átoa Aquarium Extended Hours for Golden Week 2026: Open 9:00–19:30, Plus Aqua Bar & Fireworks Terrace

AQUARIUM×ART átoa in Kobe's Shinko district is running special Golden Week 2026 hours and limited-time events. From Saturday, May 2 to Wednesday, May 6, doors open one hour earlier than usual at 9:00, with closing extended to 19:30. In the evenings, guests can enjoy the Aqua Bar among the glowing tanks, and on select nights, the Romantic Terrace 2026 offers harbor fireworks views from the rooftop.

Golden Week Special Hours

Normal opening time is 10:00, so the extended GW hours make it easy to start your day early. It pairs well with nearby Meriken Park, Kobe Port Tower, and the Shinko district waterfront.

※ On May 2 (Sat) from 19:00 onward, the 4th floor SKYSHORE is reserved for Romantic Terrace 2026 ticket holders only.

※ From Thursday, May 7, normal hours 10:00–19:00 (last entry 18:30) resume.

Aqua Bar — Drinks Among the Tanks

During the GW evenings, "Aqua Bar" comes to life at MARINE NOTE on the 2nd floor. Sip jelly-topped drinks in front of the illuminated tanks, in collaboration with the TOOTH TOOTH MART FOOD HALL & NIGHT FES on the 1st floor.

Menu: Jelly Squash ¥600 (non-alcoholic) and Jelly Sour ¥700 (alcoholic) — available in Lagoon Blue, Mimosa Orange, Peach Rosé, and Violet.

Romantic Terrace 2026 — Fireworks & Night Views

The 4th floor SKYSHORE ROOF TOP hosts "Romantic Terrace 2026", an exclusive reservation-only experience where you can enjoy Kobe Port weekend fireworks against the city skyline.

Tickets can be purchased here or at the 2F counter in advance (select "Romantic Terrace 2026 GW").

Annual pass and 90-day PASS holders can join for ¥500 drink fee only (face PASS for adults only; elementary school students pay regular admission + drink fee).

Guests gather at the 4th floor SKYSHORE ROOF TOP at 19:00. The 2nd and 3rd floors remain viewable until 19:30 on May 2 and until 19:00 on May 16. After regular closing, other zones and tanks are no longer accessible. The event proceeds even if fireworks are cancelled; no refunds will be issued.

• Kobe Port Weekend Fireworks – May 2, 2026
• Kobe Port Weekend Fireworks – May 16, 2026

New Workshop: Beaver Stick Keychain

Make your own keychain from wood actually gnawed by the American beavers living at átoa. Choose your chain color for a one-of-a-kind keepsake.

Some steps may be tricky for young children; parental assistance is encouraged as needed.

Ongoing Workshops

Popular workshops continue around Golden Week.

Make a Snow Globe

Held at 2F MARINE NOTE. Dates: April 18, 19, 25, 26, 29 and May 2–6, 2026.

Pearl Extraction Experience

Held at 2F MARINE NOTE. Dates: Friday, April 18 – Monday, November 3, 2026 (holiday).

A great way to turn the creatures you've seen inside into a hands-on memory to take home.

5th Anniversary Merchandise

Limited-edition items are on sale to mark átoa's 5th anniversary.

• ID Photo–Style Stickers Limited designs featuring capybaras, Asian small-clawed otters, and Humboldt penguins. ¥700 (tax included).
• 5-Postcard Set Coming mid-April: Humboldt penguin, Asian small-clawed otter, American beaver, capybara, and groundhog.

Both items are available at átoa LAB Shop.

Summary

This Golden Week, átoa is designed to be easy to enter in the morning and enjoyable well into the evening. Spend the day exploring the tanks, unwind at the Aqua Bar in the afternoon, and cap it all off with fireworks and the city lights on fireworks nights — a full day on Kobe's waterfront.

From Saturday, April 25 to Wednesday, May 6, 2026 is a variable-price period; timed entry may apply during peak times. Check the átoa official website for the latest information before heading out.

Source: Aquament Co., Ltd. ( PR TIMES )