An Aquarium Where You Can Meet Orcas: “Kobe Suma Sea World” Review – Complete Guide to Tickets, Restaurants, and Souvenirs

In June 2024, a new tourist attraction, Kobe Suma Sea World, opened in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. The biggest highlight of this aquarium is, without a doubt, the thrilling orca performances! Kobe Suma Sea World is the only aquarium in western Japan where you can enjoy orca shows.

In this article, a FUN! JAPAN editor from Kobe visits Kobe Suma Sea World and gives a thorough review of its appeal! From must-see attractions to recommended gourmet food, souvenirs, and money-saving ticket information, we’ll share everything you want to know together with our orcin companion, Orca-kun.

🚅Book your Shinkansen ticket with NAVITIME Travel! 👉 Click here

😄Enjoy a more convenient trip to Japan with NAVITIME eSIM!👉Click here

*All prices include tax.
*If you purchase or book products introduced in this article, a portion of the sales may be returned to FUN! JAPAN.

Entrance — Reporting together with Orca-kun!

Highlights of Kobe Suma Sea World: The Must-See Orca and Dolphin Performances!

Kobe Suma Sea World is divided into three main areas: "Orca Stadium," "Dolphin Stadium," and "Aqua Live."

Here, we’ll introduce the highlights of each area.

Orca Stadium: Getting Soaked is Part of the Fun! The Only Orca Performance in Western Japan

Immediately to the left after entering is the building called "Orca Stadium." On the second floor here, you can watch performances by two female orcas, Stella and Ran. The performance schedule is posted on the official website, so it’s a good idea to check it in advance.

👀Check the performance schedule here

As expected from the main attraction, the seats are full even for the first performance in the morning. It seemed that many people were saving seats about 30 minutes before the show started.

The orca performance starts with lively music! Orcas are also known as the "King of the Sea." Because of their large size, I thought the performance might be a bit slow-paced, but…

They showed off their incredible speed as they swam through the tank, and even performed powerful, dynamic jumps! Watching their huge bodies soar through the air and crash back into the water was truly breathtaking.

The splashes were so massive, it felt like a wall of water was coming at you. For those who want to feel the orcas’ power up close, I highly recommend watching from the "Splash Zone," which includes rows 1 through 8. As the name suggests, you’re guaranteed to get soaked, but it will definitely be an unforgettable memory!

Original ponchos (400 yen) to protect you from getting drenched are sold inside the venue and at the gift shop, so you might want to make use of these as well.

Also, on the first floor of Orca Stadium, there is the "Orca Lab," where you can learn about orcas through various exhibits, including orca specimens. Be sure to stop by after the performance!

The large-scale orca specimen is truly impressive!

Dolphin Stadium: Be Charmed by the Adorable Dolphin Performance!

The dolphin performance offers a light and adorable show, different from the powerful orca performance. You can watch the dolphin performance at "Dolphin Stadium," located to the right after entering the entrance.

The audience can't stop applauding as the dolphins perform their magnificent jumps in perfect coordination and make adorable sounds with their voices.

The dolphin performance has been a popular attraction since the days of the “Kobe Municipal Suma Seaside Aquarium,” the predecessor of Kobe Suma Sea World, but it feels even more impressive now!

Aqua Live: Get Up Close with Unique Animals Like Penguins and Seals!

The appeal of Kobe Suma Sea World isn't limited to the killer whale and dolphin performances. If you go past the "Dolphin Stadium" and head further inside, you'll find "Aqua Live," where you can closely observe the unique behaviors of a wide variety of creatures, especially those living in the Seto Inland Sea, which faces Kobe.

Be sure to pay attention to the exhibition methods that recreate the actual environments where these animals live. "Edutainment" (education + entertainment) is one of the key themes of this aquarium.

There are also plenty of activities that children will love, such as opportunities to actually touch some of the animals and various workshops!

Currently, one of the most popular attractions is the baby sea lion born in 2025. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of it basking in the sun. Be sure to check the latest information and try to visit!

I was truly soothed by its adorable appearance.

Suma Collection: From "Suma Sui" to "Suma Sea" – A Retrospective Exhibition

Another spot I definitely want to introduce is the "Suma Collection."

Here, you can see historical materials from the predecessor facilities of Kobe Suma Sea World: "Kobe Municipal Suma Aquarium" and “Kobe Municipal Suma Seaside Aquarium” (nicknamed "Suma Sui"), which were beloved by Kobe citizens for many years since 1957.

