Ginza is Japan’s premier shopping district, filled with flagship stores of luxury brands and bustling with people seeking the latest fashions and trends. Just a short distance away is the business district of Yurakucho, which hosts one of Japan’s largest outdoor antique markets, the Oedo Antique Market, on the first and third Sundays of every month.
Since its inception in 2003, this antique market has grown to become a major event, with about 250 stalls and 20,000 visitors each time. It is held in the plaza of the convention center, “Tokyo International Forum,” only a one-minute walk from JR Yurakucho Station and about a ten-minute walk from central Ginza. Admission is free.
■ A Unique Collection of Japanese Antiques
At the market, you’ll find a variety of items including Japanese and Western tableware, clothing, and furniture, as well as distinctly Japanese arts and crafts like tea utensils, hanging scrolls, and ukiyo-e prints. Browsing through the stalls feels like exploring a casual art gallery or museum. There are antiques over a century old, and you might find hidden gems with intricate craftsmanship and history.
■ A Cultural Experience
The vintage goods here carry a warmth from the hands that have used them. As you shop, you can sense the history and stories of each piece, giving you a cultural experience that contrasts with the fast-paced trends of Ginza. The Tokyo International Forum, a futuristic building resembling a glass ship, provides a unique atmosphere for the antique market, blending past and present.
■ Contributing to Sustainability
By choosing to use vintage items, you can reduce waste and embrace a more sustainable lifestyle, a meaningful aspect of this market.
The Oedo Antique Market offers a unique experience of Japanese history and tradition, and it’s a perfect place to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Try discovering your own treasure here. Just under ten minutes from the market, Ginza’s main street transforms into a pedestrian-only zone every Sunday afternoon, making it even more walkable. Shopping in these two contrasting neighborhoods lets you seamlessly experience Japan’s past and present.
| Access | JR Yurakucho Sta. → 1 min walk, JR Tokyo Sta. → 5 min walk, Ginza Sta. (Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway) → 5–7 min walk |
| Business hours | First and third Sundays of each month, 9:00–16:00 |
