Shop Smart in Japan: Top 4 Must-Visit OUTLETS for Shopping in Tokyo

Shisui Premium Outlets

Japan has numerous OUTLETS, but the two most well-known retail outlet chains are Mitsui Realty’s “Mitsui Outlet Park” and “Premium Outlets,” which is a collaboration between Mitsubishi Estate and U.S. partners. Shisui, located in Chiba Prefecture, belongs to the latter.

The “Shisui SHISUI Premium Outlet,” which opened just last year (2013) in April, quickly gained popularity online, mainly due to its proximity—just about a 15-20 minute drive from Narita Airport. In addition to Japanese brands, as it is a U.S.-partnered outlet, it features a larger number of well-known American brands. If you need WiFi, you can exchange your passport at the service center for a free WiFi access code, valid for six hours but only usable around the service center and dining areas.

Gotemba Premium Outlet

Praised by netizens as “an amazing place to shop and stroll,” the “Gotemba OUTLET” in Shizuoka Prefecture is often recommended by travelers visiting nearby Hakone to include this outlet in their itinerary.

Gotemba Outlet gathers both American and Japanese luxury brands, featuring a large complex of 210 stores. Due to its expansive grounds, it is divided into east and west sections. Some visitors say, “Even though it can be crowded, the wide space makes shopping comfortable.” Aside from its brand variety, what visitors love most is the close-up view of Japan’s highest peak—Mount Fuji—and the on-site Ferris wheel, making it an ideal spot for sightseeing, entertainment, and shopping all in one.

Suggested Transportation:
1. Direct buses from Tokyo Station take about 1.5 hours and require advance reservation. It’s recommended to buy a round-trip ticket: 2,800 yen for adults and 1,400 yen for children.
2. If you’re already in Hakone, you can take the Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus “Hakone Line” from “Hakone-Motohakone” and transfer to the free shuttle bus at “Tomei Gotemba IC Station” to reach the outlet. The total journey takes about 45 minutes.

Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza

Nestled among mountains and water, the “Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza,” though farther from Tokyo, draws many travelers thanks to its beautiful surroundings.

The plaza is divided into “East, New East, West, New West, New East Gardon Mall, and the Food Court.” Major outlet brands are concentrated in the first four areas. Many visitors have shared that besides enjoying shopping, you can also rent a bike and ride through the tree-lined paths to take in the natural beauty of this summer retreat.