IKEA Kobe — Local services in Kobe

I used to be a fan of IKEA but that has changed

My impression of IKEA is that need to do away with the aimless, time consuming routing of customers around their shop. The layout mapped on each floor reminds of mazes that I have visited, only much less enjoyable. The intent I would suppose is get customers to look at as many IKEA products as possible. If so this gets old...fast!

If you are in a hurry forget IKEA.

Customer experience would be much improved if customers could go quickly to what they want to see then buy and leave quickly.

One other complaint is that I wanted to buy lax salmon and found what I thought was a cooler with what appeared to be lax salmon in it judging from a pack I selected from those displayed. I selected another pack assuming it was lax but turned out it was just salmon...not even smoked salmon mind you. Caveat emptor. My bad?

I will not be going back to IKEA any time soon. Their products are not longer as special or as cheap as they were and they have become more dependent on a niche market than they were previously.

What I did notice is that a large furniture store has opened opposite IKEA. Since I had spent 2.5 hours wandering around IKEA failing to find what I had come for, I had no time to take a look at that store. Tokyo Interiors was it's name and I will go back there in the new year ...I anticipate a more agreeable Japanese...

We visit every few months to dine at the restaurant. Relatively uncrowded in a large area on the second floor. Cafeteria-style arrangement. Limited selection, but excellent. Especially like the cold salmon salad plate. Signature dish is Swedish meatballs with lingonberry jam. Side-order of fries not oily and lightly salted. Free wi-fi. Recently made available wireless iPhone chargers. During inclement weather, the store layout and size make it excellent for walking.

Edited earlier review by lowering rating by one star since at our most recent visit, hot dishes and fries were served cold. Carbonated soft drinks options were more limited, and included an orange drink that...

Ikea kobe has very helpful and qualified staff. Place has everything you need relating to your home or office. It has a section for vegan Japanese and international food. Also has vegan hot dog for enthusiasts. Ample parking, train station and bus access to the store. Has enough colorful furniture you cannot find in any local furniture store but in Ikea. They have english speaking staff as well, makes it easy to shop. They also have return goods section which has cheaper deals. A must go before you decide to buy. The place is very large. And if you are looking for swedish wine this is the...