I am not a fan of shopping on holidays. I don’t care how ‘unmissable’ the luxury brands on the Champs-Élysées are (or—gasp—even how good the French skincare is at City Pharma!), the high-street gems in London hold very little hold over me, and even the promise of a hefty VAT refund or more affordable Flamencos at the Loewe stores across Spain have little influence on my schedule. While I may pay a visit to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, it’s primarily for the vibes and architecture, respectively. I simply have never been able to reconcile the opportunity cost associated with shopping on holiday (i.e. time taken away from seeing other things) with the potential spoils (squishy Flamencos! Bargain Homeoplasmine! Even carved silver bangles!), particularly in a largely globalised society where most things are available (albeit at a potentially higher price) online. However, there is one exception to the rule. Namely, vintage shopping in Japan.
Even competing with the breathtaking natural beauty of Mount Fuji, the traditional charm of Kyoto, the skiing in Hokkaido and Niseko, the culinary scene and nightlife of Osaka, and vibrant, well…everything of Tokyo, the vintage shopping scene in Japan makes a solid case for carving out at least a few hours—if not more—in your schedule.
Japan has more vintage shops than any other country in the world, and it’s not just the high concentration of stores that make it an appealing place to scout out pre-owned designer gems — Japan has strict laws in place to safeguard intellectual property rights, with the selling of counterfeit goods illegal and resulting in consequences like fines and even imprisonment. For that reason, it’s often considered easier to buy authentic vintage goods such as designer handbags and watches in Japan.
That said, it’s not just pre-owned luxury goods that are worth shopping for in Japan. The vintage shopping scene in Japan is also a mecca for those looking for characterful and unique pieces and items with historical significance.
The vintage shopping scene in Japan has something for everyone. What’s more is, it’s not solely limited to the capital of Tokyo, with Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe also boasting strong vintage shopping options. But, with increased choice comes increased confusion — the sheer volume of vintage shops in Japan can make it difficult to navigate. So, here’s our guide to vintage shopping in Japan with ease.
Tips for vintage shopping in Japan
Understand the difference between consignment and thrifting
In the western world, vintage shopping is often associated with thrifting. However, the vintage shopping scene in Japan is primarily comprised of consignment stores rather than thrift stores. While this means that you’re unlikely to find a bargain basement-priced designer needle in a haystack of suburban miscellania, the upside to this is that the overall quality of goods on sale is higher and it’s possible to find pre-owned luxury handbags and clothing in a wide range of stores. As most vintage stores in Japan know the value of their wares, expect pre-owned luxury goods to be affordable and reasonably priced, but not marked down to almost nothing (i.e. around 30-60% off the retail price, rather than 90%).
Don’t discount larger chain stores
In the same vein as the appeal of thrift shopping for the chance of finding a needle in a haystack, there can be a perception that smaller is better when it comes to vintage stores. However, vintage shopping is serious business in Japan, with many large retail outlets dedicated to selling pre-owned wares. While there certainly are independent vintage stores, don’t overlook the larger chains, which tend to have the best variety of handbags, watches, clothing, and even homeware.
Consider adding Bookoff, Komehyo, Brand Off, Ragtag, Brand Collect, Vintage Qoo, Amore, Casanova Vintage, and 2nd Street to your hit list. Amore is a must-visit for Chanel lovers, with the entire store dedicated to vintage handbags by the luxury French fashion house. Meanwhile, Casanova Vintage has hordes of rare designer handbags, including Hermès Birkins, discontinued Chanel styles, and a plethora of Louis Vuitton.
For budding horologists, a visit to the Komehyo store in Shinjuku is a must — the entire location is dedicated to watches.
Venture outside of Tokyo for better prices
While there’s no shortage of vintage stores in Tokyo, you’re likely to find prices in Osaka and Kyoto more competitive than in the Japanese capital.
Those on a budget need only venture a short distance from Tokyo for pre-owned luxury goods at bargain prices. Located in Saitama, around a one-hour drive from Tokyo, is the Bookoff Super Bazaar, an outlet version of the major vintage chain found all round Japan. Home to the likes of Louis Vuitton, Celine, Prada, Fendi, and Dior, it’s possible to find pre-owned handbags for well under $1000AUD (with many under $500AUD).
Meanwhile, Osaka is a haven for vintage shoppers on a budget, with both the Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori areas littered with pre-owned stores mere metres from each other.
