átoa — Attraction in Kobe

The Atoa Aquarium in Kobe is an absolute marvel, a captivating undersea journey that delights visitors of all ages. From the moment you step inside, you're transported into an aquatic wonderland that's both educational and awe-inspiring. The diversity of marine life on display is staggering, from vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish to serene, deep-ocean environments hosting mysterious creatures of the deep.

One standout is their jellyfish exhibit, where these ethereal beings float in a stunning, otherworldly dance that's utterly mesmerizing. The layout of the aquarium facilitates a natural flow, guiding visitors through various marine ecosystems with informative displays, creating a narrative that speaks to the interconnectedness of aquatic life.

What's more, the Atoa Aquarium demonstrates a profound commitment to conservation and education. Their interactive exhibits, especially those designed for children, are not only engaging but also instill a sense of responsibility for these delicate underwater realms.

The staff deserves a special mention for their enthusiasm and wealth of knowledge. They're more than happy to answer questions, enriching the visitor experience with insights into the complex lives of these fascinating marine species.

In terms of amenities, the aquarium scores high marks. Cleanliness is clearly a priority, and the on-site facilities, including dining options, are top-notch, making for a hassle-free visit.

All in all, a trip to Atoa Aquarium isn't just a day out; it's an unforgettable adventure that leaves you with a deeper appreciation for our oceans' treasures. It's a must-visit for anyone traveling to Kobe, promising an experience that you'll carry with you long after you've returned...

As an aquarium and arts enthusiast, I must express my disappointment with this place, especially given the current hype surrounding it. While the display tanks are unique and visually appealing, I found that the welfare of the marine life leaves much to be desired.

The environment feels overstimulating for the fish, with loud music and flashing lights disrupting their natural behavior. Many of the creatures appeared fatigued, often resting on the rocks instead of swimming actively. The tanks themselves do not replicate ideal habitats, which is concerning for the long-term health of the animals. I noticed that the Blue Tangs were suffering from infections, and the koi fish were crammed into a shallow, small area, waiting for guests to feed them under harsh lighting conditions. This situation is far from ideal for their well-being. The capybara land space so small, while sharing their water space with arowana and other big fishes. The penguins are also living in such tiny space.

Moreover, the entire experience was marred by an unpleasant odor, suggesting cleanliness issues that need immediate attention. Tickets are on the pricier side, and the chaotic atmosphere of the bookshop, which felt stuffy and loud, added to my overall discomfort. The cafe upstair was lovely but nothing special about the quality in return for the food/drink.

While I see potential in the concept of combining marine life with an artistic display, significant improvements are necessary to ensure the health and happiness of the animals. Until those changes are made, I cannot recommend this aquarium. The building layout is very beautiful and unique, with food court and souvenirs...

Please go when others aren't going. That means no weekends or holidays.

It's an a-ok aquarium that needs polishing/

First, the admission system. Was recommended to book online but that didn't make much of a difference because we had to line up anyways for a machine to print out our tickets. The ticketing machine ran out of paper so we had to talk to a worker to get our tickets. What year are we living in? Why can't we just get QR codes when we paid for the tickets online? All the workers should be replaced by automated ticketing booths like the movie theaters.

Why not let a few people in every now and then (maybe as they leave?) instead of a chunk of people every 30 mins?

This is not an aquarium for kids. Their ads targeted instagrammers like Team Lab. All the ads are just showing girls in their 20s-30s doing their glamorous shots. YET, they have these animated characters that seem to be aimed for kids. I swear, you'll see an interesting fish then some girl posing in a kimono. It's not even that great of an environment to take photos of yourself because the lighting is horrible.

Ok, onto the good stuff. Amazingly giant turtle. Capybaras are cute. That giant fish bowl is cool. Penguin...