About Directions

How long does it take to get to átoa from the nearest station?

18 minutes south on foot from Sannomiya Station on various lines.

• SHINKIBUS/Kobe City Bus
  Get on a Port Loop bus or a bus bound for Port Island at Sannomiya Station and get off at Shinkocho bus stop.

Is parking available?

There is no dedicated parking.
Please use one of the paid parking lots nearby.
Ex. Times Kobe Shinkocho

Is bicycle parking available?

There is no parking for bicycles.

Is there a taxi stand or car drop-off spot?

There are no drop-off spots. Your understanding is appreciated. There are open spaces near the building. Please drop off passengers there, but be careful not inconvenience anyone in the surrounding area.

About Tickets

How do I purchase tickets?

Purchasing Online
You can select the date and time you wish to visit and pay in advance online from your smartphone or computer.
Download the 『Web Ticket』 before you arrive to ensure smooth entry without the need to exchange tickets.

Purchasing On-site
Please use a ticket window or an automated ticket machine. Entry is limited to a specific time and date, so you may not be able to enter at your desired time. Your understanding is appreciated.

From what age are children charged an entry fee?

Children 3 years and older are charged an entry fee.
Children under 3 may enter for free.

Is there a discount for seniors?

No, there is not. Your understanding is appreciated.

Is there a disability discount?

Please present the original copy of your disability certificate. Tickets can be purchased at the discounted price for the certificate holder (only for a physical disability certificate, a mental disability certificate, or a rehabilitation certificate) and one accompanying person.

Can children visit alone?

Children that are in elementary school or younger may not visit alone. Please have them visit with a guardian.

Precautions for Children (especially for preschool-aged children)

• There are dark areas and places where the lights blink.
• There are also areas where the floors become water surfaces.

Are the entry restrictions?

There is a limit to the number of visitors each hour, as entry is limited to a specific time and date. Your understanding is appreciated.

Are receipts available?

Receipts can be printed at ticket windows. Please speak with a staff member.

Do I have to register for an account when making a reservation?

You do not need to register for an account when making a reservation.

Can I get a refund if I cannot make my reserved time?

We do not offer refunds. We will change your entry time in person when you arrive. However, your desired time may not be available. Please research times thoroughly before purchasing tickets.

Can I cancel a reservation or change the date and time?

You cannot. Please research times thoroughly before purchasing tickets.

Can I enter with my smartphone as my ticket?

Download the 『Web Ticket』before you arrive to ensure smooth entry without the need to exchange tickets.

Can I purchase a ticket on the day without making a reservation?

You can purchase a ticket directly on the day from a ticket window or an automated ticket machine. However, you may need to wait as entry is limited to a specific time and date. If you know when you will visit, we recommend making a reservation in advance online.

Are there any combination tickets with nearby facilities?

Some available.
For details, please check the ticket purchase screen.

Can tickets be purchased at convenience stores?

We do not sell tickets at convenience stores. If you know when you will visit, please make a reservation in advance online. You can purchase tickets online here.

If I pay on site, which payment methods can I use?

When you pay at the counter on the day, you can choose from the following payment methods: Cash, credit cards, transportation IC cards, ID, Rakuten Edy, nanaco, WAON and QR code payment services (PayPay, auPAY, docomo payment, etc.)

　　　

About Group Use

Is there anywhere to eat lunch that I bring?

There are no eating or drinking spaces in átoa. Please do not bring any food or drinks with you.

Are preview visits offered?

Preview visits are limited to customers who already have a group reservation for a group of 20 or more.
*Only for organizers (up to three people).
*There are times when we do not accept preview visit reservations or allow preview visits Your understanding is appreciated.
For more details, please see For Groups.

About Services

Is re-entry allowed?

You cannot. Please speak with a staff member if there is a particular reason for re-entry.

Are there restrictions on viewing time?

There are no restrictions on viewing time. Enjoy the aquarium at your own leisurely pace.

Are there any days when the aquarium is closed?

We are open year-round. However, we may be closed for facility maintenance.

Can the facilities be enjoyed even on a rainy day?

Most of the exhibit space is indoors. You can enjoy visiting even on rainy days. However, the SKY SHORE on the fourth floor is an outdoor area and may be wet from rain. We do not offer umbrellas for use. Please bring your own umbrella.

About how long does it take to see the entire aquarium?

It takes about an hour for viewing only.

Is there a viewing route?

Each area has a route, but you can view exhibits as you wish. However, you may be asked to stay on the routes due to crowding.

Are there signs in multiple languages?

All signs within the building are displayed in Japanese and English.

Can I take photos or video?

