If I mention Tokyo, what image pops into your head? I’m guessing the bright neon lights of Kabukicho – Shinjuku’s popular nightlife district. Or perhaps the heaving crowds of pedestrians streaming across the Shibuya scramble – the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world? It can’t be denied that Tokyo can be overwhelmingly crowded at times. Famous for commuters cramming themselves in to the amazingly efficient sardine cans of Tokyo’s trains. Saying that, it is not the bustling, modern side of Tokyo which excited me the most, but the quieter districts. Japan is well-known for honouring and preserving ancient traditions and artefacts. Perhaps it shouldn’t be a surprise then that Tokyo has some of the most sensational vintage shopping available.
Shimokitazawa
Veer a little off the beaten track and enjoy Tokyo at a decidedly slower pace in Shimokitazawa. Only seven minutes by train from Shinjuku, this bohemian district offers a respite from the metropolis’ frantic energy. As soon as you walk out the station, a crowd of laid-back cafes, record shops, vintage clothing stores and bookshops welcomes you. I recommend visiting after lunch and getting lost in the sprawling streets, stopping for a coffee along the way. If you only visit one store, don’t miss Ocean Blvd – packed with bizarre art, fashion-forward vintage, and more!
Harajuku
A stop on many visitor’s itineraries, Harajuku is the epicentre of youth fashion and vibrant subculture. I recommend looking out for cosplay (costume play) artists who regularly parade the streets. During my time in Tokyo, friends often clamoured to lay eyes on the famous Takeshita-dori. Some of the most eclectic fashion in the world lines this road. It’s not my cup of tea to push through a heaving crowd of gawkers moving at a snail’s pace, so I often skirted around the side streets while friends braved the crush of Takeshita-dori. It was during these rambles that I discovered the hidden gems of Harajuku. A store which sold only three mismatching socks of your choice, an Alice in Wonderland themed trove of knick-knacks, and a corner shop which was merely a façade for a clothing store hidden behind a drinks fridge. Visiting Takeshita-dori is a must, but I also recommend taking the time to explore and discover your own vintage Harajuku fashion!
Flea market
Of all the places to hunt for vintage pieces, my absolute favourite has to be a flea market. Visitors consider Tokyo to be an upmarket and expensive city, and that is certainly true in department stores. For those willing to do a little hunting, Tokyo’s flea markets are a vintage and antique lover’s paradise. From a humble rice bowl to the most gorgeous gold embroidered kimono, there is something for everyone. Often taking place in parks or near shrines, it is possible to stumble across a random market or two. A market I visited again and again was the Oedo Antique Market. It usually takes place on the first and third Sunday of the month at Tokyo International Forum, located a stone’s throw from Yurakucho Station. It is so easy to spend the entire morning perusing the fascinating trinkets on offer before wandering over to Tokyo Station for lunch. As I sip green tea every morning from a cup purchased at Oedo Antique Market I enjoy reminiscing about the countless hours spent roaming the stalls. Make some fantastic memories and find a unique souvenir at one of Tokyo’s diverse flea markets!