If a trip to Tokyo is in your near future (or on your bucket list), then you’re in for a treat: The destination always guarantees great food, one-of-a-kind sights, and exceptional hotels. But for the more fashion-minded, Tokyo also makes for an epic shopping destination. For vintage fashion, in particular, the city is a goldmine: In stylish neighborhoods such as Harajuku, Shibuya, and Shimokitazawa you’ll find stores that specialize in curating rare secondhand designer goods.
Still, navigating the bustling metropolitan city for the first time can be—well—overwhelming. Lucky for you, Vogue has all of the must-know tips for getting the most out of your vintage shopping haul. Sure, Tokyo is an enormous city with tons of archival clothes, bags, and shoes to discover. But scoring that one-of-a-kind Chanel or Dior piece can be easy—if you know where to shop, and what to look out for.
Below, a vintage lover’s guide to Tokyo—including all the dos and don’ts.
Do know the staple chain stores
To vintage shop successfully in Tokyo, acquaint yourself with the staples. Stores such as Ragtag, 2nd Street, Kindal, and Bookoff all have multiple locations across Tokyo—and each one boasts a multi-brand mixture of designer clothing and accessories, as well as home goods.
Don’t miss Shimokitazawa
Known as one of Tokyo’s coolest, most bohemian neighborhoods, the Shimokitazawa district is a can’t-miss destination for vintage lovers: The streets are lined with vintage clothing and record stores, cafés, and bars. A staple store in the area is Chicago, which offers an eclectic mix of ’90s streetwear, vintage Levi’s and Wrangler jeans, and tons of leather jackets (Kim Kardashian paid a visit to the store on her trip to Tokyo). Flamingo specializes in American vintage wears, while Pigsty and New York Joe Exchange both offer an eclectic mix of casual vintage pieces at reasonable prices.
Photo: Courtesy of Casanova Vintage
Do zero in on vintage bags
If one is in the market for a vintage luxury bag, there are a handful of stores in Tokyo that specialize in carrying covetable designer accessories. In Harajuku, Amore Vintage is known for its assortment of archival Chanel bags—from classic quilted flaps to rarer Karl Lagerfeld-era runway styles. At Casanova Vintage in Shibuya, the retro Chanel bags are also plentiful (though its assortment of Dior saddle bags, Hermès Birkins, and monogrammed Louis Vuitton bags are not to be overlooked). Ditto for Vintage Qoo in Shibuya, which carries bags by Bottega Veneta, Fendi, Prada, Celine, and more.
Don’t be afraid to venture out of the city center
Some of the best places for vintage fashion in Tokyo are located on the outskirts of the city—and they’re worth traveling to. Bookoff Super Bazaar in Kawasaki is one of the largest Bookoff shops in Japan; it’s gone viral on TikTok for its plentiful array of vintage goods. Think of it as a megastore—only with vintage Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and more at heavily discounted prices. Closer in, aim for Atlantis Vintage in the Koenji or Hiroo districts: Fashion-obsessed TikTokers flock there to call up on all-knowing owner Yuji, who can locate practically anything on your designer wishlist.
Do take advantage of tax-free shopping
If you’re a non-resident of Japan, the good news is that many of your vintage purchases can be tax-free. Simply show your passport at checkout, and tax on your purchases will be deducted. If you’re buying big-ticket items such as a designer bag, this can rack up a huge amount in savings. (Aforementioned stores such as Amore, Qoo, and Casanova, for instance, all offer tax-free shopping.)