If you’ll be in Tokyo or Kyoto over a weekend, try to visit a “shrine sale” to see a variety of Japanese antiques and goodies. These antique fairs are typically held outside on the grounds of Japanese shrines or temples, so not only are you getting to see unique Japanese artifacts, but you’re also getting to visit a new neighborhood and shop in a beautiful garden.
I’ve been to most of the shrine sales in Tokyo and a few in Kyoto, and below are my favorite picks. Some are larger than others, which usually means they will have better, more diverse selections. Some are just located in breathtaking scenery, and the shrine sale is a good excuse to visit a more off-the-beaten path locale.
Know Before You Go:
For the best selection, get there early. For the best bargains, go a bit later. Negotiating is possible, but is vendor-dependent. All of the below markets will be open between 9am and 4pm, however some vendors sometimes start breaking down as early as 2pm. In case of inclement weather, double check, as vendors might not show up.
Most Convenient:
O-Edo Antique Market
International Forum, Yurakucho
3-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku,Tokyo
1 min walk from Yurakucho Station; 5 min walk from Tokyo Station
Description: Unlike most antique markets, this one is not on the grounds of a shrine, but is located in downtown Tokyo, making it a convenient stop for tourists and residents. It has a great selection of Japanese and Western antiques and vintage finds.
Date: Held twice a month; 1st and 3rd Sundays. Size: 250 vendors (2/3 Japanese antiques and crafts and 1/3 other)
While You’re There: Walk around the Imperial Palace until you get to the southeastern corner. Skip the coffee and get your caffeine fix via some of the best matcha tea around at the Marunouchi branch of Ippodo Tea (opens at 11am). Continue another 5 minutes to the O-Edo antique market. If you still have steam, continue walking east for some high end shopping in Ginza. Stop by Kyukyodo for some washi paper to wrap all those souvenirs in.
Nogi Shrine Fair
Roppongi, Tokyo
8-11-27 Akasaka, Minato-ku
3 min walk from Nogizaka Station
Description: This market is on the smaller end, but the beautiful shrine grounds and the central locale make it worth the experience. The selection is good for the size.
Date: 4th Sunday of every month Size: 40 vendors (2/3 Japanese antiques and crafts and 1/3 other)
While You’re There: Check out Midtown and Roppongi Hills shopping areas.
Farther Afield:
Gokokuji Antique Fair
Otsuka, Tokyo
5-40-1 Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku
1 min walk from Gokokuji Station
5 min train ride from Iidabashi Station on the Yurakucho Line
Description: The shrine and neighborhood makes the visit worth it, and the antique fair, while small, is the icing on top. Don’t expect the best antique shopping ever, but view it as an excuse to explore a new neighborhood.
Date: 2nd Saturday of every month
Size: 25-40 vendors (mostly Japanese products)
While You’re There: Head south for 16 minutes, and take in some more fresh air and beautiful scenery at the gardens associated with Hotel Chinzanso.
Takahata Fudo Antique Fair
Hino, Tokyo
733 Takahata,Hino-shi, Tōkyō-to
4 min walk from Takahata Fudo Station
32 min train ride from Shinjuku on the Keio Line
Description: The best combination of selection and scenery, this is an all-time favorite. If you’re visiting in June, the hydrangeas alone make the trip worth it. The temple is religiously significant and parts of it are designated as important cultural assets. Highlights include a five-story pagoda and winding, statue-lined trails up a nature-filled hill.
Date: 3rd Sunday of every month Size: 120 vendors
While You’re There: Don’t miss the hike through the neighboring hillside!
Kawagoe Antique Fair
Kawagoe, Saitama
9-2 Kubo-cho, Kawagoe City
17 min walk from Hon-kawagoe Station on Seibu Shinjuku Line
20 min walk from Kawagoe-shi Station on Tobu Tojo Line
Description: The fair offers a good selection of antiques and the Edo-style town of Kawagoe is worth further exploration.
Date: the 28th of every month
Size: 100 vendors
Best for Serious Shoppers:
Heiwajima Antique Show
Inside the Ryutsu Center
6-1-1 Heiwajima, Ota-ku, Tokyo
Ryutsu-Center station on the Tokyo Monorail from JR Hamamatsu-cho station
Description: A huge three-day inside antique fair with an amazing selection of Japanese antiques. If you’re a serious shopper or looking for something extremely specific, this event is not to be missed. Items sell quickly and might not be there after you make all the rounds, so buy those perfect pieces as you go.
Date: held 5 times a year
Times: 10:00 – 17:00 (closes at 16:00 on last day; last time to enter each day is 15:00)
Size: 280 vendors
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