Gotemba Outlet during Golden Week

Hi,

I will be in Tokyo from 30 Apr to 4 May. Am planning to visit the Gotemba Factory Outlets on the Sat, 2 May which I understand is in the Golden Week. Would the factory outlet village be super crowded? And would I encounter problems on the public trains and buses to get there? Would you recommend I book a seat on the special direct shopping bus from Tokyo to the Outlets. I just don't like that it's very rigid fixed timings. Would appreciate some advice. Thanks.

Would the factory outlet village be super crowded?

Yes!

And would I encounter problems on the public trains and buses to get there?

Yes, On May 2 huge numbers of people will be leaving Tokyo, leading to traffic jams on the expressways to Gotemba. Trains will also be crowded. I imagine the regular commuter trains to be least crowded, e.g. either the Odakyu Line or the JR Tokaido Main Line.

I recommend to avoid buses due to the possible traffic jams.