Mitsui Outlet Park Marine Pia Kobe: A Shopping and Dining Resort Near Awaji Island

Overview of Mitsui Outlet Park

Mitsui Outlet Park is a premier spot for outlet shopping, offering brand-name products at unbeatable prices. Many locations boast spacious parking lots and are conveniently located within walking distance of train stations, making the shopping experience easy and fun—almost like visiting a theme park!

With 13 locations across Japan, from Hokkaido in the north to Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture in the south, and four international locations (three in Taiwan and one in Kuala Lumpur), Mitsui Outlet Park is a global shopping hotspot!

What’s New At The New and Improved Marine Pia Kobe?

Amongst the many Mitsui Outlet Park locations, Marine Pia Kobe has been a beloved Kobe landmark for years. First opened in 1999, it has recently undergone a complete makeover, returning with an upgraded look and more attractions than ever before!

The most noticeable change is the shopping area, which has been reimagined as an indoor mall, ensuring a comfortable experience no matter the weather. The new Marine Pia Kobe now features 145 stores, including 20 making their debut in a Kansai outlet for the first time.

The highlight of this renovation is the brand-new Lagoon Community Park, a waterfront oasis directly connected to the sea. Situated in a prime location with amazing views of the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge—one of the world’s largest suspension bridges—this park truly makes the most of Marine Pia Kobe’s coastal setting, with a 10,000-square-meter artificial seawater lagoon, a 3,600-square-meter sandy beach, and palm trees lining the area for a serene, resort-like atmosphere.

The newly added Food Marche Food Court offers a casual way to enjoy Kobe’s favorite local cuisine, with a fantastic second-floor dining area boasting panoramic views of the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge and the sparkling coastline.

Stepping outside from the shopping area toward the artificial lagoon transports you to a one-of-a-kind resort-like paradise. With the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge in the backdrop, it’ll feel as though you’ve really arrived on a tropical island!

Getting to Marine Pia Kobe

Marine Pia Kobe is conveniently located not only for visitors from Kobe City, but also as a perfect stopover on the way back from sightseeing on Awaji Island.

Lagoon Community Park: A Resort with Ocean Views and Sandy Beaches

The main feature of the renovated Marine Pia Kobe is Lagoon Community Park, which maximizes its stunning ocean views of the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge and Awaji Island. This 10,000-square-meter seaside area, complete with a 3,600-square-meter sandy beach, serves as a peaceful retreat.

Bursting with the fun and excitement of a real resort, the park is divided into five themed zones: the Activity and Leisure Zone, Large Roof Plaza, BE KOBE Zone, Kobe Food Resort Zone, and Sweets & Art Garden Zone.

The artificial lagoon is a tranquil seawater pond. Its calm environment makes it perfect for casual activities like kayaking, beach volleyball, and beach yoga, all of which are scheduled from spring to fall.

Photo: Mitsui Outlet Park Marine Pia Kobe

Various seasonal events are also planned around the lagoon, including a magical experience tentatively named Lagoon Lantern Night, where lanterns bearing personal wishes are displayed along the beach.

Below are some more areas of interest and popular dining options you’ll want to check out at Lagoon Community Park.

Lagoon Tooth Tooth: Savor Specialty Pasta and Sweets

Located in the Kobe Food Resort Zone, Lagoon Tooth Tooth is a patisserie and bakery restaurant making waves in Kobe. Highlights include dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients, freshly baked bread made in-house every morning, fresh homemade pasta prepared on-site, and original tea blends of natural tea leaves. The LAGOON logo at the entrance is also a favorite photo spot!

The inside of the restaurant is spacious and comfortable, with a popular terrace seating area that overlooks the sea. Enjoy your meal in a relaxed setting that evokes the chill vibe of a tropical island.

The restaurant’s recommendation is the pasta lunch, which includes iced tea and freshly baked homemade bread. Other popular dishes include the Squid Ink Linguine, featuring in-house crafted noodles kneaded with squid ink, and the Pescatore, made with three types of shellfish—a true celebration of the sea.

