Walking up through the HILL SIDE area at Gotemba Premium Outlets, you'll spot a warm, wood-toned storefront tucked in among the other bag shops. That's Ace Bags & Luggage. If you're wondering whether the outlet prices are actually any good, or how this differs from a regular Ace store, you're not the only one -- it's one of the more common questions I see about this shop.
I walked through the store myself, and the range surprised me. Lightweight commuter bags sit next to oversized suitcases built for family trips, and everything has that careful, no-loose-threads construction you'd expect from a Japanese-made brand.
Here's what I found: the basics on the store itself, how to shop it smart, what's actually on the shelves, and what real visitors are saying.
Ace Bags & Luggage at Gotemba: The Basics
Store Info
| Brand | Ace Bags & Luggage |
| Section | HILL SIDE 4115 |
| Category | Bags & Leather Goods |
| Hours | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM, shifts seasonally |
| Phone | 0550-70-7676 |
| Website | Gotemba store page / Ace official site (Japanese) |
Getting There & Parking
Ace sits in a tucked-away corner of the HILL SIDE area, so you'll pass a handful of other bag brands on the walk up. If you're heading there on purpose, P4 parking is your best bet -- it's a multi-story lot that puts you right at HILL SIDE with a short walk. Weekends fill up fast, so aim for a morning arrival.
📍 View Ace Gotemba on Google Maps
Smart Shopping Tips
A few things I picked up from shopping here myself.
- Time it around a sale: Gotemba runs seasonal sales regularly, and Ace prices drop further on top of the usual outlet discount
- Go on a weekday: weekends get crowded with people shopping for commuter bags and suitcases -- a weekday visit means more room to actually compare
- Ask the staff: the team here knows the lineup well and can point you toward the right size or feature set for what you need
What's Actually in Stock at Ace
Ace Bags & Luggage is a Japan-born brand, and the lineup leans hard into function -- business bags, carry-ons, and full-size suitcases all built with actual travel and commuting in mind. The build quality is what stands out: light materials, smart internal organization, and a level of durability that feels distinctly Japanese-made. Alongside the core Ace line, the group's parent company also makes Proteca, a higher-end suitcase brand, though the outlet mix here leans toward everyday Ace-branded pieces rather than the premium line.
Business & Commute Bags
Most of the business bags here are built around a clean interior layout for laptops and documents, in lightweight materials that don't drag on your shoulder during a long commute.
Suitcases & Carry-Ons
Sizes range from one-night carry-ons to family-trip-sized checked luggage. Show up right when the store opens and you'll sometimes catch last season's colorways still fully stocked.
Backpacks & Casual Pieces
It's not all business-formal -- there's a decent range of backpacks and smaller casual bags too, so you can cover both your commute and your weekend with one brand.
🛍️ Browse Ace's full lineup on the official site
Is the Ace Outlet Actually Cheaper?
"What's actually different between the outlet and a regular Ace store?" is a question I get a lot. At the Gotemba location, you'll mostly find past-season staples and color variants marked down from regular retail. One reviewer mentioned picking up a travel bag at 30% off. Stock moves fast, so if you've got a specific model in mind, don't wait too long to come back for it.
The HILL SIDE area also has a few other bag and luggage shops scattered nearby, including Coach, so it's worth working them into the same walk if you want to compare brands.
Visitor Reviews
Ace has a huge range of products -- carry-ons, suitcases, business bags, all at discounted prices. Staff were great to deal with, and I had a genuinely pleasant shopping experience. Some of the staff are from overseas and speak fluent Japanese, so international customers should feel right at home here too.
The sales staff had great product knowledge and excellent service, which made me feel confident buying a suitcase. Made in Japan, good quality, and packed with useful features. Overall a satisfying purchase.
Great selection. The staff were really attentive and walked me through choosing my first bag in a way that was easy to follow.
Got my daughter a travel bag for 30% off -- great deal.
The manager at this Ace store is fantastic and always delivers top-notch service. Every time I've called with a question, they've picked up with a smile in their voice.
There were signs around the store saying 10% off everything, but when I went to buy a bag I was told items already at 50% off didn't qualify. Pretty frustrating when the sign just says "everything."
TIP: The store's owner responded to this review saying they've reviewed the signage to make it clearer and more accurate going forward. Worth double-checking with staff before you assume a posted discount applies to everything.
Came in specifically for Ace, one of my favorite brands. The store's spacious, but while I was browsing another shopper passed a little too close for comfort.
