Shopping is a popular activity for many Asian travelers visiting Japan. From world-famous luxury brands to Japanese fashion and lifestyle products, Japan offers a wide range of shopping experiences.
One great way to enjoy shopping in Japan is by visiting an outlet mall. Located across the country, these large shopping destinations offer a variety of brands, attractive prices, restaurants, and spacious facilities. Some are also located near popular sightseeing areas, making them easy to include in a Japan travel itinerary.
In this article, we introduce five popular outlet malls across Japan, along with their highlights, access information, and tips for incorporating them into your clients' travel plans.
5 Best Outlet Malls in Japan
1. Gotemba Premium Outlets (Near Mt. Fuji)
Located in Shizuoka Prefecture, Gotemba Premium Outlets is one of Japan's most popular outlet shopping destinations.
One of its biggest attractions is the spectacular view of Mt. Fuji. Visitors can enjoy shopping while taking in the beautiful scenery, making it more than just a shopping destination.
Highlights
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A wide selection of domestic and international brands
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Beautiful views of Mt. Fuji
Access
Located in Gotemba, Shizuoka Prefecture.
Recommended Tour Combination
Gotemba Premium Outlets is a great addition to itineraries covering Mt. Fuji and Hakone. It can be included as a shopping stop between Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji area, or as part of a day trip from Tokyo.
2. Mitsui Outlet Park Kisarazu (Near Tokyo)
Located in Chiba Prefecture, just outside Tokyo, Mitsui Outlet Park Kisarazu is one of Japan's largest outlet malls, featuring approximately 300 stores.
Its convenient location makes it an attractive shopping destination for travelers staying in Tokyo.
Highlights
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Approximately 300 stores offering domestic and international brands
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Restaurants and cafés for dining and relaxing
Access
Located in Kisarazu, Chiba Prefecture.
Recommended Tour Combination
Mitsui Outlet Park Kisarazu is a great addition to Tokyo-based itineraries. It can be combined with sightseeing around Tokyo Bay or included as a dedicated shopping excursion during a stay in Tokyo.
3. Rinku Premium Outlets (Near Kansai International Airport)
Located just across the bay from Kansai International Airport, Rinku Premium Outlets is a popular shopping destination in Osaka.
One of its biggest advantages is its convenient location near the airport. Visitors can enjoy shopping with views of Osaka Bay, making it a great stop before or after a flight.
Highlights
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Beautiful seaside location overlooking Osaka Bay
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A convenient location close to Kansai International Airport
Access
Located in Izumisano, Osaka Prefecture. Approximately 6 minutes on foot from Rinku-Town Station, just one train stop from Kansai International Airport.
Recommended Tour Combination
Rinku Premium Outlets is ideal for travelers arriving at or departing from Kansai International Airport. It can be included as a shopping stop on the first or last day of a trip, or combined with sightseeing around Osaka and the surrounding area.
4. Kobe-Sanda Premium Outlets (Near Kobe and Osaka)
Located in Kobe, Kobe-Sanda Premium Outlets is a popular shopping destination featuring approximately 210 stores. Inspired by the streets of Pasadena, California, the outlet offers an open-air shopping environment with a stylish American-inspired atmosphere.
Highlights
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Approximately 210 outlet stores
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Open-air shopping area inspired by Pasadena, California
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Convenient access from Kobe and Osaka
Access
Located in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. From Osaka, visitors can take a train to Sanda Station (approximately 50 minutes), followed by a local bus (approximately 20 minutes).
Recommended Tour Combination
Kobe-Sanda Premium Outlets is a great addition to itineraries covering Kobe and Osaka. It can also be combined with a visit to Arima Onsen, one of Japan's oldest hot spring resorts, making it a convenient shopping stop during a trip around the Kobe area.
5. Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza (Near Tokyo)
Located in the resort town of Nagano Prefecture, Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is a popular shopping destination surrounded by beautiful nature.
Unlike many urban shopping malls, it features spacious outdoor areas, a scenic garden, and a relaxing resort atmosphere, making it an enjoyable destination for both shopping and leisure.
Highlights
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Beautiful natural surroundings and spacious outdoor areas
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A relaxing resort atmosphere
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Convenient location right next to Karuizawa Station
Access
Located in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture. Just a 3-minute walk from the South Exit of JR Karuizawa Station, which is approximately 70 minutes from Tokyo Station by Hokuriku Shinkansen.
Recommended Tour Combination
Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is ideal for itineraries combining Tokyo with Nagano and other destinations in central Japan.
Tips for Planning Outlet Shopping Tours
1. Allow Enough Shopping Time
Most outlet malls are large, with many stores to explore. We recommend allowing approximately 2–4 hours, depending on the size of the group and their shopping interests.
2. Consider Luggage Space
Shopping bags and additional purchases can take up considerable space, especially for large groups. When arranging transportation, make sure the vehicle has sufficient luggage capacity.
3. Check Tax-Free Shopping Services
Many outlet malls have stores offering tax-free shopping for eligible international visitors. As procedures and participating stores may vary, check the latest information before visiting.
4. Plan Transportation in Advance
Some outlet malls are located outside major city centers. For group tours, consider travel time, bus parking availability, and convenient drop-off and pick-up points when arranging transportation.
Conclusion
Outlet malls offer more than just shopping. With a wide variety of brands, dining options, and convenient locations near popular sightseeing destinations, they can add an enjoyable shopping experience to many Japan travel itineraries.
Whether your clients are visiting Tokyo, exploring the Mt. Fuji area, or traveling around Osaka and beyond, there are plenty of opportunities to include outlet shopping along the way.
Consider adding one of these outlet malls to your next Japan tour!
Planning a Shopping Tour in Japan?
Looking to include outlet shopping in your clients' Japan itinerary?
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