Kobe City Suma Aqualife Park and Suma Seaside Park have been redeveloped into a new facility that includes an aquarium, park grounds, hotel, entertainment facilities, and parking areas. The grand reopening took place on Saturday, June 1, 2024.
Situated just a 5-minute walk from JR Kobe Line’s Sumakaihinkoen Station, these parks have long been beloved by residents of Kobe and visitors from the Kansai region and across Japan. Since its establishment in 1957 as Suma Aqualife Park, affectionately known as “Sumasui,” the park has created cherished memories for generations of families. Suma Beach, located within Sumakaihin Park, continues to draw numerous visitors, particularly during the summer months.
The newly transformed facility aims to serve as a premier seaside resort for both locals and tourists. The revamped Suma Seaside Park features Kobe Suma Sea World, Kobe Suma Sea World Hotel, Matsunoyashiro Village—a lively area with shops and restaurants—and ample parking.
Kobe Suma Sea World, the rebranded aquarium, is designed as an “edutainment” (education + entertainment) destination enjoyable for all ages. Notable attractions include the only killer whale exhibit in western Japan, “Dolphin Beach” for interactive learning about dolphins, and “Dolphin Hall” where visitors can observe dolphins in a spacious aquarium.
The Kobe Suma Sea World Hotel, themed “A holiday where you can dream of the sea,” offers a value-filled, experience-oriented stay. Guests can engage in unique programs and interact with dolphins in Japan’s first permanently installed Dolphin Lagoon pool. The hotel features nine types of rooms, including premium options with aquariums, ensuring a memorable experience in the “new Suma area.”
Matsu no Yashiro Village, part of Suma Seaside Park, hosts shops and restaurants across three buildings (A, B, and C) surrounding the grassy “Sumaco Hiroba.” This vibrant area includes popular eateries like Starbucks, the bakery cafe “BREAD FLAVOR,” and Red Lobster. Additionally, Murasaki Sports provides a convenient spot for purchasing beach and sand toys, swimsuits, and other items.
The redeveloped Kobe City Suma Aqualife Park and Suma Seaside Park are now poised to become a cherished destination, blending leisure, education, and entertainment in a unique seaside setting.
Suma Aqualife Park and Seaside Park Redevelopment Project
Grand Opening Date: Saturday, June 1, 2024
Address: 1-chome Wakamiya-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture
Access:
- 5-minute walk from Sumakaihinkoen Station on the JR Kobe Line
- 10-minute walk from Tsukimiyama Station on the Sanyo Electric Railway Matsunoyashiro Village
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