapnose Rays, Japanese bullhead sharks, and other marine creatures. This is the tank you can look up at from the first-floor food hall “TOOTH TOOTH MART FOOD HALL & NIGHT FES.”
Smaller tanks showcase marine species like spotted garden-eels and seahorses.

Filled with driftwood installations like “Eien no Ki” (Eternal Tree), with sunlight streaming from the ceiling, this space is designed to resemble a forest where spirits dwell. Amphibians, reptiles, freshwater fish, and other water-loving creatures welcome you.
By day, you might spot a giant Aldabra tortoise strolling across the floor. Don’t miss the swimming Japanese newts or the naked mole-rats, which build tunnels with rooms for toilets, bedrooms, and pantries.

On this rooftop floor filled with water and greenery, you’ll find playful Asian small-clawed otters lounging in hammocks, Humboldt penguins sunbathing on the rocks, and capybaras peacefully munching on food—all charming sights guaranteed to soothe.
In the large tank where capybaras sometimes take a dip, graceful pirarucu—the world’s largest freshwater fish—also swim.
Don’t miss the “ROOFTOP” observation deck, where you can feast your eyes on Kobe’s cityscape and harbor, including Harborland, Meriken Park, and the Kobe Port Tower.

PLANETS / Kiseki no Wakusei (Miraculous Planet) represents a universe filled with countless stars. In the cosmic space of "STAR LIGHT," the majestic "AQUA TERRA," Japan's largest spherical aquarium with a diameter of about 3 meters, stands proudly at the back.
Here, the laser performance “AQUA UNIVERSE” invites you from outer space to the deep sea, shown at 10-minute intervals. Surrounded on all sides by a veil of light formed by mist and lasers, you’ll witness a breathtaking theatrical aquarium experience. For deeper immersion, settle into the cradle-like chairs placed on the floor.

MIYABI / Wa to Hi no Ma (A Chamber of Harmony and Light) is another area that captivates with stunning visual beauty. Original programs based on paper-cutting art by Atsumi Sakai are projected throughout the space. The theme follows the shifting seasons and a “Flower-Blooming Guidefish” with seasonal scales that grows into a “Sakuraryu” (cherry blossom dragon)—a story filled with uniquely Japanese sensibilities.
Underfoot is the “MINAMO” glass-floor tank, where about 100 vibrant koi glides through the water, appearing part of the projected visuals. Strolling across the glass floor feels like walking on water.

In spring 2024, FOYER / Tankyu no Shitsu (Room of Exploration) was revamped into “atoa LAB,” featuring about 2,500 books. Organized around seven themes, such as “From the Birth of Life to Evolution” and “Earth and Land,” it also includes biological specimens and digital signage.
The overhead-hanging tank “atoa sky” still amazes—peer up at this massive tank around 7 meters deep to spot pirarucu, redtail catfish, and even swimming capybaras under the glittering sunlit water.
Also keep an eye out for “Tako-Fuji,” reminiscent of Katsushika Hokusai’s masterpiece “Red Fuji.” It has been turned into a maze-like art piece – do try it out!

In GALLERY / Tankyu no Kairou (Corridor of Exploration), frames and digital art offer engaging experiences. From fish that camouflage themselves to match your outfit, to “scents” of different creatures, to listening to animals’ heartbeats—these immersive elements teach you about living things through all five senses.

With around 100 species and 3,000 total animals—ranging from fish to mammals and reptiles— “AQUARIUM ✕ ART átoa” hosts various interactive programs. Offer food to giant tortoises or pirarucu, or listen to staff explain daily feedings of penguins and other creatures. Note that there are capacity limits for the feeding programs, so if you’re interested, plan to arrive early.