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Kobe Suma Sea World

神戸須磨シーワールド

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Opened on June 1, 2024, Kobe Suma Sea World in Suma-ku, Kobe is a large-scale aquarium featuring the only orca performance in western Japan, dolphin shows, and marine life exhibits.

Opening Hours: Regular hours 10:00–18:00 (subject to seasonal changes). Last admission is one hour before closing.
cost: Admission fees vary by season.
Suggested Duration: About 3 hours
Best Time: Daytime from spring to autumn when the seaside breeze is pleasant. Evening light-up is also a highlight.

🌐 Official Site

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Book online tickets for smooth entry on the day.

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Home / Tourist Spots / Aquarium

Aquarium · Entertainment

Kobe Suma Sea World

神戸須磨シーワールド

This article contains affiliate links.

Built on the former site of Suma Aqualife Park, Kobe Suma Sea World opened in June 2024 as part of the revitalised Suma Seaside Park area. With a concept blending “education” and “entertainment”, it invites visitors to experience the connectedness of life, water and the sea.

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Kobe Suma Sea World : Things to See & Do

🐋

Orca Performance

The only orca show in western Japan. Rows up to around the 8th are officially warned as a 'splash zone', and even around row 9 you can get hit by dramatic waves. Don't forget a poncho or waterproof cover.

🐬

Dolphin Interaction Show

At the Dolphin Stadium, enjoy dynamic dolphin movements and interactive programs for all ages.

📚

Aqua Live Exhibits

Comprising three zones themed around sea, river and coastal life, it showcases 522 species and 17,000 individual exhibits — a place for learning and discovery.

Kobe Suma Sea World : Photo Spots & Tips

Best Shots

— Through-tank shot at the Orca Stadium
— Jump moment at the Dolphin Stadium
— Golden-hour exterior with Suma pine grove

Best Timing

— Right after morning opening (fewer visitors)
— About 30 minutes before the orca show starts
— Evening to one hour before closing (light-up time)

During the orca show, rows up to around the 8th are a serious splash zone — waterproof your camera and bags. Sit further back if you'd rather stay dry. For exterior shots, the pine grove makes a great frame.

Access

1-3-5 Wakamiya-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe, Hyōgo 654-0049, Japan. About 5 min walk from JR Suma Kaihin-Kōen Station (or Sanyo Dentetsu). By car, access via Minatogawa IC or Suma IC.

Routes

Routes Including This Spot

Kobe Ocean Discovery Route

Enjoy a scenic day by the sea, from Akashi Kaikyo Bridge to Suma Sea World — the best ocean views of Kobe.

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Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

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Nearby Spots

Where to go after Kobe Suma Sea World

Suma Rikyu Park

*The park will be closed between January 15 and January 23, 2026 for scheduled inspection and maintenance. A park with a European palace-like atmosphere. Features a fountain plaza and seasonal flowers. Autumn leaves are at their best from mid to late November. Annual pass (¥900) grants access to three parks including Forest Botanical Garden and Sorakuen Garden.

Distance: 1.4 kmWalk: About 21 min

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Tetsujin Hiroba (Tetsujin 28 Monument)

A landmark plaza in Shin-Nagata featuring a giant 18-meter monument of Tetsujin 28, the iconic robot from the manga by Kobe-born artist Mitsuteru Yokoyama. The plaza is also a popular venue for local festivals and events.

Distance: 2.0 kmWalk: About 30 min

HistoryPhotography

Suma-ura Park

A park directly connected to Sanyo Electric Railway's Suma-ura Koen Station, overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. Known for approximately 1,000 cherry trees spreading across the hillside, it is one of Kobe's premier hanami destinations. The annual 'Atsumori Sakura' event offers daytime 'Hi-zakura' views of cherry blossoms against the sea and nightly projection mapping with illuminated night sakura. The mountain summit park can be reached by ropeway or the 'car-levator', a small hillside ride that climbs the slope.

Distance: 2.4 kmWalk: About 36 min

NaturePark

Umanose Ridge (Suma Alps)

At the western end of the Rokko range, between Mt. Yokoo (312m) and Mt. Higashiyama (253m), lies the Suma Alps — a ridge of weathered granite whose highlight is the Umanose ('horseback') traverse. Crossing the narrow rocky spine with drops on both sides delivers a real alpine thrill, with sweeping views over Osaka Bay and the city of Kobe. Despite the low elevation, it is one of the most dramatic sections of the Rokko Zenzan traverse. There are rope-assisted sections and rock scrambles, so it suits beginner-to-intermediate hikers with proper footwear.

Distance: 2.8 kmWalk: About 42 min

NaturePhotography

Sumaura Sanjo Amusement Park

A retro mountaintop amusement park above Sumaura Park. Reach it by ropeway and the unique car-levator, then enjoy sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea and Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. It is also known for cherry blossoms, with a revolving observatory and nostalgic attractions that preserve a slice of Showa-era leisure culture.

Distance: 3.2 kmWalk: About 47 min

ParkPhotography

Nagata Shrine

A historic shrine in Nagata Ward, Kobe, enshrining Kotoshironushi (Ebisu), long revered as a protector of commerce, industry, and fortune. It is affectionately called "Nagata-san." Recently, it gained renewed attention as a filming location for Netflix’s "Alice in Borderland" Season 3.

Distance: 3.5 kmWalk: About 53 min

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