Mottainai Flea Market

As the name suggests, this little market is all about reducing waste and wastefulness—the perfect antidote to Tokyo’s shop-till-you-drop culture. It’s a good place to pick up snazzy secondhand clothes for cheap-cheap, as well as DVDs, CDs (remember those?), books and other odds and ends.

Mostly private sellers lay out there wares on a tarp for inspection, and bargaining is definitely part of the game. Depending whether they have sold enough or have just had enough of selling, things usually wrap up earlier than the announced 4pm closing time. Most of the venues have restaurants and bars around for a well-deserved break after shopping.

The market moves around Tokyo, sometimes even over the same weekend. Check the location below. The time is usually 10am-4pm, give or take an hour or two.

September 28th: Nakano Central Park
September 29th: Nakano Central Park

October 6th: Kichijoji Parco, 9:30 – 14:00
October 13th: Koganei Park, 9:00 – 15:00 and Toshimaen, 10:00 – 16:00
October 14th: Kichijoji Parco, 9:30 – 14:00 and Gotanda TOC, 11:00 – 16:00
October 19th: Nakano Central Park, 10:00 – 16:00
October 20th: Nakano Central Park, 10:00 – 16:00 and Kichijoji Parco, 9:30 – 14:00
October 27th: Kichijoji Parco, 9:30 – 14:00

(Carey Finn)