I’d been hearing for quite a while that the biggest outlet mall in the Kanto region had opened in Saitama. I kept meaning to check it out, and this time I needed to buy some beachwear and hiking gear -_-, so off I went.
Here’s the place.
From Ikebukuro Station you take the Seibu Ikebukuro Line about 45 minutes out to Irumashi Station, then ride the outlet bus for about another 20 minutes. The fare alone is 640 yen each way. For an outlet you can reach from the city, that’s about average. There’s a free shuttle bus on weekends, but you really have to go when it’s quiet if you want to try clothes on without queuing.
Inside
I’d heard rumors it was bigger than Gotemba Premium Outlets, but it’s about the same size. This one is on two floors, while Gotemba is split into East and West zones. I figured that with an outlet this big so close to Tokyo, I’d never need to go to Gotemba again, but that’s not quite the case. Mitsui Outlet Park doesn’t have many luxury-brand stores, and the ones it does have are nothing compared to Gotemba’s. There’s a huge range of regular stores and the prices are set low, so it was convenient for an ordinary guy like me -_- to shop, but for luxury-brand stuff I’ll definitely still go to Gotemba, even if it costs more. For reference, even at Gotemba the popular luxury items are pricier than at duty-free shops. Suits and shoes are generally cheap, but accessories are expensive. Keep that in mind when you go..
Inside
There aren’t many good places to eat inside, but unlike Gotemba it’s close to the city, so you can eat in Ikebukuro, or in Saitama like me, before heading over. There’s a Costco right next to the outlet, and soft drinks at the cafeteria by the exit are 80 yen. There are free coin lockers too, if you need them.
There’s this burger place, so if I ever go again I’ll have to drop in. (We’ll see..)
An ice cream shop that’s really popular these days.
I haven’t tried it yet so I can’t judge, but every branch was packed. It looks like ordinary ice cream to me, so maybe it’s because they serve it on a cookie.. hmm..
There were lots of fun brands and quite a few clothes in styles I liked that actually fit me, so I had a good time shopping. I’m planning to hit the beach again the day after tomorrow, and this time I’ll be fully prepared and enjoy myself. (A six-pack seems impossible this year.. I’ll definitely have one by next summer.)