8 best regular and weekly markets in Tokyo

First and third Sunday of the month

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.

Every weekend

With its 250 to 300 vendors, this is by far Tokyo’s biggest flea market and it takes place nearly every weekend in the parking lot of Oi Racecourse, also known as Tokyo City Keiba. With an extensive selection of goods, it’s not difficult to spend half a day here – and given the tempting prices, you definitely won’t leave empty-handed. Expect to find daily necessities, rare collector’s items, clothing, accessories, handmade goods, home decor, toys and even a small selection of antiques. And since shopping can be quite tiring, hungry bargain hunters can restore their energy levels by munching on light meals and snacks from food trucks onsite.

Most weekends (except between July and September) 

While the Setagaya neighbourhood might be best known for its historical Boroichi flea market that happens just twice a year, there's also another smaller market that takes place at Setagaya Park on a more frequent basis. The Setagaya Park Flea Market is held on most weekends 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 offer clothing, accessories and jewellery. Tableware is another common find as well as odd trinkets and toys. 

Fourth Sunday of the month

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.

First, second, fourth and fifth Sunday of the month

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

Every weekend

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.

Second Saturday and Sunday of the month

Japan's largest regular urban farmers' market always features more than 100 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.

December 15-16, January 15-16 every year

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 that centres on 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 – the Boroichi's de facto official food.