"Is Gotemba Outlet actually fun for kids?" — if that question brought you here, you're in the right place. The short answer: families with kids are actually one of the best fits for this place.
Tucked inside the sprawling grounds are two playgrounds, a merry-go-round, drop-twist thrill rides, Lego, Pokémon Store, Sanrio, and high-quality kids clothing from Miki House to Bonpoint — all at outlet prices. There's also a stroller rental, four nursing rooms, and diaper-changing stations throughout the property. With a baby? You're covered. With a 5-year-old who "needs to keep moving"? Also covered.
I've visited Gotemba Outlet with family multiple times, and what always surprises first-timers is how much ground there is to cover — and how much of it is genuinely built for kids. This guide walks you through every kid-friendly facility, store, attraction, and insider tip you'll want before you go.
What's Here for Families: A Quick Overview
- Two playgrounds — WEST ZONE (free) and HILL SIDE (free + paid attractions)
- Merry-go-round, Drop Twist thrill ride, mini train, and water cannon game at HILL SIDE
- Miki House, Bonpoint, Mezzo Piano, Polo Ralph Lauren Children, Petit Bateau — all in one trip
- Lego Store, Pokémon Store, and Sanrio side by side in the HILL SIDE / EAST area
- 4 nursing rooms, diaper-changing stations throughout, stroller rental for ¥100
- Birthday month visitors get a free sticker and special card at the Information Center
※ Facility info is subject to change. Always confirm with the official site before visiting.
Kids Clothing Brands Worth Shopping
Gotemba Outlet carries a solid lineup of kids clothing — from luxury French labels to beloved Japanese brands — all at outlet prices. It's a popular stop for families buying gifts or stocking up on quality pieces at a discount.
Miki House
Japan's go-to premium kids brand. Durable, soft, and a perennial gift pick.
Miki House is the brand Japanese parents reach for when quality matters. The fabrics are soft against baby skin and hold up wash after wash — you won't see the seams start to split after a season. At the outlet, you'll find prices noticeably lower than department stores, which makes it the top pick for baby shower gifts or a special birthday present.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Miki House |
| Zone / Unit | EAST 2035 |
| Category | Kids & Baby |
| TEL | 0550-70-1213 |
| Store page | Miki House Gotemba (official) |
Bonpoint
Parisian kids luxury at outlet prices. The go-to for milestone occasions.
Bonpoint is that Paris-born brand you'd normally walk past with wide eyes and a closed wallet. At Gotemba Outlet, the prices become more approachable — families often pick up a piece for shichi-go-san ceremonies, entrance ceremonies, or just a very special birthday outfit. The minimalist aesthetic and premium fabrics are unmistakable.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Bonpoint |
| Zone / Unit | EAST 2340 |
| Category | Kids & Baby |
| TEL | 0550-70-1950 |
| Store page | Bonpoint Gotemba (official) |
Mezzo Piano
Japan's leading girly kids brand. Pastel colors, ruffles, and serious cuteness.
Mezzo Piano is a staple for families with little girls. The pastel palette and flowy silhouettes are exactly what small kids gravitate toward, and the range runs from everyday casual to special occasion dresses. Come early during the spring graduation and entrance ceremony season — the popular dresses sell out fast.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Mezzo Piano |
| Zone / Unit | EAST 3850 |
| Category | Kids |
| TEL | 0550-82-5522 |
| Store page | Mezzo Piano Gotemba (official) |
Polo Ralph Lauren Children
Classic American style for kids. Great for matching the whole family in one stop.
Ralph Lauren's kids line carries everything from polo shirts and chinos to casual tees, all bearing that iconic polo player logo. What makes this location especially useful: the adult Ralph Lauren store is right there too, so if you're after matching family outfits, you can sort the whole thing in one go. A lot of expat families visiting Japan make this a priority stop.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Polo Ralph Lauren Children |
| Zone / Unit | EAST 2700 |
| Category | Kids |
| TEL | 0550-70-3282 |
| Store page | Polo Ralph Lauren Children Gotemba (official) |
Petit Bateau
French cotton that actually lasts. The classic baby gift that never goes wrong.
