With the cherry blossoms blooming, Japan’s flea market (furii maaketto) season is also in full swing. Every Saturday and Sunday there are literally dozens of flea markets around the Kanto region varying in size from mere garage sales to super flea markets filling a whole football stadium!
The best way to enjoy a Japanese flea market is to go with an open mind and an eye for “buried treasure.” You might find collectibles, old clothing, and even antiques, sometimes for a good price. Bring
loose change (lots of hundred yen coins), bags for carting items home in, and be prepared to come early – the good stuff goes fast.
Conversely, arriving 30 minute before closing might also produce some good bargains from picked-through (soiled) merchandise. Check this website for the “mother lode” of flea market information, in Japanese. For an excellent guide in English, check this one.
Happy shopping!
© 2004 Wendy J. Imura.