Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza
Japan's largest outlet mall, offering designer brands in a scenic, park-like open-air setting, easily accessible from Tokyo.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better deals
Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better deals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Japan's largest outlet mall, offering designer brands in a scenic, park-like open-air setting, easily accessible from Tokyo.
"The most beautiful outlet mall in Japan, offering a relaxed shopping experience with great deals."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The plaza is huge! You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfy footwear is a must.
🚆 Direct Train Access
The plaza is adjacent to Karuizawa Station, making it super easy to reach via Shinkansen from Tokyo.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Designer Brand Bargains
Throughout the plaza
Score deals on international and Japanese luxury brands, with discounts often reaching 70% or more.
Scenic Open-Air Layout
Throughout the plaza
Enjoy shopping amidst beautiful landscaping, mountains, and even a pond, creating a relaxed park-like atmosphere.
Family & Pet-Friendly Zones
Designated areas
Kids will love the play areas and arcade, while pet owners can appreciate the dedicated dog park.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Easy Access from Tokyo
+1Plan for a Full Day
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The plaza is huge! You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfy footwear is a must.
🚆 Direct Train Access
The plaza is adjacent to Karuizawa Station, making it super easy to reach via Shinkansen from Tokyo.
💰 Look for Big Discounts
Many visitors report finding significant discounts, especially on designer items.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Amenities
Bring your furry friends! There's a dedicated dog park and the open-air setting is great for pets.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The plaza is huge! You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfy footwear is a must.
🚆 Direct Train Access
The plaza is adjacent to Karuizawa Station, making it super easy to reach via Shinkansen from Tokyo.
💰 Look for Big Discounts
Many visitors report finding significant discounts, especially on designer items.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Amenities
Bring your furry friends! There's a dedicated dog park and the open-air setting is great for pets.
🍽️ Diverse Food Courts
Explore multiple food courts offering a variety of tasty and reasonably priced options.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza for its beautiful, park-like open-air setting and convenient location next to Karuizawa Station. The vast selection of over 200 stores, including many designer brands with significant discounts, is a major draw. It's also noted for being family and pet-friendly, offering a relaxed atmosphere for a full day of shopping and leisure.
"A great spot for a relaxed day of shopping. Set against the scenic backdrop of Karuizawa’s mountains, the open-air layout and beautiful surroundings make it feel more like a leisurely park stroll than a typical mall visit. With over 200 stores, there’s a mix of high-end brands, casual wear, and local specialty shops, so there’s something for everyone.  
The plaza is conveniently located just a short walk from Karuizawa Station, making it easily accessible. The wide walkways, greenery, and even a pond in the middle create a super chill atmosphere. If you’re traveling with kids, there’s a play area that’s actually fun. And if you’re lucky, you might catch some great discounts, especially if you time your visit right. 
Visited in May and there was foggy climate and frost which add the cozy ambience. Overall, it’s a pleasant place to spend a few hours, whether you’re in the mood for shopping or just want to enjoy the relaxed vibe."
Thanapoom Wimonsopa
"A massive semi outdoor outlet in terms of the number of shops and also floor space. You'd easily spend half a day here just walking around. It's so big they even have several food courts all over the place, with many unique and tasty food at reasonable prices. Have fun hunting for deals on your favorite brand here. Located within a walking distance of less than 5 minutes from JR Karuizawa Station, just take the south exit."
Bayu Ubay
"This out was massively big… so far the best outlet I have been. Comparable to Gotemba outlet. Nice park and pet friendly."
Ivan Tan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Karuizawa Station, which takes about 70 minutes. The plaza is a short 5-minute walk from the station's south exit.
Yes, highway buses are available from major Tokyo stations like Shinjuku and Ikebukuro directly to Karuizawa.
Absolutely! It's located right next to Karuizawa Station, making it incredibly convenient to access.
Yes, driving is an option, and there is ample parking available. However, the Shinkansen is often recommended for its speed and convenience from Tokyo.
Many visitors find it to be a perfect day trip due to its easy accessibility and extensive shopping options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza itself is free. You only pay for the items you purchase.
Opening hours can vary slightly by season and store, but generally, the plaza is open from around 10 AM to 7 PM or 8 PM. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
There are no entrance fees to walk around and browse the Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza.
Yes, many stores offer tax-free shopping for eligible international visitors. Look for signs or inquire at individual shops.
While discounts are available year-round, some visitors suggest visiting towards the end of seasons or during special sale events for the deepest markdowns.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Brands
You'll find a wide range of international luxury brands like Gucci, as well as popular Japanese and casual wear brands.
Yes, in addition to international brands, there are many shops offering local Japanese products and unique souvenirs.
Yes, it's known for its selection of high-end designer outlets, with significant discounts often available.
Discounts can vary greatly, but many visitors report finding deals of 30-60% off, and sometimes even higher, up to 70% or more. +1
Absolutely! The beautiful open-air setting makes it a pleasant experience even if you're just browsing.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The plaza features multiple food courts with a variety of Japanese and international cuisine, as well as cafes and restaurants.
Yes, the food courts offer many tasty and reasonably priced meals, making it easy to find something for every budget.
While it's an outlet mall, you can often find local snacks and treats, and the surrounding Karuizawa area is known for its culinary offerings.
Yes, numerous cafes are scattered throughout the plaza, perfect for a coffee break or a sweet treat.
With its diverse food courts and restaurants, it's an excellent spot for lunch, offering plenty of choices for everyone.
📸 📸 Photography & Scenery
Yes, the plaza's open-air design, landscaping, and mountain backdrop make it very picturesque.
Look for shots with the mountain views, the central pond, and the well-maintained greenery. The illuminations in winter are also stunning.
In winter, the illuminations create a magical atmosphere. Spring and autumn offer beautiful natural colors.
Generally, you can take photos of the exterior of shops and the general plaza area. It's always polite to ask before photographing inside individual stores.
Definitely. The park-like setting is ideal for a leisurely walk and capturing beautiful moments.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🛍️ Bargain Hunters
The sheer number of stores means there's ample opportunity to hunt for bargains. Visiting on weekdays or during off-peak seasons might yield even better finds. 🐶 Pet Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Getting to Karuizawa: The Shinkansen Advantage
+1 The key advantage is that the plaza is situated immediately adjacent to Karuizawa Station, often described as being right next to it. This means you can disembark the train and be at the entrance of the shopping complex within a few minutes' walk, eliminating the need for further transportation like taxis or local buses. For those preferring bus travel, highway buses also operate from major hubs in Tokyo, such as Shinjuku and Ikebukuro, offering another convenient option.
While driving is possible and parking is available, the Shinkansen is frequently recommended for its speed, comfort, and the sheer ease of direct access to the shopping plaza, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or a relaxed stopover. Shopping Experience: Beyond the Brands
The plaza boasts over 200 stores, offering a diverse range of products. While high-end international brands are a major draw, with significant discounts reported, there's also a strong presence of casual wear, local Japanese brands, and unique specialty shops.
This variety ensures that shoppers with different tastes and budgets can find something to their liking. Seasonal Charm and Special Events
+1 The surrounding area also offers winter activities like skiing at the nearby Prince Hotel Ski Resort, making it a great destination for a winter getaway. In warmer months, the mild climate of Karuizawa makes the open-air shopping experience particularly pleasant.
The natural beauty of the area, with its greenery and mountain views, is at its peak. While not explicitly detailed in the provided content, outlet malls often host seasonal sales events, so timing your visit around major holidays or end-of-season clearances could lead to even greater savings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit