Thrifting in Japan isn’t just about stretching your travel budget. It’s also a treasure trove for uncovering one-of-a-kind finds and gems that add a touch of flavour to your collection – all while being kind to the planet! If you’re looking to squeeze in some second-hand shopping while traveling, you’re in luck as there’s no scarcity of thrift shops across the country. Shimokitazawa in Tokyo is known worldwide for its thrifting culture, but it’s not the only one of its kind in Japan — there are more places scattered across the archipelago that are just waiting to be discovered.

 

Even if you’re just casually browsing, these vibrant neighborhoods around the thrift shops have nearby attractions, historic locations, and more to round off your travel experience.

 

Read on to discover where you can go thrifting in Japan and unearth unique finds that will make your Japan trip unforgettable.

 

1. Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade in Sapporo, Hokkaido

 

 

Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade runs across downtown Sapporo, Hokkaido. This roofed arcade is almost 1 kilometer long, spans along seven districts, and is the oldest shopping street in Hokkaido, having been around since 1869. The shopping street’s roots are said to be traced back to the Meiji Period (1868–1912) when restaurants and establishments started popping up around today’s Tanukikoji 2 and 3-chome areas.

 

Among the arcade’s 200 stores is an array of thrift shops where you can buy clothes for all seasons and accessories for different styles. 1-chome or the first district is where most of the fashion goods are located. Shops like High Position, Mauve, and Real Monkey offer vintage and regular second-hand clothes. Bigger chains like 2nd Street and JAM also have locations in this arcade. Most stores have huge inventories, so you’re likely to find what you’re looking for, or perhaps stumble upon a pleasant surprise. 

 

Aside from thrift-worthy clothes, the shopping street also has cafes, restaurants, souvenirs, gaming arcades, bars, a cinema, and more attractions to offer. In addition to being the perfect spot for friends and families to bond and hang out, it’s also a great place to see and experience the daily life of Sapporo locals.

 

Within the shopping district is the Honjin Tanuki Daimyojin Shrine, where the centerpiece is a statue of a raccoon said to be a deity with eight virtues watching over the merchants of Tanukikoji. It is also said that the area used to be home to many “tanuki” or raccoon dogs, hence the name. However, the exact origin of its name is unknown to this day.

 

 

2. Around Sendai Station in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture

 

Photo Credit: Sendai Tourism, Convention and International Association

 

If you’re in Sendai Station in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, a goldmine of thrift 
stores awaits. The area around Sendai Station is a haven for second-hand shopping, offering a mix of vintage finds and gently-used clothing at great prices.

 

One of them is 2nd Street, located conveniently in the basement of Ebeans, the mall right in front of the station. JAM is another great option just a minute's walk from the station. This branch of Japan's largest second-hand chain store offers around 10,000 pieces of affordable clothing, mostly in the style of “American-casual”, also known as “Amekaji”. Other stores you can find in the area are XXNT (Memento), Vintage Select Clothing Climb, and Flamingo. 

 

Feeling pangs of hunger after combing through the wide selections of clothes and accessories? Head over to the nearby Hapina Nakakecho, another bustling arcade boasting restaurants, noodle shops, and cafes with scrumptious offerings. Don’t miss out on tasting the Sendai specialty called gyutan (grilled beef tongue) while you’re here. If you haven’t gotten your fill of shopping by then, you can continue your shopping spree in the arcade selling specialty products, souvenirs, and other items.

 

 

3. Osu Shopping District in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture

 

Photo Credit: Nagoya Convention & Visitors Bureau (Public Interest Incorporated Foundation)

Osu Shopping District, located in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, is another shopping street with a history of over four centuries. Home to about 1,200 shops, restaurants, and other establishments, Osu Shopping District also boasts a good number of vintage and thrift stores. Some of the more popular thrift stores in Osu include Rocat, Store in History, Panama Boy, and Love Conne. Love Conne, in particular, takes things a step further. Not only do they sell vintage items, they also upcycle and remake second-hand clothes. Truly circular fashion!

 

 
The massive second-hand retail chain Komehyo has three locations in Osu, one specializing in kimonos, a second one selling used clothing, and the third offering vintage luxury clothes and name-brand bags, watches, and other items.

 

Osu Shopping District also has Osu Kannon Flea Market that’s open every 18th and 28th of the month where merchants ply their antique and vintage items right around the Osu Kannon Temple grounds. From clothing to household wares to collectibles and rare finds, you can find something that was meant for you in this flea market.

 

Osu Shopping District is not just a great place to buy kimonos, it is also an amazing place to experience wearing one while you shop. You can rent a piece at one of the rental shops in the area and have a kimono expert help you out, from choosing the patterns and colors to having your hair and dress done.

 

The Buddhist temple in the area, Osu Kannon Temple, was relocated to the site from its original location in Ōsu-gō, Nagaoka Village in 1612. It’s another must-visit attraction before or after your shopping extravaganza.

 

 

4. Amerikamura in Osaka, Osaka Prefecture

 

Photo Credit: ©Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau

Amerikamura, which literally means “America Village”, is a neighborhood in the Chuo Ward of Osaka, came about in the 1970s as a center of new trends and unconventional fashion. The “village” covers the area on the west side of Osaka Metro Shinsaibashi Station, and the offbeat atmosphere of the neighborhood, as opposed to the conservative characteristic of the larger Japanese population back then, is thought to be one of the reasons why it was named “Amerikamura”.

 

Another possible reason behind the moniker is that the vintage clothes sold at the first shops in Amerikamura, or “Amemura” as locals call it, were imported from the West Coast of the US. The neighborhood continues to live up to its roots as a hub of youthful vibrancy and discovery. 

 

Among a whopping 2,500 shops in Amerikamura are second-hand stores selling vintage clothes and fashionable used items. Big Step, a hard-to-miss shopping complex, boasts thrift stores with a plethora of offerings. Kinji Used Clothing, one of the shops you can find there, is notable for being popular among locals. If you’re on the hunt for men’s clothing and other fashion items such as shoes and caps, Magnets Osaka is your store. They also have a selection of products from the US.

 

After exploring Amerikamura, end your day on a delicious note in one of its many restaurants and cafes. In the evening, a good place to experience the nightlife is Mitsu Park, where people gather for their hobbies and interests. 

 

 

5. Daimyo District in Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture

 

Photo provided by Fukuoka City.

 

The Daimyo district in Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture is at times likened to the bustling Harajuku for its hip atmosphere, although it’s quieter than the more famous Tokyo neighborhood. Regardless, it has its own charms like its vintage record stores, stylish cafes, lively bars, and of course, its vibrant second-hand market. 

 

Daimyo has everything from bigger chains like 2nd Street, JAM, and Ragtag to smaller boutiques selling vintage clothes like Bingo Bongo, which is known for its menswear and accessories, and Ace in the Hole, which has a wide selection of prized womenswear. 

 

When you’re done with thrift shopping, savor some ramen goodness at the world-famous Ippudo, which as it happens, traces its roots to no other than Daimyo, where its first-ever branch opened in 1985. 

 

Whether it’s a piece of clothing with a unique character or a one-of-a-kind accessory, you’re sure to find something special to take home at these thrift stores and vintage shopping areas in Japan!

 

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