Tokyo Antique Markets
Happy New Year! The Tokyo Antique Markets for January 2016 start off big with both the Yokohama Kimono Ichii and the Antique Jamboree. Both of these markets are three-day events from January 8-10th. Also, January 15 & 16 there is the Setagaya Boroichi, which is always very popular. Bundle up and trek out to find treasures in the New Year!
If you are looking for new items or antique stores, try these great Japanese Arts and Craft stores in Tokyo.
**Please note most outside markets are usually cancelled when raining. Please double-check info below at contact numbers/links to be 100% sure of details. — Best Living Japan
Friday, January 8th – Sunday 10th
The 21st Yokohama Kimono Ichi (Yokohama) – If you are a fabric, kimono or accessory lover you should attend this three-day event at the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouses. There are close to 100 vendors selling recycled kimonos and accessories. Make a day trip and visit the Cup Noodles Museumand the Overseas Migration Museum, which are very close to the Red Brick Warehouse. http://www.kottou-roman.jp/kimono/
2. Antique Jamboree (Tokyo Big Site) – Is the largest Japanese, European and American antique and toy collectables show in Japan with over 500 dealers. This show is held twice a year in January and August. There are also antique repair experts at the show who can fix your treasures from ceramics to furniture. This show is a three-day event, but if you want to attend the first day (January 8th) you need to purchase an early bird ticket. • Date: Friday – Sunday, January 8-10th, 2016 • Time: 10:00-17:00 • What is for sale: 500 dealers covering Japanese, European, American and global toy collectables • Price: 1,000 yen day ticket/800 yen advance purchase; 3,000 yen early buyer day/2,000 yen early buyer advanced purchase – tickets for sale at Ticket Pia, Lawson Ticket, Circle K and Sunkus • Access: Approximately 7 minutes’ walk from Kokusai-Tenjijo Station on the Rinkai Line, or 3 minutes’ walk from Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon Station on the Yurikamome line • Address: Tokyo Big Site exhibition hall 1E, 3-11-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan 135-0063 • Phone: 03-5530-1111 (Tokyo Big Site number) • Website: http://home.att.ne.jp/sun/jambokun/antique/e.html
Saturday, January 9th
3. Gokokuji Antique Fair (Otsuka, Tokyo) – The Gokokuji Antique Fair is held every month on the second Saturday. The Gokokuji Temple was built at the wish of Keishoin, the mother of the fifth shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi in 1681. Its main hall is the oldest wooden temple building in Tokyo, that survived the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 and WWII. Gokokuji is lovely neighbourhood and temple to visit. This market used to be very busy, however, the past year it seems to have really dropped in the number vendors and shoppers. Easy to get to and a nice Temple to see, but a little chancy on the line-up. • Dates: Saturday, January 9, 2016 • Time: 9:00 – 16:00 • What is for sale: 25-40 sellers of predominately Japanese products • Parking: no • Access: Gokokuji Station on Subway Yurakucho Line • Address: 5-40-1 Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku • Phone: 03-3941-0764 (Shrine #, Japanese language only) • Website: www.gokokuji.or.jp (Shrine website; Japanese language only)
Sunday, January 10th
4. Yasukuni Shrine Antique Fair (Kudanshita, Tokyo) – Yasukuni Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Chiyoda, Tokyo. It was founded by Emperor Meiji and commemorates anyone who died in the service of the Empire of Japan. Not the most impressive market, but entertaining if you are going to see Yasukuni Shrine.times: 9:00 to 16:00. It is held almost every Sunday. • Date: Sunday, January 10th, 11th, 17th, 24th, 31st 2016 • Time: 8:00 to 15:30 • What is for sale: smaller market with 10-20 sellers with odds and ends • Parking: no • Access: 5 min walk from Kudanshita Sta (Tozai, Hanzomon,Toei Lines), 10 mins walk from Iidabashi Sta. (Jr Chuo Line) • Address: 3-1-1 Kidankita, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo • Phone: (03) 3261-8326 (Shrine # – Japanese language only) • Website: http://www.yasukuni.or.jp/english/index.html
5. Hanazono Shrine Antique Fair (Shinjuku, Tokyo) – Hanazono Shrine is the largest shrine in Shinjuku district and is known as the guardian of Shinjuku. It was established during the Edo period. Interesting selection of antiques from coins to some small furniture. The Antique Fair is held 2 to 3 times each month on Sundays. • Date: Sunday, January 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st 2016 • Time: 9:00 to 16:00 • What is for sale: between 25-30 sellers wide selection of antiques • Parking: no • Access: 3 min walk from Shinjuku-Sanchome Sta (Marunocuhi Line); 7 min walk from Shinjuku Sta. (Yamanote and Chuo Lines) • Address: 5-17-3 Shinjuku, Tokyo • Phone: 03-3209-5265 (Shrine # – Japanese language only) • Website: http://www.hanazono-jinja.or.jp/mt/top/ (Shrine site, no English)
6. Fussa Shichifukujin Antique Fair (Fussa, Tokyo) – The Fussa Antique Fair takes place at Kumagawa Shrine in Fussa every second Sunday. Kumagawa Shrine is located about an hour outside of downtown Tokyo. The Shrine has a history of 1,200 years, and its main hall which is believed to have been built-in 1597 is a designated tangible cultural asset of Tokyo.You can also see stone statues of all the seven gods of Shichifukujin (Seven Deities of Good Fortunes) inside the shrine compound.
