One of the three components of Japan's largest mall (Aeon Laketown), Laketown Outlet is one of the country's best outlet malls in its own right, with some 140 stores spread out over three different wings. It's easy to get to by public transit, and if you're coming from Tokyo, it takes around 50 minutes by train from either Shinjuku or Tokyo station.

Along with well-known brands like Harrod's, Tommy Hilfiger, United Arrows, and Katharine Hamnett, we also found some more surprising European brands such as Zwillig (German knives and kitchenware), Illums (Scandinavian furnishings), and Fjallraven (Swedish outdoor gear).

The outlet mall closes an hour earlier than the rest of the mall, and has its own collection of cafes, including a Starbucks branch selling discounted coffee mugs and other paraphernalia. There's also a branch of Dog Dept Cafe if you want to buy a fancy dinner for your dog.