Genkai Undersea Observation Tower

The waters surrounding Hatodomari Cape, where the Genkai Underwater Observation Tower is located, were designated in 1970 as part of the national park "Genkai Marine Park" (now Genkai Marine Park), Japan's first underwater park. This facility opened in 1974 as the only underwater observation tower on the Sea of Japan side. Connected to the land of Hatodomari Cape by an 86-meter-long pier, the tower is 20 meters high and 10 meters in diameter. From the observation room, located 7 meters underwater, visitors can see various kinds of fish swimming, as well as seaweed and shellfish in their natural state through 24 underwater windows. From the deck above the water, visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of the islands of the Genkai Sea on three sides. To commemorate its 50th anniversary, the facility underwent its first renovation and reopened on April 1, 2024. It is the first underwater observation tower in Japan (out of seven nationwide) to introduce projection mapping, allowing visitors to enjoy an immersive experience as if they were actually underwater while watching real fish. Our company was involved from the initial concept stage, handling everything from concept design and exhibit execution to public relations at the time of opening.

Fifty years have passed since the facility opened, and the number of visitors has been declining due to aging and other factors, so the challenge was to attract more visitors by adding entertainment elements while retaining its function as an underwater observation tower. Renewability was also required to continue to maintain the frequency of visitors.

As an underwater observation tower that has fostered connections between people and sea creatures for 50 years, this reopening aims to update the experience to new values by introducing digital technology while retaining the memories of the place that has been loved by many people. The conical ceiling of the observation room is used as a screen, and the spiral staircase shaft in the center is decorated with mirrors, creating a kaleidoscope-like underwater world where the sea creatures and images change from moment to moment due to the diffuse reflection from the mirrors. Another highlight is the powerful video show that invites visitors on a journey through the diverse underwater world of Genkai. In line with the story of traveling through the Genkai sea, 360-degree images, surround sound, and lighting technology such as water effect lights that express the rippling of water have been used to create a space where visitors can enjoy a immersive experience that makes them feel as if they are in the sea. The sea creatures that change with the seasons, which can only be experienced here, and the immersive experience through the images will bring visitors new discoveries every time. While retaining the appeal of the existing observation tower, the facility was renovated to create an immersive space that draws you into the underwater world by adding digital effects to further expand the underwater experience, and projecting images of fish that can be seen around Hatoma Cape onto the ceiling and walls. In addition, influencers were hired to promote the facility, spreading the word on social media in order to significantly increase visitor numbers.

On April 28, 2024, less than a month after the reopening, the number of visitors since the renovation topped 10,000.