• Date: Sunday, January 10th, 2016 • Time: 6:00 – 15:00 • What is for sale: 35 sellers of Japanese household items and crafts • Parking: no • Access: 10 min walk from Kumagawa Station on JR Itsukaichi Line from Haijima • Address: Kumagawa Shrine, 658-1 Kumagawa, Fussa, Tokyo 197-0003 • Phone: 042-551-0720 (Kumagawa Shrine – Japanese language only)
Monday, January 11th (National Holiday – Coming of Age Day)
7. O-Edo Antique Market (Yoyogi, Tokyo) – Not to be mistaken for the O-edo market held at the International Forum in Yurakucho. This market is managed by the same organizer but in Yoyogi. Not only will you find a nice selection of antiques but also crafts and other homewares. Enjoy some wonderful shopping and then have a great lunch in Harajuku at Little Bird Restaurant or visit the Farmers Market over near Omotesando. • Date: Monday, January 11th, 2016 • Times: 9:00 – 16:00 • What is for sale: about 100 sellers of Japanese antiques and and crafts • Parking: public paid parking on the street • Access: Harajuku Station on the JR Yamanote or Chiyoda Lines • Address: Yoyogi Park • Phone: 03-6407-6011 (Japanese language only) • Website: www.antique-market.jp/english
8. Yasukuni Shrine Antique Fair (Kudanshita, Tokyo) – see #4 above
Wednesday, Janaury 13th
9. Machida Tenmangu Antique Fair – Machida Tenmangu Garakuta Kotto-ichi (Antique Fair at Machida Tenmangu Shrine) is held on the first of every month (exception in January and November to accommodate festivals). This is a large fair with over 120 sellers operating from dawn to dusk, also a hearty bunch since the Fair is outside but not cancelled due to rain.
• Date: Wednesday, January 13th, 2016 • Time: dawn to dusk • What is for sale: 120 sellers with all genre of antiques • Access: Machida Station on JR Yokohama Line and Odakyu Line (35 minutes by express train from Shinjuku Station) • Address: 1-21-5 Haramachida, Machida-shi, Tokyo • Phone: 042-722-2325 (Shrine # – Japanese language only) • Website: n/a
Friday, January 15th
10. Setagaya Boroichi – Flea Market (Setagaya) – Over 700 stalls selling everything and the kitchen sink. Get off at Setagaya station and walk Boroichi Dori to Kamimachi Station. Plan for 2-3 hours to see the entire street. Very crowded so not recommend for children. This event only happens twice a year December and January. • Date: Friday and Saturday, January 15-16th, 2016 • Time: 9am-9pm • Address: 1-15 to 1-27 Setagaya, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo • Access: Kamimachi Station (Tokyu Setagaya line)
Saturday, January 16th
11. Setagaya Boroichi – Flea Market (Setagaya) – see above January 15th
12. Yamato Antique Fair (Yamato, Kanagawa) – The fair probably is the largest of its kind in the Kanto district. Yamato Promenade Antique Market was first introduced in 1998 to promote businesses of the city’s commercial district, and the event has been supported by Yamato City and the chamber of commerce. Due to the size of the market and proximity to Yokohama this is a very popular market. • Date: Saturday, January 16th, 2016 • Time: 6:00 to 16:00 • What is for sale: 200 sellers • Parking: no • Access: 1 minute from Yamato Station on Odakyu Enoshima Line and Sotetsu Line • Address: Yamato Promenade, Kanagawa • Phone: 090-8856-9108 (headquarter)/ 090-2314-3646（Koshuya) Japanese language only • Website: n/a
Sunday, January 17th
13. Yasukuni Shrine Antique Fair (Kudanshita, Tokyo) – see #4 above
14.Hanazono Shrine Antique Fair (Shinjuku, Tokyo) – see #5 above
