Great Family Destination: Osaka’s “Aquatic Beauty World NIFREL” Unveils New Zone “Hidden Secrets” ...

Japan is a fantastic destination for family travel, and among its cities, Osaka is a top choice for parents looking to explore with their kids. The city offers many excellent family-friendly attractions where children can have a wonderful time. This time, we’re introducing one such great spot: located next to Expo Commemoration Park in Suita City, Osaka.Inside “EXPOCITY,” you’ll find “NIFREL.”

Experience the brand-new interactive concept of “Aquatic Beauty World.”

 “NIFREL” is situated within the large-scale shopping and entertainment complex “EXPOCITY.” This striking white building, known as theAquatic Beauty World, is a unique facility that combines elements of an aquarium, zoo, and art gallery. Its concept, “Touching the Senses,” focuses on the connections between diverse life forms and individual characteristics. Drawing on 25 years of expertise from Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, it has been carefully designed to create a space where visitors can engage more deeply with the animals.

Through clever spatial design, enhanced by lighting, music, and visual effects, “NIFREL” amplifies the artistic atmosphere and immersive experience of its exhibits. It also features special interactive zones where visitors can get up close with a variety of creatures, allowing them to observe and experience animals through different senses and enjoy the wonders they bring.

New Themed Area “Hidden Secrets” Makes Its Debut

Following the seven previous themed areas — “Feel the Colors,” “Feel the Techniques,” “Feel the Poses,” “Dream Time,” “Feel the Waterfront,” “Feel the Motion,” and “Feel the Connections” — the eighth themed area, “Hidden Secrets,” officially opened on March 1, 2019.

As the name suggests, this area focuses on the “camouflage skills” that animals develop in nature to survive. It showcases creatures that can blend into their surroundings, become nearly invisible when approaching prey, or use toxicity to protect themselves. These include 8 species of fish, 3 species of reptiles, and 2 species of insects, totaling 13 species and 24 animals.

With their unique “camouflage skills,” these animals come together here, offering visitors a chance to experience the wonders of how different species adapt to their various natural environments.

Among the reptiles, you’ll find the devil scorpion-tailed gecko, which uses protective coloration to blend seamlessly with dead leaves and tree trunks, and the bearded dragon, which can change its color to match the sand and disappear into desert landscapes. In the insect category, the orchid mantis uses its limb colors and shapes to mimic flowers, luring prey to come closer. As for fish, the queen angelfish (also known as the blue angelfish) has juveniles with distinct patterns and colors that help them evade predators, while the rose-band goatfish resembles underwater rocks; this venomous fish camouflages itself among reefs before ambushing its prey.

With the opening of the new “Hidden Secrets” area, the entire facility now allows visitors to see approximately 150 species and around 2,000 animals. Plans are reportedly underway to continue opening new themed zones in 2020 and 2021.