[Kobe City] A theatrical aquarium that combines aquarium and art “AQUARIUM×ART átoa”

• Table of Contents
• Approximately 60 aquariums are lined up in eight zones with different themes.
• Be sure to check out the cute food at the cafe on the 4th floor!
• Original goods exclusive to "átoa" that you'll want to take home as souvenirs
• Great value bus tickets
• basic information

Approximately 60 aquariums are lined up in eight zones with different themes.

Image provided by: átoa/Exterior

"átoa" is located in the Shinko Pier West area, a 15-minute walk south from Motomachi Station on all lines. Take a bus bound for Port Loop or Port Island from under the north deck of the Kobe Hankyu Line, get off at Shinkomachi, and you'll find it inside the Kobe Port Museum, a short walk away.

There are also tourist spots in the area such as the Felissimo Chocolate Museum, f Winery, and Kobe Minato Onsen Ren, making it a popular spot on weekends.

*To celebrate the second anniversary of our opening, we will be holding a "Free Admission Campaign for Infants" from Sunday, October 29th to Thursday, November 30th, 2023!

▶More details here

Kobe Port Museum is a complex cultural facility consisting of an aquarium, a food hall, and a bridal desk, and átoa is located on the 2nd to 4th floors of the Kobe Port Museum.

The concept of "átoa" is "the fusion of art and aquariums." There are eight zones with different themes, and about 60 aquariums are home to about 3,000 creatures of 100 species, mainly fish, invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, etc., as well as about 50 pieces of art.

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Red-eyed tree frog "Andres"

First, you'll be greeted by Andres, the ATOA Chatter, at the entrance. Talk to him and he'll chat with you, so try asking him all sorts of questions about átoa, such as "Which zone is your favorite?"

Photo courtesy of 'átoa'

The aquarium begins on the second floor at the "CAVE - The Cave of Beginnings." Fish-themed lights are lined up overhead, making it look like a school of fish. Among the piranhas, you can see small red-eared piranhas and guppies, which are popular ornamental fish.

Look down and you'll see sparkling fish-themed lights at your feet.

Photo courtesy of 'átoa'

Next we headed to "MARINE NOTE - Fluctuations of Life," a space with an impressive blue light. In the cylindrical aquarium, you can observe creatures such as cownose rays, scorpionfish, and stonefish swimming leisurely.

The cute garden eel popping its head out

Photo courtesy of 'átoa'

Once you leave the space that makes you feel as though you are floating underwater, you will enter "ELEMENTS - Forest of Spirits," a world that makes you feel as though you have wandered into a forest. You can encounter creatures that live near water and on land, such as the veiled chameleon and the yellow-striped poison dart frog.

Photo courtesy of átoa / Depending on the time of day, you may also see Aldab giant tortoises strolling around.

Photo courtesy of 'átoa'

In the "FOYER - Research Room" on the third floor, you'll notice the sun-filled overhanging tank "átoa sky." This tank is connected to the capybara exhibit on the fourth floor, so you can sometimes see the capybaras swimming from below.

MIYABI - Between harmony and light

The two most recommended exhibits on the third floor are "MIYABI - The Room of Harmony and Light" and "PLANETS - The Miracle Planet."

MIYABI is a Japanese space where you can enjoy the scenery of each of Japan's four seasons. The light paper cutting work "Nihohashiki Toki no Michiguri" by Atsumi Sakai projected on the wall is very elegant!

The photogenic space with a Japanese feel is popular with foreign tourists too

The carp food capsule toy comes with a fortune slip (300 yen per turn)

At MIYABI, where many real koi fish swim, you can try feeding them, which is very popular with children. Once you feed them, the pond will soon be filled with beautiful koi fish! The sight of the koi fish's mouths wide open as they gather is very impressive.

PLANETS - Miracle Planets

Next, in "PLANETS - Miracle Planet," you will be captivated by the beautiful and largest spherical aquarium in Japan, "AQUA TERRA." This spherical aquarium can be viewed from any direction, 360 degrees. The mist and laser effects add a fantastical touch to the space.

Be sure to capture this beautiful moment on camera!

Surrounding the AQUA TERRA from a distance are rows of swaying chairs. Just like enjoying paintings in an art museum, you can sit in a chair and take your time to look at the aquarium tank in front of you - this is a unique way to enjoy átoa.

Photo courtesy of 'átoa'

"GALLERY - Corridor of Exploration" is a museum-like exhibition space filled with paintings that can be experienced with all five senses.

There are a number of unique exhibits, such as "Mimicry," a digital art piece in which a fish resembling your clothing appears when you stand in front of the display, and "Color Shadows," an object made from driftwood that reveals the silhouette of a living creature when light is shone on it.

