ANTIQUE & FLEA MARKETS IN TOKYO AND BEYOND

Hanazono Shrine Sale, Shinjuku

Considering Japan is such an organised and punctual place, it can be a little surprising that markets and shrine sales are often cancelled due to weather, holidays and other events, sometimes at a moment's notice.
Always call ahead (usually in Japanese), check the weather forecast and find out if there is a holiday or other reason the event is not taking place.
Vendors start packing up much earlier than the sales finish, so get there at least a couple of hours before the end to get the best experience.

Below is a list of flea markets and shrine/ temple sales I recommend, some are better than others, some are prettier and more relaxing with less vendors, some are busy and vibrant. There are lots more sales around the greater Tokyo area, but let's start with a small list.
The times below are subject to change, so don't come at me if you get there and there are no stalls!

SHRINES & TEMPLES

HANAZONO SHRINE
Weekly on Sundays
Easy access in central Shinjuku. Around 40 vendors in a lovely setting in a beautiful shrine.

Station: Shinjuku or Shinjuku San-Chome
Time: 6am-3pm

NARITASAN KAWAGOE BETSUIN HONGYOIN 'KAWAGOE ANTIQUE MARKET'
28th of every month
An antique sale in a beautiful buddhist temple in  Kawagoe which is known as 'Ko-Edo' (Little Edo).

Station: Hon Kawagoe or Kawagoe
(80 mins approx from Tokyo in Saitama)
Time: 6am-4pm

SETAGAYA BOROICHI
15-16th January/ 15-16th December every year
400 year old market in Setagaya. Go early in the morning as it gets very busy. Great prices and the widest range of antique good anywhere.

Station: Setagaya (Setagaya Line Tram from Sangenjaya)
Time: 9:00 until around 8:00 pm

MACHIDA TENMANGU
1st of every month
Station: Machida
Time: 7am-4pm

TOMIOKA HACHIMAN-GU
1st, 2nd 4th & 5th Sundays
Station: Monzen-Nakacho
Time: 6am-5pm

GOKOKUJI
2nd Saturday
Station: Gokokuji
Time: 6am-3pm

OTHER MARKETS

OEDO ANTIQUE MARKET
1st & 3rd Sunday
Station: Yurakucho
Time: 9am-4pm

OI RACECOURSE FLEA MARKET
Every weekend
Mix of antique/ vintage and newer secondhand items
Station: Oikeibajo-mae/ Tachiaigawa
Time: 9am-4pm

HEIWAJIMA ANTIQUES FAIR
5 times a year. Next Fair: 6,7,8 December 2024
Station: Ryutsu Center
Time: 10am-5pm (last entry 4pm)

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You might enjoy this video about vintage/ antique shopping at Hanazono Jinja in Shinjuku

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