20 of the Best Tokyo Flea Markets to Bargain Hunt (2023 Edition)
With dozens of flea markets dotting the city and beyond, Tokyo is a bargain hunter’s dream! Each unique Tokyo flea market forms a tantalizing treasure hunt of thrifty threads, designer fashion, rare antiques, handcrafted goods, along with books, media, souvenirs - and that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Here we’ll dive into 20 of Tokyo’s best flea markets, including some focusing on antiques and pottery and some held at gorgeous historical shrines!
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A Note About COVID-19 and Weather
Due to COVID-19, many of the following Tokyo flea markets have temporarily been cancelled, delayed, or altered. While this article paints a general picture of flea markets in Tokyo, it may not contain the latest information. We advise readers to visit official websites (linked in each section) or use other resources for confirmation prior to visiting. In addition, unless otherwise stated, you can expect most of these markets to be cancelled or postponed during bad weather. Times and dates may also be different from what is written below.
General Flea Markets in Tokyo
These Tokyo flea markets are known for their huge, ever-changing lineups catering to all kinds of demographics. Read on to find one that suits you!
Mottainai Flea Market
Mottainai is a stylish, trendy flea market held regularly across Tokyo and Kanagawa. It uses the premise of “mottainai,” a nuanced Japanese word similar to “waste not, want not,” to ensure a less wasteful and more environmentally-friendly society. In addition to used clothes, you’ll find mountains of CDs, DVDs, books, and other odds and ends. As the location and time changes throughout the year, visitors will need to keep track of the Mottainai schedule on their official website (linked below, Japanese).
Ohi Racecourse Flea Market (Tokyo City Flea Market)
Open most weekends at the Ohi Racecourse in Shinagawa, this sprawling mega-flea market is often touted as Tokyo’s best and biggest. Boasting between 300-600 vendors selling all kinds of trinkets, souvenirs, clothes, antiques, electronics, and more, this is the go-to flea market for those with a wide range of hobbies and extensive shopping lists.
Shinjuku Chuo Park Flea Market
One of the easiest flea markets to locate, the Shinjuku Chuo Park Flea Market is known for offering high-quality vintage goods at discount prices. Sitting just behind the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, shoppers can also catch some stunning free panoramas of the city along the way! Opening hours may vary, so check the schedule in advance.
Shinagawa Intercity Flea Market
If the weather is bad, but you’re still hankering for a bargain, the Shinagawa Intercity Flea Market in Shinagawa has got you covered - literally! Bursting with a huge range of products, most notably clothing and utensils, this indoor flea market is full of rewards for keen eyes. There are also pop-up nail salons, portrait sketchers, fortune tellers, and other sideshows adding to the fun. Even if you don’t find anything worthwhile, the market is encompassed by a stretch of ramen restaurants providing a fantastic selection for lunch.
Kawaii Flea Market
As its name suggests, the Kawaii Flea Market is all about the cute and adorable! Bolstered by occasional appearances by live performers and noteworthy craftspeople, this flea market is a haven for fans of the “kawaii” aesthetic. The venue alternates between Ikebukuro and Nakano-Sakaue.
Yoyogi Park Flea Market
The Yoyogi Park Flea Market is a trendy affair aimed at local youths running irregularly throughout the year. With hundreds of stalls, delicious food, and a jovial character, it’s a nice place to spend some downtime. Yoyogi Park also holds the Earth Day Market roughly once a month, which is a great chance to get some organic Fairtrade foods and handicrafts made by locals. Check the website below for dates (Japanese only).
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Akihabara Flea Market
Taking place under the railway tracks of JR Akihabara Station every weekend, the Akihabara Flea Market is known as a haven for discount otaku treasures. The lineup generally includes a swathe of cheap DVDs, blu-rays, manga, games, consoles, figurines, books, and more. Being under shelter, it will open rain or shine.
Flea Markets in Tokyo For Clothes
While almost all of Tokyo’s flea markets include clothes, those seeking an extensive wardrobe update or deep dive into vintage clothing subculture should keep an eye out for the following flea markets.
Aoyama Koichi
Aoyama Koichi is an irregular flea market event held in the fashionable Omotesando COMMUNE complex flaunting the latest trends in vintage clothing and accessories. With several significant Tokyo vintage stores participating, you’re guaranteed an encounter with something special at a decent price. There are also bags, shoes, crafts, vinyl records, books, coffee, and food.
Kawaguchi Daifurugi Matsuri
Held just outside the east exit of Kawaguchi Station in Saitama, this recycled clothes market hosts a sizable assortment of various threads at bargain prices. You can also drop off old, unsellable clothes to be donated and purchase items from charities to help support noteworthy causes.
Furugi Festival
Another trendy clothes-orientated Tokyo flea market, the Furugi Festival hosts both vendors from vintage clothing stores alongside everyday locals just wanting to declutter. It's most known for trendy leather jackets, 90’s fashion, and modern street clothes complemented by food, coffee, and a show of vintage cars and motorbikes. Admission is 300 yen.
Flea Markets in Tokyo for Antiques
If antiques are your thing, the centerpiece of your future collection can surely be found at one of the following Tokyo antique flea markets!
