Tokyo is a shopper’s paradise, offering a wide variety of stores, beautiful products, and Japan’s renowned customer service. You might already be familiar with the youthful energy and creativity of Shibuya fashion or the stylish department stores and luxury brands in Ginza. But did you know Tokyo also boasts a vibrant vintage clothing culture?
Vintage and secondhand shops provide visitors with a fun and unique shopping experience. They offer one-of-a-kind items at excellent prices while promoting sustainability. It’s a win-win! Plus, Tokyo has something for everyone in the vintage fashion world. You’ll find passionate shop staff who are experts in their field. And if you’re visiting from abroad, you might be able to take advantage of Japan’s tax-free shopping system at certain vintage stores. Don’t forget to bring your passport when you go shopping!
Shimokitazawa: A Bohemian Paradise for Vintage Lovers
Just a short ride from Shibuya and Shinjuku Stations, Shimokitazawa, also known as Shimokita, is a bohemian hub bursting with vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories. But the fashion doesn’t stop there – this area is also a haven for secondhand books and records! Shimokita attracts a diverse crowd, including students, young professionals, creatives, and increasingly, savvy international shoppers.
Vintage streetwear, denim, leather jackets, and lacy dresses are all represented, alongside colorful accessory shops and quirky cafes. In fact, Shimokita is known as much for its thriving café culture as its vintage clothing. If you want to avoid the crowds, visit on a weekday. Keep in mind that vintage shops tend to open later, around 11 am or noon. If you arrive in the morning, you can explore the cafes before hitting the shops.
Getting there: Take the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku or the Keio-Inokashira Line from Shibuya to Shimokitazawa Station.
While you’re there: Take a break from shopping at the charming Kitazawa Hachiman Shrine, just a short walk from the south side of the station. If you’re visiting in February or early March, check out the beautiful plum blossoms at Hanegi Park, a 15-minute walk in the opposite direction.
Koenji: A Grittier Vintage Experience
Another neighborhood that has built a reputation for vintage and recycle shops is Koenji, just a few train stops from Shinjuku. Compared to Shimokitazawa, Koenji has a more mature, gritty vibe and attracts fewer tourists. Many of the shopping areas near the station are shotengai—traditional covered streets lined with stores. Vintage clothing shops are scattered among small neighborhood businesses and chain stores, sometimes even tucked away on the second floor of other shops. You might have to search a bit, but you’ll find some amazing deals!
Koenji’s food scene is hearty and unpretentious, featuring retro-style Japanese coffee shops, diners serving lunch specials, and izakaya (Japanese-style pubs) that are popular with locals. Koenji was at the center of Tokyo’s punk rock scene in the 1970s and early 1980s, and this legacy is still evident in the area’s thriving “live house” (live music club) scene.
Getting there: Take either the Chuo Line or the Chuo-Sobu Line from Shinjuku to Koenji Station.
While you’re there: Near the South Exit of Koenji Station, Koenji Hikawa Shrine is a great place to pray for good weather. Visitors can write their prayers on small wooden tablets called ema, but the ones at Hikawa Shrine are unique. They’re shaped like geta (traditional wooden sandals), inspired by a children’s sandal-tossing game used to predict the weather. If you’re in Tokyo at the end of August, don’t miss the popular Koenji Awa Odori Dance, a vibrant spectacle with 12,000 performers parading through the streets.
Conclusion
Beyond the well-known shopping districts of Shibuya and Ginza, Tokyo offers a unique and rewarding vintage shopping experience. Bohemian Shimokitazawa and the gritty Koenji are just two of many hidden gems waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a vintage fashion enthusiast or simply looking for a different kind of shopping adventure, Tokyo’s vintage scene has something to offer everyone. So, grab your passport, put on your walking shoes, and get ready for an unforgettable shopping experience!