Petit Bateau's claim to fame is its cotton — specifically designed to stay soft against infant skin and survive heavy washing without going stiff or losing shape. The stripe rompers and simple bodysuits are a classic new-baby gift in both France and Japan. At outlet pricing, they're even easier to justify buying in bulk before a trip home.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Petit Bateau |
| Zone / Unit | HILL SIDE 3860 / Middle Street |
| Category | Innerwear, Kids & Baby |
| TEL | 0550-81-5227 |
| Store page | Petit Bateau Gotemba (official) |
📍 Check all kids facilities and stroller info on the official site
Toy Stores and Character Shops
Here's where the kids take over. Three major character stores are clustered close enough together that you can hit all three without retracing your steps — bring a spending budget, because the "I just want to look" phase tends to last about two minutes.
Lego Store
From Duplo to architectural sets. The display models alone are worth stopping for.
The Lego Store at Gotemba carries the full range — Duplo for the youngest kids, City and Technic for middle ages, and the larger architecture/Creator sets for serious adult fans. Inside, there are built display models that kids can stand and stare at for a surprisingly long time.
Outlet-limited sets and discounted items move quickly, so if you see something you like, grab it.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Lego |
| Zone / Unit | HILL SIDE 3765 / Middle Street |
| Category | Kids / Toys |
| TEL | 0550-70-1505 |
| Store page | Lego Gotemba (official) |
Pokémon Store
Plushies, apparel, and TCG accessories. Pokémon fans will need a time limit set before entering.
This is one of the more popular stops for international visitors, since Pokémon merchandise in Japan is often significantly different from what's available back home — and Japan-exclusive designs are everywhere. The store carries plushies, clothing, trading card accessories, stationery, and seasonal limited items. Weekends are busy, so go early if your kid is a serious collector.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Pokémon Store |
| Zone / Unit | EAST ZONE 2630 |
| Category | Lifestyle / Character Goods |
| TEL | 0120-049-725 |
| Store page | Pokémon Store Gotemba (official) |
Sanrio
Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, My Melody — all under one roof. Parents get hooked too.
Sanrio at Gotemba is more than a kids store — it's also a destination for adult collectors. The colorful in-store displays are genuinely photo-worthy, and the range covers kids stationery all the way through collaboration bags and accessories for grown-ups. If you haven't been to a Sanrio shop in Japan before, this is a good one to start with.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Sanrio |
| Zone / Unit | HILL SIDE 3855 / Middle Street |
| Category | Fashion, Kids, Bags, Accessories, Lifestyle |
| TEL | 0550-70-0160 |
| Store page | Sanrio Gotemba (official) |
Playgrounds and Kid Attractions
There are two playgrounds at Gotemba Outlet — one free climbing and equipment area in the WEST ZONE, and a more elaborate paid attraction zone at HILL SIDE. Together they give kids a legitimate reason to put the phone away for a few hours.
- WEST ZONE PLAYGROUND — Free. Slides, swings, and climbing structures.
- HILL SIDE PLAYGROUND — Free play area + 4 paid attractions (¥200–¥300 each). Mt. Fuji views on clear days.
※ Operations may pause during bad weather (strong wind, lightning, heavy rain) or scheduled maintenance.
WEST ZONE PLAYGROUND
This is the no-frills, no-cost option — slides, swings, and climbing structures in an open area within the WEST ZONE. It's perfect for burning off energy mid-shopping-trip without pulling out your wallet. Benches for parents are positioned with clear sightlines, which is the kind of detail you notice and appreciate when you've got bags in both hands.
HILL SIDE PLAYGROUND
The bigger of the two. The open, park-like layout at HILL SIDE has free play equipment plus four paid attractions. On a clear day, the Mt. Fuji view from this section is genuinely stunning — you'll find parents looking up from their phones just to take it in.
