Yoyogi park flea market
Let's go on a treasure hunt this weekend in Tokyo!
Venue:Yoyogi Park
When: Weekends (Varies by Organizer)
Various flea markets are held at Yoyogi Park on weekends. Organised by different hosts, you can enjoy a completely different atmosphere depending on the day you visit.
The flea market at Yoyogi Park is held by various organisations throughout the year, so there is no fixed schedule. Before visiting, it is recommended to check the event schedule on the official Instagram account.
Dates |
January 4, 2026 |
Opening Hours |
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
Location |
Yoyogi Park, Tokyo |
Admission |
Free |
Official Website |
|
Nearest Station |
・JR ‘Harajuku’: 3 minutes on foot ・Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line ‘Yoyogi-kōen’: 3 minutes on foot ・Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line / Fukutoshin Line ‘Meiji-jingū-mae (Harajuku)’: 3 minutes on foot ・Odakyu Line ‘Yoyogi-hachiman’: 6 minutes on foot |
At Yoyogi Park, the following types of markets are primarily held, each offering a completely different experience.
Traditional treasure hunt flea market: The most classic style, where second-hand clothing, household goods, and miscellaneous items brought by locals are crammed together. The greatest appeal is the thrill of the hunt, never knowing what you might discover.
Stylish Antique Market: Boasting a sophisticated atmosphere reminiscent of European flea markets, it gathers curated items like antique knick-knacks, vintage goods, and records. Occasional live music performances make it enjoyable even just to stroll through.
Earth-conscious Festival Market: Held as part of large-scale events focused on environmental protection and sustainability. Discover organic foods, eco-products, and NPO initiatives, engaging with social messages through your purchases.
Night Market: The real action begins after dark at this urban market. Immerse yourself in a fusion of delicious food and drinks, music, and shopping, experiencing the park's entirely different character after sunset.
Various flea markets are held, offering enjoyment for everyone.
Bargain hunters: Traditional flea markets are ideal.
Vintage and antique enthusiasts: Stylish antique fairs are not to be missed.
Those concerned about environmental issues or families: Festival-style markets provide an enjoyable learning experience.
Foodies and those seeking evening strolls: Night markets propose unique ways to spend your evenings.
This is an excellent opportunity to experience Tokyo's authentic culture. The atmosphere is incredibly welcoming, and you can thoroughly enjoy yourself even if you don't speak the language.
Recommended visiting times
For finding quality items, aim for around 9am when the market opens. For bargains, around 2pm as closing time approaches is ideal.
What to bring
Cash: Most stalls do not accept credit cards. Bring plenty of small change and thousand-yen notes.
Reusable bag: Bring one to carry your purchases.
Comfortable footwear: The park is large, so sturdy walking shoes are essential.
Moving around the venue
The market is primarily held across two areas: the spacious event square and the pleasant zelkova tree-lined avenue bathed in dappled sunlight.
Weather
As it's an outdoor event, it's usually cancelled in the event of rain. On days when the weather looks uncertain, check the organiser's information beforehand.
As it is outdoors, please dress appropriately for the season and choose comfortable walking shoes. In summer, we recommend hats and sunscreen, while in colder seasons, layering is advisable.
Yoyogi Park is easily accessible via various routes.
JR ‘Harajuku’: 3 minutes on foot
Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line ‘Yoyogi-kōen’: 3 minutes on foot
Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line / Fukutoshin Line ‘Meiji-jingū-mae (Harajuku)’: 3 minutes on foot
Odakyu Line ‘Yoyogi-hachiman’: 6 minutes on foot
The park features information boards for the flea market. On event days, many people visit, so simply following the flow of people should prevent you from getting lost.
Yoyogi Park's flea market offers more than just the market itself. Surrounding it are some of Tokyo's most charming areas, perfect for a full day of exploration.
【Tranquility and Tradition】Meiji Jingu: Just a short walk from the bustle of the flea market lies an urban oasis. Walking along the lush approach path, the solemn main shrine appears, enveloped in such profound silence you might forget you're in Tokyo. This is an essential spot if you wish to experience Japan's traditional spiritual culture.
【Pop Culture】Harajuku and Takeshita Street: This street is world-famous as the birthplace of the “kawaii” (cute) culture. Simply strolling along, perhaps with a colourful crêpe or candyfloss in hand, while browsing the unique fashion and accessory shops is enjoyable. It's a place where you can feel the energy of Japanese youth culture firsthand.
【Sophistication and Art】Omotesando and Cat Street: Omotesando, often dubbed ‘Japan's Champs-Élysées’, is lined with flagship stores of famous brands, beautiful architecture, and stylish cafés. Just one street back, Cat Street is perfect for strolling, dotted with unique select shops and vintage clothing stores, connecting Harajuku and Shibuya.
【Life at a Crossroads】Shibuya: One of the world's most famous intersections, Shibuya Scramble Crossing (pictured below) epitomises Tokyo's energy. Don't forget to take a commemorative photo in front of the Hachiko statue. It's also a fierce battleground for ramen, gathering every kind of food and entertainment from the latest commercial facilities to old-fashioned izakaya alleys.
The flea market at Yoyogi Park is more than just a place for buying and selling; it serves as a mirror reflecting changes in Tokyo's consumer culture and lifestyles.
Its origins lay in grassroots recycling activities by citizens, rooted in the spirit of “mottainai” – valuing possessions. It began as a community space connecting household unwanted items with their next users. Later, alongside the vintage clothing boom, it evolved into a place where young people sought unique “one-off” items for self-expression.
Now, in an era of material abundance, people have shifted from merely “owning” goods to valuing the “empathy” for the stories and makers' intentions behind them, and the “experience” gained. Events like “Earth Day”, centred on environmental themes, gain popularity not just for buying eco-products, but for the experiential value of connecting with like-minded individuals and participating in social contribution.
Adjacent to the cultural hubs of Harajuku and Shibuya, Yoyogi Park – an open space where anyone can gather freely – has embraced this shift in times. It has become a cultural hub where diverse markets naturally emerge. Visiting a flea market is precisely how one experiences the “now” of Tokyo as a city.
To ensure a smooth trip, consider the following points.
Accommodation: Book hotels early, especially for weekends.
Transport: Utilise JR Passes or regional transport passes for efficient travel to Harajuku Station.
Communication: Pocket Wi-Fi or SIM cards are useful for gathering information while out and about.
Etiquette: Cash payments are the norm at flea markets. Bargaining is not common, though vendors may offer a slight discount towards closing time.
Support upon arrival in Japan:Start your journey smoothly with our Meet & Greet service from the airport.
Q: What are the opening hours for the Yoyogi Park Flea Market?
A: This varies depending on the specific market held. Daytime markets typically run from around 9:00 am until around 3:00 pm, whilst night markets are held until around 10:00 pm.
Q: Where is the largest flea market in Tokyo?
A: The flea market at Yoyogi Park can be one of the largest in the city depending on the event held, and is extremely popular.
Q: What is the admission fee for the Yoyogi Park Flea Market?
A: Admission for visitors is free.
Q: Can I use a credit card?
A: As most stallholders are individuals, please assume credit cards are not accepted. To enjoy your shopping, it is advisable to ensure you have sufficient cash (particularly thousand-yen notes and small change) to hand.
Q: Is it possible to negotiate the price?
A: At Japanese flea markets, significant price negotiation is not common. However, if you ask politely, they may occasionally offer a slight discount. Particularly towards the end of an event, or when purchasing multiple items at once, there may be an opportunity to negotiate.
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