Kobe Suma Sea World Hotel is located right next to the aquarium Kobe Suma Sea World. This hotel, which just opened in 2024, is the first in Japan to feature a permanent Dolphin Lagoon, allowing guests to stay while watching dolphins, which has become a hot topic. Of course, as an official hotel, there are also plenty of exclusive benefits for guests.
In this article, a "FUN! JAPAN" editor from Kobe gives a thorough review of the hotel's appeal based on their own visit. We will introduce in detail the highlights such as the Dolphin Lagoon where dolphins live, guest rooms with ocean views in every room, and breakfast and dinner made with local Hyogo ingredients.
*If you purchase or reserve products introduced in this article, a portion of the sales may be returned to FUN! JAPAN.
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Japan’s First! Permanent Dolphin Lagoon Where Dolphins Live
The biggest attraction of Kobe Suma Sea World Hotel is the permanent Dolphin Lagoon inside the hotel. Currently, two dolphins live here, and you can watch them from various places in the hotel, such as the terrace next to the lagoon, the restaurant, guest rooms, and the rooftop deck.
During the day, you can see the dolphins swimming leisurely in the lagoon, and if you are lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of them jumping.
Additionally, the "Dolphin Experience," limited to three groups per day, offers guests the chance to feed dolphins and give them signals. There is also a program where you can swim together with the dolphins.
At night, you can spend a special time feeling as if you are one with the sea, accompanied by the sounds of dolphins. This hotel truly offers a “one-of-a-kind accommodation experience.”
Just a 1-minute Walk to the Aquarium "Kobe Suma Sea World"! All Accommodation Plans Include Admission Tickets
"Kobe Suma Sea World Hotel" is the only official hotel of Kobe Suma Sea World. The hotel building is located right next to the aquarium, and its appeal lies in the fact that it is just a one-minute walk away.
The distance from the nearest stations to the hotel is about a 5-minute walk from JR Suma Kaihin Koen Station and about a 10-minute walk from Sanyo Electric Railway Tsukimiyama Station. In addition, it takes about 50 minutes by train from Kobe Airport and about 55 minutes by train from Shin-Osaka Station, making it a convenient base for sightseeing in the Kansai area.
Room rates vary depending on the season and plan, but as a guideline, prices start from around 25,000 yen per adult per night with two meals included. Moreover, all accommodation plans come with admission tickets to "Kobe Suma Sea World."
The only place in Kansai! See orca performances at "Kobe Suma Sea World"
"Kobe Suma Sea World" held its grand opening on June 1, 2024, on the site of the beloved local Suma Aqualife Park.
The highlight is the dynamic orca performances, which can only be seen here in the Kansai region. Of course, the popular dolphin performances are also still available, making this a hugely popular spot where lines form even before opening on weekends.
Make Your Aquarium Visit Even More Special! Exclusive Benefits For Hotel Guests
By staying at Kobe Suma Sea World Hotel, you can participate in special programs for hotel guests that allow you to enjoy the aquarium even more. Being able to experience special moments not available to general visitors is a major attraction unique to the official hotel. Here, we introduce the exclusive benefits you can enjoy.
Enter smoothly through the guest-only entrance
On weekends, long lines form before opening at "Kobe Suma Sea World." Hotel guests can enter through a dedicated priority entrance, so there is no need to wait in line. In addition, you can enter and exit the aquarium as many times as you like during your stay, allowing you to enjoy the aquarium, take a break at the hotel, and re-enter after lunch for a flexible visit.
Reserved seats for dolphin and orca performances
For the ever-popular dolphin and orca performances, you usually need to secure your seat early to get a good spot. Hotel guests can reserve seats (for a fee) in advance for the day after their stay, so you can enjoy the show with peace of mind. You can fully enjoy the powerful performances from the best positions.
Morning walk at the Orca Stadium
The "Morning Walk at the Orca Stadium" is a special program available exclusively to hotel guests during the quiet hours before the aquarium opens. While listening to explanations from the staff, you can observe the orcas swimming with the morning Suma coastline as a backdrop.
*Some blackout dates apply
Sea World Night Walk
The exclusive "Sea World Night Walk" program for hotel guests lets you explore the aquarium at night for about an hour together with a keeper. You can observe orcas, dolphins, and fish up close, seeing a different side of them than during the day. This program is extremely popular with both adults and children!
*Advance reservation with a special plan required. Some blackout dates apply.
Introducing Special Room Types Full of Unique Experiences
Kobe Suma Sea World Hotel offers a wide variety of guest rooms to suit your travel style and group size. Here, we will introduce some of the most popular rooms.
