🐠NIFREL Travel Guide｜Experience Nature and Art at the “Living Museum”
🎡 Introduction
NIFREL, located in Osaka’s Expo City (Suita), is a unique interactive museum that blends the concepts of an aquarium, zoo, and art gallery.
Its concept, “touching the wonders of life”, allows visitors to enjoy exhibits through all five senses.
Popular with both children and adults, it’s known as a “Living Museum” where nature and art meet.
🗺️Highlights
① Aquatic Life
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Colorful tropical fish, jellyfish, and freshwater species are displayed in artistic, illuminated tanks.
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A magical space that combines lighting and visual effects with marine life.
② Terrestrial Animals
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Meet capybaras, a white tiger, crocodiles, and more.
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Designed with fewer barriers, offering an unusually close-up view of the animals.
③ “Colors” & “Abilities” Zones
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Exhibits showcase the beauty of animals through their colors and movements.
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A highly photogenic space — perfect for Instagram photos.
④ Interactive Zone (“Connections”)
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Digital art installations and projection mapping create an immersive environment.
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Very popular among families with children.
⑤ Wonder Moment Theater
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A massive spherical screen shows breathtaking visuals paired with music.
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Themes such as space, oceans, and nature make for a moving, cinematic experience.
🍔Food & Shopping
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Café EAT EAT EAT: Creative menu items inspired by animals and nature.
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Museum Shop: Exclusive NIFREL merchandise and cute animal-themed souvenirs.
🧭 Access & Visitor Info
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 2-1 Senribanpaku-koen, Suita, Osaka (inside Expo City) |
| Nearest Station | Osaka Monorail “Banpaku Kinen Koen” Station – 2 min walk |
| Hours | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry 5:00 PM) seasonal changes possible |
| Admission | Adults: ¥2,200 / Children (elementary & junior high): ¥1,100 / Infants (3+) ¥650 |
| Language Support | English signage available / Audio guide app supported |
| Wi-Fi | Free Wi-Fi available throughout Expo City |
📸Best Photo Spots
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The underwater tunnel filled with colorful fish
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The adorable movements of capybaras and pygmy hippos
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Digital art installations in the interactive “Connections” zone
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The immersive Wonder Moment Theater
✅ Summary
NIFREL is a one-of-a-kind attraction that combines the fun of an aquarium, the excitement of a zoo, and the beauty of an art museum.
Located within Expo City and near the Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, it’s a great destination for families, couples, or friends to spend the whole day.
With easy access — just about 30 minutes from central Osaka — NIFREL is a highly recommended stop for international travelers looking for something unique!