Tokyo Area Flea Markets

Jan 29, 2019

Tokyo Area Flea Markets

If you’re searching for a truly unique curio or gift for someone here around Tokyo or are looking to get a one-of-a-kind item at a really low price, then you should check out one of the many flea markets happening around the metropolis. All kinds of treasures (and a little junk) abound at these bargain-hunting street markets, from artwork and clothing to toys, games, and cookware (and sometimes the food itself!) There’s a little everything out there.

While the chance is very high that there’s a street market going on somewhere around Greater Tokyo any given weekend, for some unknown reason the month of February seems to be chock full of some pretty famous ones. So if you needed a reason to escape the comfort of your futon or kotatsu on a wintery weekend in February, here’s your chance!

Tokyo International Forum Oedo Antique Market

We will start with the biggest one in town, held in the area between Tokyo and Yurakucho stations every first and third Sunday of the month. Upwards of around 250 separate sellers are out on the street ready to hawk their wares. Since it’s near the Ginza, Marunouchi, and Shinbashi areas, there are plenty of ways to get out of the elements and take a break too.

Dates & Times: February 3・17, 9:00～16:00
Address: 3-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo
Access: Tokyo Station, Yurakucho Station, Hibiya Station
Web: https://www.antique-market.jp/english/

Yoyogi Park Keyaki-Namiki Oedo Antique Market

Usually held around the outdoor stage and pathway between NHK Broadcast Center and Yoyogi National Gymnasium, it qualifies as the second largest running flea market in Tokyo with over 150 sellers. An easy stroll to take if you’re headed between Harajuku and Shibuya as well. There’s usually food stands open here too if you’re looking for a simple snack while you bargain hunt.

Dates & Times: February 24, 8:00～16:00
Address: 2-2-1 Jinnan, Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo
Access: Harajuku Station, Meiji Jingu Mae Station [JY] [C] [F]

Aoyama Weekly Antique Market

Held on the grounds of the United Nations University, this market is a weekly event every Saturday, but depending on the season and week is bigger and sports a theme. Sometimes concurrent events such as the World Coffee Market take place at the same time too, so there’s always something to explore in this smaller venue. Plus its around the corner from Omotesando in Aoyama, so the 30 or so sellers are a bit more upscale here too.

Dates & Times: February 2・9・16・23 (every Saturday)
Address: 5-53-70, Jingumae Shibuya, Tokyo
Access: Omotesando Station [C][G][Z]
Web: http://www.thejmp.com/

Hanazono Shrine Weekly Market

The shrine nicknamed The Guardian of Shinjuku holds a pretty popular weekly antiques flea market as well every Sunday with about 30 booths hawking everything from woodcraft to stamp and coin collections. It’s pretty easy to get to as well, located just east of Kabukicho and Shinjuku station. It gets started quite early, so don’t be suprised to see plenty of bleary-eyed all-nighters passing you on the way in!

Dates & Times: February 3・10・17・24 (every Sunday), 6:30~15:30
Address: Shinjuku 5-17-3, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access: Shinjuku 3-Chome Station [C][F][M]
Web: http://www.thejmp.com/

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— By Jason L. Gatewood

Images: Copyright OpenCage, Flea market in japan, CC BY-SA 2.5
おむこさん志望, Flea market at Meiji Park, CC BY-SA 3.0