• Visit the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse in Kanagawa, distinct for its European-style architecture. 
• Enjoy Canal City Hakata’s dynamic fountain show and multifaceted approach to shopping experiences.
• Relax post-shopping at Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza and its nature-centric appeal featuring a view of Mount Asama.
• Explore the many charms of DECKS Tokyo Beach with its ship-themed open terrace, year-round illumination show, and indoor entertainment facilities. 
• Bask in a gorgeous view of Mount Fuji as you shop along Gotemba Premium Outlets®’s wide variety of shops.

 

Japan is a shopper’s paradise with its wide array of shopping centers to explore. Whether you’re looking for high-end items, traditional souvenirs and trinkets, or budget-friendly goods that don’t skimp on quality, there’s a shop for you. But aside from having visitors spoiled for choice, Japanese shopping spots set themselves apart from your usual consumer hubs with charms and features that are uniquely theirs. Ready to up the ante in your Japan travel shopping experience? Here are five Japanese shopping spots that double as unforgettable sightseeing locations. 

 

1. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse in Kanagawa

 

©2022023 YOKOHAMA RED BRICK WAREHOUSE

 

Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is a former customs warehouse featuring stunning European architecture. Its two buildings were established in 1911 and 1913 respectively. It’s now a known tourist destination, made distinct by its red brick composition that stands out vividly on Yokohama’s harbor. It houses a number of shops, cafes, and restaurants, as well as event spaces where special performances are sometimes held. 

 

Within its vicinity, a picturesque view of Yokohama’s Bay Bridge and Osanbashi Pier can be seen. It’s also located a couple of minutes away from other famous Yokohama tourist spots such as Minato Mirai 21 and Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama. 

 

 

2. Canal City Hakata in Fukuoka

 

CANAL CITY HAKATA 2023 Ⓒ FJ. Entertainment Works

 

Following the concept of a ‘city theater’ where the people are the star of the story, Canal City Hakata in Fukuoka Prefecture provides a multifaceted approach to shopping and entertainment through its many shops and facilities. It has a shopping mall, a cinema, a theater, and even an amusement arcade, ready to cater to any kind of traveller and shopper. Canal City Hakata also has the Ramen Stadium on its fifth floor which features several stalls serving ramen not just from Fukuoka but also from other parts of Japan. 

 

This site has a 180-meter-long canal that curves around the buildings that make up the shopping center. It features a dynamic fountain that dances along lights and sounds for crowds to enjoy based on a daily schedule. At night, guests will also witness the mesmerising 3D projection mapping show called Canal Aqua Panorama. 

 

 

3. Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza in Nagano

 

©SEIBU REALTY SOLUTIONS INC. 

 

Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza in Nagano Prefecture is a shopping mall home to eight shopping zones, comprised of about 240 shops dedicated to branded products and souvenirs.

 

The resort-style shopping mall features outdoor green spaces called ‘Shibafu No Hiroba (English translation: Lawn Square)’ that are perfect for both kids and adults to take a breather in after enjoying a day of endless shopping, dining, and amusement. There’s also a ‘Dog Run’ area where guests can relax with their furry shopping buddies. 

 

Stunning views of abundant nature, including Mount Asama, can also be seen from this vantage point, providing guests with the perfect balance of a cityscape experience and a nature trip. 

 

 

4. DECKS Tokyo Beach in Tokyo

 

©DECKS Tokyo Beach

 

DECKS Tokyo Beach, located in Odaiba, Tokyo, is a ship-themed shopping center.  Its open wooden terrace is an amazing recreation of a ship deck which looks out into the captivating clear waters of Tokyo Bay. All over the shopping center, ocean-themed accents, murals, and decor are displayed, allowing visitors to feel like they are in an above-ground water paradise. 

 

Aside from these, full indoor entertainment facilities like amusement parks, museums dedicated to pop culture,  and other themed attractions, along with restaurants, can be found inside this shopping spot. 

 

DECKS Tokyo Beach is also one of the few places that feature year-round illumination in Japan. The lights show, titled Odaiba Illumination YAKEI, paints the Tokyo Bay night skyline with an awe-inspiring illumination display complemented by views of Odaiba’s Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower. 

 

 

5. Gotemba Premium Outlets® in Shizuoka

 

 

You won’t be able to leave without a shopping bag or two when you visit Shizuoka Prefecture’s Gotemba Premium Outlets® with their wide assortment of brands and goods. With about 290 outlet shops to navigate, this establishment usually offers exclusive shopping offers you need to watch out for to help you save as you shop.

 

Aside from shopping, this spot also offers a breathtaking view of the UNESCO-designated World Cultural Heritage site Mount Fuji, which is simply a must-see when you visit Japan. There’s also a newly opened onsen located on its grounds called Konohana No Yu, ready to welcome guests after a long day of shopping. 

 

Maximize the experience by trying out one of Gotemba’s sightseeing tours, which will take you along select tourist locations effortlessly, providing some ease to your itinerary planning. Check out more information here.

 

 

Shopping in Japan is a unique travel experience of its own. Which of these spots will complete your itinerary on your next visit? 

 

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