Kyoto is also an underrated destination for vintage shopping in Japan. Pay a visit to Decouverte in Shimogyo Ward and 2nd Street in Minami Ward for luxury handbags and clothing. Those desirious of authentic traditional Japanese attire can also visit Vintage Kimono An Gion, which sells reasonably priced kimonos and yukatas.
The best vintage shops in Japan
There are so many vintage shops in Japan that it would be meaningless to simply list them all in a roundup. Here, we’ve grouped them by district and called out some of the more notable or unique ones.
Koenji, Tokyo
Koenji is a refreshing change of pace from the fast-paced lifestyle of Tokyo. Located west of Shinjuku (and a short train ride away) in the Suginami Ward, it feels like a traditional residential neighbourhood. It’s also quietly a solid place for vintage shopping (not to mention some pretty underrated bars and eateries).
Safari has some of the best vintage pieces, period. It’s broken into six distinct stores. Safari 1 for high-end ‘true’ vintage; Safari 2 for preppy Americana; Safari 3 for menswear and tailoring; Safari 4 for outdoor and hiking gear; Safari 5 for European and other imported vintage; and Safari Gallery for art, homewares, and antique furniture.
Aside from Safari 2, lovers of vintage prep and Americana workwear would do well to visit Whistler, which specialises in American clothing and footwear.
If you have a particular luxury item in mind, pay a visit to Atlantis Vintage Tokyo, which offers a personalised shopping service and is renowned for finding those hard-to-find items.
Vintage shops to visit in Koenji, Tokyo: Big Time, Suntrap, Trunk, Whistler, Safari, Green Light Koenji, ZoolPurple, Re’all, and Small Change.
Shimokitazawa, Tokyo
For those in search of independent vintage boutiques, Shimokitazawa is the place to be. A bohemian town in Tokyo, it’s one of the few vintage shopping districts in Japan with well-curated thrift-style stores. It’s easy to while away the day trawling the streets of vintage shops in Shimokitazawa, however we’ve listed a few we recommend below.
Vintage shops to visit in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo:
Toyo Hyakkaten, New York Joe Exchange, Flamingo, Alaska, Florida Shimokitazawa, Furugiya Memento Shimokitazawa, Big Time, and Chicago.
Shibuya, Tokyo
Along with Harujuku, Shibuya is one of the trendiest districts in Tokyo. In contrast—or perhaps complementing—its modern energy, it also has some of the best vintage shops in Japan.
Camellia Vintage is unmissable for vintage designer handbags and clothing, with rows of Chanel and Hermès on display. The curation is a highlight here, with styles from various eras (think 1920s flapper dresses and ‘60s mod shift dresses) on offer.
Vintage shops to visit in Shibuya, Tokyo: Camellia Vintage, Casanova Vintage, Vintage Qoo, Komehyo, Ragtag, Keshki, Paradise Vintage, 10tow, and Jam.
Harajuku, Tokyo
Forever immortalised by Gwen Steffani, Harajuku (and the girls in it) will always be iconic. The vibrant district is home to eclectic style statements, however venture a little further out of the main street into the quieter areas and you’ll find it gets less kawaii and more vintage. Cat Street is home to lots of good vintage clothing stores, including Chicago, 2nd Street by Jumble, Brand Collect, Banana Boat (good for new deadstock items), Pigsty, and Santa Monica Harajuku.
Vintage shops to visit in Harajuku, Tokyo: Chicago, 2nd Street by Jumble, Brand Collect, Banana Boat, Pigsty, Meno and Santa Monica Harajuku.
Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori, Osaka
As mentioned earlier, Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori are positively teeming with vintage stores. In fact, there are over a thousand secondhand stores selling clothing and handbags, as well as records and other miscellaneous goods.
You’ll have good luck simply wandering the streets here, but we recommend paying a visit to Vintage Qoo, Allu Sinsaibashi (excellent selection of designer vintage), Acron (more curated designer vintage), Lara Vintage, and Peecan (better than it sounds, great for men’s workwear styles).
Vintage shops to visit in Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori, Osaka: Vintage Qoo, Allu Sinsaibashi, Acron, Lara Vintage, Second Street, and Peecan.
Enjoyed this guide to vintage shopping in Japan? You’ll also enjoy this guide to the best vintage stores in Milan.
Words by Arabella Johnson