Sea World Aqua
This is a special premium room designed with the concept of a "Wonder Cabin." Its most distinctive feature is the large aquarium installed inside the room.
You can even watch the colorful fish swimming from the bathroom.
The interior is inspired by the Wonder Cabin, featuring decorations like a ship's wheel and walls with orca motifs. This room is perfect for a premium stay, creating an atmosphere as if you were on a luxury cruise ship.
Adjoining Room
Next, we introduce the "Adjoining Room," which is perfect for family or group trips. There are two guest rooms within a partitioned space, allowing guests to move freely between them. Up to eight people can stay, making it ideal for large groups to enjoy a comfortable stay together.
The interior features a refreshing and calming blue color scheme.
Above the beds, you will find panels with close-up photos of creatures from Kobe Suma Sea World, allowing you to feel the ocean world in a subtle way.
Spacious sofas were arranged by the windows.
In addition, I discovered some adorable penguin footprints in the washroom!
It turns out this is actually a step stool for children. These playful touches are sure to delight families! Also, the bathroom and toilet were of the popular separate type.
Balcony and Rooftop Deck Overlooking the Seto Inland Sea
All guest rooms are equipped with balconies, where you can relax while gazing out over the Dolphin Lagoon and the sparkling Seto Inland Sea below. Sitting on a bench and taking in the views of Suma Beach and the dolphins swimming is a luxurious experience you can only have here.
*Balcony specifications may vary depending on the room
This is the rooftop deck on the 8th floor. Guests can use it from 5:00 to 24:00. You can fully enjoy the ever-changing scenery, from the sunrise and sunset to the quiet sea at night.
Introducing the Buffet-Style Dinner and Breakfast Featuring the Flavors of Hyogo
All accommodation plans at Kobe Suma Sea World Hotel include both dinner and breakfast. At the hotel’s restaurant, Setouchi Harbor Restaurant, you can enjoy buffet-style meals featuring plenty of ingredients from Hyogo Prefecture. Dining while looking out at the sea will make your trip feel even more special.
Dinner: Lavish Buffet Dinner Featuring Local Ingredients
The dinner, which starts at 17:30, features a wide variety of dishes centered around Hyogo’s specialties, such as Kobe beef, fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, and Awaji Island onions.
At the “live kitchen,” where the chef prepares dishes right in front of you, you can enjoy the excitement of freshly made food.
The kids’ menu features adorable dishes inspired by sea creatures and the official character “Orcy.”
The dessert corner is also well stocked, offering a selection that will satisfy everyone from families to couples.
Additionally, course menus are available by reservation with a dedicated plan.
Private rooms are also available, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy their meal in a calm and relaxed atmosphere.
Breakfast: Enjoy Plenty of Fresh Awaji Vegetables! Morning Buffet
Breakfast at Kobe Suma Sea World Hotel starts at 7:00 a.m., with gentle morning sunlight streaming in.
Like dinner, breakfast is also served buffet style.
In addition to a salad bar featuring fresh vegetables from Awaji, you can enjoy local Kobe specialties from the morning, such as “Kobe Beef Shabu and Egg Rice,” “Kobe Beef French Toast,” and “Akashiyaki.”
*Menu items may vary depending on the date.
The freshly baked bread corner is lined with cute donuts and pastries that are sure to make you smile.
Lunch & Café: Open to the Public! Seasonal Afternoon Tea Also Available
Setouchi Harbor Restaurant is open to non-hotel guests during lunch and café hours.
Lunch is also served buffet style, and from the terrace or window seats you can enjoy views of the Dolphin Lagoon.
*During winter, only plate lunches may be available. Please check the official website in advance.
During café time from 13:00, afternoon tea featuring seasonal sweets is also available. For drinks, you can choose from four types of tea carefully selected by a certified tea advisor from Kobe Tea, a long-established tea shop founded in 1925, as well as a variety of soft drinks.
As the afternoon tea is limited to 20 groups per day, reservations are recommended.
A Hotel Where You Can Enjoy a Special Stay with Dolphins!
Kobe Suma Sea World Hotel is equipped with facilities and services to meet the diverse needs of its guests.
Spending a relaxing time while gazing at the sea and dolphins will help you forget the hustle and bustle of daily life and is sure to create special memories for families, couples, and friends alike.
Kobe Suma Sea World Hotel
- Address: 1-3-5 Wakamiya-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo
- Access: 5 minutes on foot from JR Suma Kaihin Koen Station, 10 minutes on foot from Sanyo Electric Railway Tsukimiyama Station
- Official website: https://www.kobesuma-seaworld.jp/hotel/
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