2 weeks Ago By Cheryl White
Check out our recommendations on where to score that next bargain or great buy. The variety of antique and flea markets available in the city is truly amazing: you can get unique finds and it’s a great way to stretch your yen . But before you start hunting, you should be aware of the differences between a regular flea market and an antique shrine fair.
Then, check out our recommended list of various flea markets, including ones held in shrines and temples, and special annual antique and secondhand events held in and around Tokyo. Shrine/Temple Fairs As the name suggests, these fairs are usually held in the grounds of temples and shrines throughout the city. Antiques are the main attraction, but sometimes modern Japanese goods are also present: everything from vintage kimonos, one-off pottery pieces and ceramics of all types to cast iron hibachi and garden tools.
Because of their location, these fairs make a great day out, a chance to visit a famous temple and to hang around in the lovely parks and gardens that often surround the temples. Flea Markets Flea markets, on the other hand, tend to have more secondhand goods that may not fit the “antique” or “vintage” description. It’s not that these goods aren’t available at “the fleas,” but they are outnumbered by the stalls selling secondhand clothing (not all Japanese), European tableware and cheap Chinese imports like luggage and pots and pans.
The great thing about these markets is that the Japanese wares that are on sale are invariably very cheap. 7 Flea Markets & Antique Fairs in Tokyo We’ve rounded up various antique and flea markets held monthly around Tokyo, including some of my favorites. And seriously, they all have something wonderful to offer.
1. Ohi Racecourse Flea Market (Tokyo City Flea Market) One of the largest regular flea markets in Tokyo, with over 600 vendors on a good day. Find second-hand clothes, accessories, books, toys and more.
When : Most weekends (check schedule on Instagram ) Where : Ohi Racecourse, Shinagawa Admission : Free! 2. Oedo Antique Market Inspired by European street markets, this antique flea market is held in two areas throughout the year. The Tokyo International Forum Flea Market is the largest outdoor market in Tokyo.
It’s a centrally located market known for quality goods and well-curated stalls—perfect for urban treasure hunters. Yoyoji Park Flea Market is held more irregularly but is well-loved among locals and tourists alike. It offers vintage clothing, crafts and handmade goods in a relaxed park setting.
Make sure to check their official website to find out when and where the next one is held! When : Twice a month (usually first and third Sundays) Where : Tokyo International Forum, Yurakucho or Yoyogi Park, near NHK Hall Admission : Free! 3. Akasaka Antique Market in Ark Hills This elegant market is held monthly in the upscale Ark Hills complex. You’ll find European antiques, vintage jewelry and curated lifestyle goods.
When : Fourth Sunday of each month Where : Ark Hills, Akasaka Admission : Free! 4. Shinjuku Chuo Park Flea Market A casual market with a mix of handmade items, clothes and second-hand household goods. When : Selected Sundays (usually once a month) Where : Shinjuku Central Park Admission : Free! 5.
Aoyama Koichi Antique Market A European-style market focusing on the sustainable reuse of beautiful daily objects. It is co-hosted with a farmers market, so you’re sure to find some fresh new produce along with your old trinkets, too. When : Monthly (usually end of the month) Where : United Nations University Square, Shibuya Admission : Free! 6.
Old New Market This stylish outdoor market, with the theme of “old and new,” brings together a wide variety of shops selling everything from antiques from all over the world to carefully selected craft items, flowers and greenery. When : Monthly Where : Coredo Muromachi Nakadori Venue, Nihonbashi Admission : Free! 7. Chofu Flea Market Laid-back and family-friendly, with stalls selling everything from clothing to handmade crafts.
When : Monthly (No event in July or August) Where : Front of Chofu City Hall Admission : Free! 6 Shrine/Temple Flea Markets & Antique Fairs 1. Kanagawa Antiques Market This quiet, well-organized antique market is held in three different locations near Kanagawa in western Tokyo. Great for pottery and traditional tools, find anywhere between 30 to 100 stalls at Machida Tenmangu Junk and Antiques Market, Takahatafudo Gozare City Market and Musashi-Itsukaichi Folk Market.
When : Machida Tenmangu Junk and Antiques Market: 1st of every month; Takahatafudo Gozare City Market: Every third Sunday of the month; Musashi-Itsukaichi Folk Market: 5th of every month (No event in August) Where : Machida Tenmangu Shrine, Takahatafudo Temple Grounds or Itsukaichi Square Admission : Free! 2. Tomioka Hachimangu Antique Fair & Flea Market An atmospheric market held at one of Tokyo’s most important shrines, the Antique Fair and Flea Market, are technically two separate monthly events held on different days. When : Antique Fair: Monthly (usually first and second Sunday); Flea Market: 15th and 28th of each month Where : Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine, Koto-ku Admission : Free! 3.
Hanazono Shrine’s Open-Air Antique Market Browse for hidden treasures from early morning to sunset, just steps away from Shinjuku Isetan. This market is especially popular with tourists and bargain hunters alike! When : Every Sunday Where : Hanazono Shrine, Shinjuku Admission : Free! 4. Gokokuji Antique Market Held on the peaceful grounds of a historic temple, this market attracts collectors and casual browsers alike.
