Travel Guide: How to Get from Shinjuku to Gotemba Premium Outlets
Trip Details
- OriginShinjuku
- DestinationGotemba Premium Outlets
- Travel Time1 hour 35 minutes to 2 hours
- Recommended Stay1 day
- Best Transport ModeDirect Highway Bus
- Cheapest ModeDirect Highway Bus (approx. ¥1,800–¥2,500)
- Day Trip PossibleYes (Highly Recommended)
Travel Recommendation
Book a direct highway bus from the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (Busta Shinjuku, South Exit) operated by Fujikyu Bus or Odakyu Bus — buses depart frequently and drop you directly at the Gotemba Premium Outlets main entrance. Round-trip tickets can be booked online for slight discounts, and the journey takes about 90 minutes on non-peak days.
📍 Destination Highlights
- Gotemba Premium Outlets
- Mount Fuji Viewing Bridges
- Konohana no Yu
Transport Options Breakdown
| Transport Method | Average Duration | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Highway Bus | 1 hour 35 minutes | ¥1,800 – ¥2,500 |
| Odakyu Romancecar + Shuttle | 1 hour 55 minutes | ¥2,920 |
| Rental Car / Driving | 1 hour 15 minutes | ¥1,800 (Fuel) + ¥3,000+ Tolls |
| Local Odakyu Line + JR Train | 2 hours 15 minutes | ¥1,660 |
Direct Highway Bus
Direct
Shoppers with heavy bags seeking maximum convenience
Odakyu Romancecar + Shuttle
1 Transfer (at Gotemba Station)
Avoiding weekend highway traffic jams
Rental Car / Driving
Direct
Families and combining shopping with Fuji/Hakone touring
Local Odakyu Line + JR Train
1 Transfer (at Matsuda/Matsuda)
Budget travelers avoiding peak express surcharges
🚀 Getting There Guide
- To reach the outlets using the primary bus option, head to the 4th floor of Busta Shinjuku (Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal) and board a direct coach operated by Odakyu Highway Bus or JR Bus Tech.
- These buses depart multiple times each morning and run via the Tomei Expressway straight to the mall entrance.
- For the train option, board the Odakyu Limited Express Romancecar (Mt.
- Fuji service) from Shinjuku Station directly to Gotemba Station, then step onto the free, frequent 15-minute shuttle bus operating from the station's Otome-guchi exit.
↩️ Return Journey Guide
- For your return journey to Shinjuku, head back to the designated bus terminal located directly inside the Gotemba Premium Outlets complex.
- If you hold a direct highway bus ticket, ensure you queue at your specific scheduled platform.
- If you are returning via train, take the free shuttle back to Gotemba Station to catch the northbound Romancecar or local lines.
- Booking evening return transit well in advance is critical, as seats regularly sell out when the shops close.
🚌 Local Loop Transport Guide
- Gotemba Premium Outlets is a massive outdoor pedestrian shopping park split into three primary zones: West Zone, East Zone, and Hill Side.
- The distinct areas are linked together by wide pedestrian bridges spanning natural ravines.
- No internal transit is required inside the mall, but complimentary wheeled luggage lockers and stroller rental stations are conveniently positioned at the main welcome centers.
Suggested Day Trip Itinerary
Morning: Board an early 08:30 direct highway bus from Busta Shinjuku to beat the heavy weekend expressway traffic.
Arrive right as the gates open at 10:00, catching crisp morning views of Mount Fuji from the West Zone welcome plaza.
Afternoon: Spend your day exploring the massive selection of international luxury brands and Japanese boutiques.
Take a midday break at the food court or the indoor dining terraces for a bowl of regional Shizuoka ramen.
Evening: Drop off your shopping bags at the terminal, capture a final sunset photo of Mount Fuji's silhouette from the bridge, and board your evening express bus directly back to the neon lights of Shinjuku.
Must-Visit Attractions in Gotemba Premium Outlets
Gotemba Premium Outlets
Japan's flagship open-air outlet shopping center, featuring over 290 high-end international designer boutiques, sports brands, and diverse dining choices.
Mount Fuji Viewing Bridges
The expansive pedestrian footbridges linking the shopping zones offer highly celebrated, panoramic postcard views of Mount Fuji on clear days.
Konohana no Yu
A luxury day-use hot spring facility situated right next to the outlet grounds, featuring open-air baths looking out directly over the mountain scenery.
Which Option is Best For You?
🥇 First-Time Visitors
Riding the direct highway bus eliminates all multi-line transit transfers and leaves you directly at the mall's primary entrance kiosks.
📸 Photographers
Walking across the pedestrian valley bridges inside the mall provides iconic, unobstructed landscape shots framing luxury storefronts directly beneath Mount Fuji.
👨👩👧👦 Families & Strollers
A rental car or direct bus allows families to easily store heavy shopping bags and baby strollers without navigating busy commuter train platforms.
🌲 Nature Lovers
Pairing your shopping excursion with an afternoon rental car detour grants easy access to the scenic hiking trails and hot springs of nearby Hakone.
Popular Experiences in Gotemba Premium Outlets
Top-rated tours & activities — book directly with confidence
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the direct trip from Shinjuku to Gotemba Outlets covered by the Japan Rail (JR) Pass?
No, the direct highway buses and the Odakyu Romancecar are operated by private transport corporations. The standard nationwide JR Pass does not cover these fares.
How far in advance should I book my highway bus tickets?
It is highly recommended to reserve your seats online through Japan Bus Online at least 1 to 2 weeks ahead of time, especially if you plan to travel on a Saturday, Sunday, or national holiday when commuter demand spikes.