The freshly baked bread that comes with the set is another favorite, pairing perfectly with the light seafood dishes.

Inside, you’ll also find cakes and baked goods from Patisserie Tooth Tooth, a long-loved Kobe confectionery shop. These treats also make excellent souvenirs to bring back home!

Lagoon BBQ Club: BBQ with Ocean Views

Lagoon BBQ Club boasts a prime location overlooking Lagoon Beach, featuring a large BBQ area with 24 booths that can accommodate over 200 guests. The popular “No-prep BBQ Plan” lets visitors enjoy premium, carefully selected ingredients without the hassle of preparation. Alternatively, you can bring your own food and drinks for a more casual BBQ experience. With the ocean just steps away, it’s an ideal spot for those looking to relax in a beautiful beach setting.

Note that booth usage incurs a fee, regardless of whether you choose the plan or bring your own supplies.

The resort-like atmosphere is part of the charm of Lagoon BBQ Club. Each booth features luxurious sofa seating, accommodating up to nine guests, and is equipped with heating, ensuring a comfortable dining experience even in the winter months.

Cafe Taiyo Compass: A Blend of Retro and Modern

Located in the Sweets & Art Garden Zone, Cafe Taiyo Compass is a retro-modern cafe unique to Kobe. The menu features carefully crafted coffee and tea made from original blends, as well as dishes like pilaf, Neapolitan spaghetti, gratin, and other standard Japanese cafe items.

The cafe’s signature Nama Castella is a delight, with a moist, fluffy exterior and a soft, half-baked center. It’s made with Ryu no Tamago, a premium Japanese egg brand, and Tokuho-gasa, a top-grade confectionery flour.

It’s the perfect spot for chatting with friends while taking in the views of the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge.

Børnelund Kobe Gakuen Minami: The Perfect Spot for Family Fun

The Activity and Leisure Zone offers plenty of spaces where children can run around and play. One favorite attraction is Kid-o-Kid, a parent-and-child play area in Børnelund Kobe Gakuen Minami—the first of its kind at a domestic outlet. This expansive indoor playground provides a fun environment for kids, from babies to elementary school students, to engage their minds, bodies, and imaginations, rain or shine.

The outdoor area features large playground equipment and hands-on activities with gravel and water. One highlight is the Giant Dome, a 6-meter-tall structure with a grassy top where children can challenge themselves to reach the top!

The ground is lined with rubber to prevent injuries, allowing kids to play freely and safely. On holidays, admission for children ages 1-12 costs 1,000 yen for the first 30 minutes, with an additional 200 yen for every 10 minutes thereafter.

Garden Area: A Relaxing Space Everyone Can Enjoy for Free

The Garden Area is a free, welcoming space designed for everyone. It features large and inclusive playground equipment with an accessible design to ensure smooth navigation for wheelchairs and strollers, making it easy for everyone to enjoy!

This sea area, inspired by the Kobe coast, includes a ship-shaped play structure perfect for pirate-themed adventures! A closer look reveals even a cannon turret, sure to delight children and spark their imaginations!

Pet Paradise: Dog Run and Pet Care Services

The Activity and Leisure Zone is home to Pet Paradise + Beauty & Fun, a spot where pets and their owners can enjoy quality time together. Beyond offering standard pet supplies, the shop features thoughtfully designed products and services tailored to pets’ needs.

The outdoor area includes a dog run designed for small dogs of all breeds where they can run freely. A temporary pet care service is also available, allowing owners to shop while leaving their furry friends in trusted hands.

Check Out the Big Roof Plaza for Special Events

The west entrance connecting the indoor mall to the artificial lagoon is home to the Big Roof Plaza. This all-weather event space features a large digital screen measuring nearly 9m x 5m at its center, offering a variety of entertainment options, including sports, music, and movie screenings.

BE KOBE: Kobe’s New Iconic Photo Spot

The BE KOBE monument, an iconic symbol of Kobe, is set against a picturesque backdrop of the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge and palm trees. This spot is one of the most Instagram-worthy locations at Marine Pia Kobe, and the perfect spot to capture memories of your trip!

