NIFREL – Interactive Aqua Zoo

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NIFREL – Interactive Aqua Zoo

An experimental-based museum where visitors can experience the appeal of living things and nature with a sense of art.

4.07 2

Last update :
Head Editor : Osaka Aquarium KAIYUKAN

A new type of museum produced by the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, blending an aquarium, zoo, and art museum. With the concept of "engaging the senses," the space is divided into eight themed zones, such as “Colors” and “Movements,” each showcasing unique creatures and immersive installations to highlight the theme of “diversity.” The massive art space "WONDER MOMENTS" captures nature’s breathtaking moments through powerful music and visuals, offering an experience that envelops visitors in a sense of wonder.

In the “Waterside” zone, visitors can observe the leisurely life of a pygmy hippopotamus, a species classified as endangered. Also, a striking 3-meter-long saltwater crocodile can be seen gliding through crystal-clear water, providing an impressive sight. The ever-changing behaviors and movements of the animals make each visit unique. This zone is also home to the adjacent café, "EAT EAT EAT," which offers NIFREL’s signature dish, the jelly-like “Edible Water.”

If you get a clear stamp at the exit gate of NIFREL, you can re-enter only on the same day, and the area is also home to one of the largest large-scale complexes in Japan,LaLaport EXPOCITY and Expo Park. If you use the re-entry system, you can also enjoy the surrounding area and have a full day of fun.

On weekends and public holidays, direct buses run from JR Suita Station to EXPOCITY. On weekdays, free shuttle buses are available exclusively for Mitsui Shopping Park members, departing from JR Ibaraki Station, Hankyu Kita-Senri Station, and Hankyu Minami-Senri Station. Make use of these convenient transport options for a seamless visit.

Highlights

  • The exhibition space is divided into eight zones that are just like art museum, where you can see 1,000 living things of about 120 species.
  • The spaces are designed by using lighting, music,and videos to show the individuality of creatures in each theme,which are photogenic.
  • There are also shopping and dining spots nearby.

Photos

  • The name NIFREL derives from the concept of "KANSEI NIFREL" (Appealing to your inspiration).

    The name NIFREL derives from the concept of "KANSEI NIFREL" (Appealing to your inspiration).

  • The "Iro ni Fureru (Colors)" zone, where colorful fishes swim. It is a stylish exhibition space with changing lighting.

    The "Iro ni Fureru (Colors)" zone, where colorful fishes swim. It is a stylish exhibition space with changing lighting.

  • In the "Oyogi ni Fureru (Swim)" zone, the shadows of the creatures are used to create a sense of movement.

    In the "Oyogi ni Fureru (Swim)" zone, the shadows of the creatures are used to create a sense of movement.

  • The "WONDER MOMENTS" zone offers a mysterious art experience with a floating 5-meter-diameter sphere and an 8-meter-diameter circular screen on the floor.

    The "WONDER MOMENTS" zone offers a mysterious art experience with a floating 5-meter-diameter sphere and an 8-meter-diameter circular screen on the floor.

  • Aqua, the white tiger, a popular animal at NIFREL. You can enjoy watching him relaxing, and fierce appearance at mealtime from a short distance.

    Aqua, the white tiger, a popular animal at NIFREL. You can enjoy watching him relaxing, and fierce appearance at mealtime from a short distance.

  • The picnic café "EAT EAT EAT" with its lush greenery and open space has a total of 100 seats.

    The picnic café "EAT EAT EAT" with its lush greenery and open space has a total of 100 seats.

Reviews

2

Some reviews are translated by AI.

    I finally visited NIFREL, a place I’d wanted to check out for ages!

    The themed exhibits are really creative, and I was blown away by how close you can get to the animals. I never realized how cute fish could be until now! I totally fell for the adorable archerfish.

    At the "Hide" zone, I was so focused on trying to spot the animals that I ended up wandering around in front of the displays forever.

    Watching crocodiles up close, seeing the majestic white tiger, and being surprised by how "mini" the pygmy hippo actually is—you could honestly watch them all day! Highly recommend this spot for a full day of fun!

  • The exhibits here are totally different from traditional zoos and aquariums. You can interact directly with the animals, and the art concept makes it all feel really fresh and fun!

Details

Name in Japanese
生きているミュージアム ニフレル
Postal Code
565-0826
Address
NIFREL in EXPOCITY, 2-1 Senri Banpaku Koen, Suita City, Osaka
Tel
0570-022060
Closed
Open every day
※The museum is temporarily closed once a year for facility inspections.
Business Hours
10:00am - 8:00pm, Saturdays and Sundays 9:30am - 7:00pm
※Admission ends one hour before closing time.
※Subject to change depending on conditions. Please check the official website for the latest information.
Admission
<General Admission Tickets> Adults (high school students, aged 16 or older): 2,200 yen, Children (elementary and junior high school students): 1,100 yen, Infants (aged 3 or older): 650 yen
※Free for children under 2 years old
Access
2 minutes walk from Osaka Monorail Banpaku Kinen Koen Station
Credit Cards
Accepted (VISA, JCB, MasterCard)
Official Website
Official Website (English)