AQUARIUM×ART átoa (Chuo-ku, Kobe) is launching a special hands-on program called the "1 Day Keeper Experience" exclusively through the "Kobe no Tobira" platform, starting March 19, 2026 (Thursday). The program is scheduled to take place on the third Friday of each month.
The program gives participants access to parts of the aquarium normally off-limits to the public — including backstage areas and the display zones. As a "partner" to an active keeper for the day, participants can observe the keeper's daily workflow up close, as well as take part in tank cleaning and actual animal feeding. It offers far more than simple animal education, providing an immersive look at what it takes to care for the living creatures at átoa.
Program Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Sneaking into the Backstage of Kobe Aquarium átoa! "1 Day Keeper Experience" |
| Bookings Open | March 19, 2026 (Thursday) |
| Booking Platform | Kobe no Tobira official website (https://kobe-door.feel-kobe.jp/) |
| Date | April 17, 2026 (Friday), 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM |
| Venue | Inside átoa |
| Capacity | 3 participants per session (advance reservation required; minimum 1 participant) |
| Fee | ¥15,000 (tax included; átoa admission and experience fee included) |
| Participation Perks | Original tote bag, átoa original short-sleeve T-shirt (S/M/L/LL) × 1, 1F Food Hall "TOOTH TOOTH MART FOOD HALL&NIGHT FES" meal coupon worth ¥1,500 |
| Eligibility | Middle school students and above |
Notes:
- As the experience involves working above tanks, navigating narrow corridors, and using stairs, participation is not available for those who cannot walk independently.
- Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty, along with rubber boots or shoes that can get wet.
- Participants will wear the átoa uniform (top and bottom) during the activity.
- Activity content is subject to change depending on the condition of the animals.
Day Schedule
9:00 AM – 9:15 AM: Check-in & Orientation / Changing into Uniform
Participants are briefed on the day's precautions and schedule before changing into their keeper uniforms.
9:15 AM – 10:15 AM: Keeper Experience Begins
A close-up, hands-on look at the keeper's daily workflow begins, covering the full range of tasks carried out throughout the day.
10:15 AM – 10:30 AM: Break (approx. 15 min)
10:30 AM – 11:40 AM: Tank Cleaning, Food Preparation & Feeding
Participants try their hand at cleaning the tanks and preparing food tailored to each animal. There's also a chance to meet creatures living at átoa, including the Aldabra giant tortoise.
11:40 AM – 12:00 PM: Break (approx. 15 min)
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Keeper's Commentary on the Animals
Listening to the keeper's explanations offers a deeper understanding of animal ecology and the inner workings of átoa.
Venue Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 7-2 Shinko-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0041 |
| Access | Approx. 18-minute walk south from Sannomiya Station (all lines), approx. 1.4 km |
| Website | https://atoa-kobe.jp |
