Hanshin-park

Hanshin-park was a public aquarium in Koshien, Nishinomiya, known for its collections of marine life and special areas for penguins. The facility stood next to the Hanshin Koshien Baseball Stadium and housed species from different ocean environments in several exhibit halls and outdoor pools.

The aquarium opened in 1929 as part of an entertainment complex and closed for several years during World War II. After reopening in 1950, it operated its exhibits until 2003 before the grounds were converted into a shopping center.

The facility ran year-round educational programs where school groups could observe how marine creatures lived and learn about ocean conservation. Visitors recall the daily feeding demonstrations that gave insight into the behavior of different species and were especially popular with children.

The facility closed in 2003 and was replaced by the Lalaport Koshien shopping center now occupying the same location. Those looking for historical photos and information about the former aquarium can visit local archives or museums in Nishinomiya.

The facility was one of the few aquariums in Japan that kept and trained pilot whales to perform turns and jumps for visitors. These shows were rare outside of major marine parks and drew people from across the region.