For some, the words “flea market” might conjure thoughts of people selling niche items in an unappealing atmosphere. But actually flea markets have a welcoming feel, meaning anyone can feel easy about visiting one. Lately, purchasing vintage items such as crockery and ornaments for home interiors has become popular. Vintage items and antique pieces can be quite expensive, which is why we recommend checking out flea markets. Compared to fancy shops they are reasonable, and there’s the chance of coming across rare items. For these reasons, in this post we will introduce Tokyo’s flea markets.
Yurakucho – Oedo Antique Market
Source：https://tokyobling.wordpress.com/tag/yurakucho-international-forum/
An open-air setup with over 200 sellers, Oedo Antique Market is Japan’s largest flea market. The market started on the 400th anniversary of the founding of Edo, September 2003, and runs twice per month. The market usually opens at Tokyo International Forum, with irregular meetups at Yoyogi Park.
Oedo Antique Market When: 1st and 3rd Sunday each month Where: Tokyo International Forum - Plaza / Yoyogi Park Website: https://www.antique-market.jp/
Ueno – Ueno Aozora Kottoichi
Source：https://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/aromanonnon/20555780.html
Perhaps you’ve come across this flea market on a visit to Ueno Park? Held at Shinobazu Pond, this market is said to be Japan’s longest. The market runs for 2-4 weeks at a time, depending on the season – so it’s a good idea to first check the event information.
Ueno Aozora Kottoichi When: 5 times per year Where: Shinobazu Pond, Ueno Park Website: https://www.geocities.jp/taf2505/
Monzen-nakacho – Tomiokahachimangu Kottoichi
Source: https://tomiokahachimangu.blog59.fc2.com/
The market has over 100 sellers, who offer a wide range of goods including old books, toys and Imari ware. The goods offered vary – on the first Sunday of the month the focus is on western antiques, and the second Sunday of the month is for eastern antiques. The Tomiokahachimangu Aozoraichi Flea Market is held on the 15th and 28th of every month.
Tomiokahachimangu kottoichi When: 1st & 2nd Sunday of each month Where: Inside Tomioka Hachimangu shrine grounds Website: Tomioka Hachimangu Kottoichi https://www.tomiokahachimangu.or.jp/htmls/mgyoji.html Tomiokahachimangu Aozoraichi Flea Market https://tomioka-aozora.jp/
Shinjuku – Hanazono Shrine Outdoor Antique Fair
Source：https://4travel.jp/domestic/area/kanto/tokyo/shinjuku/shinjuku/tips/11479273/?cid=icotto_presses
Rare for a flea market, Hanazono Shrine holds this one every Sunday. The market is open from early morning – 6.30, and closes at sunset – it’s nice to get up early and go have a look. Being in Shinjuku, access is great – easy on the feet. Many foreigner visitors stop by this market.
Hanazono Shrine Outdoor Antique Fair When: Every Sunday Where: Hanazono Shrine Website: https://kottou-ichi.jp/
Akasaka – Nogi-Jinja Antique Flea Market
Source：https://www.nogikotto.com/2015/03/
This market is located walking distance away from Nogizaka station on the Chiyoda line, and has a long history, being established around 1976. Items such as antique furniture, crockery, used clothing, and toys can be found lining the shrine grounds. There’s around 20-30 sellers that can be found in every nook and cranny – there’s no need to rush around as the size of the market is not too large.
Nogi-Jinja Antique Flea Market When: 4th Sunday of each month Where: Nogi Shrine grounds Website: Nogi Shrine https://www.nogijinja.or.jp/ Nogi-Jinja Antique Flea Market https://www.nogikotto.com/
Nakano – Arai-Yakushi Antique Fair
Source：https://www.fleamapket.com/listing/antique-fair-at-arai-yakushi-temple/
Along with Nogi Shrine, this is also a flea market with history. This market has a strict policy of selling used items only. You might find a piece of treasure among the stores, which are packed with items such as porcelain (esp. Imari ware), old kimonos, and fabric.
Arai-Yakushi Antique Fair When: First Sunday of each month Where: Grounds of Arai-Yakushi Website: Arai-Yakushi https://www.araiyakushi.or.jp/ Arai-Yakushi Antique Fair https://www.kottouichi.jp/araiyakusi.htm
Above we’ve introduced flea markets held in Tokyo. Do you feel like visiting one soon? If so, please check out the info available from the flea markets before heading over!
Edit & Text：deco
＜PROFILE＞
A country girl raised surrounded by animals, who moved to the big city of Tokyo. I like fashion and beauty as much as the next person, but I love manga and anime. 70% of my interests are in otaku culture.
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