As someone who knows Suma Sui, visiting this place really brings back memories.

In the past, you could even see sea otters at Suma Sui, but now Toba Aquarium is the only place in Japan where you can meet them.

👀 Related Article: Meet Sea Otters! Complete Guide to Toba Aquarium

In addition to the historical materials, you can also see some of the freshwater fish that have been kept since those days in the "Suma Collection." This area is open to everyone for "free," even without a Kobe Suma Sea World admission ticket.

The beautiful stained glass inside the building is also from the Suma Sui era. *Paid area

Are There Any Discounts? Ticket Types, Prices, and How to Book

Kobe Suma Sea World is packed with highlights. Here, we’ll introduce the different types of tickets, their prices, and some tips on how to get the best deals!

List of Ticket Types and Prices

Admission ticket prices vary depending on the season and day of the week. Once you’ve decided on your visit date, the best way is to check the official website. On the first day of each month, tickets for up to two months in advance become available.

Ticket Prices

Adults (high school students and above): 2,900 yen – 3,700 yen
Children (elementary and junior high school students): 1,700 yen – 1,800 yen
Preschoolers (ages 4–6): 1,700 yen – 1,800 yen
Seniors (65 and over): 2,300 yen – 3,100 yen

*Prices may vary depending on the season

Avoid the Crowds! Tips for Smooth Entry

You can purchase tickets at the counter on the day of your visit, but to avoid crowds, we recommend buying your tickets in advance. If you purchase your tickets beforehand, you can enter smoothly by simply showing your QR code at the entrance.

Weekends, public holidays, and long vacation periods are expected to be crowded. It’s often less crowded in winter than in summer, so aiming for a winter visit might be a good idea.

Also, guests staying at the official hotel, Kobe Suma Sea World Hotel, can enter through a dedicated entrance.

[Discounts Available] How to Get the Best Deals on Admission to Kobe Suma Sea World

Great Value “Annual Passport”

Kobe Suma Sea World offers a great value annual passport. If you plan to visit four times or more a year, consider purchasing the annual passport.

Adults (high school students and above): 11,000 yen
Children (elementary and junior high school students): 6,500 yen
Preschoolers (ages 4–6): 6,500 yen
Seniors (65 and over): 9,000 yen

Value “Admission Plans”

There are various value admission plans available, such as sets with round-trip train or bus tickets. In particular, the Sanyo Electric Railway’s “Kobe Suma Sea World Ticket” and the “Kobe City Tour 1-Day Coupon,” which is convenient for getting around Kobe, are recommended for tourists as they help save on transportation costs. Please check the details on the respective pages.

Get an Admission Ticket When You Stay at the Official Hotel!

If you stay at the Kobe Suma Sea World Hotel, you’ll receive an admission ticket. In addition, special events such as nighttime aquarium access are also held!

👀 Related Article: Official Hotel “Kobe Suma Sea World Hotel” Review

Special “KOBE Children’s Discount Coupon”

This is a special coupon for elementary and junior high school students and preschoolers who are registered residents of Kobe City. It can be used once a year, with special rates for elementary and junior high school students, and preschoolers can enter for free.

[With Food Report] A Guide to Restaurants and Gourmet Food Inside the Facility

After entering right at opening time, you might start to feel hungry... Now, let’s return to Kobe Suma Sea World and introduce the gourmet options available inside.

Dine While Watching Orcas! “Blue Ocean Orca Stadium”

A special restaurant located on the first floor of the Orca Stadium, where you can enjoy your meal while watching orcas. The buffet features dishes made with an abundance of ingredients from the mountains and sea of Hyogo Prefecture. Prices vary depending on the seating area: adults from 4,000 yen, elementary school students from 2,000 yen, and preschoolers from 1,200 yen.

In addition to lunch, they sometimes offer a sweets buffet as well.

All seats require a reservation, but depending on availability, you may be able to get a table on the day even without a reservation, so don’t give up—be sure to check!

👉Click here to make a reservation

Enjoy Hyogo and Kobe’s Local Gourmet! “Wharf Dolphin Stadium” [Tasting Report]

This restaurant, located on the first floor of the Dolphin Stadium, is popular for offering local gourmet dishes unique to Hyogo and Kobe. No advance reservation is required; simply purchase a meal ticket from the vending machine inside, and when your food is ready, your number will be called.