TIP: According to the owner's reply, staff have changed over since then and the team has been working on making the shopping experience more comfortable. If you'd rather avoid crowds, an opening-time visit is your best bet.
📍 Check current hours & info on the official site
FAQ
Q. Is the Ace outlet at Gotemba actually cheaper?
A. Yes. The lineup here is mostly past-season staples and color variants, marked down from regular retail. One reviewer mentioned scoring a travel bag at 30% off, and prices drop even further during Gotemba's seasonal sales.
Q. What's the difference between the outlet and a regular Ace store?
A. Outlet stores like this one carry past-season models and color variants in bulk, which is different from the current-season lineup you'd see at a regular Ace store or the official online shop. Stock turns over quickly, so if there's a specific model you want, don't wait to grab it.
Q. Are there other luggage stores near Ace at Gotemba?
A. Yes. Samsonite has its own store in the EAST ZONE (section 1170), so it's easy to compare suitcases between the two if you're outlet-hopping for luggage specifically.
Q. Is Gotemba Premium Outlets worth visiting?
A. I'd say yes, especially if you want a mix of luxury and everyday brands in one place, with a Mt. Fuji backdrop that most outlet malls can't match. It's one of the largest outlet complexes in Japan, so budget more time than you think you'll need.
Q. Gotemba or a Mitsui Outlet Park -- which is better?
A. They're run by different companies with different strengths. Gotemba (a Premium Outlets property) tends to have a denser mix of luxury and designer brands plus that Mt. Fuji view. Mitsui Outlet Parks are spread across more locations nationwide (Kisarazu, Yokohama Bayside, Osaka Kadoma, and others) and generally lean more casual and family-oriented. Ace has stores at both types of mall, so brand-wise it's not a dealbreaker either way.
Q. Is there a shuttle bus to Gotemba Premium Outlets?
A. Yes. Direct buses run from Tokyo and Shinjuku, and there's a shuttle from JR Gotemba Station too. Times and routes shift by season, so check current schedules before you go.
Q. What currency and payment methods does Gotemba Outlets accept?
A. Japanese yen is standard, but major credit cards are widely accepted throughout the mall. Look for the tax-free sticker in-store -- Ace's Gotemba location is a duty-free-eligible shop, so overseas visitors can get the consumption tax waived at checkout with a passport.
Wrap-Up
Ace Bags & Luggage at Gotemba is worth a stop if you're after lightweight, well-built bags at a real discount -- everything from commuter bags to family-sized suitcases, with the kind of construction quality you'd expect from a Japanese brand. It's tucked into the HILL SIDE area, but P4 parking gets you close, and there are enough other bag brands nearby to make it worth a dedicated stretch of your shopping day.
- Section HILL SIDE 4115, nearest parking is P4
- Mostly past-season stock, with reviewers reporting discounts around 30% off
- Staff get consistently good marks for product knowledge, which helps if it's your first time buying a suitcase or bag
Gotemba has plenty of other bag brands worth checking out on the same trip.
High-End Bag Brands
| Brand | Features |
|---|---|
| Coach | Elegant American style with refined designs and high quality. ▸ See full guide |
| J&M Davidson | British craftsmanship combining tradition and modern aesthetics. |
| Orobianco | Italian tradition meets innovation with premium leather and practical designs. |
| Furla | An Italian brand known for vibrant and elegant designs that highlight femininity. |
| See By Chloé | Youthful and modern designs that match both casual and elegant styles. |
| Loewe | Spanish heritage brand featuring premium leather and unique craftsmanship. |
| Tory Burch | Elegant yet casual designs perfect for daily use and special occasions. |
| Gianni Chiarini | An Italian brand combining traditional elegance with contemporary design. |
Casual Bag Brands
| Brand | Features |
|---|---|
| Tradies | A select shop featuring stylish and unique bags. |
| Samantha Thavasa | A popular Japanese brand known for cute designs, affordable prices, and a diverse lineup. |
Business & Travel Bag Brands
| Brand | Features |
|---|---|
| Ace Bags & Luggage | A Japanese brand offering durable and functional bags ideal for travel and commuting. ▸ See full guide |
| Briefing | Known for military-inspired designs and exceptional durability. |
| Genten | A Japanese brand featuring simple and high-quality designs using natural materials. |
| Samsonite | Known for durability and lightweight designs, perfect for travel and business trips. |
| Zero Halliburton | Stylish and durable aluminum suitcases with iconic designs. |
| Tumi | A premium brand combining durability and elegance in business bags. |
The full guide to 16 bag brands at Gotemba Outlet, with pricing tips and what makes each brand worth a look.
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