9 best regular and weekly markets in Tokyo

The UNU farmers’ market is one of Tokyo’s longest running and best-attended markets. Taking place every weekend in front of the university’s Aoyama headquarters, this one always attracts a knowledgeable crowd. Organic and local fare is readily available every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm, with the farmers themselves happy to provide details about their wares. Plus, there's always a few food trucks on hand if you wish to enjoy a quick meal.

The Oedo Antique Market, the largest and oldest outdoor market of its kind in Japan, is great for picking up some cool art, unique handicrafts or vintage decorative items. Keep an eye out for real Edo-era (1603-1867) treasures hidden among the heaps of merchandise, which range from ceramics and clothing to ukiyo-e prints. Currently, it's being held on the first and third Sunday of the month at the Tokyo International Forum. You can check the exact market dates updated on the website.

Held every second and fourth Sunday of the month, this antique market gathers around 100 vendors outside Shibuya Garden Tower. You’ll find all sorts of antiques and vintage handicrafts, jewellery, art, home goods, clothing, plants and organic food from all over the world. The market also features a few food and drink stalls, perfect for when you want a breather from all the shopping. 

Note that the market will be cancelled in the case of rain. Check the event Instagram for updates.

Do note that the market will be cancelled in the case of rain.

Far from a shabby yard sale, the Ark Hills flea market is more like an upscale alternative to Tokyo’s many smaller craft fairs. Setting up shop next to private antique dealers are trendy clothing brands, giving you the opportunity to upgrade your style before digging for everything from furniture to jewellery. Shoppers can also fill up with grub from the food trucks that often park at the premises. The market takes place on the fourth Sunday of every month, except in December when it occurs on the second Sunday.

Check the event Instagram for more details.

Japan's largest regular urban farmers' market always features more than 80 vendors from around the country. In addition to a vast range (more than 50 types) of Western and local vegetables, each month the market highlights a different seasonal fruit, vegetable or other specialty. In addition to the seasonally changing children's events, farmers hold workshops and let visitors get involved with harvesting, making the market a great option for parents hoping to sneakily educate their kids. The market is held on the second Saturday and Sunday of each month.

The market is held on the second Saturday and Sunday of each month.

March 23, April 6 & 13, May 4, 11 & 25

While Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine is worth a visit just for its impressive architecture, the beautiful grounds are also home to a regular antique market that usually takes place on the first, second, fourth and fifth Sunday of every month. However, to make sure the market is on schedule, you can check the website for the exact dates each month.

As this is an antique market, the items here are a bit less junky than some of the other flea markets in town, with plenty of gorgeous Japanese tableware, antique kimono and more.

March 9, April 13, 20 & 27, June 15, 22 & 29

While the Setagaya neighbourhood is best known for the historical Boroichi flea market that only happens twice a year, there's another (and smaller) market that takes over Setagaya Park on a more regular basis. The Setagaya Park Flea Market is held at least once a month from 9am to 3pm (except between July and September), and features roughly 150 vendors. You can expect a mix of things here, with the majority of vendors selling clothes, accessories and jewellery. Tableware is another common find as well as the odd trinkets and toys. 

Around 700 stalls line the street during the annual Setagaya Boroichi, a venerable flea market that's been going on for more than 430 years now. Held twice a year – on December 15-16 and again on January 15-16 – the event attracts tens of thousands of visitors, making it one of the highlights on Setagaya's yearly calendar.

The main area of the market is along Boroichi-dori, a street which centres around the Setagaya Daikan Yashiki, the old, thatched-roof local magistrate’s residence. We’d recommend hopping off the train at Setagaya Station on the Setagaya Line, walking along Boroichi-dori, and then leaving from Kamimachi Station. And if you don't mind the long lines, it's worth sampling one of the market's popular daikan mochi rice cakes – Boroichi's de facto official snack.

The Setagaya Line is a light railway, and tickets are available as you get on the train or at the platform. You’ll have a smoother trip if you have the fare ready beforehand (¥160 for adults, ¥80 for children).