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.
What happens?
Mostly private sellers lay out their 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 4 p.m. 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 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., give or take an hour or two.
Mottainai Flea Market upcoming dates and locations
- September 14 to 16; October 12 to 14; November 9 to 10; December 14 to 15: Around Shimokitazawa Station
- September 21: Shinjuku Central Park
- September 21 to 22; October 12 to 13; November 2; November 23 to 24; December 21 to 22: Nakano
- October 26; November 9; November 23; December 1; December 8: Kichijoji Parco
