The Liv shopping mall, directly connected to JR Sumiyoshi Station in neighboring Higashinada Ward, Kobe, reopened today, April 26, after a major renovation, so Ashiya Tsushin headed over to check it out—even though it’s not in Ashiya!
↑The exterior may not look all that different at first glance, but the inside has changed dramatically!!
Here’s the map↓
The address is 1-2-1 Sumiyoshihonmachi, Higashinada Ward, Kobe, Hyogo.
“Sakutto Takezono,” a deli from Ashiya-based Ashiya Takezono
↑“Sakutto Takezono,” a new concept from the butcher and deli “Ashiya Takezono” near JR Ashiya Station, drew a huge line from its very first day!
↑On the first two days, the only item available was an all-you-can-pack box of fried foods for 500 yen.
↑Everyone is seriously focused on packing as many fried treats into their boxes as possible!
↑Here’s the regular menu. Along with classic croquettes, menchi-katsu, and tonkatsu, there are premium croquettes such as “Cheddar Cheese Croquette” and “Kobe Beef × Truffle.” The eat-in area also appears to offer fried-food set meals, sukiyaki rice bowls, and sweet-and-savory yakiniku rice bowls! (The eat-in area opens on or after April 28.)
↑These freshly fried croquettes and menchi-katsu look set to become a big hit in Kobe too♪
Ashiya-based “Maison du Ruban Pâtisserie Akai Neko”
↑“Maison du Ruban Pâtisserie Akai Neko,” the second location of “Pâtisserie Akai Neko” in Funadocho near JR Ashiya Station, has opened near the entrance on the second floor of the East Building!
↑Just like at the original location, the display is filled with colorful cakes.
↑There were also plenty of “Souris,” the mouse-shaped cream puffs that have become Akai Neko’s signature treat! Purchases are currently limited to two per person.
↑Both the bagged and boxed gift sets come in incredibly stylish packaging!
↑This display case was stocked with rustic baked tarts, canelés, and croissants.
↑They also had a collaborative coffee with “ASHIYA EVIAN COFFEE SHOP” in Chayanomachi! Apparently, the blend was specially created to pair with Akai Neko’s cakes!
Ashiya-based “Magasin du Pâtes Operetta Ashiya”
↑“PASTA DINER,” formerly located in Arpa Ashiya near JR Ashiya Station, has relocated here and reopened as “Magasin du Pâtes Operetta Ashiya”! The wine-red exterior looks so stylish!
↑As before, pasta appears to be the main attraction on the menu.
↑The interior also has a calm, upscale atmosphere. It feels very Ashiya!
↑Those deep-red sofas look perfect for relaxing over a plate of pasta!
Noteworthy new stores at Liv
↑The Seijo Ishii supermarket, which also has a location near JR Ashiya Station, has opened here too! It was so busy on opening day that they had to limit admission.
↑“Tsunoda Meat,” formerly located a little south of JR Sumiyoshi Station, has relocated and reopened here. They sell pudding too!
↑Its sister restaurant, “Tsunoda Curry,” is reportedly opening its first location in Kobe.
↑In addition to curry, they also had Western-style set meals featuring fried dishes!
↑“Homemade Udon & Soba, Handmade Tofu Kasane” is apparently a new concept born from “Teuchi Hitosuji Kasa,” which was previously located in Liv.
↑Chinese restaurant “幸福庭 (Xing Fu Ting)” originated in Kobe and serves Chinese cuisine and dim sum based on Cantonese cooking techniques.
↑“Isuzu Bakery” had a huge line from its very first day! That’s impressive in an area already packed with bakeries.
↑“Toritaro” is a takeout specialty shop offering fried chicken, yakitori, and other dishes made with domestically sourced chicken. It seems they also have bento boxes in addition to prepared side dishes.
↑Next door, “Nigiritate,” an onigiri specialty shop making its Hyogo Prefecture debut, has opened! Its shrimp tempura rice balls also appear to be a specialty.
↑The takeout-only shop operated by Kobe Motomachi-born “Yoshoku Quattro” offers fried foods and Western-style prepared meal sets, as well as…
↑Frozen croquettes, curry, beef tongue stew, and beef stew!
↑“MUJI 500” has opened in the former Can Do location!
↑Popular products such as the “Jute My Bag” were available at special prices for a limited time.
↑There are no “JINS” eyewear stores in Ashiya, so this could be a convenient place to visit.
↑The cosmetics select shop “AINZ & TULPE” is another store you won’t find in Ashiya.
↑To celebrate the opening, they had giveaways, prize drawings, happy bags, and more!
Plenty to see at the existing stores too
↑“Mister Donut,” formerly located on the first floor, has moved up to the second floor.
