Tokyo is not only a hub of fashion and cutting-edge technology, but also home to many world-famous shopping destinations to explore. One especially interesting type of shopping spot is the flea market — a place filled with secondhand goods, handmade items, and antiques in a variety of styles. These markets are not just places to buy and sell used goods; they also showcase the creativity of both vendors and shoppers.
This time, Talon Japan has gathered 7 great flea markets in Tokyo, each offering plenty of goods, affordable prices, and easy access.
▶︎ 10 Popular Major Shopping Districts in Central Tokyo
1. Setagaya Boro-Ichi Flea Market
This is one of Tokyo's oldest and largest flea markets, with a history spanning more than 400 years. It is held just twice a year, in mid-January and mid-December. Located in the heart of Tokyo between Setagaya Station and Kamimachi Station, it features as many as 700 stalls lining both sides of the streets and alleys, which are closed to traffic during the event. Goods on sale include secondhand clothing, accessories, and decorative items, such as used kimono, yukata, obi sashes, geta (traditional sandals worn with kimono), Japanese pottery, and old books. There are also food stalls selling both savory and sweet dishes, plus stands selling cups of sweet sake so visitors can sample this famous Japanese drink.
Opening Days : January 15–16 and December 15–16 every year
Hours : 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Location : Boroichi-dori (between Setagaya Station and Kamimachi Station)
More Information : https://www.tokyo-cci.or.jp/setagaya/boroichi/
2. Oi Keibajo Flea Market
This flea market is popular among both locals and tourists, also known as the Racetrack Flea Market or the Tokyo City Flea Market. It is held in the parking area beneath Oi Keibajo (Oi Racecourse), one of the largest venues of its kind in Tokyo. With more than 600 stalls — most of them trunk-sale style and arranged in neat rows — the market is easy and comfortable to browse. The selection is wide-ranging — secondhand clothing for men and women, boots, electronics, watches, paintings, vintage furniture, handmade items, and general odds and ends — and some items are priced under ¥100. There are also plenty of food stalls and street snacks to enjoy.
Opening Days : Saturday and Sunday
Hours : 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location : Oi Racetrack, Shinagawa (a short distance from Oi Keibajo Station)
More Information : https://trx.jp/schejule
3. Mottainai Flea Market
This flea market is popular among otaku and is held at various locations around Tokyo, including Akihabara, UDX, Ikebukuro Station, and several parks (check the website below for locations and dates). With more than 100 stalls, the market specializes in anime-related goods at prices far lower than those of new items, including figures, CDs/DVDs, prizes from crane game machines, lottery items, and merchandise featuring characters like Rilakkuma, Hello Kitty, and Doraemon. There are also handmade goods, fashion items, and much more.
Opening Days : Saturday or Sunday (check the schedule and location at https://trx.jp/schejule )
Hours : 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location : Various locations around Tokyo
4. Shinjuku Mitsui Building Flea Market
Though small, this market offers a good range of interesting items. It is held at the Shinjuku Mitsui Building, a short 9-minute walk from the west exit of Shinjuku Station. Goods on sale focus on accessories in various styles and old books, along with affordable secondhand items such as clothing, home decor, and more.
Opening Days : Held once a month; in June, it takes place on Saturday the 17th and Sunday the 18th
(Check the website http://www.shinjukumitsui55info.jp/event/ for further dates)
Hours : 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Location : Shinjuku Mitsui Building, 55 Hiroba
5. Shinjuku Chuo Park Flea Market
This vintage-style flea market sits in Shinjuku Chuo Park (also known as Shinjuku Central Park), surrounded by high-rise buildings. It's easy to reach, just a 13-minute walk from the west exit of Shinjuku Station. More than 200 stalls line the park, selling mostly stylish secondhand items such as clothing, accessories, home decor, pottery, hats, handmade goods, and more. Since the market is run mostly by amateur sellers, prices are affordable and bargaining is part of the fun.
Opening Days : Every Saturday
Hours : 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location : Mizu no Hiroba Square, Shinjuku Chuo Park
More Information : http://www.jinsei-geki.com/FormMail/kaijyou-sinjyuku.html (in Japanese)
6. Oedo Kottoichi Flea Market
This is Tokyo's largest outdoor antique market, held at the Tokyo International Forum in Yurakucho, as well as at Harajuku and Yoyogi Keyaki Namiki (about a 1-minute walk from Yurakucho Station and a 5-minute walk from Tokyo Station). It's a treasure trove of antiques, including pottery, home decor, furniture, plates and bowls, ceramics, glassware, clothing, and obi sashes.
Opening Days : The first and third Sunday of every month (check the website for the schedule)
Hours : 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location : Tokyo International Forum, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku
More Information : https://www.antique-market.jp/english/
7. Yoyogi Park Flea Market
This long-running secondhand market has been operating in Tokyo for 36 years and is also known as the Free Market. It's held in Yoyogi Park in Shibuya, about a 15-minute walk from Shibuya Station. It has more than 800 small stalls, and most of the goods are fashion items such as clothing, bags, and shoes. Since many of the vendors are young, you might spot trendy Harajuku-style outfits, adding extra energy to the market atmosphere. Other items on sale include figures, CDs/DVDs, brassware, ceramics, organic products, handmade goods, and much more.
Opening Days : Saturday and Sunday (held once a month)
Hours : 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location : Yoyogi Park, Shibuya (near Shibuya Station)
More Information : http://www.yoyogipark.info/ (in Japanese)
photos by Guilhem Vellut from flickr.com/photos/o_0/13923258079 ( cc by 2.0 )