Setagaya Boroichi
Boasting 400+ years of history, the legendary wintertime Boroichi Market is a designated Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan and a trailblazer in Japanese flea market culture. While there’s a stellar range of clothes, electronics, and kitchenware available, the market is most celebrated for its hoards of exquisite antiques, potted plants, and Japanese ornaments. For those looking to spice up their decor or find one-of-a-kind souvenirs on the cheap, this is the place to be. It’s only held twice a year - January 15/16 and December 15/16, so plan accordingly! Due to the market’s fame and exclusivity, large crowds can result in a claustrophobic atmosphere, so do be careful. However, the market lasts all day, allowing plenty of time for leisurely browsing.
Oedo Antique Market
Japan’s largest outdoor antique market, the Oedo Antique Market near Tokyo Station bursts at the seams with a stylish lineup of retro goods to spruce up your apartment. Its impressive range of western antiques, including tea cups, cutlery, and plates, is bolstered by a collection of Japanese kimonos, tea ceremony essentials, and plenty of porcelain. There is also a sister event, known as the Oedo Kottouichi Japanese Antique Market, held irregularly in Yoyogi Park.
Heiwajima Antiques Fair
The Heiwajima Antiques Fair sees approximately 300 vendors selling traditional clothing, porcelain, lacquerware, art, furniture, souvenirs, glassware, jewelry, and more. Running just five times a year, Heiwajima is a highly-anticipated event always on the calendar of savvy antique connoisseurs.
Flea Markets in Tokyo for Pottery
While all of the above antique flea markets stock a fantastic assortment of pottery, those particularly enthusiastic about it should make note of the following:
- Yasukuni Shrine Antique Flea Market
Shrine Flea Markets
Flea markets regularly appear in several of Tokyo's most prestigious shrines and temples. Often specialising in Showa-era antiques, shoppers can leisurely browse while relishing the deeply spiritual atmosphere of the surrounding area.
Nogi Shrine Flea Market
The Nogi Shrine Flea Market sees around 20 vendors supplying used clothes, furniture, utensils, antiques, and more. Tucked away within the sightseeing mecca of Akasaka, the shrine’s welcoming atmosphere and luscious greenery allow one to thoroughly unwind away from the hectic city streets. The goods on sale here also have a strong reputation for being high-quality and authentic.
Yasukuni Shrine Antique Flea Market
Held at Yasukuni Shrine, a historic complex commemorating war victims near the Imperial Palace, this flea market is a beloved treasure trove of fascinating antiques, pottery, and kick-knacks boasting a nostalgic, retro atmosphere.
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Machida Tenmangu Antique Market
With around 130 vendors, the monthly antique fair held at Machida Tenmangu is a great way to get your hands on some discount clothes, kimono, ceramics, tableware, and other odds and ends.
Hanazono Shrine Aozora Antiques Fair
Conveniently located near Shinjuku Station, the Hanazono Shrine Aozora Antiques Fair is a small-scale flea market of about 10-20 different vendors selling high-quality used stationary, books, clothes, trinkets, antiques, and more. Enclosed by thick greenery, the shrine makes for a cool, comfortable place to unwind and escape the heat of summer.
Tomioka Hachimangu Antique Market
A historical shrine established in the 17th-century and said to be the birthplace of sumo wrestling, Tokyo’s Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine is one of the city’s most prominent sightseeing hotspots. Almost every Sunday a large flea market focused on antiques and crafts spreads out between its eye-catching vermillion structures from sunrise to sunset, inviting a relaxing, jovial atmosphere.
Gokokuji Antique Market
Originally built in 1681 and surviving the bombings of WWII, the main hall of Gokokuji Temple is Tokyo’s oldest standing wooden temple building. Within this deeply historical site is a small-scale, monthly flea market with several vendors offering a wonderful range of trinkets and souvenirs.
Takahata Fudoson Temple
Taking place on the 3rd Sunday of each month, this flea market sees roughly 120 vendors set up shop alongside the shrine road leading to the magnificent Takahata Fudoson Temple complex. With a quaint, rustic ambience reminiscent of an old-time market, it's undoubtedly worth a visit despite the distance from the Tokyo city center. The shrine grounds themselves are also stunning, with a five-story pagoda paying tribute to the sect’s founder Kobo Daishi.
Online Flea Markets For Home Shopping
With many of the events introduced in this article currently postponed or canceled, it’s a difficult time for flea markets across the globe. However, you can still get your flea market fix through online apps and websites!
Some of the most popular flea market smartphone apps and websites in Japan include:
- Jimoty
- Coconala
- Kante (for premium brand goods)
These services allow you to scour the internet for good deals while keeping in line with social distancing and quarantine protocols. They are all in Japanese and only some allow international shipping, so confirm the terms and conditions with a Japanese speaker before making any purchases.
Tokyo: A Bargain Hunter’s Paradise
The sheer range of amazing products for incredibly low prices makes Tokyo flea markets the thriftiest places for shopping in Japan! Next time you’re searching for something to do in Tokyo, use this guide aided by the latest information to discover a flea market near you - who knows what treasures await!
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The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.
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