Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets
Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets is one of the premium outlet malls operated nationwide in Japan by Mitsubishi Estate–Simon Co., Ltd. Mitsubishi Estate–Simon Co., Ltd. is a joint venture established by Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. and Simon Property Group, Inc., and its main business is the development, ownership, and operation of outlet malls across Japan.
I have visited several outlet malls in the Kansai region over the years, but now I consistently go only to Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets. The main reason is that many of the brands I like are concentrated here. As of the time of writing, the Prada outlet is available only at Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets within the Kansai region. In addition to Prada, many high-end brands such as Gucci, Burberry, Thom Browne, Loewe, and Armani are also located here, making the brand lineup particularly satisfying.
After parking, when I enter Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets, I usually make a large loop following a clockwise route starting from the left. Below, I introduce the brands I frequently stop by, based on my actual walking route through the outlet.
Gucci
Gucci is a luxury fashion brand founded in 1921 in Florence, Italy, by Guccio Gucci. The brand grew primarily through leather goods and now offers a wide range of fashion items, including bags, shoes, ready-to-wear clothing, jewelry, watches, and fragrances. Based on Italian craftsmanship, Gucci has built a global reputation through its quality and distinctive design codes.
Today, Gucci is one of the core brands under the Kering Group, continuing to balance its heritage with designs that reflect contemporary trends. It is also known as one of the first brands in the world to place a designer’s name on its products as a guarantee of quality, a practice that later became an important standard in defining luxury brands.
Personally, I mainly purchase accessories from Gucci. Since I prefer simple designs when it comes to clothing, accessories work well as statement pieces in my outfits. Please note that at the Gucci store in Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets, some items are not included in sales, so it is worth keeping this in mind before making a purchase.
Armani
Armani is one of Italy’s representative fashion and lifestyle brands, founded in 1975 by Italian designer Giorgio Armani. It is regarded as one of the most authoritative brands in the fashion industry and is commonly referred to as “Armani,” encompassing multiple subsidiary brands centered around the main Giorgio Armani line.
While apparel remains its core business, the Armani Group has expanded into a wide range of fields beyond fashion, including cosmetics, resort development, high-end restaurants, and food-related ventures. This expansion reflects a strategy to extend the brand’s aesthetics and values across various aspects of lifestyle, positioning Armani as a comprehensive lifestyle brand rather than solely a fashion label.
Personally, I am drawn to Armani for its restrained silhouettes and clean designs that are not heavily influenced by trends, and I mainly purchase clothing from the brand. Based on my visits so far, the Armani store at Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets carries the Emporio Armani and Armani Exchange lines.
Burberry
Burberry is one of the representative fashion brands of the United Kingdom, founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry in Basingstoke, Hampshire, England. From its early years, the brand grew with a strong focus on quality and innovation in materials, and by the late 19th century, it had established itself as a large-scale retail brand. It later set up its headquarters and flagship store on Haymarket in London, laying the foundation for the brand’s presence.
Burberry is also well known for developing gabardine, a durable and water-resistant fabric, in 1879. The material was patented in 1888 and produced exclusively by the brand until 1917, playing a key role in shaping Burberry’s identity centered on functionality and practicality. Built on this technical foundation, Burberry introduced classic items such as the trench coat and continues to be regarded as a brand that represents British tradition and practicality.
I often purchase clothing and bags from Burberry, as the brand offers many designs that are both simple and practical. The Burberry store at Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets is relatively large, with women’s and children’s wear located on the right side, and men’s wear along with the checkout area on the left.
Moncler
Moncler is a luxury fashion brand focused on outerwear, currently headquartered in Milan, Italy. The brand was founded in 1952 in Monestier-de-Clermont, a town near the French Alps, by René Ramillon and André Vincent, and originally began with functional clothing designed for mountain activities. In 2003, Italian entrepreneur Remo Ruffini acquired the company, relocated its headquarters to Milan, and repositioned Moncler as a global luxury fashion brand.
Moncler has grown through a brand strategy centered on down jackets that combine functionality with refined design, and in 2013 it was listed on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2020, the company further expanded its presence in the street fashion segment by acquiring Stone Island for approximately 1.15 billion euros. Through these developments, Moncler has evolved from an outdoor-focused functional brand into a modern luxury fashion group.
