Tokyo Markets

One market or another is held somewhere every weekend in Tokyo. Markets are always fun, whether you go there to chat with the sellers, discover special products, or taste delicious food. The following is a special report on Tokyo's various markets.

• Join the Crowd and Meet the Creators—Let's Go To the Market!
• Flea Markets: A Treasure Trove of One-off Lucky Finds!
• Comfortable Nostalgia in Old Collectibles Antique Market

Join the Crowd and Meet the Creators—Let's Go To the Market!

Le marché—or the market—is a popular “people’s kitchen” in its birthplace of Europe. Its numbers are increasing in Tokyo each year, too, and markets are held regularly, usually on weekends, in various places throughout the metropolitan area. The beauty of a market is that it attracts a diverse assortment of creators who sell everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to bread to craft items. Experience the joy of shopping around the stalls while hearing the stories behind the products directly from their creators.

Hot markets

Hills Marche

The market carries sophisticated goods up to par with the upscale area of Roppongi. Check out the bread, pizza, and other prepared and processed foods recommended by chefs from restaurants in Ark Hills.

Farmer's Market @UNU

This venue offers fresh vegetables and freshly baked bread, as well as many spaces to sit and eat. Why not buy some natural-yeast bread and rich milk, and have brunch on the spot?

Akagi Marche

This market held at Akagi-jinja Shrine in Kagurazaka carries small Japanese objects and accessories made by artists. Works radiating style and good taste make perfect souvenirs.

Other markets

For information on other markets held in Tokyo, please visit each company's website.

• Marché Japon Ebisu
• Annon Asaichi (morning market)
• Tezukuri-ichi Market

Flea Markets: A Treasure Trove of One-off Lucky Finds!

Flea markets bring together lots of different sellers and buyers looking for a lucky find. They always attract a large crowd.

Shop smart at a flea market

Oi Racetrack Flea Market

Have you ever tried negotiating a better price at a flea market, without really knowing how? Here are some tips.
One important thing is, don't start haggling straight away. First praise the product and let the seller know you like it. Then offer a specific price, perhaps starting at a little less than you want to pay. If you still have a difficult time meeting halfway, offer to buy multiple items from that seller in exchange for a discount. This usually does the trick.
In any case, avoid incessant haggling. Remember that shopping should be fun—both for you and for the seller.
Another tip to smart shopping is timing. Attractive products sell fast. So if you're serious about making a lucky find, the rule of thumb is to show up right when the flea market opens. On the other hand, if your goal is to strike a good bargain, show up around closing time. Sellers are reluctant to lug their goods back home, so they're more open to negotiation at the end of the day. But do bear in mind that there may be fewer attractive products then.

Comfortable Nostalgia in Old Collectibles Antique Market

Shrines are usually serene places, but when they host antique markets, they attract a lively crowd. The products available at these fairs are distinguished and nostalgic. This long-established variety of market is for visitors looking for good, old items.

Antique as art

Antique markets specialize in historical, well-worn items. Simply taking a tiny object in your hands and imagining the story behind it is a joy in itself. Buying is a bit trickier, as it takes judgment, experience, and knowledge to identify a genuine work of art. Yet when all is said and done, the key is whether or not you like it.
Be it furniture, ceramics, tableware, a table ornament, or a nostalgic toy, a single antique object can add an artistic touch to your home. Why not visit a market in Tokyo and seek out some comforting nostalgia in an old collectible?

Tokyo antique market schedules

Oedo Antique Market

Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine Antique Market

Takahata Fudoson Temple Gozare-ichi Market