Recommended Stores in Marine Pia Kobe’s Shopping Area

The shopping area at Marine Pia Kobe has been redesigned as an indoor mall, offering a more comfortable and enjoyable shopping experience. Below we introduce a selection of noteworthy popular brands, with a focus on stores making their outlet debut in the Kansai area.

Mercedes-Benz

This store offers the Mercedes accessories collection alongside golf equipment, pet supplies, travel gear, and more to enhance your car-centric lifestyle. One highlight is the display and sale of nearly 30 Mercedes-Benz Certified Cars, awarded only to vehicles that meet Mercedes’ rigorous standards. It’s an excellent opportunity for visitors to casually explore and perhaps consider purchasing one of these top-notch cars.

CAPCOM STORE ANNEX / CAPSULE LAB

This official store features popular Capcom character goods from titles like Monster Hunter, Resident Evil, and Street Fighter. Limited-edition goods exclusive to this location are also available.

3COINS+plus

3COINS+plus is an expanded version of the popular 3COINS store, offering a wide range of products from household goods to interior decor. At the spacious Marine Pia Kobe location, you’ll also find car accessories, plants, and food items that are rarely available at other branches.

Marmot

This outdoor brand from the U.S. is making its Kansai outlet debut, marking its first directly managed store in Japan. The shop offers a wide range of clothing, from serious outdoor gear to casual town wear, catering to a variety of lifestyles.

eimy istoire

This popular shop specializes in sophisticated fashion items designed to highlight femininity and elegance. If you’re looking for stylish clothing and accessories that stand out, be sure to stop by.

UCHINO Factory Outlet

This popular store offers high-quality products made with the finest materials. Items such as gauze, towels, pajamas, and dresses are softer and lighter than they appear, delivering exceptional comfort.

LockerRoom

This select shop brings together imported brands from abroad and popular domestic labels. Its fashion items, inspired by a fusion of music, art, and skate culture, are particularly sought after.

DUO

DUO offers a lineup of skincare products that combine natural ingredients with cutting-edge dermatological technologies. Its bestselling Duo Cleansing Balm has sold over 40 million units worldwide.

MARKEY’S

Markey’s specializes in children’s clothing designed to bring joy, offering original items with a playful twist. Its simple yet charming products are perfect for the whole family to enjoy.

The Hottest Foods at Marine Pia Kobe: Popular Eateries You Won’t Want to Miss

Marine Pia Kobe offers a rich selection of gourmet spots. The first-floor Food Marche features 13 eateries, including four making their Kansai debut, including the popular Hokkaido sushi restaurant Sapporo Fish Market 57 Iki Iki Sushi, and the dim sum specialty shop Golden Tiger. Many shops also offer takeout, so you can enjoy your meal on the outdoor benches near the lagoon or while checking out the events at the Big Roof Plaza.

The second-floor food court boasts 11 unique restaurants. Highlights include Hainan Jeefan Shokudo, which introduces Singaporean chicken rice to Kansai for the first time; Hamburg and Rice Kobe Akafuji, a new concept from a popular hamburger steak chain famous for its long lines; and Minamen, a ramen shop with a creative twist.

The second floor also offers pet-friendly terrace seating. Dining amidst the breathtaking views of the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge and the Seto Inland Sea feels like a true luxury.

Next, we’ll take a closer look at three popular restaurants that have been generating a buzz since their opening.

Sapporo Fish Market 57 Iki Iki Sushi: The Go-To Spot for Fresh Sushi

One of the top dining spots at Marine Pia Kobe is Sapporo Fish Market 57 Iki Iki Sushi, located in the first-floor Food Marche. This sushi restaurant is so popular, it often draws long lines at its New Chitose Airport location in Hokkaido.

Their Daily Direct Shipment Nigiri is an excellent value at just 1,980 yen, featuring a mix of ultra-fresh fish sourced locally from Kobe and directly shipped from Hokkaido. The incredible variety and quality of sushi are sure to impress.

While the wide selection of sushi is a major draw, the sushi rice itself is another defining feature. Their aka-shari (red rice), made with perfectly textured grains blended with fragrant red vinegar, pairs exquisitely with the fresh fish.