One of the most unique exhibits is one where you can smell the butts of animals. The scents are created under the supervision of experts, so they are authentic. If you brace yourself and timidly approach the smell, you'll be shocked by the strong smell, which will make you jump! Why not try it out on site and find out what it smells like?

Be sure to check out the cute food at the cafe on the 4th floor!

The fourth floor is the outdoor exhibit "SKYSHORE - Garden in the Sky," which is home to Asian small-clawed otters, capybaras, and Humboldt penguins.

We discovered two Asian small-clawed otters from Katsurahama Aquarium in Kochi Prefecture sleeping comfortably in a hammock!

In fact, this hammock was made by reusing a hose that was scheduled to be disposed of by the Kobe City Fire Department. The sturdy hose is very stable, and has become a favorite spot for Asian small-clawed otters.

Feel the relaxation of watching Humboldt penguins swimming and stomping about

If you start to get hungry, head to átoa cafe on the 4th floor.

With a wide selection of photogenic and cute food and drink options, this is one spot you won't want to miss.

This is the "Hand-sized Otter Bun" (660 yen) in the shape of a cute otter. You can choose your favorite expression, such as a crying face or a face sticking out your tongue. It has a very sweet chocolate cream flavor and is the perfect snack.

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The "Otter Eclair" (660 yen), which looks like it's peeking out of the bag, is also popular.

Photo courtesy of 'átoa'

Other than that, there is a full menu of photogenic food and drinks, such as the crocodile-inspired hot dog "Crocodile Dog" (1,100 yen) and the refreshing blue "AQUA Honey Lemonade Soda" (630 yen) inspired by an aquarium.

Don't forget to take photos with the Kobe cityscape as a backdrop from the terrace!

Original goods exclusive to "átoa" that you'll want to take home as souvenirs

After enjoying your fill of the aquarium, head to the museum shop on the first floor to look for souvenirs. There are lots of cute original goods exclusive to "átoa", such as stuffed toys, key chains, and stationery.

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"Polka Dot Stingray Cushion" (3,300 yen/back)

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"Polka Dot Stingray Cushion" (ventral side)

This is an original cushion featuring the Polka Dot Stingray (a freshwater stingray) that can be found in the "FOYER - Research Room" on the third floor. It's not just cute, it's also functional and comfortable to sit on.

"Ohama and Gengen's Everyday Cream Sandwich Cookies" (900 yen) are cream sandwich cookies printed with an illustration of the Asian small-clawed otters Ohama and Gengen.

There are eight patterns in total, but each box contains an average of four patterns, so some avid customers collect all of the cookies. Be sure to take a look at the packaging, which is packed with information about the two animals that only the zookeepers know.

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Original goods: "Towel handkerchiefs" (680 yen each)

Some of the products sold at the museum shop can also be purchased online. It's convenient for those times when you don't want to carry extra luggage or you forgot to buy something.

◆Online shop website: átoa MUSEUM SHOP

"átoa" is an aquarium that combines art with sound and light effects, allowing you to see the creatures from a different angle than other aquariums. It is full of photo spots, so it is recommended for those looking for a photogenic outing. The food and souvenirs are also cute, so why not check them out as well?

(Writer: Nakata/West Plan)

*This article is current as of June 2023. Prices include tax. Product contents and prices may be subject to change.

Great value bus tickets

Kobe 1-day bus ticket

This bus ticket allows unlimited use of the City Loop and Port Loop buses that run through Kobe city for 800 yen per day. If you're planning on touring Kobe's tourist sites, use this ticket for an easy and comfortable trip.

Click here for details and to purchase the Kobe 1-day bus ticket

Hyogo Amazing PassThis ticket is recommended for those who are considering touring Himeji and Hyogo prefecture in addition to Kobe! This mobile ticket includes the contents of the Kobe 1-day bus ticket and allows unlimited rides on Shinki Bus route buses for 2,500 yen per day.

Click here for details and to purchase the Hyogo Amazing Pass

basic information

AQUARIUM ✕ ART átoa

Address: 7-2 Shinkocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture

Phone number: 078-771-9393

Business hours: 10:00-20:00 (last admission 60 minutes before closing)

*Closed for maintenance Admission fee: Adults (junior high school students and above) 2,400 yen, children (elementary school students) 1,400 yen, infants (3 years and above) 800 yen, infants (under 3 years old) free

*Prices may vary on certain days.

*Free admission for children during the campaign period from October 29th (Sun) to November 30th (Thu), 2023

Access: 15 minutes on foot from Motomachi Station on all lines, 18 minutes on foot from Sannomiya Station on all lines, a short walk from Port Loop Shinkocho

Parking: None (Nearby parking: Times Kobe Shinkocho)

Website: https://atoa-kobe.jp/

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