KOBE, JAPAN – After nearly two years of redevelopment, the highly anticipated reopening of the Mitsui Outlet Park Marine Pia Kobe, now rebranded as Marine Pia Resort, is set for 26 November 2024. Originally established in 1999 as the first outlet mall in Hyogo Prefecture, the newly expanded complex offers 145 stores across a 30% larger footprint, featuring indoor shopping spaces, a broad range of dining options, and unique leisure zones that make the most of Kobe’s coastal beauty.
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The New “Lagoon Community Park”
The redesigned Marine Pia Resort introduces Lagoon Community Park, a sprawling area aimed at blending retail with a seaside escape. The park is divided into five distinctive zones:
1. Activity Leisure Zone – Guests can enjoy an array of outdoor activities, from a dog-friendly park and waterside attractions to various sports options like beach volleyball and kayaking. For families, Børnelund’s KID-O-KID playground offers expansive indoor and outdoor play areas, providing space for children of all ages.
2. BE KOBE Zone – Embracing local pride, this area features a photo-friendly monument with a backdrop of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, ideal for social media.
3. Kobe Food Resort Zone – This beachside dining area includes a wide range of local and international flavours, highlighted by TOOTH TOOTH’s flagship restaurant offering patisserie delights, freshly baked goods, and locally inspired Kobe cuisine. A 200-seat BBQ terrace lets visitors enjoy panoramic ocean views while dining.
4. Sweet & Art Garden Zone – A blend of floral displays and art installations, this space is designed for relaxation, with cafes offering Kobe-themed treats and a terrace for enjoying views of the Lagoon Beach.
5. Grand Roof Plaza – This all-weather venue will host community events and entertainment, including live music and film screenings on a large digital screen.
Exclusive Retail Experiences and Firsts for Kansai
Marine Pia Resort’s expanded roster includes many notable firsts for the Kansai region. Among the highlights are Mercedes-Benz, featuring certified pre-owned vehicles and accessories, and CAPCOM Store Annex, where visitors can shop exclusive merchandise from popular franchises like Monster Hunter and Resident Evil. CAPCOM’s capsule toy section, Capsule Lab, offers an array of exclusive items.
Fashion and lifestyle outlets also abound, with DUO, Marmot, eimy istoire, and Montbell among the curated list. With stores catering to a variety of needs, from high-end apparel to outdoor gear, shoppers are promised a diverse retail experience.
Culinary Delights Across Two Levels
In addition to the Kobe Food Resort, the new facility includes a revamped indoor food court on the second floor, offering eleven diverse eateries. Diners can enjoy both local and international dishes with ocean views from the glass-walled seating area, while additional terrace seating provides a refreshing al fresco option. Highlights include popular names such as Eggs ’n Things for Hawaiian-inspired breakfast, Golden Tiger for dim sum, and Sapporo Sushi 57 for authentic Hokkaido-style sushi.
The first-floor Food Marche further enhances the dining experience, offering flexible eat-in and takeaway options. From artisanal sandwiches to Taiwanese bubble tea from Gong Cha and bonboroni doughnuts from Piece of Bake, the choices are endless.
Sustainability Initiatives and Accessibility
In line with Mitsui Fudosan’s commitment to sustainability, Marine Pia Resort has earned DBJ Green Building Certification with a five-star rating. The mall integrates eco-friendly features, including a ticketless parking system, EV charging stations powered by renewable energy, and a planned lagoon habitat restoration project. Additional conveniences, such as a shuttle bus service to nearby Tarumi Station, further improve access to the resort.
Marine Pia Resort is a showcase of Kobe’s unique coastal charm, combining shopping, dining, and outdoor activities within a scenic bayside setting. With its grand reopening just weeks away, visitors from Kansai and beyond are set to enjoy an all-new destination where leisure meets luxury, and retail blends seamlessly with relaxation.
All Images PR TIMES.
