Journey Through Tokyo’s Antique Markets to Find Treasures in Autumn

Oedo Antique Market, Antique Grande, Shibuya Antique Market

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Autumn in Tokyo shines red and gold as momiji (Japanese maple) and ginkgo trees change color with the seasons, adding quiet, beautiful moments to the pace of urban life. Fall also provides the perfect backdrop to explore another vibrant aspect of Japanese culture – antiques.

Antique markets across Tokyo are not only treasure troves of unique objects, they're also living archives of the nation’s history, art and traditions. Wandering through them, you'll be doing more than finding souvenirs: you’ll be uncovering fragments of everyday life from centuries past, stories carried in ceramics, kimono fabric and handmade crafts. These objects, once used and cherished, are given new life when you discover them on your journey.

In autumn, exploring these markets also means immersing yourself in an atmosphere where the crisp air and vibrant foliage frame your discoveries, making every encounter feel timeless. If you’re looking for a way to connect more deeply with Tokyo during your travels, spending a weekend at the city's antique markets is a journey through both culture and season.

*Event schedules may change, so please check their respective websites for details. Many vendors support cashless payments but some may be cash only.

Discover Japanese Historical Treasures Against Autumn’s Glow – Oedo Antique Market

Held twice a month in front of the glass-and-steel expanse of the Tokyo International Forum in Yurakucho, Tokyo, the Oedo Antique Market is one of the largest outdoor antique events in Japan. Founded in 2003, the market has grown from its early beginnings to attract more than 250 vendors at each event. Its location is unbeatable – just steps away from Yurakucho Station and 10 minutes' walk from Tokyo Station.

The Oedo Antique Market is an ideal stop to explore Japanese antiques while enjoying beautiful autumn foliage brightening the urban cityscape. Its central location makes it easy to pair with a visit to nearby parks, including Kitanomaru Garden within Kokyo Gaien National Garden, home to a stunning grove of momiji trees that heralds the beauty of autumn. Hibiya Park also features a stunning yellow ginkgo tree-lined avenue, another great spot to enjoy autumn in an urban oasis.

Browsing through the stalls, you quickly realize that the market is as much about discovery as it is about shopping. Here, antiques reflect Japan’s culture of reuse, where objects are valued not only for their age but also for their continued utility and beauty. It’s easy to come across Imari porcelain bowls, vintage kimonos or playful kokeshi dolls once treasured by rural households. Many items cost just a fraction of their original value, making them perfect for creative reuse – like kimono obi (sashes) turned into table runners or transformed into handbags.

Another priceless charm here lies in interactions with Japanese people. The market’s vendors are seasoned collectors, artisans and enthusiasts who bring their passion to each event. Conversations flow easily here, and even if you don’t speak Japanese, gestures and enthusiasm usually bridges the gap.

With a friendly atmosphere, a wide variety of goods and a backdrop of brilliant autumn colors, the Oedo Antique Market offers more than just antiques – come here for meaningful encounters, both people and storied antique objects. The market is a reminder that antiques are not merely relics of the past but living pieces that inspire curiosity and connection on your journey to Tokyo.

*The next Oedo Antique Market will be held November 29, 2025. Note the event will be canceled in the case of rain.

Photo courtesy of Kitanomaru Garden

Photo courtesy of Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association

Discover a Living Museum of Antiques Under One Roof – Antique Grande

While the Oedo Antique Market celebrates antiques in the open air, Antique Grande takes the opposite approach, gathering treasures indoors at Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo International Exhibition Center), a massive exhibition hall. Since its launch in 2022, this event has quickly grown into one of the country’s largest indoor antique fairs, held twice a year.

Each iteration of the event also includes a special exhibition based on milestones or seasonal themes. The November 2025 edition celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Showa era (1926–89), showcasing rare antiques on the theme of planes, trains and automobiles from the past century. This hybrid style combining intriguing exhibitions with antique seller booths allows you to learn about antique history while shopping for something special to take home.

Indeed, walking through the fair is like stepping into a living museum, with rows of booths feature everything from European furniture to Japanese folk crafts and more. Another highlight is the antique repair booth where you can pay to fix up accessories, silverwork and other items. This autumn, the event also offers a hands-on kintsugi workshop, where you can try your hand at the traditional art of repairing broken pottery with gold, as well as a matcha-tasting experience for just 500 yen. These activities underscore Antique Grande’s mission: to pass on culture to the next generation through tangible, memorable encounters.

Sellers at Antique Grande are also known for presenting items that reflect the season. This autumn, search for a seasonal item to add meaning to your trip. Kimonos are one great option – autumn brings a rush of vibrant fall patterns, from fiery reds to soft golds, woven into vintage textiles that make browsing feel seasonal in its own right. Antique Grande is curated to encourage exploration not only of vintage objects but also the seasonal nuance and traditions that shaped them.

Whether you’re admiring the deep gloss of Japanese lacquerware or chatting with a craftsman about restoring a special piece, the Antique Grande experience is immersive. Located about 30 minutes by train from Tokyo Station, this storied event shows how antiques can be both preserved and reimagined, making it a must-see for anyone who wants to discover Japan through antiques in autumn.

*Antique Grande will be held November 22–24, 2025. Entry requires a fee; please check the website for details on discounted advance tickets. (Note: Admission is free on November 24.)

Quiet Discoveries in the Heart of the City – Shibuya Antique Market

Shibuya may be synonymous with neon lights and the famous Shibuya Scramble crossing, but just a short walk away you’ll find a very different Tokyo. The Shibuya Antique Market – also known as the Tokyo Romantic Market – offers an oasis of calm and character. With around 100 stalls set up in a square outside the Shibuya Garden Tower (approx. 10 minutes' walk from Shibuya Station) this event feels removed from the frenetic energy of the district. Entry is free, and because organizers post on Instagram in English, the market is remarkably accessible for international visitors.

Because it’s held outdoors, autumn lends a special charm to this market. Here the changing season softens the city’s edge, with warm light falling across rows of antiques. You might come across Edo period (1603–1867) plates, folk crafts or handwoven textiles, but also creative upcycled items made from antique kimono fabric or woodwork with a modern twist. The mix of traditional and contemporary pieces reflects Tokyo itself – rooted in history, yet constantly reinventing itself.

This event in cosmopolitan Shibuya is also set apart by a sense of local connection. Many of the vendors are small-scale collectors or craftspeople, eager to share the stories behind their wares. Spending time here feels like joining a local gathering rather than browsing a marketplace. You’re likely to leave with amazing souvenirs alongside the memory of a meaningful conversation that opened a window into Japanese life.

Exploring Tokyo’s antique markets in autumn is a journey into culture framed by the season’s beauty. At Shibuya Antique Market, as you wander through stalls and chat with vendors under the falling leaves, every item you find sparks discovery – and every encounter, a chance to know Japan more deeply.

*The next Shibuya Antique Market will be held November 23, 2025. Note the event will be canceled in the case of rain.