Where to Buy Outdoor Gear in Japan: The Complete Shopping Guide

Japan is one of the world’s premier outdoor destinations, from iconic Mt. Fuji to the Japanese Alps and Hokkaido’s vast wilderness. This strong outdoor culture has created a thriving market for high-quality gear.

For international visitors, shopping for outdoor equipment in Japan offers compelling advantages. You’ll access premium Japanese brands like Mont-bell and Snow Peak at better prices than overseas, with product lines unavailable elsewhere. Tax-free shopping saves you 10% consumption tax, making purchases significantly more affordable. Plus, you can buy gear designed for Japan’s climate and terrain, then use it immediately on your adventures.

Most importantly, buying gear in Japan means you can pack lighter for your trip. Instead of bringing bulky equipment from home, arrive with just essentials and purchase what you need locally. Whether climbing Mt. Fuji, skiing in Hokkaido, or camping in the countryside, you’ll find exactly what you need.

This guide introduces Japan’s best outdoor stores for every budget and activity, plus exclusive tourist discounts to help you save money while gearing up.

Quick Guide: Choose Your Store Based on Your Needs

Store	Best For	Selection	Locations
Alpen / Sports Depot	One-stop shopping, all levels	★★★★★ Massive	400+ stores, near major stations
Kojitusanso	Mt. Fuji climbers, mountain specialists	★★★★ Mountain-focused	90+ stores in major cities
Mont-bell	Lightweight gear, Japanese quality	★★★ Brand-specific	Major city centers
Snow Peak	Premium camping, design lovers	★★★ Design-focused	Department stores, select shops

How to Choose

Short on time or first-time visitor → Alpen Everything under one roof, near train stations, tax-free shopping plus exclusive tourist coupons.

Climbing Mt. Fuji or serious hiking → Kojitusanso Mountain specialists with expert staff who advise on your specific route and experience.

Lightweight gear or Japanese brand fan → Mont-bell Japan’s most trusted outdoor brand, known for compact, high-performance equipment.

Premium camping gear → Snow Peak High-end Japanese camping equipment with lifetime warranty and beautiful design.

Alpen & Sports Depot: Japan’s Largest Outdoor Megastore

Why Alpen is Perfect for Tourists

Alpen and its sister brand Sports Depot should top your list for outdoor gear shopping in Japan. With 400+ stores nationwide, Alpen is Japan’s largest outdoor and sports retailer, offering unmatched selection spanning hiking, camping, winter sports, and travel gear.

Alpen’s accessibility particularly appeals to tourists. Flagship stores in Tokyo (Shinjuku), Nagoya (Sakae), Osaka, and Fukuoka sit near major train stations. Alpen Tokyo is just one minute from Shinjuku Station’s east exit—perfect for combining with sightseeing.

Step inside and the scale impresses. Alpen Tokyo houses 350,000 items across 10 floors. Whether gearing up for Mt. Fuji, preparing for Hokkaido winter sports, or seeking travel luggage, Alpen covers it all. Stores carry budget basics to premium brands like The North Face, Patagonia, and Snow Peak.

Alpen fully supports tax-free shopping for international visitors. Combined with exclusive tourist coupons, you can save up to 15%—significant savings on higher-ticket items.

More Than Just a Store

Alpen’s flagship stores are experiential destinations. The tent display area features 250+ models set up to walk through. In-store running tracks let you test footwear by actually walking or jogging.

Many locations offer 3D foot scanning services analyzing your foot shape to recommend optimal shoes—invaluable for hiking boots you’ll wear for hours.

What You’ll Find: Essential Categories

Mountain & Hiking Gear Boots and shoes from lightweight trail runners to mountaineering boots. Brands include Salomon, Merrell, Keen, La Sportiva, Scarpa, and Lowa. Trekking poles in aluminum and carbon fiber. Rain gear from The North Face, Patagonia, Marmot, and Mont-bell. Backpacks (20-70L) from Gregory, Osprey, Deuter, and Karrimor. Headlamps, base layers, and all essentials for Mt. Fuji climbers.

Technical Outerwear Packable rain shells to expedition-grade insulated jackets. Alpen’s house brand Tigora offers reliable performance at accessible prices, while premium options include Arc’teryx, Mammut, and Mountain Hardwear. Outerwear is organized by activity type for easy selection.

