Farmers markets, antique markets, flea markets – the best weekly events in Tokyo for fresh produce, great bargains and more
Every weekend you’ll find a diverse selection of flea, antique and farmers markets dotted across Tokyo. Selling everything from secondhand furniture and clothing to rare collectibles, artisanal crafts and seasonal food, these vibrant markets open up a world of bargains and treasures.
You might come across an exquisite Japanese tea set for the mere price of a bowl of ramen or vintage European jewellery for a steal. We recommend that you visit in the early morning if you want the best pick of the day, or near closing time if you're looking for marked down deals. Here’s our guide to the most popular and unique places in Tokyo to pick up a bargain, or five.
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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 are always a few food trucks onsite if you want a quick bite to eat.
March 10 & 24, April 7 & 28, May 12 & 18
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 knick knacks, which range from ceramics and clothing to ukiyo-e prints. Currently, it's held on the first and third Sunday of the month (except during August) at the Tokyo International Forum.
March 10 & 24, April 13 & 28, May 12 & 26, June 9 & 23
Held every second and fourth Sunday of the month, this antique market gathers around 70 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.
Every weekend (cancelled in the case of rain)
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, either.
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 tiring, hungry bargain hunters can restore their energy levels by munching on light meals and snacks from the onsite food trucks.
March 24, April 28 & 29
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 independent 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.
March 9 & 10, April 13 & 14, May 11 & 12, June 8 & 9
This is one of Japan's largest urban farmers markets; it always features more than 100 vendors from around the country. You'll find a vast range (more than 50 types) of vegetables here, plus different seasonal produce each month.
Aside from stalls, the market also hosts a changing roster of children's events, plus workshops that let visitors get involved with farming activities like harvesting. The Market of the Sun is held on the second weekend of each month.
March 24 & 31, April 7 & 14, May 5, 12 & 26
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 10, 16 & 17, April 14, 28 & 29, June 9, 16 & 22
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.
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