Kaiyukan is holding its popular winter event “Penguin Parade” for 27 days on every Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from Dec. 16, 2011 through Jan. 29, 2012 (every day from Dec. 23, 2011 through Jan. 9, 2012) at Event Plaza in front of Kaiyukan.

Come and see King penguins, usually can be seen only through acrylic panel in the aquarium, marching through on a mat laid on Event Plaza in the outdoor space. Let’s have fun taking a closer look at penguins and learning about them from our caretaker. They can be seen 3 times a day. Also please meet our official mascot “Toby” and “Ruby” on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, who would make the event even more fun!

This year, the parade offers a special opportunity for elementary school kids to join and parade with King penguins on Dec. 23, 24 and 25, 2011. (Please see below for more detail)

---[Penguin Parade]---
[When] Every Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from Dec. 16, 2011 through Jan. 29, 2012
(Every day from Dec. 23, 2011 through Jan. 9, 2012)
[Where] Event Plaza (outside, in front of Kaiyukan)
[What time] 11:30am/ 1:45pm/ 3:45pm (3 times a day, for 20 minutes each)
[Note]
1) It is free of charge. (Admission for Kaiyukan is necessary if you wish to enter the aquarium)
2) The penguins may not walk in a line even though it is called “penguin parade”.
3) Please refrain from touching penguins or approaching right beside them.
4) The event is subject to change or cancelled without notice according to the condition of penguins or weather etc.

---[Christmas parade with penguins ---for elementary school kids]---
Among the elementary school kids who visited Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan on Dec. 23, 24 and 25, five lucky kids each for 6 parades (total of 30 kids), selected in a drawing, will have a chance to march with (i.e. walk after) penguins. The lucky kids will be awarded with Santa Claus Hat.

[When/ what time]
Dec. 23(Fri), 24(Sat) and 25(Sun), 2011/ 1:45pm- & 3:45pm-
[How to apply]
1) Visit Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium, and get an application form on the 5th floor, inside special exhibition: “Penguins ? Surprising biology full of wonder!”
2) After exiting the aquarium, come to the starting point of penguin parade, Event Plaza, outside, in front of Kaiyukan.
3) Bring the application between 1:20-1:30pm for 1:45pm parade, and 3:20-3:30pm for 3:45 pm parade, respectively on each day.
[Note]
Participation is free of charge, however aquarium admission is required to enter the special exhibition where the application can be obtained.

A cozy night cafe “Cafe ILLUMINATE by Mother Moon Cafe” is now open at Tempozan Market Place for a limited time, through December 31, the end of year 2011.

Please relax yourself and enjoy a splendid view of the Kaiyukan Winter Illumination while having a hot drink on a cold day at the cozy night cafe produced by Mother Moon Cafe, a very popular cafe in Kobe area.

The new cafe reflects Mother Moon Cafe’s concept, ”cafe which serves as a place to bring comfort to customers anytime they come in”. Inside is decorated with a lot of natural materials in an effort to create a cozy atmosphere. After 5 p.m. each table is lit up with a candle, making the illumination even romantic.

About the menu, in addition to the regular items at Mother Moon Cafe like coffee, cafe latte, pancake with macadamia nuts cream, the night cafe at Kaiyukan features original cookies in the motif of whale shark and penguins, popular marine animals at Kaiyukan. Also, on the surface of cafe latte, a barista from Mother Moon Cafe beautifully draws a picture of winter images like heart, snowman and bear.
(When crowded, the cafe latte picture may not always meet your request.)

- About “Cafe ILLUMINATE by Mother Moon Cafe” -
[When] Now through December 31st, 2011
[Where] On the 3rd floor, Tempozan Market Place
[What time] From 12:00 noon till 9:00 p.m. (it may be extended during Christmas season)

- About “Mother Moon Cafe” -
Opened in 1993 in Sannomiya, downtown Kobe, as a pioneering cafe of Kobe, it enjoys great popularity especially among ladies. It features relaxing atmosphere and menu items made with carefully selected ingredients.

Kaiyukan is holding its annual event of illumination now through Feb. 14, 2012.

This year’s illumination intends to create a heartwarming atmosphere with soft and warm color of candles, projecting the image of candle light. Also with various lighting decorations in the motif of popular marine life at Kaiyukan such as whale shark, dolphin and penguin, the illumination, with over 350,000 LED lighting, tenderly welcome your visit.
Also a special event, “Lighting ceremony by Rockhopper penguins” is held on every Saturdays, Sundays and holidays through Dec. 25th.

Kaiyukan Winter Illumination
[When] Now through Feb. 14 (Tue), 2012
(Every day except for Jan. 17, 18 and 19th, when Kaiyukan is closed)
[What time] 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Highlights:
“Big tree”
[Where] In front of wall painting of Kaiyukan (aquarium)
Total of 95,000 LED lighting (white, gold, silver) and rope lighting (white and blue)

Being warm and soft color, projecting the image of candle light this year, the big tree is a huge, 22 meters high, symbolic decoration of Kaiyukan illumination, featuring following 4 items. The shimmering tree turns completely white every couple of minutes along with the beautiful sound of music box. The figure of dolphin behind the tree is lit up. It sprays and covers itself with mist, creating fantastic world. At the bottom of the tree, figures of illuminated penguins can be seen, which makes a perfect place for taking memorable photographs.

“Seaside mates”
[Where] Front steps of Kaiyukan Entrance Building, throughout Event Plaza
Total of 108,200 LED lighting (white and blue)

This series of illumination, featuring popular marine animals at Kaiyukan such as whale sharks (the total length of 10m and 5m, respectively), Manta alfredi and Manta birostris, intends to portray these marine animals swimming around the water surface. The front steps leading to the entrance of Kaiyukan are brilliantly illuminated with 68,800 LED lighting. Also street lights throughout Event Plaza and trees lining the roads are decorated with beautiful illumination.

“Lighting ceremony by Rockhopper penguins”
A couple of Rockhopper penguins play a big role of initiating the lighting ceremony. Hopping upstairs and finally stepping on the lighting board connected with lighting switch, the whole illumination is lit up all at once all together.

[When] Every Saturdays, Sundays and holidays through Dec. 25 (Sun), 2011
[What time] 5:00 pm (for 5 minutes)
[Where] In front of “Big tree” illumination, Event Plaza, near the wall painting of Kaiyukan
[Note] This event is subject to be changed or cancelled without notice due to the condition of weather or the penguins.