Camping Equipment Tents from solo to family-sized (Coleman, Snow Peak, The North Face, MSR). Sleeping bags in down and synthetic. Complete cooking systems, lanterns, chairs, and tables. The tent display area lets you compare models side-by-side.

Winter Sports Ski and snowboard apparel, gloves, goggles, boots. Flagship stores dedicate entire floors to winter sports with expert fitting services.

Travel Essentials Luggage, backpacks, packing cubes, and travel accessories useful beyond outdoor sports.

Flagship Store Locations

Alpen TOKYO (Shinjuku)

• • 1-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station East Exit

• • Weekdays 11:00-22:00, Weekends/Holidays 10:00-22:00

• • 10 floors, 350,000 items, Japan’s largest outdoor store

Alpen NAGOYA (Sakae)

• • 7-minute walk from Sakae Station

• • 300,000 items, tent display area

Alpen FUKUOKA (Canal City)

• • 10-minute walk from JR Hakata Station

• • Inside popular Canal City shopping complex

Additional large stores in Osaka, Sapporo, Sendai, and nationwide.

Save Up to 15% at Alpen

Alpen offers tax-free shopping (10% off) for international tourists. Exclusive tourist coupons provide additional savings.

💰 Save Up to 15%: Tax-Free + Coupon

Examples:

• • ¥30,000 hiking boots → Save ¥4,500

• • ¥50,000 tent → Save ¥7,500

👉 [Download Your Alpen Coupon Here]

Show the coupon at checkout—processed with tax-free paperwork.

 

Alpen is Best For:

• • ✅ Time-limited travelers needing one-stop shopping

• • ✅ Beginners wanting staff support and wide selection

• • ✅ Multi-activity travelers

• • ✅ Maximum savings seekers

• • ✅ Those wanting to try before buying

Kojitusanso: Japan’s Mountain Specialist Since 1924

About Kojitusanso

Kojitusanso (好日山荘) was founded in 1924 as Japan’s first mountaineering equipment store. With 100+ years of history and 90+ stores nationwide, it specializes exclusively in hiking, trekking, and alpine climbing, backed by expert staff.

While Alpen is a general outdoor store, Kojitusanso is a mountain specialist. If Mt. Fuji or Alps trekking is your primary goal, Kojitusanso’s specialized expertise may be your best choice.

Expert Guidance

Kojitusanso’s greatest asset is staff expertise. Many employees are experienced climbers who’ve summited Mt. Fuji, Japanese Alps, and international peaks. They provide tailored advice based on your route, weather, and experience level.

For Mt. Fuji climbers, staff ask which route, when you’re climbing, and your experience, then recommend optimal gear. Summer Fuji versus off-season requires completely different equipment—this detailed guidance is invaluable.

What You’ll Find

As a mountain specialist, inventory concentrates on hiking and climbing:

• • Hiking boots and shoes (Scarpa, La Sportiva, Salomon, Lowa)

• • Backpacks day to multi-day (Gregory, Osprey, Deuter, Karrimor)

• • Technical clothing (The North Face, Millet, Montane, Mammut)

• • Climbing gear for advanced users (harnesses, ropes, carabiners)

• • Navigation tools (maps, compasses, GPS)

Major Locations

Tokyo: Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno Osaka: Grand Front Osaka, Namba, Abeno Harukas Kyoto: AEON Mall Kyoto Nagoya: Sakae, Nagoya Station area

Rental Services

Select stores offer mountaineering equipment rentals—perfect for one-time Mt. Fuji climbers. Packages typically include boots, backpacks, rain gear, and headlamps for 2-3 days. Contact stores for details.

Save Money at Kojitusanso

Most stores offer tax-free shopping. If visiting Osaka, the Kojitusanso inside Abeno Harukas Kintetsu Department Store is noteworthy.

💰 Abeno Harukas Kintetsu Department Store Coupon

Use this coupon for outdoor gear at Kojitusanso plus other department store shopping—fashion, cosmetics, souvenirs.

👉 [Download Your Abeno Harukas Kintetsu Coupon]

Access: Directly connected to Tennoji Station (JR, Osaka Metro, Kintetsu lines)

Choose Kojitusanso if: Mt. Fuji/serious hiking is primary, you want expert advice, or need rental services. Choose Alpen if: You need multiple activity gear, want one-stop convenience, or prefer maximum tourist savings.

