From big to small scale, many Japanese antique markets and flea markets are held every month in Tokyo!

I have an official license of Japanese antique dealer and visited some of them.

I sometimes see people from overseas are checking and buying items.

Here I picked up 6 famous, big Japanese antique markets and flea markets in Tokyo!

Oedo Antique Market (大江戸骨董市)

Oedo Antique Market(大江戸骨董市) is actually not big but I think most famous market in Tokyo that I picked up here.

About 250 dealers sell their items.

You might think 250 is so many but it is the number they claim.
Several times I went to the market but I couldn’t see such many stores.
Plus, each store was small.

Still, good point is it is held every month while other Japanese antique markets held once or twice a year.

And it is held outside like flea market.
Easy-to-enjoy atmosphere for families, children and friends!

I remember I was checking Tsuba of Katana (Handguard of Japanese sword) although I didn’t buy after all last time.

As it is held every month, anytime you can go to this market!

Tokyo Flea Market (東京蚤の市)

One of the biggest flea markets in Tokyo is this Tokyo Flea Market(東京蚤の市)!

If you wanna enjoy flea market outside with nature, this is the best place for you!

It is more like a festival and you can enjoy live-music by professional artists as well!

It’s not for professionals but rather for ordinary people.
Still, as so many items are sold from old to modern, there is certainly a chance you encounter with rare Japanese antiques.

I’ve been to this Showa Memorial Park several times before although it was just for a picinic and BBQ.

It was very big park and comfortable to walk while enjoying leaves of trees in four seasons

Ariake Antique World (有明骨董ワールド)

This Ariake Antique World(有明骨董ワールド) is the biggest Japanese antique market not only in Tokyo but in all over Japan.

It is held 43 times before.

From Japanese antiques, old toys, museum pieces, to Japanese swords, you can find and purchase.

They provide free appraisals of antiques and even accepting traditional doll memorial services although voluntary payment is required.

I myself been to this market and there were so many stores with so many goods inside the hall.

Not only professionals but ordinary people can enjoy!

As it’s held inside, no need to worry about rain!

Antique Grande (骨董グランデ)

About 250 stores from all over Japan come together at this Antique Grande(骨董グランデ).

You can see Japanese, Oriental, and Western antiques, fabrics, and antique sundries, etc.

I could see deep fans with deep knowledges from overseas also came to find what they were looking for.

They also provide repair or fixing service at the event

The atmosphere is like that of Ariake Antique World.
And its scale is big like Ariake Antique World.
Actually, it is held exactly at the same place, Tokyo Big Sight.

They say this year’s special exhibition is Autumn Sake Banquet.

A wide variety of rare sake cups, sake bottles,, glasses, etc. will be on display!

Setagaya Boro Flea Market (世田谷ボロ市)

If you wanna enjoy street stroll at the same time, this Setagaya Boro Flea Market(世田谷ボロ市) is highly recommended!

Setagaya Boro Flea Market has been around since 1578 and is now designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Asset by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

I’ve been to this flea market about 5 years ago and it was very fun!
Streets were crowded with people.

I could find food stalls as well along the streets.
The atmosphere was like Japanese summer festival although no fireworks or Bon dancing there.

I think children can also enjoy the market like Tokyo Flea Market in Showa Memorial Park.

Heiwajima Antique Fair (平和島骨董市)

This Heiwajima Antique Fair(平和島骨董市) is the oldest Japanese antique fair in all over Japan.

It started in 1978 when Japanese antique had become a fad.

Over 150 professional dealers all over Japan come together and sell hundreds of thousands of items.

I’ve been to this fair once with my Japanese antique teacher.

I found that this is for professionals.
I have to say I wouldn’t have told which one is authentic and best buy without my teacher’s advice at the time.

If you want to see real Japanese antique world by professionals, this is the best place.

Of course, you can enjoy the fair even if you are not a professional as long as you are interested in Japanese old items.

Schedule in Chronological order (2024)

Here are the each antique fair and flea market in 2024 in chronological order.

Easy to check and remember when to go!

Summary

If you wanna enjoy casual atmosphere of flea markets freely, I recommend you Oedo Antique Market, Tokyo Flea Market and Setagaya Boro Flea Market.

For above markets, you can enjoy the markets with your friends and children, too.

If you are a serious buyer or wanna touch the deep professional world, I recommend you Ariake Antique World, Antique Grande and Heiwajima Antique Fair.

In those Japanese antique markets, your sense and ability to see through the real thing is judged.

As a business and half-hobby, I collect many things from modern anime items to old Japanese antiques such as ceramics and tsuba (Sword-guard).

Actually, you can purchase even old Japanese antiques online but it is difficult to judge only from the pictures online.

You need to touch, check from different angles to judge.
Plus, you can get real information by talking with the dealers.

If you have a chance to come visit Japan, why don’t you go to one of the markets?

It’ll be a rare experience and if you are lucky you might be able to find a treasure!

Tags: Japanese Antique Fair, Japanese Antique Market, Japanese Flea Market, tokyo Author : Hiroshi80