The Moncler store at Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets is not very large, and waiting lines often form. A Starbucks is located right next to the store, making it a good place to take a short break midway through your shopping route.
Thom Browne
Thom Browne is one of the brands I visit most frequently, regardless of whether it is at a department store or an outlet. After falling in love at first sight with a bag shaped like Hector, the designer’s pet dog, Thom Browne clothing now makes up the largest portion of my wardrobe.
Prada
Prada is a luxury fashion brand founded in 1913 in Milan, Italy, by brothers Mario Prada and Martino Prada. In its early years, the brand grew through high-quality leather goods and travel trunks, earning a reputation for rare materials and exceptional craftsmanship. In 1919, it was appointed as an official supplier to the Italian royal family. Although the brand experienced a period of decline later on, leather goods rooted in traditional craftsmanship have remained a core part of Prada’s identity.
In 1978, the brand reached a turning point when Miuccia Prada, the founder’s granddaughter, took on the role of owner and designer. She introduced bags made from industrial waterproof nylon known as Pocono, which became one of Prada’s signature items, and in 1993 launched MIU MIU, named after her childhood nickname, expanding the brand’s scope. In 2011, Prada was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, accelerating its global expansion with a particular focus on the Asian market.
As mentioned earlier, as of the time of writing, the Kobe Sanda location is the only Prada outlet in the Kansai region of Japan. The Prada store also houses MIU MIU, making it convenient to browse both brands in one place. I am particularly fond of Prada loafers, so whenever I visit the store, I always make sure to stop by the shoe section.
Loewe
Loewe is a luxury fashion brand that originated in 1846 as a leather workshop run by a group of artisans in Madrid, Spain. The business later expanded with the involvement of Enrique Loewe Roessberg, a German craftsman, and earned the trust of the Spanish aristocracy through its exceptional leather craftsmanship and quality. In 1905, Loewe was appointed as an official supplier to the Spanish royal family, establishing its identity as a brand rooted in fine leather craftsmanship.
From the mid-20th century onward, Loewe expanded its business throughout Spain and internationally, and in 1996 became part of the French luxury conglomerate LVMH Group. Since then, the brand has grown into a global luxury house centered on leather goods and ready-to-wear collections. Following the appointment of Jonathan Anderson as creative director in 2014, Loewe further redefined its brand image by combining traditional leather craftsmanship with a modern, experimental design approach. Today, Loewe is regarded as a brand where heritage craftsmanship and contemporary creativity coexist.
Loewe is also one of the brands I frequently purchase from, as it offers many pieces that are simple yet refined. However, on a personal note, I tend to purchase Loewe items at department stores rather than at outlet locations.
Why I Recommend Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets
1. A Wide Variety of Brand Stores
In addition to the brands introduced earlier, many other brands such as Maison Margiela, Balenciaga, Chloé, Canada Goose, Etro, Jimmy Choo, Bottega Veneta, AMI Paris, and Dolce & Gabbana are also located here.
Alongside luxury brands, there is a well-balanced selection of sportswear and lifestyle stores, making it a major advantage that you can enjoy a wide range of shopping in one place.
2. An AEON Mall Right Next Door
An AEON Mall is located right next to Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets. AEON Mall is a large shopping center found throughout Japan and includes a supermarket, which makes it convenient to stop by after outlet shopping to buy groceries or daily necessities.
3. Well-Equipped Facilities
There are various dining options, including a food gallery, as well as cafés such as Starbucks located throughout the outlet, making it easy to enjoy a meal or take a short break during shopping.
A clothing alteration service is also available, allowing you to have items adjusted after purchase. However, depending on the type of alteration and how busy it is on the day, you may need to return another day or have the item delivered.
In addition, facilities for babies and pets, ATMs, and other amenities are well provided, making the outlet overall very convenient to use.
4. Direct Bus Access from Osaka
Even without a car, the outlet can be easily accessed by direct bus. Direct buses operate from Shin-Osaka Station and Herbis Station (Umeda) to Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets, with a travel time of approximately one hour. For fares and timetables, please refer to the official website.
From October 14, 2025, a direct bus route from Kyoto Station will also begin operation, further improving accessibility.
■Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets
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