After walking around the spacious shopping mall, I feel a bit tired.
Shall I take a break and have a smoke?
At such times, there is a problem that crosses the minds of us smokers.
“Should I choose a nearby smoking area without a roof or chairs? Or a comfortable smoking room a little further away? Which one should I go for...?”
While many malls have designated smoking areas, the preferred smoking spot can vary depending on the situation, such as “I want it to be as close as possible” or “I want to sit down and relax.”
To the north of JR Kurashiki Station, there are two shopping malls: Ario Kurashiki and MITSUI OUTLET PARK Kurashiki.
Therefore, when visiting the north side of JR Kurashiki Station, it is common to explore both malls at the same time.
To help you choose the best smoking area, I will introduce the smoking areas in both malls.
There are 4 smoking areas in Ario Kurashiki
Ario Kurashiki has a total of 2 smoking rooms on the 2nd floor and 2 smoking rooms on the 1st floor.
▼ If you are in a hurry, please find the nearest smoking area from the map below.
(Orange icon)
By the way, each of the 4 smoking areas has its own characteristics.
Now, let's take a look at each of their features.
Smoking Room next to the Food Court on the 2nd Floor of Ario Kurashiki
| Name | Smoking Room next to the Food Court on the 2nd Floor of Ario Kurashiki |
|---|---|
| Notes | ・Smoking Room |
The closest smoking room to JR Kurashiki Station is this one located next to the food court.
It is the largest smoking area in Ario Kurashiki, and the interior is also clean.
Moreover, it is bright with a good view, making it the most recommended smoking area among those introduced.
From the large open window, you can see Kurashiki Mirai Park.
Additionally, since it is adjacent to the food court, it is convenient for a “post-meal smoke.”
However, this smoking room can get quite crowded, and there may be times when you cannot find a seat.
In such cases, consider using another smoking room.
Smoking Room near the Multi-story Parking Lot on the 2nd Floor of Ario Kurashiki
| Name | Smoking Room near the Multi-story Parking Lot on the 2nd Floor of Ario Kurashiki |
|---|---|
| Notes | ・Smoking Room |
This is a smoking room close to the multi-story parking lot of Ario Kurashiki.
There are chairs available, and it is nice to have a “beverage vending machine” right next to the smoking room.
However, it is a bit small, which is a downside.
I often use it when I want to have a quick smoke before returning to the multi-story parking lot.
If this smoking room is crowded, you should use the next smoking room I will introduce.
You can go down to the 1st floor from the nearby stairs, and it’s right there.
Smoking Room near the Multi-story Parking Lot on the 1st Floor of Ario Kurashiki
| Name | Smoking Room near the Multi-story Parking Lot on the 1st Floor of Ario Kurashiki |
|---|---|
| Notes | ・Smoking Room ・No chairs |
This smoking room is located directly below the previously introduced “Smoking Room near the Multi-story Parking Lot on the 2nd Floor.”
Unfortunately, there are no chairs, but it is close to the multi-story parking lot and relatively clean, which is a plus.
If the “Smoking Room near the Multi-story Parking Lot on the 2nd Floor” is crowded, it is a good idea to use this smoking room.
Central Smoking Room on the 1st Floor of Ario Kurashiki
| Name | Central Smoking Room on the 1st Floor of Ario Kurashiki |
|---|---|
| Notes | ・Smoking Room ・No chairs |
This smoking room is located in the center of the 1st floor of Ario Kurashiki.
Although it is almost in the center of the building, it is not very noticeable, which may be why there are fewer users.
However, it is unfortunate that the room is small and there are no chairs.
If you have trouble finding the location, try using the shopping cart area at the entrance of “Tenmaya Happies” as a landmark.
The number of smoking areas in MITSUI OUTLET PARK Kurashiki has decreased to 3
MITSUI OUTLET PARK Kurashiki has a total of 2 smoking rooms on the 1st floor and 1 smoking room on the 2nd floor.
▼ If you are in a hurry, please find the nearest smoking area from the map below.
(Green icon)
The number of smoking areas in MITSUI OUTLET PARK Kurashiki used to be 4, but 2 of them have been consolidated, leaving only 3 now.
As a result, there is quite a difference in the “recommendation level.”
Now, let’s take a look at each of their features.
Smoking Room on the 2nd Floor of MITSUI OUTLET PARK Kurashiki
| Name | Smoking Room on the 2nd Floor of MITSUI OUTLET PARK Kurashiki |
|---|---|
| Notes | ・Smoking Room ・No chairs |
This smoking room is located on the 2nd floor of the central building of MITSUI OUTLET PARK.
There is an entrance next to the restroom, so you can easily find it by using the restroom as a landmark.
It is the largest smoking area in MITSUI OUTLET PARK Kurashiki, equipped with a television and beverage vending machine, making it the most recommended smoking room.
However, there are no chairs available.
Since this smoking room tends to be busy, consider using another smoking area when it is crowded.
Smoking Room near the South Entrance on the 1st Floor of MITSUI OUTLET PARK Kurashiki
| Name | Smoking Room near the South Entrance on the 1st Floor of MITSUI OUTLET PARK Kurashiki |
|---|---|
| Notes | ・Open space ・No roof ・No chairs |
This smoking room is located near the south entrance on the 1st floor of MITSUI OUTLET PARK Kurashiki.
The room is a bit small, but it seems to have fewer users, possibly because the location is not easy to find.
It is also the only “smoking room” on the 1st floor, which is a point to note.
If you have trouble finding the location, go to the south entrance and look for the “cafeteria.”
You should be able to see the smoking room at the back of the cafeteria.
Smoking Area near the West and North Entrances on the 1st Floor of MITSUI OUTLET PARK Kurashiki
| Name | Smoking Area near the West and North Entrances on the 1st Floor of MITSUI OUTLET PARK Kurashiki |
|---|---|
| Notes | ・Open space ・No roof ・No chairs |
Previously, there were smoking areas at both the West Entrance and North Entrance, but they have been consolidated into one location.
Unfortunately, this means it is now further away from both entrances.
Moreover, this smoking area is an open space, without a roof or chairs.
Other smoking rooms are definitely more recommended.
As for how to get to this smoking area, if you are coming from the North Entrance, please proceed to the left along the building.
If you are coming from the West Entrance, conversely, proceed to the right along the building.
From either entrance, you will be able to see the smoking area sign, so you can find it easily.
Conclusion
I have introduced all 6 smoking areas in Ario Kurashiki and MITSUI OUTLET PARK Kurashiki.
In recent times, as smoking areas are disappearing, it is a blessing that there are still designated smoking areas.
Let’s make an effort to follow the rules and manners so that our “places of relaxation” as smokers do not disappear.
Bonus
Kurashiki Tocotoco has an article introducing the smoking area at JR Kurashiki Station as well. If you are interested, please take a look.
