Nana Farm Suma, Kobe

Nana Farm Suma is a large-scale farm-to-table market located near Suma Seaside Park in Kobe, offering a unique urban shopping experience centered on local production and regional revitalization. Operated by Hanshin Expressway Service Co., Ltd., a group company of Hanshin Expressway, the facility serves as both a commercial hub and a contributor to local community development. The market brings together agricultural, livestock, and seafood products from across Hyogo Prefecture, a region uniquely positioned between the Seto Inland Sea and the Sea of Japan.

The cultural significance of Nana Farm Suma lies in its dedication to local production for local consumption, connecting contracted farmers and fishing ports directly with consumers. Hyogo Prefecture ranks as Japan's second-largest producer of cultivated seaweed, and the market proudly features nori seaweed from Suma waters, known for its exceptional fragrance due to nutrient-rich mountain runoff. The facility showcases regional specialties including Awaji Island onions, celebrated for their sweetness after being slowly dried in natural wind following winter harvesting, and Koshihikari rice from Tamba, sourced directly from local producers.

Visitors can explore multiple sections offering fresh vegetables, fruits, seafood delivered daily from Tarumi and Suma fishing ports, and Awaji Island and Sea of Japan catches. The seafood section features extremely fresh fish selected by dedicated buyers, with popular offerings including conger eel from Awaji Island—a summer delicacy rich in protein, calcium, and vitamin A—and Murotsu oysters from Tatsuno City, which draw customers from distant locations. The market occasionally hosts tuna cutting shows where giant tuna are filleted before customers' eyes, with freshly cut portions available at special prices. Tomoya Butcher Shop, a long-established Kobe butcher, offers carefully selected domestic beef, brand pork, and freshly slaughtered chicken.

The facility includes a second-floor seafood restaurant with glass walls overlooking the Akashi Strait, serving Japanese seafood cuisine and year-round seafood barbecue featuring A5-ranked Kobe beef and high-quality domestic Wagyu at reasonable prices. Additional dining options include Pan de Nana bakery, a café and retail shop selling sake from Hyogo's five provinces (Settsu, Awaji, Harima, Tamba, and Tajima) plus Kobe wine, and a ramen shop. The market produces original products under the "Erauma" brand, including sake, coffee, and eggs available exclusively at this location. Handmade side dishes and bento boxes use ingredients sold within the market, with options for reserved hors d'oeuvres and picnic meals. A large lawn area fronts the shop where visitors can enjoy purchased food outdoors, and irregular events include public radio recordings and photo opportunities with police vehicles.

Access by car requires approximately 3 minutes from Wakamiya Interchange on the Hanshin Expressway Route 3 Kobe Line, or about 10 minutes from Suma Interchange via the Second Shinmei Road. Private parking is available on-site. Public transport users can walk approximately 13 minutes from JR Kobe Line Sumakaihinkoen Station. Admission to the market is free, though individual purchases and restaurant meals are charged separately.