Hiroshima Motomachi Aquarium Launches Special Summer Exhibition 'Yukata-Colored Aquarium'! Extended Hours for 6 Days Including Obon, Plus a Full Lineup of Summer Events!

Hiroshima Motomachi Aquarium (Director Fumihiko Sato, 6-78 Kiyomachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima, 7F Pasela) will launch the special exhibition 'Yukata-Colored Summer Aquarium' starting Saturday, July 18. This exhibition coincides with the collaborative 'Moving Ukiyo-e Exhibition HIROSHIMA' and celebrates 'yukata'—a traditional Japanese garment symbolizing beauty, much like ukiyo-e prints. The aquarium will showcase vibrant Yukata Bass and offer admission discounts to guests wearing yukata or kimono.

Yukata Bass

As part of the collaboration between the 'Moving Ukiyo-e Exhibition HIROSHIMA' and Hiroshima Motomachi Aquarium, the venue will feature immersive spatial performances including exclusive original videos. Additionally, limited-edition 'Collaboration-Only Fish Stamps' inspired by ukiyo-e artist Kuniyoshi Utagawa will be sold, and an SNS photo campaign will offer limited 'Collaboration-Only Can Badges' as giveaways.

Furthermore, from Tuesday, August 11 to Sunday, August 16—covering the Obon period—the aquarium will extend its operating hours by one hour, remaining open until 8:00 PM. The summer vacation period will also feature a wide range of new, fun, and educational events.

This summer, wear a yukata and enjoy a relaxing, immersive experience where 'traditional culture' and 'living creatures' come together in harmony.

[Event Overview]

Event Name: Special Exhibition 'Yukata-Colored Summer Aquarium'

Period: Saturday, July 18, 2026 – Friday, September 6, 2026

Location: Zipangu (Golden Scene) inside the aquarium

Exhibited Species: Yukata Bass and others ※ Exhibits may change or end without notice depending on animal conditions.

Yukata & Jinbei Admission Discount

Visitors wearing yukata or jinbei during the event period will receive a 100-yen discount on admission.

Period: Saturday, July 18, 2026 – Sunday, September 6, 2026

Eligibility: Elementary school students and above wearing yukata or jinbei

※ Valid only with same-day ticket purchase

※ Cannot be combined with other discounts

Exclusive Fish Stamp Collaboration with 'Moving Ukiyo-e Exhibition HIROSHIMA'

A special 'Collaboration-Only Fish Stamp' will be available at the aquarium, designed in collaboration with the 'Moving Ukiyo-e Exhibition HIROSHIMA × Hiroshima Motomachi Aquarium.' Inspired by ukiyo-e master Kuniyoshi Utagawa, this unique fish stamp is available exclusively here.

Sales Period: Saturday, July 18, 2026 – Sunday, September 6, 2026

Location: Reception Information Desk

Price: 500 yen (tax included)

SNS Photo Campaign

A promotional campaign will be held where visitors who meet the conditions can receive a novelty gift. Simply take a photo inside the aquarium with a 'summer' theme, post it on social media with the designated hashtags, and show the post at the information desk. Participants will receive a limited-edition 'Collaboration-Only Can Badge' designed by aquarium staff in partnership with the 'Moving Ukiyo-e Exhibition HIROSHIMA'.

Period: Saturday, July 18, 2026 – Sunday, September 6, 2026

Eligibility: Post a photo taken inside the aquarium with a 'summer' theme, include the hashtags, and present the post

Hashtags: [#HiroshimaMotomachiAquarium #NatsunoAquarium]

※ One participation per person

Novelty: 'Moving Ukiyo-e Exhibition HIROSHIMA × Hiroshima Motomachi Aquarium' Collaboration-Only Can Badge

Location: Reception Information Desk

About the Moving Ukiyo-e Exhibition

Based on over 300 works by world-renowned ukiyo-e artists such as Katsushika Hokusai, Kuniyoshi Utagawa, Hiroshige Utagawa, Utamaro Kitagawa, Sharaku Tōshūsai, and Kunisada Utagawa, this immersive digital art museum uses cutting-edge 3DCG animation and projection mapping to create a next-generation digital art experience that transcends generations and languages. Visitors can dive into the world of ukiyo-e through various three-dimensional visual spaces.

In addition to digital displays, the exhibition also features famous original Edo-period ukiyo-e prints and reproductions, with explanations about the history of ukiyo-e, Edo culture, and the artists themselves.

Official Website: [Link]

Collaboration Details: [Link]

Extended Hours for 6 Days Including Obon

From Tuesday, August 11 to Sunday, August 16, the aquarium will extend its operating hours by one hour. Come and enjoy a relaxing evening cool-down, surrounded by soothing marine life during the hot summer days.

Period: Tuesday, August 11, 2026 – Sunday, August 16, 2026

Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Last entry at 7:30 PM)

New Summer Events

'Discover the Wonders of Marine Life! Tips for Your Summer Research Project!'

Aquarists will introduce the 'charms' and 'mysteries' of marine life and ocean-related topics using videos, quizzes, and specimens. This interactive program allows children to learn while watching, touching, and having fun alongside aquarium staff.

Period: Tuesday, July 21, 2026 – Monday, August 31, 2026 (Weekdays only)

Location: Forest (Seasonal Scene) inside the aquarium

Time: 2:15 PM (approx. 15 minutes)

Fee: Free (Admission fee separate)

Target: Elementary school students (Parents may accompany)

Daily Rotating Animal Talks

Aquarists will share fun insights into animal behaviors and ecology that cannot be fully appreciated just by observing. Since the location and featured animals change daily, this event is enjoyable even with multiple visits.

Period: Tuesday, July 21, 2026 – Monday, August 31, 2026

Location: Inside the aquarium (Announced on the day)

Time: 11:30 AM / 4:30 PM

Fee: Free (Admission fee separate)

'Meerkat Mealtime Live: Hungry Meerkats!'

Watch popular meerkats enjoy their meals with live commentary from aquarists. Enjoy their adorable behaviors that can only be seen during feeding time.

Period: Tuesday, July 21, 2026 – Monday, August 31, 2026

Location: In front of the Meerkat Enclosure, Forest (Seasonal Scene)

Time: 1:30 PM / 5:30 PM

Fee: Free (Admission fee separate)

Summer New Menu at Café 'Umi Hako'

A traditional Japanese summer dessert, 'warabimochi,' makes its debut!

Two types are available: matcha warabimochi generously coated with roasted soybean powder, and clear, jelly-like 'mizu warabimochi' with a bouncy texture.

Additionally, the popular menu item 'Pufferfish Parfait Float' has been redesigned to commemorate the collaboration with the 'Moving Ukiyo-e Exhibition'.

Inspired by the colorful ukiyo-e displays, it will be offered in three colors and flavors: 'pink (strawberry), yellow (mango), green (matcha)'.

Menu Item: 'Matcha Warabimochi with Hojicha Set' / 'Mizu Warabimochi with Hojicha Set'

Sales Period: Saturday, August 1, 2026 –

Price: 650 yen (tax included)

Matcha Warabimochi with Hojicha Set / Mizu Warabimochi with Hojicha Set

Menu Item: 'Colorful Pufferfish Parfait Float'

Sales Period: Saturday, July 18, 2026 – Sunday, September 6, 2026

Price: 1,250 yen (tax included)

Location: Both items available at Café 'Umi Hako'

※ The 'Colorful Pufferfish Parfait Float' is an exclusive in-house menu item, so