Japanese Vintage Shopping: Secondhand Kimono, Fashion, and Vinyl
By Tour in Japan editors · Updated
Japan has the world's best vintage shopping scene — from kimono to vinyl records, the quality and variety are unmatched.
Japan has the world's best vintage shopping scene — from kimono to vinyl records, the quality and variety are unmatched.
Why Shop Vintage in Japan?
- Quality — Japanese clothing is well-made, even decades old
- Variety — Huge selection from 1950s to 2000s
- Prices — Often cheaper than buying new
- Sustainability — Eco-friendly shopping
- Unique finds — One-of-a-kind pieces you can't find elsewhere
Best Vintage Districts
Shimokitazawa (Tokyo)
The vintage capital of Tokyo.
| Shop | Specialty | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Flamingo | 1960s–2000s fashion | ¥¥ |
| New York Joe Exchange | American vintage | ¥–¥¥ |
| Stick Out | Curated vintage | ¥¥ |
| New York Joe Select | Higher-end vintage | ¥¥–¥¥¥ |
Harajuku (Tokyo)
Streetwear and kawaii vintage.
| Shop | Specialty | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| WEGO | Kawaii vintage | ¥ |
| Kinji | Secondhand brand clothing | ¥¥ |
| Chicago | American vintage | ¥–¥¥ |
| Ragtag | High-end brand secondhand | ¥¥–¥¥¥ |
Nakano Broadway (Tokyo)
Manga, anime, and retro collectibles.
| Shop | Specialty | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Mandarake | Manga, anime, vintage toys | ¥–¥¥¥ |
| Various stalls | Retro electronics, records | ¥–¥¥¥ |
Koenji (Tokyo)
Punk and bohemian vintage.
| Shop | Specialty | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Kindal | Brand secondhand | ¥¥ |
| Bazzstore | Vintage denim | ¥¥ |
| Pop Life | 1980s fashion | ¥–¥¥ |
Vintage Kimono
Where to Buy
| Location | What to Find |
|---|---|
| Kimono rental shops | Sell used kimono after rental season |
| Thrift stores | Hidden gems |
| Online (Mercari, Yahoo Auctions) | Huge selection |
| Kyoto | Traditional kimono specialists |
Price Range
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Casual kimono | ¥3,000–10,000 |
| Formal kimono | ¥10,000–50,000 |
| Antique kimono | ¥50,000–500,000+ |
| Obi (sash) | ¥2,000–30,000 |
Vintage Vinyl Records
Where to Shop
| Store | Location | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Disk Union | Shinjuku, Shibuya | Largest chain, all genres |
| Junkyard | Shimokitazawa | Rare finds |
| E唱片 (E-Change) | Shimokitazawa | Affordable |
| HMV | Shibuya | New and used |
What to Find
- Japanese pressings of Western albums (often higher quality)
- Rare J-pop and Japanese rock
- Anime and game soundtracks
- Jazz and city pop (very popular)
Tips
- Check for stains — inspect carefully before buying
- Know your sizes — Japanese sizes run small
- Bring cash — many vintage shops are cash-only
- Visit on weekdays — less crowded
- Ask about sales — end-of-season discounts
- Check Mercari — Japan's biggest secondhand app
- Haggle politely — some shops accept offers on high-value items
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