APiTA Itō — Local services in Ito

APiTA Itō (アピタ伊東店) is a clean, well-maintained local shopping mall that offers essentials without excess. From a cozy toy nook to a solid selection of housewares and books, it’s practical, not flashy. Great KFC and Mister Donut inside, though foreign tourists might want to skip the grocery store due to surprisingly high tax fees. 3/5 – Unassuming but charming.

Full Review: APiTA Itō (アピタ伊東店) is a mall that doesn’t pretend to be anything more than it is—and that, oddly enough, is its charm. It’s not a sprawling mega-complex, not a gleaming luxury shopping destination, nor a buzzing cultural hotspot. Instead, it’s a solid, clean, no-nonsense local shopping mall that gets the job done and does so with quiet competence.

Upon entering, you’re greeted with a pleasant, almost nostalgic sense of what malls used to be: multi-functional, modest, and community-focused. There’s a little nook dedicated to toys—a nice touch for families or curious passersby—along with sections for housewares, clothing, books, and the occasional community event setup. While the layout can feel slightly compartmentalized, it works in its own humble way.

Food-wise, there are two notable highlights: a well-kept KFC and a reliably delicious Mister Donut. Both bring a sense of familiarity and comfort, and honestly, they’re executed better here than in many malls I’ve seen in larger cities. There’s something particularly gratifying about biting into a fresh donut after a stroll through a home goods section.

Now, a word of warning for international tourists—particularly those, like myself, who enjoy checking out Japanese grocery stores. While there is a grocery store inside (Kanemi Shokuhin), I experienced an unusually high surcharge/tax situation, with about ¥2,000 of my ¥6,000 total vanishing into fees. It was a first in my years of Japan travel, and it left a sour note. I don’t fault the mall entirely—perhaps it’s a local tax issue or pricing quirk—but for foreigners watching their budgets, it’s something to be aware of.

Still, I can’t say I disliked my time here. The cleanliness, the orderliness, and the unpretentious atmosphere all speak to what makes smaller Japanese malls work. APiTA Itō isn’t trying to wow you with architectural grandeur or futuristic tech. It simply offers what the community needs, and for that, it earns a quiet nod of respect.

Final Verdict: 3/5 A decent, down-to-earth mall that serves its purpose well. Not a must-visit for tourists, but if you’re in the area and need to pick up a few things—or grab a donut and people-watch—it’s a pleasant stop. Simple. Functional. Satisfying in its...

Its big enough shopping plaza in Ito city. From Ito station is quite far away if you go there by bus. But from the bus stop just a few minutes...

フォーマル売り場のおばさんがありえないくらい対応悪すぎる。その人たぶん仕事する気ないですよ。多分というか絶対。「私もう上がりなんですけど」とか客に言うくらいなので。接客したくないなら接客しない仕事につくとかしたらどうですかね～。てかあの人は何のためにいるのですか？接客しないなら喪服を着た状態で売り場にいる必要ないのでは？喪服着てただ店内フラフラしてお客様の対応を断るような発言をする人は給料泥棒と呼んで良いと思います。真面目に働いている人に失礼。あと、喪服探してる人ってなんで喪服探してるか分かりますか？不幸があったから喪服を探してるんです。フォーマル売り場で働いているのにそういうことも想像できないのですか？失格ですね。ただでさえ心が病んでいるのにあんな対応されたらそりゃこうなりますよ。エレベーター前の意見箱にも書きましたが書き足りなかったので、ここで細かく書いてます。本当は☆つけたくないくらいですけどつけないと投稿できないので☆1にしました。も...