AQUARIUM×ART átoa, the aquarium in Kobe's Chuo Ward (Director: Hiromi Nakayama), is marking its 5th anniversary this year with the second round of its "5th Anniversary Commemorative Ticket," a novelty-included ticket going on sale in a limited run of 500 from Monday, August 17, 2026.
The first round, featuring an Asian small-clawed otter design, went on sale on May 15, 2026, and was originally scheduled to run through August 7. Demand exceeded expectations, however, and the full run of 500 tickets sold out by June 22.
The tickets are designed to be kept as a memento of a visit, and their size and shape also let them double as a bookmark for books or planners. The second round centers on the Humboldt penguin — a crowd favorite at aquariums that also appears on various átoa merchandise designs — highlighting the bird's distinctive beak and sturdy build. The photo used for the design is of Tomato, one of the Humboldt penguins visitors can meet at átoa; guests are encouraged to look for him during a visit.
átoa invites visitors to join in celebrating its 5th anniversary.
5th Anniversary Commemorative Ticket Overview
- Included: átoa admission (adult rate, junior high school age and up), plus a 5th anniversary limited-edition can badge
- Price: ¥2,800 (tax included)
- Quantity: Limited to 500 tickets
- Sale period: Monday, August 17 to Monday, November 30, 2026 (while supplies last)
- Sale location: 2F átoa ticket counter
Note: There is no 5th anniversary commemorative ticket for elementary school students or young children.
Humboldt Penguin
- Scientific name: Spheniscus humboldti
- English name: Humboldt Penguin
- Habitat: South America — Chile, Peru
Penguins swim through the water almost as if flying, and their dense, tightly packed bones — needed to support their muscles — make them about six times heavier than other birds of similar length. A Humboldt penguin typically weighs around 4 kg.
Meet the Humboldt Penguins at átoa
Including Tomato, whose photo was used for the ticket design, átoa is home to a total of seven Humboldt penguins.
Display location: 4F SKYSHORE, átoa
Tomato
Born February 21, 2008 / Male
Known for his large, square-shaped head. Tomato is highly territorial, glaring sharply and sometimes attacking when other penguins or keepers pass nearby — except toward his mate, Ai, whom he never attacks.
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
