A New Chapter in Retail and Transportation

Japan’s biggest outlet mall, Gotemba Premium Outlets in Shizuoka Prefecture, is not just expanding its retail footprint—it’s pioneering the future of urban mobility. On October 30, 2025, the site hosted a historic demonstration flight of a “flying car,” marking the first time such a vehicle has taken off from a commercial facility in Japan.

This milestone event, organized by Mitsubishi Estate, Mitsubishi Estate–Simon, and AirX, signals the dawn of a new era where shopping and next-generation transportation converge. The demonstration was more than a publicity stunt—it represented a tangible step toward making “air mobility” a part of everyday life.

Building the Sky Hub of the Future

The foundation for this transformation began earlier in May 2025, when a dedicated takeoff and landing facility—known as a vertiport—was completed at Gotemba Premium Outlets. Designed in line with Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism guidelines, the vertiport is the first of its kind in eastern Japan.

This project aligns with Mitsubishi Estate’s broader strategy to participate in the “Public-Private Council for Air Mobility Revolution,” an initiative launched in 2022. Together with Mitsubishi Estate–Simon, the company has already introduced helicopter tour services at Gotemba and Shisui Premium Outlets, establishing a foothold in aerial tourism before venturing into flying vehicles.

Meet the EH216-S: The Sky Taxi from the Future

The aircraft showcased during the demonstration was the EHang EH216-S, a two-seat electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle from the Chinese company EHang. Distributed domestically by AirX, each unit is priced at approximately 50 million yen (about USD 320,000).

Unlike conventional aircraft, the EH216-S operates without a pilot or control stick. It’s entirely autonomous—preprogrammed to follow a set route using onboard sensors and GPS systems, reducing human error and enhancing safety. Its maximum speed reaches 130 km/h, comparable to a limited express train, and it can travel up to 30 kilometers on a single charge.

Despite its power, the EH216-S operates quietly, with significantly less noise than a helicopter. Its ability to perform vertical takeoff and landing in confined spaces gives it a key advantage in urban environments, where space is at a premium.

The Historic Day: A Flight Above Gotemba

During the October 30 demonstration, crowds of onlookers gathered to witness a moment that could redefine transportation. The flying car hovered gracefully before ascending to an altitude of around 40 meters, following a pre-set route above the outlet’s newly built vertiport.

When powered on, its navigation lights—green on the right and red on the left—illuminated the sky, resembling a futuristic hybrid of drone and aircraft. Unlike helicopters, which often require diagonal takeoff and landing paths, the EH216-S lifted and descended vertically with precision.

This was the first-ever flying car demonstration at a commercial facility in Japan, marking a pivotal milestone in the nation’s air mobility journey.

Vision Beyond the Skies

Masanori Yamagishi, President of Mitsubishi Estate–Simon, emphasized the broader significance of this innovation:

“The flying car represents a once-in-a-century technological revolution. We see it as a means to solve urban issues such as traffic congestion while offering new, extraordinary experiences to our customers. We aim to contribute to both community development and the spread of this transformative technology.”

Following the event, Mitsubishi Estate announced plans to begin concrete studies for an operational air mobility network around 2028, once formal type certification for flying cars is secured. Gotemba Premium Outlets is envisioned as a future hub for sightseeing flights, inter-regional connections, and possibly even short-distance air commutes.

From Helicopter Tours to Air Mobility Experiences

Gotemba Premium Outlets already offers popular helicopter tours, many of which are booked by international tourists eager to capture aerial views of Mount Fuji. The strong performance of these services provides a glimpse into the demand for premium air experiences.

With the introduction of eVTOLs, these sightseeing tours could soon become quieter, cleaner, and more accessible. The concept of taking off from a shopping destination to soar over Mount Fuji and return in minutes feels straight out of science fiction—but it may soon be reality.

Japan’s Step Toward a Sky-Based Lifestyle

As Japan accelerates its smart mobility initiatives, the Gotemba project stands as a symbol of how commercial spaces can evolve into innovation platforms. The blend of shopping, tourism, and next-generation transport could redefine how people move, shop, and experience leisure.

If successful, Gotemba’s flying car initiative may not only change how people visit outlet malls—but also reshape how Japan approaches sustainable, efficient, and exciting modes of travel.