15. Ryukoji Temple Antique Fair (Tatsunokuchi near Enoshima, Kanagawa Prefecture) – If you are down in the Enoshima area this is a wonderful little antique market. Combine it with a trip to Enoshima for a day trip from Tokyo. You will find usually about 80 dealers that have some beautiful antiques to everyday “junk”. While in Enoshima enjoy the Enoshima Aquarium and also the Island and Caves. • Date: Sunday, January 17th, 2016 • Times: 9:00 – 16:00 • What is for sale: about 80 vendors • Parking: no • Access: 3 min walk from Enoshima Station (Enoshima Electric Railway), 3 min walk from Shonan Station (Enoshima Shonan Monorail) or 15 min walk from Enoshima Station (Odakyu Enoshima Katase Line) • Address: 3-13-37 Katase, Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture • Phone:０４６６-２５-７３５７ (temple number; Japanese language only) • Website: (Temple website in Japanese only) http://ryukoji.jp/01info.html
16. O-Edo Antique Market (International Forum, Yurakucho) – Usually twice a month; 1st and 3rd Sundays. Is said to be the largest outdoor Antique market in Japan. Super central and convenient for people who live in downtown Tokyo. This is one of my favourites. • Date: Sunday, January 17th, 2016 • Time: 9:00 to 16:00 • What is for sale: 250 sellers: 2/3 Japanese antiques and crafts and 1/3 other • Parking: plenty of parking available • Access: 1 min walk from Yurakucho Sta., 5 mins walk from Tokyo Sta. • Address: 3-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku,Tokyo • Website: http://www.antique-market.jp/english/
17. Takahata Fudo Antique Fair (Hino, Tokyo) – Takahata Fudo Temple, located in Hino City in the western suburbs of Tokyo, belongs to the Shingon Sect of Japanese Buddhism (more
specifically Chizan division of Shingon Sect). The temple is counted among the Kanto region’s three major temples dedicated to Fudo Myoo (Acala Vidyaraja). The temple includes a lot of cultural assets, some of which are designated as Important Cultural Assets. In the hall of five-story pagoda, there is Kobo Daishi (founder of Shingon sect) and 1000 Jizo Statues. • Date: Sunday, January 17th, 2016 • Times: 9:00 – 16:00 • What is for sale: 120 sellers • Parking: yes, but fills up quickly • Access: 5 min walk from Takahata Fudo Stn. on Keio Line • Address: 733 Takahata,Hino-shi, Tōkyō-to • Phone:042-591-0032 (Japanese language only) • Website: http://www.takahatafudoson.or.jp/
Saturday, January 23rd
18. Antique Fair at Tsukinomiya Shrine (Urawa, Saitama) – A very big antique show with over 150 sellers, heavily focused
on traditional Japanese antiques and house goods. A bit of a hike from downtown Tokyo but worth the effort. The shrine does not have the traditional tori gate or protective lions; instead it has a pair of stone rabbits. The shrine is called Tsuki Jinja in short by people of Urawa. “Tsuki” means the moon in Japan, and in the old days people believed a rabbit lived on the moon. • Dates: Saturday, January 23rd, 2016 • Times: 7:00 to 15:30 • What is for sale: 150 sellers: heavy merchandise focus on traditional Japanese antiques and house goods • Parking: public parking only • Access: 3 min walk from Urawa station on the JR Keihan Tohoku Line • Address: 3-17 Kishicho, Urawa-ku, Saitama • Website: http://ichigoichie.moo.jp/furusato.html (Japanese language only) • Telephone: 048-875-5156 (Japanese language only)
Sunday, January 24th
19. Yasukuni Shrine Antique Fair (Kudanshita, Tokyo) – see #4 above
20. Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine Antique Fair (Fukagawa, Tokyo) – This shrine is the largest Hachiman shrine in Tokyo and was founded in 1627. The Antique Fair is held most Sundays. Good selection of Japanese antiques from plates to kimono. You should also check out the Edo Fukagawa museum if you attend this market; great little museum that has real size models of Edo period homes and businesses. • Date: Sunday, Janaury 24th and 31st, 2016 (please check dates at website below, some weekends are cancelled) • Time: 8:00 to 15:30 • What is for sale: between 50-80 sellers wide selection of antiques • Parking: no • Access: 3 min walk from Monzen-Nakacho Sta (Tozai and Toei Ooedo Lines) • Address: 1-20-3 Tomioka, Koto-ku, Tokyo • Phone: 0276-38-3417 (organizer # – Japanese language only) • Website: http://www.tomiokahachimangu.or.jp (Shrine site, no English)