Piece of Bake: A Store Specializing in Fresh Doughnuts

Another must-visit is Piece of Bake, a crowd-generating specialty doughnut shop in Osaka and Tokyo. The showcase at the store’s entrance is filled with beautifully crafted doughnuts that are as visually appealing as they are delicious. Each doughnut is soft and fluffy in texture, and generously filled with cream.

Flavors include the Crema, a custard and fresh cream doughnut with a hint of vanilla, as well as Pistachio, Caramel, Chocolate, Raspberry, and Lemon. Seasonal specials, including Christmas-themed doughnuts, are also available.

Minamen: A Buzzworthy Ramen Spot with Lines Out the Door

One of the most standout restaurants in the second-floor food court is Minamen, a new brand from the renowned ramen chain Jinrui Mina Menrui, known for its perpetually long lines. Here, you can try a bowl of ramen that has been crafted as “ramen that can be taken to space.”

Extensive research has gone into this delicious ramen, made only with water and a special soy sauce base, to ensure it can be enjoyed even in resource-scarce environments. The broth’s rich, complex flavor is sure to leave you hooked!

Top Sightseeing Spots Near Marine Pia Kobe

Marine Pia Kobe is a convenient stop during your sightseeing adventures and offers easy access to Kobe’s most iconic attractions. Here’s a guide to some of the top tourist spots near Marine Pia Kobe.

Kobe Suma Sea World

Kobe Suma Sea World is the only aquarium in western Japan where you can watch an incredible performance by two killer whales! There’s also a dolphin show, and the Aqua Live exhibit with its massive tank, offering plenty of things to do for both adults and children.

Nankin-machi (Kobe Chinatown)

Located in Motomachi, Kobe, Nankin-machi is one of Japan’s three major Chinatowns, along with those in Yokohama and Nagasaki. The area is packed with bustling Chinese restaurants and food stalls with snacks like steamed meat buns, shrimp dumplings, xiao long bao, and other treats perfect for snacking as you explore.

Meriken Park

Meriken Park is a scenic shopping and leisure area located near the Port of Kobe. It features iconic landmarks such as Kobe Port Tower, the Kobe Maritime Museum, and a lush green park, making it one of the city’s most recognizable landscapes. It’s also a popular spot for shopping, harbor cruises, and enjoying the city’s stunning night views.

Roadside Station Awaji

Roadside Station Awaji is the closest stop to the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, one of the world’s longest suspension bridges at 3,911 meters. From here, you can look straight up at the bridge from directly below. The view also offers a panorama of Kobe City across the water, with Marine Pia Kobe clearly visible from this great vantage point.

Farmhouse Restaurant Haru-Sansan

Photo: Farmhouse Restaurant Haru-Sansan

Nestled in the rich nature of Awaji Island, Farmhouse Restaurant Haru-Sansan is a great place to reconnect with Japan’s rural charm. This restaurant focuses on vegetable-based dishes that highlight the natural flavors of produce harvested directly from their farm. There are also seasonal events, such as the summer vegetable harvesting experience.

Savings for Solo Travelers: Discount Coupons at Marine Pia Kobe

Marine Pia Kobe already offers great deals on their products, but there’s even more value for international tourists! Just like group travelers get discounts from tour companies, solo travelers can find similar deals.

Simply visit the general information desk and show your passport to receive an Outlet Special Coupon for discounts at a number of stores (see more about this promotion here). Many shops also offer tax-free shopping, and most accept UnionPay cards, ensuring a convenient, hassle-free shopping experience.

Discover the Best of Resort Outlets at Marine Pia Kobe

With stunning views of the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, a neighboring yacht harbor, and the resort-like atmosphere of the newly opened Lagoon Community Park, Marine Pia Kobe offers a true escape from the everyday. It’s more than just a shopping destination—it’s a place to relax and indulge in luxury. If you’re visiting Kobe, it’s definitely worth a stop!

Business hours may vary by shop.
All information is current as of time of publication.
Prices and menu items are subject to change.
All prices include tax unless otherwise specified.