Although home to a lot of non-Japanese residents these days, Shioya was once known as a Kobe holiday area. There are numerous western-style houses, and if you climb up a hill road, it also has lovely views of the gentle Seto Inland Sea.

Right after it opened in October 2013, “Shioyato,” immediately became popular as a gathering place for artists and creators.

Maintaining its original appearance, the shop is run in the facilities of what used to be an ophthalmology hospital.

To get there, first exit the mountainside of JR Sanyo Shioya station, and then head towards the river after passing through the small shopping district. On the second floor of the building on your right, you’ll find “Shioyato, “.

As you enter the shop, the first thing you notice is numerous flyers with information on culture and sightseeing in Shioya and the surrounding areas.

There are exhibitions by creators and artists from Shioya and nearby.

The monthly workshops and events are all very interesting…

Inside the shop, there are CDs by Shioya-related musicians, glass art, as well as handmade soaps.

There is also a café area, where enzyme juice, delicious coffee and toast, and gelato is served.

One of the shop’s special characteristics is that it’s okay to bring your own food.

According to the owner, “When customers buy things from the numerous shops in the Shioya shopping district, we can cherish the warmth and happiness of buying things, and communication with people from the shops.”

 

(If you do take your own food, please remember to order at least one drink!)

“Shioyato,” is a place that after you visit once, you’ll want to visit again. How about dropping by when visiting Guggenheim House?

“Shioyato,”
Address: 3-14-25 Shioya-cho, Tarumi ward, Kobe city, Hyogo prefecture
Business hours: 10:00-20:00
Tel: 090-9219-2717
Closed: Every Monday (When Monday is a holiday, closed on Tuesday)
HP: http://www.shioyato.com/

Setouchi Finder Photo-writer: Futoshi Hineno