With the holidays coming up, you may be thinking of what to get for your special someone. Or if you’re heading to your home country, you may be wondering about finding the perfect souvenir. 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. So if you needed a reason to escape the comfort of your futon or kotatsu on a wintery weekend, 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: First and Third Sunday of the month, 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: TBD. Keep an eye on the website.
Address: 2-2-1 Jinnan, Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo
Access: Harajuku Station, Meiji Jingu Mae Station [JY] [C] [F]
Web: https://www.antique-market.jp/english/
Aoyama Antique Market
Held on the grounds of the United Nations University, this market is a regular event but keep on eye on the website since some weeks are bigger and more festive than others. 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: December 14
Address: 5-53-70, Jingumae Shibuya, Tokyo
Access: Omotesando Station [C][G][Z]
Web: https://aoyama-koichi.com/en/
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: Every Sunday, 6:30~15:30
Address: Shinjuku 5-17-3, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access: Shinjuku 3-Chome Station [C][F][M]
Syced, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
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