Tokyo's Best Flea Markets For Vintage And Unique Finds

Tokyo's meticulously curated vintage stores often carry steep price tags. If you're on the hunt for a bargain, the city's flea markets are where the real excitement starts.

Flea market crowd in Shinjuku.
Credit: Toshiako Ono/a.collectionRF/Getty Images

We love vintage stores and their curated shelves, but there’s something to be said for digging through the chaos of a flea market to find a gem.

If you enjoy the thrill of hunting for second-hand treasures, Tokyo’s flea markets are where it’s at. Some have fixed locations, while others pop up in different parts of the city each weekend. They offer everything from pre-loved kimonos and Edo-period (1603–1867) antiques to artisanal crafts and seasonal treats – perfect for picking up a unique souvenir or finding some inspiration.

For the best finds, aim to arrive early. For markdown deals, show up as the stalls wind down. And don’t forget to bring cash – most vendors don’t accept cards. Keep in mind that these markets can be canceled last minute, especially due to weather, so always check official sites or social media before heading out.

MACHIDA TENMANGU ANTIQUE FAIR

Held on the first of every month (except January) at Machida Tenmangu Shrine, this open-air antique market features over 120 vendors. Expect a diverse mix of items, including vintage kimonos, porcelain, 1940s furniture, lacquerware, and carved wooden sculptures. It’s a great place to score antique home decor or even a full set of pre-loved kimonos for a steal – prices can be as low as ¥1,000 (S$8.74) for a kimono and ¥500 (S$4.37) for an obi belt, with silk kimonos going for about ¥7,000 ($61.20).

Bonus tip for students: The shrine is a popular spot for those seeking divine assistance with their studies, so be sure to offer a prayer while you’re there.

Website: http://kanagawa-antique-market.crayonsite.net/p/2/ 


HANAZONO SHRINE ANTIQUE MARKET

Just a three-minute walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station and a seven-minute walk from Shinjuku Station, this small but bustling market operates almost every Sunday – unless there’s bad weather or a festival. With around 25-30 stalls, you’ll find old books, scrolls, lacquerware, kimonos, antique coins, and even small pieces of furniture. While the market opens at sunrise and closes at sunset, most stalls begin packing up around 3pm.

Website: https://twitter.com/hanazonoantique 


OEDO ANTIQUE MARKET

For serious flea market shoppers, this one is a must. Located at Tokyo International Forum, Oedo Antique Market is Japan’s largest and oldest outdoor antique market. It’s held on the first and third Sundays of the month, featuring around 250 stalls offering everything from vintage kimonos and pottery to rare ukiyo-e woodblock prints and kokeshi dolls. If you’re lucky, you might even stumble upon an Edo-era gem hidden among the ceramics and curios.

Prices here are generally fixed (and not the cheapest), but if you’re buying multiple items from the same vendor, you can try negotiating politely. The market runs from 9am to 4pm, but may be cancelled on rainy days, so double-check before heading out.

Website: https://www.antique-market.jp/english 


OHI RACECOURSE FLEA MARKET AKA TOKYO CITY FLEA MARKET

One of Tokyo’s largest flea markets, Ohi Racecourse Flea Market (also known as Tokyo City Flea Market), hosts up to 600 vendors on busy weekends. You'll find secondhand clothes, electronics, antiques, and even fossils spread out on blue tarps or tables set up behind cars. Haggling is part of the experience here, so don’t hesitate to negotiate prices.

The market runs until 2:30pm, but vendors often start packing up around noon. On select days in November and December, it closes early at 1:30pm. Be sure to fuel up at one of the food trucks or vending machines on-site while you hunt for bargains.

Website: https://trx.jp/ 


TOKYO ROMANTIC FLEA MARKET

Held monthly in the gardens of Shibuya Garden Tower, the Tokyo Romantic Flea Market features over 100 stalls selling antiques from around the world, along with handicrafts, folk tools, fine art, flowers, organic food, and more.

Each month brings a fresh lineup of vendors, ensuring there’s always something new to discover and a unique souvenir or gift to take home.

Website: https://tokyo-romantic.com/


MOTTAINAI FLEA MARKET

True to the Japanese concept of “mottainai” (a sense of regret over waste), this market gives secondhand goods a new lease on life. Expect to find affordable clothing, DVDs, books, and various knick-knacks laid out on tarps. Haggling is encouraged, so don’t be shy about bargaining. While the market officially runs from 10am to 4pm, many vendors may pack up early, depending on sales. Since the market moves around Tokyo, be sure to check their website for the next location.

Website: http://www.mottainai.info/jp/event/fleama/calendar/ 


SHINJUKU CHUO PARK FLEA MARKET

Located in Shinjuku Central Park and surrounded by towering skyscrapers, this flea market features around 200 stalls run by amateur vendors. It has a relaxed, laid-back vibe, with plenty of pre-loved clothing, including kimonos and kidswear.

The market operates one to three times a month, mostly during the summer, making it an easy stop if you’re in the area. You can also visit the nearby Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, known for its free observation deck offering panoramic views of the city.

Website: http://www.frma.jp/sinzyuku.html 


KAWAII FLEA MARKET

Usually held in Ikebukuro or Nakano, the Kawaii Flea Market may cater to ladies, but there’s something for everyone here. Expect to find pre-loved clothing, quirky crafts, and, as the name suggests, plenty of “kawaii” knick-knacks. On a good day, you might also discover independent artists and craftspeople showcasing their unique creations, or even enjoy live performances.

Keep in mind that it’s a smaller event, so it can be quieter than expected, and stalls may pack up early if traffic is light.

Website: https://souq.jp/ 


NOMI NO ICHI ANTIQUE MARKET

Held twice a year, typically in May and November, Nomi no Ichi is a must-visit for vintage and antique lovers. This autumn, it will take place at Showa Memorial Park, featuring over 100 vendors selling handpicked antiques from around the world. You’ll also discover Scandinavian-themed goods, crafts, flowers, artisanal food, and more.

Beyond shopping, the multi-day event offers workshops, live music from Japanese artists, and comedy performances, contributing to the lively festival atmosphere. Tickets are ¥1,500 (S$13.10) in advance or ¥2,000 (S$17.50) at the door.

Website: https://tokyonominoichi.com/


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