■ Gotemba Outlet Kid Hours — HILL SIDE PLAYGROUND
| Weekdays (Mar–Nov) | 10:00–18:00 |
| Weekdays (Dec–Feb) | 10:00–17:00 |
| Weekends / Busy seasons | 10:00 – until facility closing |
| Official page | HILL SIDE PLAYGROUND (official) |
※ Suspensions occur during strong wind, lightning, heavy rain, or safety inspections.
Merry-Go-Round
Italian-made classic carousel. Even more magical after dark when the lights come on.
This isn't a generic carnival ride — it's a beautifully crafted Italian carousel with intricate detailing on every horse. During the day it's a hit with younger kids; in the evening when the lights are lit up, it becomes one of the most photographed spots in the whole outlet. ¥300 per person. Children 5 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Drop Twist
Free-fall + rotation. An Italian-made tower ride found nowhere else in Japan.
This one's for the brave. The Drop Twist combines a sudden freefall with a spin, and it's the only Italian-made version of this ride in Japan. Not available for children under 105cm in height — smaller kids can watch from the sidelines while older siblings (and parents who are up for it) take the plunge. ¥300 per person.
Kentucky Express (ケンタッキー号)
A tiny train that loops through the grounds. Always a hit with the youngest visitors.
If your toddler is already done with shopping but you've got more stores to cover, send them on the Kentucky Express first. The colorful little steam-engine train rolls slowly through the HILL SIDE area, and it's exactly the kind of simple ride that makes small kids light up. ¥200 per person. Young children must be accompanied by an adult.
Aqua Blaster
Squirt-gun target game. A crowd-pleaser on hot summer days — expect to get slightly wet.
A surprisingly addictive water cannon game where you aim at castle-shaped targets. Simple concept, but kids (and adults) end up feeding coins in longer than expected. ¥200 per person. On hot summer days, the light mist from near the targets is half the appeal.
Where to Eat with Kids
Covering the whole property takes energy — and so does keeping kids fed and happy on the go. Fortunately the food options here are genuinely good, with over 30 restaurants and a well-stocked food court that handles everyone's preferences at the same table.
The Food Court: Easiest Option for Families
The food court is the most family-friendly setup on the property — Japanese, Western, fast food, and sweets all in the same space, which means everyone can order what they want and sit together. Several stalls have kids menus. It fills up fast on weekends, so aim to arrive early or late for lunch.
Which stall is worth the line? Covers all 8 top dishes with photos, prices, and ordering tips for families.
Sawayaka Restaurant
This is the most talked-about restaurant at Gotemba Outlet — and rightfully so. Sawayaka's Genkotsu Hamburg is a Shizuoka-only experience you simply can't replicate outside the prefecture. The charcoal-grilled patty is carved tableside by your server in front of the kids, which gets a huge reaction every time. Kids menus are available.
The catch: it's always busy. On weekends, numbered tickets can run out well before noon. The single best move you can make is to grab your ticket right after parking, then go shop while you wait.
Birthday Perks and Seasonal Events
Birthday Month Benefit
Via official site
If you're visiting during your child's birthday month, stop by the Information Center first thing. Birthday visitors receive a special sticker and commemorative card — a small gesture, but it tends to land hard with kids. Several families plan their annual Gotemba visit around this perk.
Baby and Toddler Facilities
Nursing Rooms (4 Locations)
Nursing rooms are spread across all three zones, so you're never more than a short walk from one. The standout is the "mamaro" private nursing pod inside the Itadaki Terrace at HILL SIDE — it's fully enclosed, so there's zero worry about privacy.
- [WEST ZONE] Next to Bottega Veneta
- [EAST ZONE] Next to Descente
- [HILL SIDE] Next to Tully's Coffee & Tea
- [HILL SIDE] Inside Itadaki Terrace — private "mamaro" pod
※ Diaper-changing stations are available in each nursing room location.
