Ōarai Resort Outlets

Carly Bode, International Affairs Division

The Ōarai Resort Outlets opened in March 2006 and is part of a chain of outlets (the other one is in Yatsugatake, Yamanashi Prefecture). They might not be at big as the ones in Gotemba (Shizuoka) and Sano (Tochigi), but there are many shops (over 70) that you will find interesting. You will be able to find men's, women's, and children's clothing; accessories; home wear; sporting goods; outdoor goods; and food for cheaper than in normal stores.

Well-known foreign shops include Nike, Adidas, Fila, Edwin, Rip Curl, Quicksilver, Osh Kosh, Levis, Billabong, Phenix, and Lego. Some of my favorite Japanese shops such as Franc Franc, ABC Mart, AMO's Style, Beams, and VIS are also represented.

There are a number of restaurants and cafes where you can get a snack, coffee or even a full meal. Just outside the outlets, next to the parking lot, is a whole row of small restaurants where you can eat outside and enjoy some of the local produce.

Also in the area are the Ōarai Marine Tower, the Ōarai Sun Beach, the Ōarai Children's Science Museum and the Ōarai Marina.

There are lots of things to do to fill in a day beside the ocean.

You can get there easily by car or by taking the Ōarai-Kashima train line and walking 15 minutes down to the port.

Address
11-2 Minato Chūō, Ōarai (茨城県大洗町港中央11-2)
Phone
029-264-9123
Fax
029-264-9124
Open
10:00 a.m.𔃆:00 p.m.
Website
http://www.oarai-outlet.com(external link)
Live camera
http://www.oarai-outlet.com/service/live_cam02.html(external link)