Let’s face it the weakening yen is a blessing for any shopaholic visiting Japan. Japan now has become a shopping destination for tourists who enjoy tax free benefit from many stores. When in Tokyo where do shopaholics go to hunt branded items at cheaper price? No better answer than factory outlets. Certain goods are worth buying, never mind the trend.
Here are famous luxury factory outlets which you can reach from Tokyo by train or bus:
Gotemba Premium Outlets
By location, Gotemba is not in Tokyo but visitors especially from Asia reluctantly skip Gotemba while staying in Tokyo or Yokohama. It takes 2 hours from Tokyo by shinkansen then JR Gotemba line or nearly 2 hours bus ride from Shinjuku or Tokyo Station and less than an hour bus ride rom Yokohama to Gotemba Premium Outlet. This factory outlet houses luxury brands such as Gucci, Prada, Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, Alexander Mac Queen, Balenciaga, Ermenegildo Zegna, Salvatore Ferragamo and many others famous brands. This is one of the largest outlets park in Japan. On a clear weather, Mount Fuji can be seen from this outlets park. Total number of shops: 210 stores. Gotemba Premium Outlets Park is close to Hakone, a popular sightseeing spot.
Getting There: by Mishima shinkansen from Tokyo Station stops at Mishima station then take Tokaido line to Numazu station, change to Gotemba line stops at Gotemba and take free shuttle bus to the outlet. Alternatively take bus from Tokyo Station or Shinjuku or Shinagawa station (bus operates once in a day, booking is needed except on holiday season).
Shisui Premium Outlets
The most convenient outlet to go to when you have few hours left in Tokyo is Shisui Narita Premium Factory Outlets Park. It is located only 15 minutes away from Narita International Airport. A total of 120 stores are located within this factory outlet like Samsonite, Michael Kors, Coach, Agnes, Banana Republic, Geox, Lego, Tempur, UGG, Rebecca Minkoff and many others. Total number of shops: 183.
Getting There: From Narita International Airport: take bus from bus stop no 30 in Terminal 1 and no 13 in Terminal 2. From JR Tokyo Station take bus to Shisui from Yaesu Exit or JR Sobu line / Narita Express, get off at JR Shisui Station then take bus to Shisui.
Mitsui Outlet Park Kisarazu
With its location closes to Haneda Airport, Kisarazu Factory outlet is a favourable shopping destination for those who have several hours to kill before leaving Tokyo. The brands available at this outlet are: Anya Hindmarch, Armani Outlet, Bally, Anna Sui, Etro, Barneys New York, Coach, Hugo Boss, Nikon, Marni and many other brands. Total number of shops: 248.
Opening hours : 10 am to 8 pm
Getting There: by bus from Haneda airport / Shinjuku / Tokyo Station to Sodegaura bus terminal then take local bus to the outlet.
Mitsui Outlet Park Makuhari
Coach, Kate Spade, Agnes, Lanvin, Nike, Adidas, Asics, Ships, New Balance, Puma and Beams are to name some of famous brands located in Mitsui Factory Outlet Park . It is located 28 – 32 minutes away by train from Tokyo Station. This Outlets Park has gained more popularity amongst travellers especially Chinese tourists. Weekend is always a crowded time in this outlet. Because of its increasing popularity, Mitsui Factory Outlet recently expanded to include famous premium brand like Samsonite Black Label, Michael Kors, Banana Republic, Gap, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour and the most famous cosmetic store Matsumoto Kityoshi. Number of stores in the site: 137.
Opening Hours: 10 am to 8 pm
Getting There: by Keiyo line from Tokyo Station stops at Kaihin Makuhari, the outlet is on the left side of the exit. From Narita / Haneda Airport by Keisei Highway Bus to Kaihin Makuhari Station
VenusFort Odaiba Outlets
By size VenusFort Odaiba Outlets Park is small in comparison to typical size of outlets parks in Japan but it is a popular shopping avenue, thanks to its strategic location in Odaiba. It is almost impossible not to walk into the outlets park while visiting Odaiba. The number of stores is only 50 in total. Samsonite, Roberto Cavalli, Marni, Moussy, Backstock, Urban Research are to name famous brands in the outlets park.
Opening Hours: 11 am to 9 pm
Getting There: From Shimbashi Station take Yurikamome line gets off at Aomi station or from Shinjuku station take JR Saikyo Line with a through service to Rinkai Line then gets off at Tokyo Teleport.
Have you ever been to any of these factory outlet yet?
