It’s no secret that Japan is 2025’s trending holiday destination. In fact, the jolt in popularity has meant that the country is making changes to how it handles tourism.
There should be no surprise why so many are choosing this vibrant destination as their vacation of choice. The tranquil beauty of Kyoto, the nightlife of Osaka and the world-class skiing in Hokkaido means there is truly something for everyone. Aside from the natural wonders like Mount Fuji and exceptional food scene, one of the major attractions in Japan is its shopping.
Japan has some of the best luxury shopping in the world. Especially in the vintage and consignment spheres. But if you’re planning on attacking the vintage shopping in Japan with gusto, you need a plan of attack. The consignment shopping scene is completely different from that of Paris or Rome, so it’s important that you know what you’re getting into.
As someone who has just returned from a shopping holiday across Japan, here are the things you need to know before you go.
Most of the vintage shopping is at big chain stores
Before I landed in Japan, I was under the impression that I would be browsing through individually owned boutiques. Yes, there are some small ones. But vintage luxury shopping is a huge business in Japan and it’s mostly big chains – yes, big chains with multiple floors that just sell vintage.
Some of the biggest names are Komehyo, Brand Off, Kindal, Rag Tag, Brand Collect, Vintage Qoo, Amore and 2nd Street. These chains will often have one store in each major district. Komehyo for example has more than 10 stores just in Tokyo.
Of course, there are some smaller boutiques like the renowned Atlantis Vintage. But mostly, you’ll be ducking between chains.
Have an idea of the types of pieces you’re looking for
Are you looking for bags? Are you looking for jackets? Are you looking for a watch? It’s always a good idea to have something specific in mind as this can change where you shop. For example, Komehyo has a watch-only, multi-level store in Shinjuku. And there are some other smaller watch boutiques nearby, so watch shoppers should start there. For clothes, the stores around Cat Street, Harajuku were great. For bags, Shinsaibashi, Osaka is a good place to start. For a bit of everything, Omotesando, Tokyo is brilliant.
Browse online if you want to compare pieces and prices
Since much of the shopping is at chain stores, you’ll actually be able to view most of it online. Komehyo, Rag Tag, Brand Off and more all have online stores where you can search by brand, size, colour and more. Each item will also have its location listed, so you can browse online and then pop in-store to pick up your purchases.
Pick a district rather than individual stores
This was the first mistake I made. I decided I wanted to visit Kindal and walked 30 minutes to a Kindal and then 30 minutes back to a different store. This is a great way to exhaust yourself. Instead, pick a district like Cat Street or Shinjuku in Tokyo or Shinsaibashi in Osaka and just tour all the stores in this area.
Prices are reflective of the district you’re in
When picking a district to shop in, remember that the prices will be reflective of the area. If you’re in an upmarket area like Ginza, expect the prices to be higher than other areas.
Some stores and chains are bags and shoes only
Chains like Brand Off and Brand Collect and tend not to have clothing, just bags and some shoes. Lots of the smaller stores are also bag-only. So if you’re looking for clothes, try Kindal, Komehyo and Rag Tag.
Most pieces are from the big French Houses
It was a common theme for most of the stores to have a huge selection of Chanel, Hermes, Dior and Celine. In fact, some boutiques stock exclusively Chanel – like Amore in Omotesando, Tokyo. Many stores will have some impressive selections of Gucci, Prada and Fendi. But as for Houses like Miu Miu, Loewe or Bottega Veneta, it was harder to find a wide selection of these brands.
Prices are more competitive outside of Tokyo
I found the prices in Osaka and Kyoto to be a bit more competitive than those in Tokyo. That doesn’t mean you can’t find some real bargains in Tokyo too. But in Osaka, some of the prices are sub $500 for big name, luxury bags.
The more well-known the brand is, the higher it will be priced
Bear in mind that if you want an iconic and classic piece from one of the heritage luxury houses, you will still be paying in the thousands of dollars. But if you look at newer brands like Stella McCartney or Marni, you’ll find new season pieces for very competitive prices.
Don’t forget to visit the flea markets
These run in the morning on weekend. Bring cash and lots of it. The bags, shoes and clothes here are very much vintage pieces, but there are some real gems to be found. I found some 70s era Prada, dozens of Burberry trench coats and so much good quality Coach. It was rare to see a price over $100.
The shoes and clothing runs slightly smaller
If you’re a size 37 shoe or under, you’ll be in heaven. But know I didn’t really see any ladies shoes over a 39. It was the same story for clothing. It was harder to find pieces over an EU 40. Not to say that they don’t exist, they’re just slightly harder to come by.
If you love something, just get it
You won’t come back for it. And someone else might buy it.
I cannot explain just how many stores there are, it’s overwhelming. So you might have grand plans to come back for that pair of shoes, but you’ll probably get swept up elsewhere. If you love something, and it’s a good price, just buy it.
Which stores are the best?
I loved Kindal on Cat Street, Tokyo for its incredible selection of Bottega Veneta bags and amazing leather jackets. Rag Tag also on Cat Street had a unique mix of everything and a few different sizes in clothing. I loved all three Amore Vintage stores in Omotesando, Tokyo, especially the one with the curation of vintage Celine. I thought the prices were great in Brand Gallery in Shinsaibashi, Osaka. The selection of Chanel at Brand Off in Osaka was incredible, there were some very unique pieces.
