Okayama|Mitsui outlet and Ario shopping mall form a shopping circle. Kurashiki shopping must go
Kurashiki is an interesting city. On one side of the station is a beautiful old street with 400 years of history, while on the other side it is modern and stylish. It is the best place to go shopping and walk the kids.
Let's start with Ario, which you'll see when you exit the north exit of the station. This is a large-scale commercial development owned by 7-11's parent company, Semiconductor & Electric. There are now 20 Ario shopping malls in Japan, covering an area of more than 40,000 square meters. It opened in Kurashiki at the end of 2011 and houses hundreds of stores selling fashion, luxury goods, drugstores, and daily necessities. The food court on the second floor has a special parent-child dining area decorated with jeans to showcase the region's characteristics.
In order to attract parents and children to travel together, a large camphor tree courtyard and a parent-child activity area are planned so that parents can bring their children to relax. Events are often held to allow stalls to move in, making the Kurashiki and Okayama areas a place where parents and children can travel together.
The back is connected to Mitsui Outlet, which is the largest outlet in China. It houses 120 luxury goods, sports goods, fashion and designer brands. Prices fluctuate greatly. During a discount festival, I bought a Coach long wallet for more than NT$3,000 here, and a pair of NB shoes that sell for more than NT$3,000 in Taiwan for more than NT$1,000.
Finally, I would like to recommend the udon shop Takekiyo in Ario. This udon shop originated in Kagawa and has been a well-known shop since its establishment in 1984. The branch in Ario is also the only one in Honshu. After ordering udon, you can heat it up on the heating table yourself, add broth, chopped green onions and oil residue, and pair it with freshly fried foods. It is more filling and cheaper than those in chain udon shops.
📍Address: 〒710-0813 12-2 Kotobuki-machi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture
〒710-0813 12-3 Kotobukicho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture
🚗Two minutes walk from JR Kurashiki Station North Exit
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