Flea markets are places where people sell old tools and clothes in town squares.
There are many opportunities to find bargains that are not available at regular stores, and flea markets are experiencing a renewed boom in Tokyo, especially among young people.
This article introduces five famous flea markets in Tokyo.
Some of them are held on Sundays, so they are recommended for those who want to stop by while sightseeing in Tokyo!
1. Akasaka Flea Market in Ark Hills
(source:Akasaka Flea Market Official Website)
Held in Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 1 minute walk from Exit 3 of "Roppongi 1-chome Station" on the Tokyo Metro Nanboku Line.
The Akasaka Flea Market is held on the fourth Sunday of every month at the Ark Karajan Plaza in the commercial complex called Ark Hills.
The Akasaka Flea Market is a fashionable flea market with antique and handmade goods, and attracts many people.
Food trucks also set up store, making it a popular date spot where visitors can enjoy a meal while browsing the stores' wares, then take a leisurely stroll around the area before heading home.
Today I went to the eve of the Akasaka Flea Market.
- (@___poetrrry) April 22, 2023
The night market was a special event to celebrate the 9th anniversary of the Akasaka Flea Market. The antiques were so beautiful at night, sparkling in the light of the lamps. The atmosphere was exciting and different from that of the daytime. I wish they would hold the night market more regularly. pic.twitter.com/ANgA53TMDI
The atmosphere is more like a European flea market than a Japanese-style flea market, and many people say they enjoy just browsing the stores.
Akasaka Flea Market in ARK HILLS is underway!
- Lakota House (@thelakotahouse) April 23, 2023
Please take a look at a few scenes from the event!#alden# Alden# Lakota House pic.twitter.com/oMuVIrzept
However, some say that there are more handmade accessories than second-hand goods, and that there are not many Japanese-style antiques, so those looking for antiques and vintage items may find the market lacking.
If you are looking for antiques or vintage items, it is a good idea to visit other flea markets that are held close by.
▼ Akasaka Flea Market
Date: 4th Sunday of every month
Location: “Ark Karajan Plaza” in Ark Hills
Hours: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Admission: Free
Official website:https://www.arkhills.com/akasaka-nominoichi/
2. Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine Antique Market
Tomioka is located in Koto-ku, Tokyo, a 3-minute walk from Monzennakacho Station on the Tozai Subway Line and Oedo Subway Line.
The Tomioka Hachimangu Antique Market held at the venerable Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine is an antique market that has been popular for many years.
Held on the first, second, fourth, and fifth Sundays of each month, the market is lined with more than 100 stores selling ceramics, kimonos, glass, toys, and other items.
Many shops sell Imari-yaki porcelain and other uniquely Japanese tableware, so it is especially recommended for those who want to buy antique Japanese goods.
Today's (Sunday, September 29) Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine Antique Market, Hanamine Kiln Art will also have a stall.
- Gen (@motoki08) September 28, 2024
Thank you for your cooperation.# Tomioka Hachimangu Antique Market # Monzennakacho # Antique Market # Flea Market #antiquemarket # Huafeng Kiln Art pic.twitter.com/p30xcmM8Gw
Note that the first Sunday of January is closed for New Year's Day, and Sundays falling on the 15th and 28th of the month are closed because the temple next door, Fukagawa Fudo-do, holds a festival on those days, The temple is closed on these days.
The market may also be closed when it falls on a festival of the shrine.
> Rakuichi Rakuza Antique Market Official Website
To the antique market at Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine
- Commander-in-Chief of the Seventh Generation Chickens @ Ominato Security Office (@don_frango) July 2, 2023
I went there.
Hot! pic.twitter.com/GDJk4ye6eH
▼ Tomioka Hachimangu Antique Market
Dates: 1st Sunday of every month (except January), 2nd Sunday, 4th Sunday, 5th Sunday
Location: Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine precincts
Hours: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
Admission: Free
Official website:https://kottou-rakuichi.com/about.html
3. Heiwajima Antique Festival
The 5th Ariake Antique World held in January
- Official - Heiwajima Antique Festival (@xbsnxqrhEjtDQk0) February 7, 2024
The Tele-Telecommunications Corporation's news program "Super J Channel," in which the interview took place, was aired on-air. pic.twitter.com/HtNBMGmELc
Located a one minute walk away from Tokyo Monorail "Ryutsu Center Station" in Heiwajima, Ota-ku, Tokyo.
Heiwajima Antique Festival is the oldest large-scale indoor antique event in Japan, held on Heiwajima, an artificial island in Tokyo.
Held once every three to four months for three consecutive days, more than 150 stores from all over the country open their stores. With hundreds of thousands of items on display, visitors have the chance to encounter rare and unusual goods and rare antiques.
