Suma Sea World Kobe
Experience the wonders of marine life at Kobe Suma Sea World, featuring captivating Orca and Dolphin shows and diverse aquatic exhibits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Suma Sea World Kobe
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the wonders of marine life at Kobe Suma Sea World, featuring captivating Orca and Dolphin shows and diverse aquatic exhibits.
"The Orca and dolphins show are the highlights. "
☔ Splash Zone Warning!
Sit in the front rows for the Orca and Dolphin shows for the best view, but be prepared to get soaked! Ponchos are sold on-site.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Avoid long queues by purchasing your tickets online in advance, especially for weekend visits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Orca Show
Orca Tank
Witness the impressive power and agility of orcas in a dynamic show. A must-see for marine life enthusiasts.
Dolphin Show
Dolphin Arena
Enjoy energetic dolphin performances that delight visitors of all ages.
Aquarium Exhibits
Various tanks
Explore diverse marine life, from tiny fish to mesmerizing jellyfish and impressive turtle tanks.
Manta Ray Touch Tank
Touch Pool Area
Get up close and personal with gentle manta rays in a unique interactive experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Orca Show Seating Strategy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☔ Splash Zone Warning!
Sit in the front rows for the Orca and Dolphin shows for the best view, but be prepared to get soaked! Ponchos are sold on-site.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Avoid long queues by purchasing your tickets online in advance, especially for weekend visits.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes to explore the entire park.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Summertime can be very hot. Bring water bottles or purchase drinks to stay refreshed.
Tips
from all over the internet
☔ Splash Zone Warning!
Sit in the front rows for the Orca and Dolphin shows for the best view, but be prepared to get soaked! Ponchos are sold on-site.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Avoid long queues by purchasing your tickets online in advance, especially for weekend visits.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes to explore the entire park.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Summertime can be very hot. Bring water bottles or purchase drinks to stay refreshed.
📸 Capture the Moments
Don't forget your camera or phone to capture the amazing marine life and shows!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kobe Suma Sea World is praised for its modern facilities, impressive Orca and Dolphin shows, and engaging exhibits like the Manta Ray touch tank. However, some visitors find the aquarium to be relatively small, with cramped animal enclosures and dining facilities that can be overwhelmed during busy periods. Ethical concerns regarding animal captivity are also noted.
"Went on a weekend (Sat) and it was extremely crowded plus the summer heat was relentless.
We took a chance and did not buy any tickets in advance as we were travelling from Osaka to Kobe. However, whilst queueing for the 12noon admission, we managed to book the tickets online and got in before 12nn, in time to catch the Dolphin show. After which we proceeded to the aquarium and then the Orca show.
It was an enjoyable attraction for the adults and adult-kids alike. But do keep in mind that the aquarium is relatively small and the dolphin and orcas enclosures are also cramped.
Overall, ❤️ the attraction."
Ethel GeNee
"Underwhelming Show and Poor Dining Facilities
My visit to the Kobe Aquarium was rather disappointing. The killer whale and dolphin show lacked excitement and creativity. There were no impressive stunts or memorable moments. In fact, I visited the Nagoya Aquarium over ten years ago, and its show was far more entertaining and well-produced in comparison.
I went on a weekday, but even then, the dining area was very small and completely full, clearly unable to handle the number of visitors. For families with children or elderly members, this setup is quite inconvenient.
If you’re looking for a marine show experience or planning a half-day trip, you might want to consider other aquariums with better performances and facilities."
Daniel Tam
"It was a really fun expensive. The orca and dolphins show are the highlights. I would recommend the orca show to be viewed from the front seats, but be careful of the splash zone. You can buy a waterproof poncho at the show for about ¥400.
There are two restaurants in the area. One is a buffet style where you can see the orcas while eating, while the other one is a fast food court.
The gifts are also cute. Will definitely come again."
Happy Puppy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Osaka, take a JR train to Kobe Station, then transfer to the JR Kobe Line for Suma Station. The park is a short walk from Suma Station. Alternatively, you can take a Shinkansen to Shin-Kobe Station and then a taxi or local train.
Yes, there is parking available at the facility. However, it can get crowded, especially on weekends. Consider public transport if possible.