It is especially beautiful in April when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. When : Every second Saturday of the month Where : Gokokuji Temple, Bunkyo-ku Admission : Free! 5. Tama Antiques Market Set in a forested open-air area, the Tama Antiques Market has welcomed vintage lovers since 2002 with its charming atmosphere and carefully curated finds.
When : Fourth Sunday of each month (No event in August) Where : Tachikawa Suwa Shrine Admission : Free! 6. Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin Flea Market Perhaps my favorite market, this one asks for some dedication, as it is an 80-minute train ride from central Tokyo. But it is so worth it.
Downtown Kawagoe’s main street is lined with traditional shophouses and warehouses from the Edo period, which lend a wonderful feel to the proceedings. When : 28th of each month Where : Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin Temple, Saitama Admission : Free! 6 Annual Antique & Second-Hand Events 1. Setagaya Boroichi Held each December and January, the Setagaya Boroichi is one of Tokyo’s most beloved traditional markets, with roots dating back to 1578.
Wander through streets lined with 700+ stalls selling antiques, second-hand goods, crafts, daily necessities and nostalgic treasures. Timeless and bustling, this historic flea market is a true winter tradition and a rare chance to experience Tokyo’s living history. When : Twice a year; January and December Where : Setagaya 1-Chome “Boroichi Street” and its surrounding areas Admission : Free! 2.
Heiwajima Antique Fair First held in 1978, this antique fair is Japan’s longest-running indoor antique event—and one of its largest. With over 120 trusted dealers from across the country, this massive Tokyo-area market transforms 3,000 square meters into a treasure trove of rare folk tools, vintage finds and surprising one-of-a-kind pieces. A true “national antique pilgrimage,” each event is unique, drawing both local collectors and international visitors in search of something special.
When : Four times a year in March, May, September and December Where : Tokyo Ryutsu Center, Ota-ku Admission : Free! 3. Ariake Antique World Formerly known as the Antique Jamboree, Ariake Antique World is Japan’s largest antique fair, held twice a year at Tokyo Big Sight. Over 500 dealers from Hokkaido to Okinawa gather to showcase everything from rare collectibles and vintage toys to museum-grade antiques, swords, and small curios.
Seasonal special exhibitions—like retro black cat figurines or nostalgic Glico bonuses—add extra charm. Free antique appraisals and doll memorial services are also available. It is a must for serious collectors and casual browsers alike.
When : Twice a year; Upcoming: July 19–21, 2025; February 21-23, 2026; July 18-20, 2026; March 20-22, 2027 (Check site for updates) Where : Tokyo Big Sight, Koto-ku Admission : ¥1,000 (free for children under 12) 4. Yokohama Antique World As the largest indoor antique event in Kanagawa Prefecture, this twice-yearly market gathers top dealers from across Japan under one roof. Rain or shine, explore museum-quality pieces, rare collectibles, nostalgic toys and timeless treasures in every category.
A must-visit for antique lovers and serious collectors alike! When : Twice a year; Upcoming: June 21–22, 2025; October 12-13, 2025 Where : Marineria Exhibition Hall, Yokohama Industrial Trade Hall Admission : ¥500 (ticket valid for two days) 5. Tokyo Art & Antiques Step into Tokyo’s historic “art town” of Nihonbashi and Kyobashi, where over 150 long-established galleries and antique shops open their doors for one of Japan’s largest gallery-based art events. Held every spring, this annual event invites visitors to handle real works of art, chat with passionate curators and explore a wide range of antiques, crafts, Japanese paintings and more.
No reservation or art expertise needed—just curiosity. When : Every spring Where : The area centered on Nihonbashi and Kyobashi district in the Chuo Ward Admission : Free! 6. Super Junk Show Tokyo Since 1996, the Junk Show has been a go-to indoor market for lovers of all things retro, vintage and kitschy.
Specializing in mid-century finds from the U.S. and Europe, this curated event features everything from classic toys and funky furniture to nostalgic ads and vintage clothing.
Whether you’re a serious collector or just browsing for fun, you’ll uncover quirky gems with stories to tell. When : Twice a year; Upcoming: August 2-3, 2025; December 13-14, 2025 Where : Yokohama Trade Center Admission : ¥1,500 (discounted advance tickets usually available) Savvy Tips For Treasure Hunting On a recent flea market adventure, I was led by two extremely experienced shoppers who gave me the following pieces of advice: Take your time: start at the beginning and work steadily through the stalls and alleys. Don’t buy from the first stallholders! Their prices are higher and they will be thankful when you come back.
Take a backpack to carry your purchases. Take a drink, hat and snack, although there are food vendors and drink machines at most of the markets. Go early, as that’s when the best goods are available, but be aware that antique dealers and buyers are also looking for bargains at this time.
Haggling is fine, but be fair. The stalls and items are invariably dusty. Hand sanitizer will help.
Small change is essential if you want to strike a bargain, so be sure to have lots of ¥100 coins and only ¥1,000 notes. Delivery can usually be arranged for larger items. These markets offer a perfect mix of culture, creativity, and community.
Whether you’re looking for Edo-era ceramics or retro ‘90s streetwear, you’re bound to discover something unexpected and delightful at the locations above. This article has been updated and republished with the latest information for 2025. Please check the official websites or social media for the most up-to-date event details before attending.
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