Jun 10, 2013 - 1 min read

Shinagawa Intercity Flea Market

Secondhand goods on a budget

By Sher Ying Wee

Community writer

The bustling flea market at about 1 pm. With such fine weather, the human traffic seems to never end. The flea market starts at 10 am and ends at 4 pm.

Right outside the Konan exit of the JR Shinjuku train station, there will be a sign pointing in the direction of the flea market. You can also ask the organizer who sits there if you're not sure of the direction to go, like I did.

The flea market is located at Shinagawa Intercity, the curved building in the middle of the picture. There is a link direct to the building from the station so there is no need to go down the escalator. Just turn right upon exiting the station.

You'll know you're there when you see this sight! There are stalls on the 2nd floor as well.

All kinds of things are sold here, not just clothes. Its interesting to just 'window' shop, even if you are not looking to buy anything.

Clothes sold at really unbelievable prices. Most of them are in pretty good condition - so much so it made me wonder if they were really secondhand.

All the items are displayed on mats and racks brought by the sellers themselves, so stall sizes vary.

There were quite a few secondhand kimono and obi (sash) sellers as well. One stall even sold nagajubans (inner layer worn under the kimono).

The secondhand kimonos sold here usually have stains, so check each garment carefully before buying it! Some can be hidden, but others were quite obvious, like on the sleeves.

Obis on sale too! If you're not planning to wear them, you can re-use the fabric by making other crafts, like card cases or pouches.

The majority of the stores sell clothing, and the rest sell anything from tableware to jewelry to toys.

Some of stalls had an amazing amount of clothes, usually with very attractive prices like 300 yen for 1 item.

As it gets closer to 4 pm, some stalls start slashing prices and others start to pack up their wares. It's probably best to arrive by 11 or 12 if you want to browse the stalls leisurely.

Held at the Shinagawa Intercity complex, this flea market happens every Sunday (except January 1-2, and the third Sundays of February and August). With both indoor and outdoor space, the flea market takes place even on rainy days. There is a good variety in the handmade and secondhand items sold. Most of the secondhand articles are in pretty good condition, but it’s still good to check each item before buying it.

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Sher Ying Wee

By Sher Ying Wee

Community writer

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