MK Guide Recommends

Tucked inside the architectural curves of the Kōbe Port Museum, átoa redefines what an aquarium can be. Officially billed as a “theatrical aquarium,” it merges curated aquatic environments with projection mapping, sculpture, lighting design, and immersive sound. Rather than traditional tanks, átoa arranges its sea creatures—jellyfish, lionfish, and tropical coral dwellers—into gallery-like stages across themed zones such as “Sky,” “Forest,” and “Cave.” A highlight is the floating glass cube suspended above a reflective pool, creating an illusion of infinite depth. Whether you're a design enthusiast, family traveler, or seeker of quiet wonder, átoa offers a uniquely aesthetic dive into the marine world.