Stroller Rental
Available at the Information Center and at several parking areas. ¥100 deposit (refunded on return). For children from 4 months up to 48 months. A lifesaver when you underestimated how far the walk between zones actually is — and it always is further than it looks on the map.
- WEST ZONE: P2 1F / Next to John Smedley
- EAST ZONE: P5 1F elevator hall / P7 SF floor / Behind Swarovski
- HILL SIDE: P4 elevator hall area
※ ¥100 rental fee, refunded on return. For children aged 4–48 months.
Coin Lockers
Lockers are available in all three zones — three locations total. With kids, bags multiply fast (snacks, changes of clothes, the Lego set that "I need to carry myself"). Stash the heavy stuff early and shop light.
Visitor Reviews: Gotemba Outlet with Kids
We came with our 4-year-old and honestly weren't sure how she'd handle a full day of shopping. Turns out we barely had to shop — she spent the whole morning at HILL SIDE Playground. The merry-go-round was her favorite, and the Mt. Fuji view from that area was something we weren't expecting. Really stunning on a clear day.
The Pokémon Store alone was worth the trip for our son. Japan-exclusive merch everywhere, and the prices are way better than what we'd find back home. We also stopped at Lego next door — didn't leave for about 45 minutes. Budget accordingly.
Came with a 6-month-old and was worried about nursing. There are four nursing rooms and the one inside Itadaki Terrace is a fully enclosed private pod — that made a huge difference. Stroller rental is ¥100 and very worth it. The whole property is much bigger than I expected.
We hit Miki House and Petit Bateau for baby gifts — prices at the outlet are noticeably lower than department stores in Tokyo. My daughter picked out her own items at Mezzo Piano which she was very serious about. Highly recommend building in more time than you think you need.
Watch the attraction costs at HILL SIDE Playground. Each ride is ¥200–¥300, and kids will want to go multiple times. We ended up spending way more there than expected. Totally worth it — but set a ride budget before you walk in, or you'll be negotiating over a merry-go-round for 20 minutes.
→ Tip: Decide on a per-child ride budget (e.g., 3 rides = ¥600–900 per kid) before entering the playground area. Coin-operated rides are easy to keep running up.
The outlet gets very busy on summer weekends. We arrived at 11am and the Sawayaka restaurant was already fully booked for the day. Parking was also backed up. If you're going on a weekend, try to get there right when it opens at 10am — it makes a real difference.
→ For parking tips and how to avoid the worst of the congestion, the parking guide here covers it in detail.
My daughter's birthday was that month, so we asked at the Information Center — and they gave her a birthday sticker set and a special card. She carried it around for the rest of the day. Such a small thing but it really made the visit feel special for her.
Summary: Family Checklist for Gotemba Outlet
- Set a per-child ride budget for HILL SIDE Playground before you arrive (rides are ¥200–¥300 each)
- Grab a Sawayaka restaurant ticket immediately after parking — they fill up fast on weekends
- Stroller rental is ¥100 at parking areas and the Information Center (ages 4–48 months)
- Nursing rooms at 4 locations; the private pod at HILL SIDE Itadaki Terrace is the best option
- Birthday month? Stop by the Information Center for a free sticker set and special card
- Lego, Pokémon Store, and Sanrio are clustered close — plan to do all three in one loop
- Arriving at opening time (10am) on weekends makes a big difference — parking, restaurants, and playgrounds are all less crowded
Gotemba Outlet is genuinely one of the better full-day family destinations in the Kanto/Shizuoka region. The combination of quality kids shopping, playgrounds, great food, and Mt. Fuji views makes it worth the trip — even if the kids spend more time at the merry-go-round than in any actual store.
Related articles to help you plan the full visit:
New to the outlet? The floor map guide covers every zone, where facilities are, and how to navigate the property without backtracking.
Which food court stall is worth the line? This guide runs through the top 8 dishes, with photos and ordering tips for each.
All parking lots are free, but some fill up fast on weekends. This guide shows which lot to aim for and how to avoid the worst congestion.
