In this article, we will introduce a carefully selected list of aquariums and zoos that you must visit when you come to Kansai; everything from popular to off-the-beaten-path spots. These facilities are enjoyable not only for families but also for solo travelers, making them recommended facilities for those traveling alone.
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1. Kobe | AQUARIUM ✕ ART átoa
Welcome to the urban aquarium AQUARIUM ✕ ART átoa. The name átoa is a combination of Aquarium and Art. The facility is divided into eight zones, each with a different worldview. You can enjoy a unique and fantastical world, such as Japan's largest spherical aquarium enveloped by digital art.
Not only fish, but also about 3,000 creatures of about 100 species, including invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals, are on display, so you can enjoy it slowly even by yourself.
Recommended Points
The recommended points are that you can enjoy the sense of presence in a fantastical and original world through productions that can be felt with the five senses, such as sound, light, and scent. The symbol tanks that symbolize the zone theme, such as the large tank in the MARINE NOTE zone on the second floor and Japan's largest spherical tank in the PLANETS zone on the third floor, are a must-see.
Not only does it feature creature exhibits, but it also has interactive zones. You can find playful art everywhere, even on the stairs and elevators. One of the fun ways to enjoy átoa is to explore the building while looking for hidden art.
Access from Major Cities
- About 18 minutes on foot from Sannomiya Station by train
- About 15 minutes on foot from Motomachi Station by train
Facility Information
- Address ：7-2, Shinkocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0041
- Business hours：10:00 - 20:00 (Hours may change during Golden Week, summer, and Obon period)
- Closed ：Open all year round
- Admission fee ：Adults 2400 yen, Children 1400 yen, Toddlers (3 years and older) 800 yen
AQUARIUM x ART átoa Admission Ticket in Kobe | Japan
Recommended leisure activities and sightseeing information in Kobe
2. Kinosaki | Kinosaki Marine World Aquarium
Directly bordering the Sea of Japan, Kinosaki Marine World is an interactive aquarium where you can see, touch, and discover. Packed with unique attractions that can only be experienced at Kinosaki Marine World, such as 10 live shows including dolphin and sea lion shows, and experiences like fishing for horse mackerel and eating it.
The Kinosaki Onsen area, where Kinosaki Marine World is located, is the best hot spring town in Kansai. It is recommended to go out the day after relaxing in the hot spring.
Recommended Points
In addition to the aquarium with a large tank of 12 meters deep, you can see penguin walks, dolphin and sea lion shows, and dynamic sea lion diving. Interaction with creatures at fish lunchtime, fish dances, and horse mackerel fishing are also popular.
Access from Major Cities
- About 10 minutes by bus from JR Kinosaki Onsen Station
- About 70 minutes by car from Wadayama IC on the Bantan Renraku Road or the Hokuriku Expressway
Facility Information
- Address ：1090 Seto, Toyooka, Hyogo 669-6192
- Business hours：9:00～17:00
- Closed ：Open all year round
- Admission fee ：Adults 2,470 yen, Elementary and Junior High School Students 1,230 yen, Children (3 years and older) 620 yen
3-Day Pass: Kinosaki Onsen Attraction Pass | Japan
3. Osaka｜Kaiyukan
Kaiyukan is an aquarium that faithfully reproduces the natural environment of the Pacific Ocean and its surrounding waters. The tanks inside the building are arranged in such a way that each corresponds to an actual geographical location in the Pacific Ocean, allowing you to experience a sense of realism.
Starting with the Pacific Ocean tank in the center of the building where whale sharks swim, about 620 species and 30,000 creatures are bred and exhibited in various tanks, including a Japanese forest tank with flowing waterfalls and lush vegetation, and a "Tasman Sea tank" where sea lions live. The "Jellyfish Galaxy" that explores the charm of jellyfish and the "Arctic Circle tank" where walruses and other creatures live are also popular.
The Tenpozan area where Kaiyukan is located is a bustling spot for tourists with beautiful night views. The Ferris wheel is particularly popular, so be sure to try it out while visiting Kaiyukan.
Recommended Points
The recommended point is that the building has a vast "Pacific Ocean" tank modeled after the Pacific Ocean, along with 14 other display tanks. The arrangement of these tanks also faithfully reproduces the geographical relationship of the Pacific Rim. In other words, it is reproduced as close as possible to the actual global environment. With Kaiyukan's tour around the Pacific Ocean, you can feel the wonder, preciousness, mystery, and importance of life and the natural environment.
Access from Major Cities
- About 5 minutes walk from Exit 1 of Osaka Port Station on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line
- Immediately after getting off at Tempozan Harbor Village on the Osaka City Bus
- Immediately after getting off at Kaiyukan (Tempozan) on the Nankai Bus
Facility Information
- Address ：1-1-10, Kaigan-dori, Minato-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, 552-0022
- Business hours：10:00～20:00
- ※Subject to change depending on the season. Please check the official website for details
- Closed ：Open all year round
- Admission fee ：Adults 2,700 yen, Elementary and Junior High School Students 1,400 yen, Children (3 years and older) 700 yen
- ※Fees may vary depending on the season. Please check the official website for details.
Osaka Bay Cruise Santa Maria Boarding Pass | Japan
4. Osaka | Orient Ranch
A goat farm located in Misaki, Osaka. There are many goats of various sizes, colors, and patterns, not just white ones. At the farm, you can have various experiences such as interacting with goats, feeding them, goat shows, and carriage rides.
Recommended Points
The feature of this facility is that you can have an interactive experience with the goats. You can also feed and walk them, and experience horse-drawn rides and carriage rides by ponies.
Access from Major Cities
- About 30 minutes by car from Kansai Airport
- About 15 minutes on foot from Tanawa Station
Facility Information
- Address ：355-1 Tanawa, Misaki-cho, Sennan-gun, Osaka 599-0301
- Business hours：9:30～16:30
- Closed ：Every Wednesday
- Admission fee ：500 yen for high school students and above, 300 yen for junior high school students and below
5. Kyoto | Kyoto City Zoo
The Kyoto City Zoo, the second oldest zoo in Japan, has a rich history. It was famously successful in breeding Western gorillas for the first time in Japan when it reopened in 2015. In 2011, it reopened with the theme of "the preciousness of life and the connection of life", and is divided into six areas, each with its own concept.
Recommended Points
The Kyoto City Zoo is divided into six areas: Beast World, Kyoto Forest, Elephant Forest, Gorilla House, Fairyland, and African Savannah. It is home to about 120 species and 570 animals, and is filled with various plants. There are also plenty of events and exhibits.
There are regular events where you can tour the zoo with the zoo director and hear stories about animals that you can't hear anywhere else. In addition, the "Hikari, Mizu, Midori Tropical Animal House" in the zoo is divided into areas based on the themes of "light", "water", and "green", and you can enjoy it even in rainy weather because it is indoors.
Access from Major Cities
- About 10 minutes on foot from Higashiyama Station on the Subway Tozai Line
Facility Information
- Address ：Okazaki Park, Okazaki Hokyoji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8333
- Business hours：March-November 9:00-17:00/December-February 9:00-16:30
- Closed ：Every Monday, New Year's holidays
- Admission fee ：Adults 2,470 yen, Elementary and Junior High School Students 1,230 yen, Children (3 years and older) 620 yen
Recommended leisure, experience activities, games, and sightseeing information in Kyoto
Experience the Aquariums and Zoos in Kansai!
We have introduced recommended aquariums and zoos in the Kansai area so far. Not only for couples or large groups, but these are also spots that can be enjoyed alone. Please visit when you come to the Kansai area!
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