Discover Tokyo’s vibrant reuse culture and best flea markets, from the historic Setagaya Boroichi to Oi Racecourse and Yoyogi Park. Learn tips for shopping secondhand and embracing Japan’s mottainai mindset.
While it’s a fact that Tokyo is one of the most expensive cities in the world, you don’t have to break your budget in order to find worthwhile deals when it comes to apparel, accessories, trinkets, and even unique treasures. You just gotta know where to look. From bustling weekend flea markets to specialty secondhand stores and online marketplaces, Japan has subtly perfected the art of reusing items.
Rooted in the cultural mindset of mottainai (a sense of regret over waste), Tokyo’s reuse culture is something worth checking out. It goes more than just saving money – it’s about giving used objects a second life. And you’ll quickly realize that locals take good care of their belongings with the quality of the stuff you find in these stores. This guide will explore the best flea markets in Tokyo, what to expect when shopping secondhand, and how to dive into Japan’s circular economy – even from the comfort of your home.
If you’re after vintage fashion, rare vinyl records, or even a hand-carved teacup, Tokyo’s flea markets have it all. Here are some of the city’s more popular markets:
Location: Oi Racecourse – Tokyo City Flea Market, 2-1-2 Katsushima, Shinagawa, Tokyo
When: Most weekends (Saturday and Sunday) from 9 am – 2:30 pm
Why go: This is Tokyo’s biggest flea market, which takes place almost every weekend. It boasts 300-500 vendors selling an extensive selection of products. Given the super attractive prices, it’s difficult to leave empty-handed. You can find clothing and accessories, handmade goods, home decor, toys, and even rare collector’s items.
Entry fee: Free
Tip/Bonus: Arrive early to get first pick of the items. Bring cash and small bills. Nearby paid parking is available.
Official link: Instagram
Location: Yoyogi Park Zelkova Trees
When: Irregular weekends. Best to check Yoyogi Park’s official website below for updates.
Why go: If it happens, you’re lucky to find hundreds of vendors selling everything from handmade crafts to quirky household items. What’s more, the beautiful surrounding greenery makes for a relaxed shopping vibe.
Entry fee: free
Tip/Bonus: Combine your visit with a picnic at Yoyogi Park or stop by Takeshita Street for snacks.
Official link: Website
Location: Setagaya Line, near Setagaya or Kamimachi Station
When: Twice a year in January and December (the 15th and 16th of both months for 2025 and 2026) from 9 am to 8 pm
Why go: This flea market has been around since 1578 and is now officially recognized as a Tokyo Intangible Folk Cultural Property. You can find daily necessities, home items, antiques, and even plants for sale.
Entry fee: Free
Tip/Bonus: Try the daikan mochi, a freshly pounded rice cake offered on site.
Official link: Website
Location: Nogi Shrine in Akasaka, near Nogizaka Station
When: Usually held on the second Sunday of each month
Why go: This is a smaller and more curated flea market, specializing in vintage Japanese ceramics, tools, and military memorabilia.
Entry fee: Free
Tip/Bonus: Since you’ll be purchasing more fragile items like ceramic and glass, it’s recommended to be prepared with cloth and other protective packaging.
Official link: Website
Location: Heiwajima Ryutsu Center, near Ryutsu Center Station (Tokyo Monorail)
When: November 5 -7, 2025 (next schedule) from 10 am to 5 pm
Why go: This is an indoor venue packed with serious antique vendors, perfect if you’re a collector of Japanese ceramics and Meiji-era artifacts.
Entry fee: Free
Tip/Bonus: Since it’s held indoors, poor weather isn’t a problem! There’s also a “dealer time” schedule held earlier for businesses with an entry fee of ¥2,000 if you want to get first pick and purchase in bulk.
Official link: Website
Tokyo flea markets are a treasure trove for vintage clothing, from retro yukatas to haori coats and even ‘80s denim and band tees. Ceramics and tableware, whether handmade or vintage, are also quite popular, ranging from dishes and tea sets to sake cups. Of course, you can find toys and collectibles like Ghibli merchandise, capsule toys, manga, and vintage stationery that are no longer sold in regular shops.
Vinyl records and CDs can easily be found in flea markets, especially in antique-focused venues like the ones in Nogi Shrine and Heiwajima. Lastly, you might just find items that are made to last but no longer serve a function for the previous owner. Items like cast-iron pans, retro graters, and the like are looking for new homes.
Since many of the sellers at these flea markets are individuals downsizing their homes, you might stumble across one-of-a-kind pieces, some of which you might not have even known you wanted until you’ve seen them on display. The thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of a discovery are what make flea markets extra exciting.
Here’s how to do flea market shopping in Japan like a pro:
Flea markets are just one part of the much bigger reuse culture of Japan. Here are other places you can explore.
Secondhand chain stores like 2nd Street (trendy clothes, bags, and accessories), Treasure Factory (furniture, home appliances, and seasonal goods), and Hard-Off / Book-Off / Mode-Off (buy everything from books and manga to guitars, watches, and designer fashion, depending on which “Off” branch)
Online reuse options allow you to shop without having to go outside! Japan’s number one secondhand app is Mercari, which is great for clothes, electronics, baby goods, and rare finds. Sellers usually ship within 48 hours. Other options include Jimoty (ジモティー), which is the more local version of Craigslist and is best for furniture, appliances, plants, and bikes. You can even find items that you can pick up for free! Lastly, there’s Yahoo Auctions for more rare or collector’s items.
The idea of mottainai is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture and shows up in how carefully people use, donate, and repurpose their belongings. With this in mind, you’re bound to find items that look like they’re new at a fraction of their original price. Still, this doesn’t mean that the items’ value has depreciated, per se, since Japan’s reuse culture isn’t about being cheap but about being thoughtful and giving something a new purpose.
Flea markets in Tokyo aren’t just for bargain hunters – they’re windows into the city’s culture, creativity, and community spirit. Whether you’re a collector or simply curious about what you can find, Japan’s flea markets are definitely worth checking out. So grab your coins and tote bag and dive into Tokyo’s hidden treasure troves. Remember that secondhand doesn’t mean it’s second best!
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