AQUARIUM × ART átoa, the theatrical aquarium in Kobe's harbor area (Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo; Director: Hiromi Nakayama), reached a cumulative total of three million visitors on July 7, 2026.
A ceremony celebrating the achievement was held in the 3F FOYER zone, where Director Nakayama presented the milestone visitor with a Polka Dot Stingray cushion, a Spi plush toy, and an átoa FACE PASS valid for one year, allowing unlimited visits at any time.
To mark the milestone further, a prize lottery with no losers will be held for the first 300 guests to arrive on the day. Alongside luxury prizes provided by sponsoring companies that support átoa, guests can win staff-recommended items such as an original "AQUA TERRA" snow globe, a Polka Dot Stingray tote bag, and a 90-day átoa FACE PASS.
Starting July 8 (Wednesday), a permanent photo spot featuring the official mascot character Spi will also open in the 3F FOYER, giving visitors a new place to take commemorative photos.
Three Million Visitors Celebration Lottery
- Date and time: Saturday, July 11, 2026, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Ticket distribution: Starts at 10:00 AM on the day
- Eligibility: Group visitors and children under 3 are not eligible to participate
- Venue: 3F FOYER, átoa
- How to enter: Participation tickets will be distributed to the first 300 guests at the entrance gate starting at 10:00 AM
Prizes (no losers)
- From átoa: original "AQUA TERRA" snow globe, Polka Dot Stingray tote bag, átoa FACE PASS (90-day), and more
- From neighboring sponsoring companies: Felissimo Co., Ltd., Kobe Minato Onsen Ren, Shinki Bus Co., Ltd., Hayakoma Unyu Co., Ltd., One Bright Kobe Co., Ltd., Potomac Co., Ltd., Kobe Animal Kingdom, KOBE Lampwork Museum, and others
Official Mascot Spi Photo Spot
A photo spot featuring a plush display of official mascot character Spi will open for a limited time, giving visitors a dedicated spot for commemorative photos.
- Display period: Tuesday, July 8 to Thursday, July 16, 2026
- Location: 3F FOYER, átoa
ELEMENTS Renewal
To deepen the immersive, close-to-nature experience that átoa is known for, the ELEMENTS zone is being enhanced with new hands-on encounters with living creatures and explanations of biomimetics — learning about creatures through the lens of bio-inspired design.
- Reopening date: Saturday, July 11, 2026
- Location: 2F ELEMENTS, átoa
- Exhibits: Electric eel tank, Garra rufa (doctor fish) experience, aquaponics tank, red-bellied short-necked turtle tank, biomimetics information board
About AQUARIUM × ART átoa
AQUARIUM × ART átoa is a theatrical aquarium that blends a living aquarium with stage art and digital art. The facility is divided into eight uniquely themed zones, including a cave and a spirit forest, where visitors can encounter around 170 species and 4,000 creatures in spaces that feel like scenes from a film or stage production.
- Admission: Adults ¥2,600, elementary school students ¥1,500, young children ¥500
- Hours: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last entry 6:30 PM)
- Closed: No regular closing days (maintenance closures may occur)
- Official website: AQUARIUM × ART átoa
