Home of Affordable, High Quality Thrifting
I’m not a big shopping person typically, especially when it comes to clothing. Things change whenever I land in Tokyo, however. When you walk in a crowd filled with people wearing amazing streetwear, it’s hard not to be enamored with their sense of style.
Buying secondhand things in Tokyo, and perhaps in Japan in general, is usually a good bet. High quality, good pricing. There’s something to be said about Japanese standard of care for their products.
I explored a few districts in Tokyo (I cover the most visited Tokyo districts here), and highlight my favourites below for thrifting.
Check Places to Stay in Tokyo (Expedia)
Harajuku (Cat Street)
Harajuku is one of the best known thrifting districts in Tokyo. Primarily known for its kawaii cultural roots, its thrift stores disagree and offer streetwear and trendy vintage instead.
Recommendations: Bazzstore, Harajuku Chicago Jingumae, 2nd Street Harajuku
Example of Finds: 500¥ MUJI pants from Bazzstore, 2200¥ Brooks Brothers wool overcoat from Chicago, 600¥ for designer scarves from Chicago
Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa is perhaps the thrift shopping capital of Tokyo. Located closeby Shibuya and Shinjuku, this district is home to affordable secondhand clothes, rare retro, and designer pieces.
Recommendations: Treasure Factory Style, New York Joe, Big Time
Example of Finds: 15000¥ Air Jordans from Treasure Factory Style, 4500¥ Pendleton jackets from Treasure Factory Style, 2500¥ for retro Nike jacket from New York Joe
Shibuya
Shibuya is lesser known for its thrifting scene, but there are a few major chains to check out here as well. Specializing more in high-end secondhand pieces.
Recommendations: New York Joe Exchange, RAGTAG, Kindal
Example of Finds: 4800¥ Agnost fleece coat from New York Joe, 2880¥ Harry Potter pyjama pants from New York Joe, 14800¥ for Marka x WildThings fleece jacket from Kindal
Ueno
Ueno is slightly more of a hidden gem for budget-friendly thrift shopping. The highlight here for me was Mode Off, with 4 floors of absolute bargains. If you’re lucky with timing, like I was, there may be a sale here on top of listed prices as well when they clear our inventory.
Recommendations: Mode Off, upperupper
Example of Finds: 2000¥ Kangol x H&M long puffer coat, 350¥ Uniqlo sweaters, 400¥ for 雅緒 sherpa jacket, all from Mode Off
Ginza
Ginza is like Ueno in terms of being slightly under-the-radar for thrift shopping, except the stores here largely focus on high-end luxury pieces, designer handbags, watches, footwear, and more.
Recommendations: Kindal, RAGTAG
Example of Finds: 28000¥ NBHD x Doc Martens from Kindal
Check Places to Stay in Tokyo (Expedia)
Thanks for Reading!
My name is Alex Lau, and I’m a travel blogger and photographer. I’ve worked in the digital marketing business for 7+ years before I decided to uproot and explore this little blue marble we find ourselves on, meeting new people, telling their stories, and discovering new places.
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