Opening hours vary by season and day of the week. Typically, weekdays are 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and holidays are 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, it is easily accessible by public transport. The nearest train station is Suma Station on the JR Kobe Line.
Yes, it's feasible to visit as a day trip from Kyoto. The journey involves taking a JR train to Kobe, which takes approximately 1 hour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary. Adults typically pay around ¥2,000, and children/toddlers around ¥1,000. Special discounts may be available for Kobe residents or during specific events. Check the official website for current pricing.
Yes, you can buy tickets at the entrance, but it's highly recommended to book online in advance to avoid long queues, especially on weekends and holidays.
Yes, children and toddlers usually have reduced ticket prices. Seniors might also be eligible for discounts, so it's best to check the official website or inquire at the ticket counter.
It is possible to get tickets on the day of your visit, but booking online in advance is strongly advised to save time and guarantee entry, especially during busy periods.
The most convenient way to purchase tickets is through the official Kobe Suma Sea World website. This allows you to secure your entry and potentially avoid long lines at the park.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Orca show and Dolphin show are highlights. Don't miss the diverse aquarium exhibits, the Manta Ray touch tank, and the immersive jellyfish displays.
Yes, the Orca and Dolphin shows are considered highlights by many visitors, offering dynamic performances. However, some reviews suggest they could be more creative compared to other aquariums.
Yes, there is a Manta Ray touch tank where visitors can gently interact with these fascinating creatures.
Yes, it's generally suitable for families. The touch tanks and various exhibits can be engaging for children. However, some enclosures are noted as being cramped.
Some visitors describe the aquarium as relatively small, but it offers a good variety of marine life and engaging shows.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are a couple of restaurants, including a buffet with views of the orcas and a fast-food court. However, dining facilities can be small and crowded.
Reviews on food quality are mixed. While some find it enjoyable, others mention that the dining facilities are not well-equipped to handle the visitor volume.
Information on specific dietary options is limited. It's advisable to check with the restaurant staff upon arrival or bring your own snacks if you have specific dietary needs.
Generally, outside food and drinks may be restricted. It's best to check the park's official policy regarding outside food.
Yes, one of the restaurants offers a buffet-style dining experience with views of the orcas.
📸 📸 Photography
The Orca and Dolphin shows offer dynamic photo opportunities. The diverse aquarium tanks, especially the jellyfish and turtle exhibits, are also very photogenic.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the aquarium. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to avoid disturbing the animals.
You can take photos during the shows, but be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash, which can startle the animals.
The areas around the Orca and Dolphin tanks, as well as the large jellyfish displays, are popular for photos. The overall modern design of the aquarium also provides good backdrops.
A camera or smartphone with good low-light performance is recommended for the indoor exhibits. For shows, a zoom lens can be helpful to capture action from a distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for crowds and the summer heat if visiting during peak times. Consider booking tickets online to save time. While the shows are entertaining, some enclosures are noted as being small, which might be a consideration for some families.
🐳 Marine Life Enthusiasts
While the shows are a draw, it's worth noting the ethical discussions surrounding animal captivity. Visitors interested in conservation might find the educational aspects of the aquarium particularly engaging.
📸 Photography Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Orcas: Stella and Ran
While the orca shows are a major attraction, there are ethical concerns raised by some regarding the captivity of these intelligent animals. Visitors interested in marine conservation may want to research the history and welfare of captive orcas before their visit.
During the Orca show, visitors can witness their powerful movements and impressive jumps. It's a visually striking experience, but be prepared for the splash zone if you sit in the front rows!
Aquarium Design and Exhibits
Visitors often praise the beauty of the exhibits, particularly the large jellyfish tanks and the impressive turtle tank. The park also features a Manta Ray touch tank, allowing for a hands-on experience with these gentle giants.
The concept of the aquarium is a fusion of 'education' and 'entertainment,' aiming to teach visitors about marine life, conservation, and the challenges faced by ocean ecosystems.
Visitor Experience and Concerns
However, some common criticisms include the relatively small size of the aquarium and the cramped enclosures for the dolphins and orcas. Dining facilities can also be overwhelmed during peak times, leading to inconvenience.
Ethical considerations regarding animal captivity are also a point of discussion among visitors and animal welfare advocates.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit