FEATURE: OPENED JUNE 1ST! DIVE INTO THE WONDERS OF KOBE SUMA SEA WORLD

In this article, we will thoroughly introduce the charms of the newest edutainment aquarium, "Kobe Suma Sea World," which opened on June 1, 2024. We will detail the awe-inspiring only orca performances in western Japan, the touching dolphin performances, the official theme song sung by milet, the AQUALIVE with its display of 19,000 marine creatures, and the special experiences offered at the adjacent "Kobe Suma Sea World Hotel." Be sure to read to the end to discover the diverse attractions that Kobe Suma Sea World offers, providing visitors with a sense of wonder and excitement.

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Contents

- Kobe Suma Sea World
- Orca Stadium
- Dolphin Stadium
- Official Theme Song "Bluer" by milet
- AQUALIVE and Official Hotel
- Conclusion

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Kobe Suma Sea World

Kobe Suma Sea World is a brand-new aquarium that opened on June 1, 2024, built on the site of the former Suma Kaihin Aquarium. As a "connected" edutainment aquarium combining "Education" and "Entertainment," it offers opportunities for both adults and children to learn while having fun. The main attractions include the only orca performances in Western Japan and a restaurant where you can enjoy meals while watching the orcas. Additionally, visitors can enjoy dolphin shows and observe 560 species of marine life at the AQUALIVE exhibit. They offers interactive experiences with dolphins at not only in the aquarium but also the adjacent official hotel.

Orca Stadium

Orca Performance

The only orca performances in Western Japan showcase the power and grace of these magnificent creatures. The acrobatic jumps and splashes in the massive pool are breathtaking, with cheers and applause from the audience. In the splash zone, you can experience the thrill of water sprays from the orca jumps, and the impact of their dives is so powerful it shakes the seats, bringing smiles to both children and adults. The 2,500-seat stadium offers great views from any seat, but for the best experience, sit within the first eight rows to feel the splash (my recommendations are the central rows 3 to 8). The synchronized performances with the trainers highlight the bond between orcas and trainers, leaving the audience deeply moved. Experiencing the orca performance live is a must.

Buffet Restaurant "BLUE OCEAN"

The "BLUE OCEAN" buffet restaurant is the only place in Western Japan where you can enjoy meals while watching orcas. The interior, true to its name, surrounds you with a beautiful blue reminiscent of the ocean, exuding the elegance of a hotel restaurant. Located on the first floor of the Orca Stadium, the restaurant offers a view of orcas swimming gracefully behind a 21-meter-wide by 2.7-meter-high acrylic panel. The menu includes over 50 delicious dishes, including Kobe beef. If you visit during the orca performance, you can also observe the orcas underwater, offering a new perspective on the show. Watching the performance from the audience first and then observing the underwater scenes is highly recommended.

Dolphin Stadium

Dolphin Performance

Dolphin performances are another major attraction at Suma Sea World. The show highlights the intelligence and communication between dolphins and humans, with various tricks that amaze and delight the audience. The dolphins’ impressive jumps and spins, following the trainers’ cues, draw applause and cheers, showcasing their remarkable intelligence.

Uniquely, you can also enjoy the dolphin performances from the aquarium’s first-floor tank (AQUALIVE). Viewing the dolphins underwater feels like being in the ocean, providing a thrilling experience. Observing the dolphins' high-speed passes during their jumps, the dull sound of their splashes, and the underwater communication with their trainers offers a unique perspective. Watching the show from the audience  first and then the backstage underwater view is highly recommended.

Dolphin Beach

Dolphin Beach offers an interactive experience where visitors can get up close with dolphins, feeling their charm and learning about their behaviors firsthand (additional fee required). Don’t miss this rare opportunity (available for visitors aged 10 and above; please check the official website for more details).

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Official Theme Song "Bluer" by milet

Singer-songwriter milet debuted the official theme song "Bluer" at the Kobe Suma Sea World media preview. She shared her thoughts on the song, saying it reflects the ocean’s color from the perspective of marine creatures and her special feelings toward orcas. She also expressed her childhood love for aquariums and the appeal of Suma Sea World, emphasizing the unique restaurant where you can dine while watching orcas, making it a memorable and wonderful place. She concluded by wishing that this place brings joy and smiles to many people. "Bluer" is also used during the dolphin performances, and paying attention to the lyrics enhances the emotional impact of the show.

AQUALIVE and the Official Hotel

AQUALIVE

AQUALIVE showcases 560 species and 19,000 marine creatures under the theme "The Life of Water." This facility, which recreates the original scenery of the Seto Inland Sea, allows visitors to observe the diverse and rich behaviors of marine life. At the entrance, you are greeted by a powerful waterfall, inspired by Kurotaki in Miki City, Hyogo Prefecture, which flows at 6 tons of water per minute. Another highlight is the aquarium that recreates the Naruto whirlpools. You can also view the backstage of the dolphin performances here.

Official Hotel "Kobe Suma Sea World Hotel"

Adjacent to Suma Sea World, the "Kobe Suma Sea World Hotel" offers captivating features. All 80 ocean-view rooms provide stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea. Particularly, the premium rooms boast large in-room aquariums. Additionally, the hotel's Dolphin Lagoon offers an exclusive "Dolphin Experience" for guests, where you can swim with dolphins, a dream-like experience.

Conclusion

Kobe Suma Sea World is an edutainment facility where visitors can fully enjoy the charm of marine life, with diverse programs including orca and dolphin performances and AQUALIVE. Staying at the adjacent Kobe Suma Sea World Hotel deepens the extraordinary experience. Suma Sea World is an attractive spot for a wide range of visitors, from families to couples, offering unforgettable memories for all. Be sure to visit and experience its charm firsthand.

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milet : A singer-songwriter from Tokyo who spent her adolescence in Canada. She combines globally resonant songwriting with a unique, husky, and deep voice. She made her major debut in March 2019. Her debut song "inside you," produced by Toru from ONE OK ROCK, reached No. 1 on 11 popular music distribution sites like iTunes. With high popularity overseas, she performed at her first overseas music festival in Hong Kong in 2023 and participated in four overseas festivals that year. She also made her fourth consecutive appearance on NHK's “Kohaku Uta Gassen（紅白歌合戦）” at the end of 2023.

Photo Credit :[©️Sony Music Labels/ 写真:入日伸介/ Ayaka Ozaki]

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