You can take photos and video without restriction within the facilities. However, please do not do so in a way that would be bothersome to other guests (taking up space with large equipment, etc.) Please refrain from using flash photography where prohibited to protect the animals. Please also refrain from live-streaming.
Please make an inquiry about for-profit photography.

What items may not be brought in?

We do not allow the following items to be brought in:

• Food and drinks. (*water bottles and plastic bottles are allowed)
• Dangerous objects, including knives, explosives, etc.
• Handcarts, tricycles, or other large strollers.
• Rideable toys. (skateboards, kick boards, Segways, hoverboards, tricycles, etc.)
• Tripods and selfie sticks
• Pets or other animals. (*excluding guide dogs, hearing dogs, and service dogs)

If you bring any of the above, please leave them in one of átoa's storage lockers on the second floor.

Can I bring food or drinks?

Please refrain from bringing food or drinks. However, you may bring drinks in plastic bottles or other containers with lids.

Is there a place to store strollers and luggage?

Please use storage lockers for luggage. There are some narrow passageways along the viewing route. We recommend holding your child if possible. There is storage for strollers, but the space is limited. Your understanding is appreciated.
*We are not responsible for any damages, loss, or theft at the stroller storage area. Your understanding is appreciated.

Do you offer strollers or wheelchairs for use?

Strollers
We do not offer strollers for use.

Wheelchairs
We offer wheelchairs for use. Please speak with a staff member at the information desk if you wish to use a wheelchair. However, as our supply is limited, we may not be able to offer you a wheelchair. We also do not accept reservations for wheelchairs. Your understanding is appreciated.

Can I visit with strollers, wheelchairs, or mobility scooters?

Strollers
Yes, you can.
However, we recommend holding your child when visiting as there may not be enough space for viewing and your stroller may bump into other guests when crowded.
*Please refrain from visiting with large strollers

Wheelchairs
Yes, you can.

Mobility Scooters
Please refrain from visiting while in a mobility scooter.

Can I visit with a guide dog or hearing dog?

You can visit along with a guide dog, hearing dog, or other service dog.

Can I visit with my pet?

Please refrain from visiting with your pet.

Can you page customers over the speaker system?

We do not page customers at átoa. Your understanding is appreciated.

What do I do if I lose my child?

Please speak with the information desk or a nearby staff member.

Are there any places to smoke?

The building and property are entirely smoke-free. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

I have left something in the building.

For items left behind on the previous day or earlier, please contact Kobe Port Museum Administration Office.
Administration Office TEL: +81-78-321-7655 (reception hours: 09:00-20:00)

About the Building and Facilities

Is there anywhere to eat lunch that I bring?

There are no eating or drinking spaces. Please refrain from bringing any food or drinks. Your understanding is appreciated. There is a food court on the first floor of the Kobe Port Museum and a cafe (átoa café) on the fourth floor of átoa. Please use these facilities.

Is there a place to buy souvenirs?

The museum shop is on the first floor of the Kobe Port Museum. You can also visit the shop without visiting átoa.

Are there any storage lockers?

There are storage lockers on the second floor of átoa.
Small: 21　
Medium: 6　¥500　
Large: 4　¥600

Are the facilities wheelchair-accessible?

átoa is wheelchair-accessible. However, there are some locations with step- or stairs-only access in the first floor museum shop and on the fourth floor SKY SHORE. Your understanding is appreciated.

Is there a nursing room?

There is a baby room (nursing + diaper changing) on the second floor of átoa. This can be used by only one group at a time. Both men and women can use this room. Please use this room.

Can I get hot water for nursing?

Please use the hot water dispenser for nursing in the baby room on the second floor of átoa.

Is there a place to change diapers?

There is one diaper changing station in the baby room on the second floor of átoa. There is also a diaper changing room on the third floor. (one station)

Are there wheelchair-accessible and ostomate-friendly toilets?

There are two locations (one on both the second floor and third floor).

Is there a restaurant inside the building?

You can enjoy a meal in the food court on the first floor of the Kobe Port Museum. There is a cafe (átoa cafe) on the fourth floor of átoa as well.

is there Wi-Fi in the building?

「KOBE Free Wi-Fi」 is available.

Is there an ATM inside the building?

There are no ATMs inside the building.

Are there any pay phones?

There are no pay phones inside the building.

What do I do if I feel unwell?

We will show you to the first aid room. Please speak to a nearby staff member.

About evacuation guidance in the event of a disaster

Please follow instructions given over the speakers and by staff members in the event of a disaster. We will guide customers to the most suitable place in terms of safety based on the disaster situation, warnings, and official announcements.