Featuring an overwhelming selection of 290 shops offering deep discounts, Gotemba Premium Outlets in Shizuoka prefecture offers a spectacular view of Mt Fuji on a clear day. Now that there are direct buses from Shibuya, it’s even easier for you to make this a day trip from Tokyo. And you'll want to do just that on a Saturday between July 29 and August 26 to catch the special fireworks.
Called Gotemba Night 2023, the event’s free ten-minute hanabi (fireworks display) takes place after closing time at 8.10pm on July 29 as well as August 5, 12, 19 and 26. Each show, which is synchronised to music, will launch 500 shells of fireworks.
You’ll be able to enjoy the hanabi from anywhere within the outlet mall grounds. However, since the fireworks are launched from the valley between Yume no Ohashi and Kibo no Ohashi bridges, we recommend watching the show from the elevated Hill Side area. (In case of rain or strong winds, the fireworks show will be postponed to Sunday.)
Come dressed in a yukata or jinbei and you’ll receive a free handkerchief and a discount voucher for the nearby Konohananoyu onsen. You can pick up these freebies at the West Zone information centre or the Hill Side welcome centre between 10am and 8pm. You can also rent a yukata for ¥4,800 at the East Zone Etro booth.
On days of the fireworks, you’ll find food trucks at the East Zone Food Bazar, serving typical festival grub such as kakigori shaved ice desserts, candied fruit, yakisoba, and more.
On sunny days, stay on until dusk for a stunning sunset view over Mt Fuji.
For more information, see the event website (in Japanese only).
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