Compared to other places, it takes longer to get to this event and it is held once every three months, so you have to make plans in advance, but it is popular among foreign tourists, and the event is always crowded with many people.
There are many chances to find bargains, so if you are interested in this event, please visit.
I came back to Tokyo from Kisarazu, and so today is the day of the Heiwajima Antique Market. I came here to go just in case, and I found the Taisho Era Pilot Times! The Paper Crafts World! School Supplies Times!
- Tai Michi (@tai_michi) December 9, 2023
Kya, I'm glad I came! The ads around here, very stylish. Like the pilot's Christmas design, it's a card as it is. pic.twitter.com/l7QS7MFKTy
▼ Heiwajima Antique Festival
Date: Every three to four months, held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
(Most recent schedule: Dec 6 - 8 2024, Mar 14 - 16 & May 2 - 4 & Sep 12 - 14 & Dec 5 - 7 2025, Mar 13 - 15 2026)
Location: Exhibition Hall ABCD, Tokyo Ryutsu Center Building, Heiwajima
Hours: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (Last admission at 3:00 pm on the final day)
Due to the large number of vendors coming from afar, clean-up will begin in the afternoon on Sunday. For Sundays, we recommend that visitors to go as early as possible.
Admission: Free
Official website:https://kottouichi.com/festival.html
4. Yanaka Antique Market
Yanaka Antique Market today. Tomorrow is also Yanaka Antique Market. pic.twitter.com/QcB64fdsNM
- Kazushi Yoshida (@kazushiyoshida) September 9, 2023
Located in Nishi-Nippori, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo, 3 minutes walk from JR "Nippori" station.
Yanaka Antique Market is a market where you can meet good old things in the ‘Yanaka’ area where retro streetscapes of Tokyo still remain.
The market is held once a month on Saturday and Sunday in the parking lot of a temple called Enmei-in.
The market is located near the Yanaka Ginza shopping street, also known as “to go heaven,” and is only a one-minute walk away, so it is recommended to visit the market for sightseeing purposes, such as enjoying the antique market while enjoying retro downtown Tokyo cuisine.
For the schedule, please check the official website.
> Click here for the official website of the Yanaka Antique Market
▼ Yanaka Antique Market
Dates: About once a month, held on Saturday and Sunday
Location: Parking lot of Enmei-in Temple
Hours: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Admission: Free
Official website:https://www.yanaka-antique-market.com/
5. Shibuya Flea Market
Sales Announcement]
- MAKI (@maki_flowering) March 18, 2024
We will open a booth at the "Shibuya Flea Market" this weekend!
This is the second time after last fall.
(Photo is from last time)
We are happy to be back at the antique and fashionable market!
I will also be bringing some spring pieces.
It has been a long time since I have been in the store!
Please come and visit us at ☺️
Detail ↓# Shibuya Flea Market pic.twitter.com/I0AoHuD2qL
Located in Namiheidai-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 6-minute walk from Shinsen Station on the Keio Inokashira Line, 10-minute walk from Shibuya Station on the JR and subway lines.
The Shibuya Flea Market, held at the outdoor plaza of the Bellesalle Shibuya Garden Tower, is popular among young people for its fashionable goods.
Held on the second and fourth Sundays of each month, the market features nearly 100 stores selling Japanese and Western antiques, antiques, furniture, accessories, and more.
Due to its location in Shibuya, the event is crowded with tourists and many people coming from Japan and abroad, making it easy for even beginners to participate.
Shibuya Flea Market
- mimosa (@mimosa_361) April 16, 2024
=SHIBUYA ANTIQUE MARKET = SHIBUYA ANTIQUE MARKET = SHIBUYA ANTIQUE MARKET
2024/04/14(Sun)
I went to my first Shibuya Flea Market!
Here is a collection of cute baskets and bears we met there! pic.twitter.com/cr7voVHH3Pq
There are also stores selling organic food and other food items, which is good for those who want to stop by casually.
Why not visit the event while sightseeing?
▼ Shibuya Flea Market
Dates: 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month
Location: Sumitomo Fudosan Shibuya Garden Tower (Bellesalle Shibuya Garden) outdoor plaza
Hours: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Admission: Free
Schedule of events:https://antique-leaves.com/?pid=155097601
Look for that special something in one of the flea markets in Tokyo!
As you can see, there are many flea markets in Tokyo where you can find a wide variety of antiques, kimonos, antique goods, handmade accessories, and more.
Many flea markets are held on Saturdays and Sundays and are frequented by tourists, so even if you are new to flea markets, you should definitely visit one.
You are sure to have a great chance to find some wonderful items!