Many people work a healthy dose of retail therapy into their travel plans, and Japan is home to a number of outlet malls that offer a variety of stores in the one place with discounted prices. This guide covers nine different outlet malls across the country.
Gotemba Premium Outlets, Shizuoka
With over 200 stores to browse through, Shizuoka's Gotemba Premium Outlets is one of Japan's most popular outlet mall locations. One of the highlights here isn't the shopping, though – it's the incredible view of Mount Fuji you can get as you wander around on clear days.
312 Fukasawa, Gotemba, Shizuoka 412-0023
[photo id='231977']
Rinku Premium Outlets, Osaka
Conveniently located across from Kansai International Airport, Rinku Premium Outlets offers a resort-style atmosphere as you shop. The venue is home to around 250 stores, with both Japanese and international brands available.
3-28 Rinkuoraiminami, Izumisano, Osaka 598-8508
[photo id='231969']
Sano Premium Outlets, Tochigi
Tochigi's Sano Premium Outlets are only around 15 minutes by taxi from the Ashikaga Flower Park, making them a great addition to a floral-filled day out. Around 180 stores are available to choose from here, and the mall's design is said to be inspired by towns on the United States east coast.
2058 Koenacho, Sano, Tochigi 327-0822
[photo id='231970']
Tosu Premium Outlets, Saga
Like Sano Premium Outlets above, Saga's Tosu Premium Outlets also draws inspiration from the United States – but instead of the east coast, this venue has a Californian vibe with palm trees and sunny skies adding to the west coast atmosphere. For ease of access, this outlet mall has a direct bus that runs from Fukuoka's Nishitetsu Tenjin Expressway Bus Terminal, with the travel time sitting around 45 minutes.
8-1, Yayoigaoka, Tosu-Shi, Saga, 841-0005
[photo id='231971']
Toki Premium Outlets, Gifu
Surrounded by picturesque mountains, Gifu's Toki Premium Outlets also promotes ease of access via a direct bus service from Nagoya Station's Meitetsu Bus Center. The bus service only runs on weekends and holidays, but getting here via public transportation isn't too difficult – directions on how to access the venue from Chubu's Centrair Airport, Nagoya City, or Takayama can be found on their official site.
1-2, Tokigaoka, Toki-Shi, Gifu, 509-5127
[photo id='231972']
Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets, Hyogo
Modeled after the city of Pasadena in California, Hyogo's Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets is located around 30 minutes driving time from central Kobe. With 210 stores and easy access from other urban centers like Osaka, this is a much-loved destination for some retail therapy in the Kansai region.
7 Chome-3 Kozudai, Kita Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 651-1515
[photo id='231973']
Sendai Izumi Premium Outlets, Miyagi
Another outlet mall inspired by the northeast region of the United States, the Sendai Izumi Premium Outlets have great connectivity to Sendai Station, with buses to the area running every 15 to 20 minutes. The lush, parklike surroundings help to promote a relaxing shopping experience, and there are around 80 stores to explore at the venue.
6-1-1, Teraoka, Izumi-Ku, Sendai-Shi, Miyagi, 981-3297
[photo id='231974']
Ami Premium Outlets, Ibaraki
With a location in close proximity to the Ami-Higashi interchange on the Ken-O Expressway, Ibaraki's Ami Premium Outlets is one of several outlet malls in the Kanto region. This venue is incredibly close to one of Ibaraki's popular tourist spots, the Ushiku Daibutsu – it's only around 5 minutes away by car, so be sure to stop by when you're in the area.
4 Chome-１-1 Yoshiwara, Ami, Inashiki District, Ibaraki 300-1161
[photo id='231975']
Shisui Premium Outlets, Chiba
Chiba's Shisui Premium Outlets hold the title of being the closest outlet mall to Narita Airport – the venue is just a touch under 15 minutes away by cab. If you've got some additional space in your luggage when you visit in the future, the 220 stores here will certainly help to fill it up for you.
2-4-1, Iizumi, Shisui-machi, Inba-gun, Chiba, 285-0912
[photo id='231976']
