A pre-opening event was held at the Lalaport Anjo shopping mall in Anjo City, Aichi Prefecture, which is set to officially open on April 19, 2025. The event was exclusive to residents of Anjo City and point card members, allowing them an early glimpse of the new facility.
As the excitement builds for the grand opening, many local residents have expressed concerns about potential traffic congestion. "I’m looking forward to it, but I think the roads are going to be packed," one resident remarked. Another added, "I’m worried it will get crowded starting tomorrow." These sentiments reflect a common worry among the community as the mall prepares to welcome a larger crowd.
Interestingly, on the pre-opening day, the mall experienced significant traffic due to the distribution of 500-yen shopping tickets for purchases over 1,000 yen. One visitor noted, "I went there, but it was so crowded. I heard about the 500-yen coupon but gave up waiting in line because of the long queue. It seemed like the traffic just wasn’t moving." This indicates that the allure of discounts can lead to unexpected congestion.
Looking ahead to the official opening, the city has implemented several measures to mitigate traffic issues. A temporary free parking lot with capacity for about 500 cars has been established approximately one kilometer away from the mall, along with a free shuttle bus service to transport visitors. Customers who utilize this temporary parking or designated paid city-operated parking lots will receive a 1,000-yen shopping or meal ticket for purchases totaling 5,000 yen or more, valid until May 6, 2025. Additionally, those arriving by train, bus (using a transportation IC card), or bicycle (using the Bicycle NAVITIME app) can earn a similar 1,000-yen voucher for purchases over 3,000 yen.
"I heard about these offers from friends. I’m definitely planning to use them," said another local resident, who seemed optimistic about the mall's potential to invigorate the city. "I think it’s a great initiative. If lots of people come, it will really liven up Anjo City!"
To further enhance traffic flow, the city has widened roads around the shopping complex and added a right-turn lane leading to the mall. This proactive approach aims to ease congestion during peak hours.
In addition to the shopping mall, the Takara Tomy Planet, a next-generation toy and play park, will also open its doors at Lalaport Anjo on April 18, 2025. This will be the second location nationwide and the first in the Tokai region. The park combines eight types of digital attractions that bring to life popular toy franchises such as Tomica, Plarail, Licca-chan, Beyblade, and Black Hige Kiki Ippatsu, all enhanced with the latest technology.
The park is designed to provide an immersive experience, featuring a new experiential toy sales area that allows visitors to feel as if they have stepped into a toy world. Located on the first floor of Lalaport Anjo at 9-30 Ohi-cho, Anjo City, the park will operate from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with the last entry at 8:30 PM. The total area of the park is approximately 130 tsubo, and it will offer eight different attractions.
Admission fees are structured as follows: for children, it costs 800 yen for 30 minutes on weekdays, with a 1-day free pass available for 2,500 yen. For weekends and holidays, the price increases to 1,000 yen for 30 minutes, and the 1-day pass will cost 3,200 yen. Adults accompanying children will pay a flat rate of 800 yen on weekdays and 1,000 yen on weekends. An initial annual membership fee of 600 yen is required, which includes a wristband-type device called 'Sharing'.
One of the park's highlights is the Tomica Police Driver attraction, where players can engage in a thrilling experience of chasing criminals in a patrol car. The cost for this experience, which includes a license card and a Tomica car, is set at 1,000 yen. This unique blend of play and shopping aims to create an engaging environment for families.
Moreover, the WEGO store will also open at Lalaport Anjo on April 18, 2025. Customers registering through the WEGO app will receive a 500-yen coupon, and those making purchases will also enjoy a 10% points back offer until April 27, 2025. Additionally, a grand lottery will be held for purchases exceeding 3,000 yen, featuring prizes such as a JTB travel gift worth 20,000 yen, Marshall Bluetooth headphones, and various WEGO merchandise vouchers.
The store is located on the first floor of Lalaport Anjo, and its operating hours are from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The phone number for inquiries is 0566-70-9981. This new addition is expected to attract a younger demographic and enhance the overall shopping experience at the mall.
Finally, Aichi Toyota EAST, part of the AT Group, will also open a store at Lalaport Anjo. This initiative aims to raise the company’s profile and expand its reach to new customers. However, the store will not engage in direct sales but will guide customers to nearby locations for business negotiations.
As anticipation builds for the grand opening of Lalaport Anjo, the city is taking significant steps to ensure a smooth experience for visitors. With a variety of shopping, entertainment, and dining options, the new mall is poised to become a vibrant hub for the community.
