Tokyo thrifting
As well as being incredibly rich in culture, a hub for unique experiences, and a foodie’s paradise, Tokyo is up there with one of the best cities in the world when it comes to shopping. More specifically, vintage shopping.
As an avid shopaholic whose idea of travel is visiting as many shops as humanly possible within my allocated time in a city, I made it my personal mission to hit as many vintage shops as I could within my five days in Tokyo last December (much to my boyfriend’s dismay).
Tokyo’s vintage shopping scene offers a diverse range of shops catering to various budgets and tastes. From chain second-hand stores like Ragtag, 2nd Street, and Bookoff, which are staples in the Japanese vintage shopping scene, to independent boutiques tucked away in hidden corners of the city, there is no shortage of spots to score some incredible finds.
So, if you’re heading to Tokyo and wondering where to bag a few bargains, find my comprehensive guide on where to explore Tokyo’s amazing vintage shopping scene below. You can thank me later.
Shimokitazawa
Ranked the world’s coolest neighbourhood by Vogue in 2014 and the seventh hippest neighbourhood in the world by Time Out in 2022, this area is a must-visit for vintage lovers.
Shimokitazawa is pretty much what I picture heaven to be: streets upon streets lined with vintage store after vintage store. One can easily lose an entire day trawling through the second-hand goods (guilty!). Not only is the shopping here next level, but the neighbourhood is brimming with cool bars and trendy places to grab a bite.
Highlights:
- New York Joe Exchange
- Florida Shimokitazawa
- Toyo Hyakkaten
- Alaska
- Flamingo
Koenji
A short train ride away from Shinjuku will whisk you away from the neon lights and drop you into Koenji, a laid-back neighbourhood known for its alternative youth culture. With its treasure trove of vintage shops, bars, and eateries that rival the likes of Shimokitazawa, it’s a great spot to spend the day. Plus, Koenji is where I scored my beloved leather jacket, so it’ll always hold a special place in my heart.
Best of all, if you’re on the hunt for a particular luxury item, Atlantis Vintage Tokyo is located on the main strip and offers a personalised shopping service, as well as a curated selection of new and pre-loved goods. The owner, Yuji, is well known for being able to locate practically anything and has earned his shop quite a reputation.
Highlights:
- Atlantis Vintage Tokyo
- Re’all
- ZOOL PURPLE
- Green Light Koenji
- BIG TIME
- Whistler
Harajuku
Harajuku stands as one of Tokyo’s most iconic and vibrant neighbourhoods, known around the world for its distinct, eclectic fashion sense. As you stroll down Takeshita St, you’ll be swept up in the eccentricity of cute shops, colourful dessert spots, and a few vintage shops dabbled here and there that are worth checking out.
But the true Harajuku vintage shopping experience lies away from the controlled chaos of this iconic street. Venture into quieter corners like Cat St where you’ll find reprieve from the hustle and bustle and find a plethora of top-tier vintage shops waiting to be explored. PS: how good are those black and red cowboy boots?!
Highlights:
- 2nd Street by Jumble Store
- Pigsty
- Meno
- Santa Monica Harajuku
- Chicago
- Ragtag Harajuku
Oi Racecourse Flea Market
Boasting over 250 vendors, this flea market is the biggest of its kind in Tokyo, taking place every weekend in the car park of Oi Racecourse. Spend the morning browsing through the selection of pre-loved clothing, handmade goods, and quirky antiques, and you’re bound to snag a unique souvenir to bring home with you.
Shibuya
Keep walking along Cat St and you’ll find yourself in Shibuya, another one of Tokyo’s more famous, buzzing neighbourhoods. Attracting swarms of people every day for its incredible shopping, dining, and nightlife, the area is also popular for the Shibuya Scramble Crossing – one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world.
Shibuya may be best known for its modern and trendy atmosphere, but don’t sleep on its vintage offerings! While it may be overshadowed by the other nearby attractions, the suburb hosts plenty of gems that are definitely well worth a visit.
Highlights:
- Casanova Vintage
- Vintage Qoo
- GRACE
- KESHIKI
- JAM
Bookoff Super Bazaar – Saitama
Want designer without the price tag? There are plenty of places littered around Tokyo selling second-hand designer goods, but if you’re on a budget, you might struggle to find something within your price range. Fear not, because a short train ride out to the suburbs can lead you to some incredible deals.
About an hour away from Shibuya by train is where you’ll find a Bookoff Super Bazaar – a mega version of the popular chain store Bookoff that’s scattered all over Japan. Here, you’ll find everything from second-hand snowboards to pre-loved clothing at low prices, and boy, is it a shopaholic’s dream.
Featuring an entire section dedicated to luxury items ranging in condition from brand new to worn, pre-loved goods from brands like Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, and Dior, are available at extremely affordable prices. I spotted plenty of designer bags priced between $200-600AUD, with some products falling under or exceeding that range.
After about three hours in this place, I finally had to pry myself away and catch the train back to my hotel and my ever-so-patient boyfriend, but I easily could’ve stayed another hour or two. Selling everything from watches and bags to clothes and jewellery, I dare you to try and leave empty-handed.
