Where is Gotemba Outlet?
Gotemba outlet is one of the biggest outlets in Japan located at Gotemba city of Shizuoka prefecture which is about 2 hours from the central Tokyo by trains or cars. This outlet is very big with a great variety of shops. In January of 2020, 205 shops are lined up from ordinary brands to luxury brands. Some luxury brands only sell at Gotemba outlet for outlets. This surely tells you the reason why many people always visit this Gotemba outlet. Furthermore, the outlet enlarges its scale every year that the number of shops is scheduled to be more than 300 until the spring of 2020. Hotels and resort facilities are under construction at surrounding areas. This outlet would definitely be more popular.
How to go to Gotemba Outlet?
①Train・Bus
There are some other ways. Below are examples.
(https://www.premiumoutlets.co.jp/gotemba/access/access_bus.html)
※IC stands for Interchange meaning highway entrance and exit.
・From Tokyo station
Tokyo station→Gotemba IC(Expressway bus)
Gotemba IC→Gotemba outlet(Free shuttle bus)
・From Shinjuku station
Shinjuku station→Gotemba station(Odakyu Line’s express train; Odakyu Romancecar)
Gotemba station→Gotemba outlet(Free shuttle bus)
・From Haneda Airport
Haneda Airport→Gotemba IC(Expressway bus)
Gotemba IC→Gotemba outlet(Free shuttle bus)
②Bus
Direct buses depart from main stations or spots such as Tokyo, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Shinagawa, Mishima, Hiyoshi, Tachikawa, Hakone Yumoto, and Fuji-Q Highland etc. Please check the official site for the details.
(https://www.premiumoutlets.co.jp/gotemba/access/bus/)
③Car
Near Gotemba IC and Ashigara IC.
(https://www.premiumoutlets.co.jp/gotemba/access/)
Report
So it is New Year 2020! This year must be a very important year for Japan considering the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics Games. The beginning of the year is always the best timing to turn over a new leaf!
I came to Gotemba outlet with my family by a car on January 2nd, 2020. Usually, this outlet opens at 10:00am but it opened at 9:00am this day as it is during the New Year holiday. Outlets in Japan become super crowded every New Year holidays so I left home at 8:00am with time to spare.
I also bought gifts for my parents, a scarf from ‘dunhill’ for my dad and a bag from ‘Tory Burch’ for my mom! I bought at less than half the regular prices. My parents seemed very happy and I was also happy to get the nice products at discounted price!
Summary
How did you think about Gotemba outlet? Shopping is very fun but sadly money flies away…. If you love shopping and looking for nice items at discounted prices, this Gotemba outlet is the most recommended spot. I could only introduce some stores at this page but there are more and more wonderful stores. Even it is a bit far from Tokyo, you can do a day trip and surrounding areas have sightseeing spots like Hakone. We would love you to visit here and enjoy shopping!