Gotemba Premium Outlets

What to know

Gotemba Premium Outlets, Japan's most popular outlet mall, sits at the base of Mount Fuji in Gotemba City, a short distance from Hakone. The complex houses around 300 stores and restaurants, a food court, a hotel, and a public hot spring bath.

The outlet stores feature internationally recognized brands in fashion, sports, food, home goods, and electronics, ranging from everyday essentials to luxury items. While prices aren't rock-bottom, they are generally better than regular retail stores in Japan. Overall, it's a pleasant spot for a day of shopping with great variety and reasonable prices.

The mall is on the outskirts of Gotemba City, not far from Hakone. A free shuttle bus runs every 15 minutes between the mall and JR Gotemba Station, stopping at the Tomei-Gotemba IC (interchange) along the way.

Odakyu Highway Bus operates one bus every 1–2 hours from Hakone to Gotemba Station (bus line W), where you can transfer to the free shuttle. Major Hakone stops include Togendai on Lake Ashinoko (40 minutes, ¥1,080 to Gotemba) and Sengoku (25 minutes, ¥730). Buses head to Shinjuku and are covered by the Hakone Free Pass between Hakone and Gotemba.

From Hakone-Yumoto, take a Togendai-bound Hakone Tozan Bus on line T to Sengoku (25 minutes, ¥950, covered by the Hakone Free Pass), then transfer to the Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus as above.

Alternatively, Hakone Tozan Bus runs hourly direct buses from Yunessun, Gora Station, and the Gotemba Premium Outlets (bus lines S, L, and M, 45 minutes, ¥1,120 from Gora Station, covered by the Hakone Free Pass).