This time, I tried the “Hyogo B-Class Gourmet Beef Cutlet Rice Bowl” (1,500 yen). “Beef Cutlet Rice Bowl” is a local B-class gourmet dish from Hyogo Prefecture, featuring beef cutlet and plenty of demi-glace sauce served over rice.

The crispy beef cutlet and special demi-glace sauce are simply irresistible! The accompanying vegetables are perfect as a palate cleanser.

In addition to this signature rice bowl, the menu also offers a variety of other local specialties, curries, burgers, fast food, and sweets. It’s a great choice not only for lunch but also for a quick break.

Perfect for a Snack or Break! Takeout Food & Kitchen Cars [Tasting Report]

Port Diner Orca Stadium

At “Port Diner Orca Stadium,” located on the second floor of Orca Stadium just before the orca performance venue, you’ll find a selection of snacks and drinks that are easy to eat with one hand.

The recommended item is the adorable “Orca Soft Serve” (700 yen), featuring the orca’s black and white colors. The rich milk flavor was absolutely delicious! Just be careful in summer, as it melts quickly—so be sure to eat it fast (laughs).

Kitchen Cars

In the plaza in front of the entrance, various kitchen cars set up shop. You’ll find Kansai specialties like takoyaki and bokkake yakisoba, making it hard to resist every time you walk by.

Must-Have Orca Goods! Kobe Suma Sea World Souvenir Guide

Many visitors to Kobe Suma Sea World are eager to get their hands on orca-themed goods! Here are some recommended souvenirs—including exclusive items only available here—that you’ll want to take home for friends, family, or yourself.

Official Character Orcee Goods Too! Exclusive Souvenirs Only Available Here

There were so many orca-themed goods on display!

At Kobe Suma Sea World, there are two places where you can buy souvenirs: "Blue Flag Orca Stadium" on the first floor of Orca Stadium, and "Wharf Dolphin Stadium" on the first floor of Dolphin Stadium.

There are more orca goods available at "Blue Flag Orca Stadium." You’ll also find collaboration items with popular Japanese series, such as the "Nobi Series" plushies, whose bodies stretch out long.

If you love character goods, don’t forget to check out the official character "Orcee" merchandise as well.

Depending on the timing, you might also find seasonal items like cool neck rings and handy fans that keep you feeling refreshed when you wear them.

There’s also a wide variety of snacks, perfect as souvenirs for friends or colleagues.

Among them, our top recommendation is the "Orca Sablé" (650 yen). The packaging also features a clever design that will make you love orcas even more.

The sablé itself is shaped like an orca. It’s an adorable souvenir that’s sure to delight anyone you give it to.

No Losers! Try Your Luck for a Giant Plush with the "Orca Lottery"

The most popular souvenir at Kobe Suma Sea World is actually the "Orca Lottery"! For 1,200 yen per try, you can win an orca plushie, and since there are no losing tickets, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. I also got my companion here this way (laughs).

The lottery is held in front of the entrance to "Blue Flag Orca Stadium." Why not try your luck for a giant plushie?

Educational Activity: Stamp & Study Book

Additionally, the shop also sells the "Stamp & Study Book" (500 yen). (Available in Japanese only)

Unlike a typical stamp rally, this activity allows you to deepen your knowledge about marine creatures as you visit the stamp stations set up throughout the facility.

It's an activity that both children and adults can enjoy!

Is There Parking? Access Information and Tips for Kobe Suma Sea World

Finally, here is how to access Kobe Suma Sea World.

Train is Convenient! Nearest Stations and How to Get There

Taking the train is recommended for getting to Kobe Suma Sea World. The nearest stations are JR "Suma Kaihin Koen" Station or Sanyo Electric Railway "Tsukimiyama" Station. Both are about a 5 to 10-minute walk from the facility.

From "Kobe Airport," the main gateway for travelers, it takes about 1 hour, and from "Shin-Kobe Station," where the Shinkansen stops, it takes about 30 minutes.

👀 Related Article: Complete Guide to Kobe Airport

If Coming by Car, Use the "Suma Kaihin Koen Parking Lot"

Kobe Suma Sea World does not have its own parking lot. If you are coming by car, please use the nearby "Suma Kaihin Koen Parking Lot." However, since this parking lot is also used by visitors to the beach and other attractions besides Kobe Suma Sea World, it is best to avoid using it, especially during the summer.

How did you like it? Kobe Suma Sea World is the only place in western Japan where you can see orcas. Be sure to add this new Kobe attraction to your travel plans!

Kobe Suma Sea World