When it comes to outlet shopping in Japan there are many places to choose from. Gotemba Premium Outlets happen to be one of the most popular outlet malls in Japan with 210 stores selling high-end luxury goods and brand name merchandise. Here are 5 reasons to shop at Gotemba Premium Outlets while visiting Japan.
1. The view from Gotemba Premium Outlets
The words “mall” and “view” are not usually congruent, but Gotemba Premium Outlets happen to be located at the base of Mount Fuji meaning there is a beautiful view of the iconic mountain top from the mall. While shopping in the over 200 shops in this open-air mall you can take in the scenic view of Mount Fuji at the same time.
2. Gotemba Premium Outlet Mall is easy to access
Found not far from Hakone, Gotemba Premium outlets are easy to access with several free shuttle buses available. There is a free shuttle bus every 15 minutes that transfers between JR Gotemba Station and the mall. You can get to Gotemba from Tokyo by bus, or by train.
If you want to take the bus from Tokyo to Gotemba Premium Outlets, there are several direct buses that depart daily from main stations such as Shinjuku Station, Tokyo Station, Shinagawa Station, and Ikebukuro Station. You can order round trip tickets but you must purchase them in advance.
To get to Gotemba Premium Outlet mall by train from Tokyo by starting from either Shinjuku or Tokyo Station and taking the JR Tokaido Line to Gotemba Station (you need to transfer at Kozu Station), from Gotemba station you can then take the free shuttle. Alternatively, you could take the Mount Fuji Limited Express train that stops at Shinjuku Station and take this to Gotemba station and then use the free shuttle.
There are also buses that depart directly from Narita Airport and Haneda Airport to Gotemba Premium Outlets.
3. Many shops and restaurants at Gotemba Premium Outlets
Over 200 shops filled with designer items, international brands and a wide variety of merchandise. Stores like Gucci, Burberry, Balenciaga, and Coach can be found as well as kid-friendly stores and sporting good shops. There is also a wide array of restaurants and cafes serving international and local cuisine.
4. The prices at Gotemba Premium Outlet are hard to beat
The best part about outlet shopping is the prices. Many shops in the outlet offer tax-free shopping. You can also select coupons from the information center which are relevant and usable at the shops. The prices are much lower than the shops in the center of Tokyo making it appealing to shop at much lower prices.
5. Impressive grounds and fewer crowds
The mall itself is well designed and makes for a comfortable open-air shopping experience. There are two wings (east and west) which are connected by a bridge overlooking a river, making the experience peaceful and calm. This a great way to shop without the crowds of the major city shopping districts and is a different pace at which to shop.