21. Hanazono Shrine Antique Fair (Shinjuku, Tokyo) – see #5 above
22. Nogi Shrine Fair (Roppongi, Tokyo) – Although a smaller market with about 40 sellers, the quality of the selection is higher-end catering to the large number of foreign shoppers. The Nogi Shrine is also very interesting; dedicated to General Maresuke Nogi (1840-1912). Nogi was a great soldier and a hero of the Meiji period. He commanded the Imperial Army and took Port Arthur from Russia in 1905 at the same time he lost both his sons in the combat. On the day of the funeral of Emperor Meiji in 1912, he and his wife took their lives. • Date: Sunday, January 24th 2016 • Times: 9:00 to 15:00 p.m. • What is for sale: 40 sellers: 2/3 Japanese antiques and crafts and 1/3 other • Parking: none available • Train station: 3 min walk from Nogizaka sta. on the Chiyoda line • Address: 8-11-27 Akasaka, Minato-ku • Website: http://www.nogijinja.or.jp (Shrine website, Japanese language only)
23. Tama Antique Fair (Tachikawa, Tokyo) – Tama Antique Fair is held at Suwa Shrine in Tachikawa on the 4th Sunday every month except for in August. The fair opened in 2002 by the
members of Yaho Tenkai that has a high reputation as a group of antique dealers in this area. Visitors can relax and enjoy the antique fair that is held inside the quiet compound of the beautiful Shinto shrine that has long been revered as a guardian god of the area of Tachikawa. • Date: Sunday, January 24th 2016 • Time: 7:00 to 16:00 • What is for sale: 50 sellers of Japanese antiques to toys and art • Parking: space for 80 cars but fills up early • Access: 10 minutes walk from the south exit of JR Tachikawa Station on Chuo Line. • Address: 1-5-15 Shibasakicho, Tachikawa, Tokyo 190-0023 • Phone: 042-522-5806 (Tachikawa Suwa Shrine, Japanese language only) • Website: http://www.suwajinja.or.jp/ (Shrine website)
Thursday, January 28th
24. Kawagoe Antique Fair (Kawagoe, Saitama) – The Fair is held every month on the 28th. This fair is a very large event with over 100 sellers. There is everything from antique furniture to pottery and kimonos. A wonderful fair and definitely worth the 60-80 min trip. I recommend that you make a day of it and visit the old town of Kawagoe. The town of Kawagoe has a great main street with Edo houses and warehouses (now most holding cute stores), the Kawagoe Festival Museum and candy lane. The Antique market is located about 10-15 minute walk from Hon-Kawagoe station on the Seibu Shinjuku line. You can also take other trains to Kawagoe station, which is a 20 min walk. There is parking, but it tends to fill by early in the morning (arrive before 8 a.m. or wait 30-40 mins in line). • Date: Thursday, Janaury 28th, 2016 • Times: 5:00 to 16:00 • What is for sale: 100 sellers • Parking: yes, but fills early, after which you must wait 30-40 mins to park • Access: 17 min walk from Hon-kawagoe Station on Seibu Shinjuku Line/ 20 minutes from Kawagoe-shi Station on Tobu Tojo Line • Address: 9-2 Kubo-cho, Kawagoe City • Phone: 049-222-0173 Japanese language only.
Sunday, January 31st
25. Yasukuni Shrine Antique Fair (Kudanshita, Tokyo) – see #4 above
26. Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine Antique Fair (Fukagawa, Tokyo) – see #20 above
27. Hanazono Shrine Antique Fair (Shinjuku, Tokyo) – see #5 above
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