Mont-bell: Japan’s Lightweight Champion

About Mont-bell

Mont-bell (founded 1975) is trusted by hikers and mountaineers worldwide. The brand’s philosophy: “Light & Fast”—lightweight, compact gear without compromising performance.

Mont-bell is particularly beloved by Mt. Fuji climbers. As a Japanese brand understanding local climate and mountains, products reflect meticulous attention to conditions.

Why Mont-bell Excels

Lightweight: U.L. Down Jackets compress to water bottle size yet provide remarkable warmth—invaluable for travelers.

High Performance: Maintains excellent waterproofing, breathability, and insulation despite minimal weight.

Durability: Tested in Japan’s demanding mountains, built to last.

Value: Equivalent performance to Arc’teryx or Patagonia at more accessible prices.

Popular Products

Rain Gear: Versalite and Storm Cruiser series—lightweight yet highly waterproof. Mt. Fuji climber favorites that pack down small.

Down Jackets: U.L. Down Jackets are Mont-bell icons. Essential for Mt. Fuji’s pre-dawn summit (below freezing).

Base Layers: Wickron and Zeo-Line series offer quick-drying, odor-resistant performance.

Backpacks: Ergonomic designs from daypacks to expedition packs.

Sleeping Bags: Optimized for Japan’s climate.

Store Locations

Tokyo: Shibuya, Shinjuku, Tokyo Station Osaka: Umeda Kyoto: Kyoto Station Other cities: Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Sendai

Online store: montbell.jp/en (English support)

Mont-bell is Best For:

• • ✅ Lightweight gear enthusiasts

• • ✅ Mt. Fuji climbers

• • ✅ Japanese brand quality seekers

• • ✅ Travelers wanting packable equipment

Snow Peak: Premium Japanese Camping

Snow Peak (founded 1958) is synonymous with premium camping gear. All products are made in Japan with lifetime warranty, featuring beautiful design that appeals to campers, glampers, and design enthusiasts alike.

Signature Products: Sierra Cup (stainless steel cup, perfect souvenir), double-wall mugs, high-quality tents, and Takibi fire pits.

Where to Buy: Department stores (Isetan, Mitsukoshi, Takashimaya), Alpen flagship stores, Snow Peak shops (Shibuya, Ginza).

Best For: Premium camping gear, design focus, lifetime-quality products, family camping/glamping.

Shopping by Activity

Activity	Essential Gear	Best Store
Mt. Fuji Climbing	Hiking boots, poles, rain gear, warm layers, backpack (25-35L), headlamp	Alpen (all-in-one) or Kojitusanso (expert advice)
Winter Sports	Ski/snowboard wear, gloves, goggles, thermal underwear	Alpen (dedicated floors)
Camping	Tent, sleeping bag, cooking gear, lantern, chairs	Alpen (try tents) or Snow Peak (premium)
Travel Essentials	Lightweight backpack, packing cubes, travel towel	Alpen or Mont-bell

Money-Saving Tips

Tax-Free Shopping

International tourists get 10% tax exemption with passport. Minimum ¥5,000 purchase. Available at Alpen, Kojitusanso, department stores.

Tourist Coupons

Combine tax-free (10%) with Alpen coupon (5%) for 15% total savings.

👉 [Download Alpen Coupon Here]

Shop Flagship Stores

Widest selection, fitting services, easy comparison. Alpen Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka.

Research First

Check Amazon Japan or Rakuten for price reference, but always try on footwear and backpacks in person.

Conclusion: Your Best Choice

Best for Most Tourists: Alpen

For convenience, selection, and savings, Alpen is your best bet. Flagship stores in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka near train stations carry gear for all activities with up to 15% savings.

📍 Major Stores: Tokyo (Shinjuku), Nagoya (Sakae), Osaka, Fukuoka (Canal City)

For Specific Needs

Mt. Fuji focus → Kojitusanso (expert advice, rentals) Lightweight priority → Mont-bell (Japanese quality, packable) Premium camping → Snow Peak (design, lifetime quality)

Ready to Gear Up?

Japan’s outdoor experiences create lifelong memories. The right gear makes them safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable.

👉 [Download Your Exclusive Alpen Coupon (Tax-Free + 5% Off)]

Happy shopping, and enjoy your outdoor adventures in Japan! 🏔️