Over the years, Japan has gained a strong reputation for being one of the best places to thrift. One reason for this is because the second hand stores are carefully curated and stock good-quality items, which oftentimes, are in pristine condition.
With so many to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why in this article, we will be giving you the lowdown on just some of the best, and most popular, thrift stores in Tokyo.
2nd Street
2nd Street is the largest second hand clothing chain in Japan – with a whopping 550 branches across the country. This chain is best known for its selection of affordable trendy clothing and second hand designer items – all of which are in pristine condition. It is a great alternative for those who love shopping at popular Western and Japanese high street brands but want to save some money.
For those who are keen to get rid of some clothes, 2nd Street also offers a service where they will buy your unwanted items. The easiest way to do this is to bring your unwanted items into your nearest store, get them assessed and see how much they are worth.
Bazz Store
Bazz Store is another reuse store which buys and sells second-hand clothing. This store mainly stocks contemporary fast fashion brands but does have some designer ones in the mix. On average, items here range from a couple hundred to thousand yen. Although there are some vintage items here, Bazz Store is better for those who are into more casual and everyday styles.
You can also sell your clothes through Bazz Store – either in person or through the mail-order service.
Kinji
Kinji is a true thrift paradise. In this large second hand clothing chain, you will find a mix of contemporary fashion, branded goods, vintage styles and accessories. No matter what style of fashion you are into, Kinji most likely has something which matches it. This is one of the reasons why it is one of the most popular thrift stores with young and fashionable Tokyoites. Prices for items range from a couple of hundred yen to around ¥20,000 for branded items.
Given that there are so many racks to sort through, it is worth spending at least an hour or so, going through them individually to find the best bargains.
Flamingo
Since each item has been carefully selected and the store beautifully curated, you are most likely guaranteed to find something fairly unique. Prices for both clothing items and accessories tend to start from around ¥4,000 and can easily go up to ¥10,000.
Since each item has been carefully selected and the store beautifully curated, you are most likely guaranteed to find something fairly unique. Prices for both clothing items and accessories tend to start from around ¥4,000 and can easily go up to ¥10,000.
- Multiple Flamingo Branches Around Tokyo (Photo from Harajuku Branch)
- 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 4 Chome−26−7 Junkyard 1st Floor
- 9 minute walk from Harajuku Station
- Mon - Fri: 12pm - 9pm / Sat - Sun: 11am - 9pm
- Cash and card
- flamingo_harajuku
- https://www.flamingo-online.jp/
Mode Off
Mode Off is part of the Hard Off, a group of reuse stores that sell a range of secondhand items. At Mode Off, you will find an extensive range of reasonably priced clothing, shoes and accessories. Similar to 2nd Street, Mode Off tends to stock a large range of fast fashion brands so is an ideal place to shop for trendy and everyday items. In the last few months, the massive Mode Off in Saitama has gone viral on TikTok, with many visitors claiming it is one of the best places to find the latest must-have items and designer brands for an affordable price. If you are willing to have a bit of patience and spend time searching, you will definitely come across a bargain.
It is also easy to sell your clothes, shoes and accessories at Mode Off too. Although you won’t get much money for your items, it is a good way to get rid of unwanted things which are cluttering up your space. Note that Mode Off only tends to accept clothes which are in season, meaning they are unlikely to buy a winter coat off you in summer.
- Multiple Mode Off Branches Around Tokyo (Photo from Higashi-Kurume Branch)
- 〒203-0053, 3 Chome-9-15 Honcho, Higashikurume, Tokyo
- 6 minute walk from Higashi-Kurume Station
- Mon - Fri: 11am - 8pm / Sat - Sun: 10am - 8pm
- Cash and card
- NA
- https://www.hardoff.co.jp/
Tanpopo House (たんぽぽハウス)
If you are searching for super cheap clothing, then Tanpopo House is the best place. Here, you can get clothes for as little as ¥50, a price that you will not see in any other secondhand store. From jumpers, to coats, to blazers, to kids clothes, you could basically get a whole new wardrobe for under ¥10,000.
To find the best deals, you will need to spend some time going through all the rails. Although you will find some fast fashion and contemporary items here, the shop is often filled with slightly lesser known Japanese brands from the 80s and 90s.
Which shop will you be heading to first?
