When I moved to Japan, as a foreign resident who had barely just started working here and had to move into an empty apartment, Japan’s well-rooted culture of second-hand and recycle shops has made me save quite a lot of money in the first months of navigating life in Japan.

Best Recycle Shops to Visit in Japan

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Recycle shops offer a wide range of pre-owned goods, including clothing, furniture, electronics, books, accessories, and household items.

Here are some of our favorite recycle shops in Japan for budget-friendly pre-loved furniture (and more)

The Off Series

BOOK OFF and HARD OFF are two well-known chains of recycle shops in Japan, popular among budget-conscious shoppers, collectors, and anyone seeking unique finds. With numerous locations across Japan, these chains provide easy access to many pre-loved items for residents and visitors alike.

BOOK OFF specializes in second-hand books, manga, CDs, DVDs, and video games. The stores typically offer a wide range of books across different genres, along with CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, and video games for various gaming consoles. Book Off is recognized for its competitive pricing and well-organized shelves, making it a preferred destination for book lovers and media enthusiasts.

On the other hand, HARD OFF focuses on selling used electronics, appliances, musical instruments, and home goods. Their inventory includes pre-owned electronics such as smartphones, laptops, cameras, and audio equipment. Additionally, HARD OFF stores may have sections dedicated to furniture, kitchen appliances, power tools, and gardening equipment. Some locations also feature a Hobby OFF section, offering hobby-related items like model kits, remote-control cars, figurines, and crafting supplies. HARD OFF Oizumi-Gakuen in Nerima ward seems to be the largest store in the Tokyo metropolitan area.

OFF HOUSE is probably your way to go if you are looking for cheap (or cheaper) used furniture or items. OFF-HOUSE branches are usually located towards the outskirts of the city, such as Nerima, Tachikawa, Hachioji, and Akiruno, given that the store needs to have space physically to store the furniture.

You can search for the location of the different HARD OFF branches and shops all around Japan on the official website. 

MogLand

Recycle Shop MogLand specializes in a broad range of used home appliances like refrigerators and washing machines, along with an extensive selection of pre-owned furniture and household goods. Leveraging translation tools, the store caters to customers from various countries, including the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Russia, Italy, China, South Korea, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia. 

They take pride in offering high-quality, well-maintained used electronics, appliances, furniture, and household items at affordable prices. Customers seeking specific products or assistance can easily contact the store via WhatsApp or LINE.

But probably the best thing about Mogland recycle shop is that the shipping to your house for free and installation is provided as well (for free) if needed.

MogLand has 3 shops in Tokyo: Musashi Koyama (Shinagawa-ku), Suginami Eifuku (Suginami-ku) and PONOPONO (Shinagawa-ku)

Ponopono is MogLand affiliate shop, that specializes in antiques, vintage furniture, Japanese vintage crafts and well as designer furniture.

Treasure Factory (TreFac)

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Treasure Factory, a leading recycle store with over 200 branches nationwide, offers a wide range of items from used furniture to sports gear. Ensuring customer satisfaction, each product undergoes thorough inspection and cleaning before selling, with warranties available for select items.

Additionally, home appliances under 1,000 yen come with a 1-week warranty. The store also provides free small truck rentals for convenient transportation, and customers can earn points through the official app for transactions.

Local Recycle Shops

Apart from chain stores like the ones mentioned above, the city is scattered with local recycle shops, every neighborhood will have at least one. Local recycle shops will most likely be less stocked than big chain recycle shops, but they can be within your neighborhood and closer to your house.

Google the words リサイクル (risaikuru – literally “recycle” or 中古 (chuko – “second hand”) and check what pops up on the map in your area.

Japan’s Recycle Shops for Budget-Friendly Finds

Recycle shops have become indispensable for residents and newcomers navigating life in Japan. From furnishing empty apartments to finding unique treasures, these shops offer a wide array of pre-owned goods at affordable prices.

Whether you explore popular chains like BOOK OFF and HARD OFF, or discover local gems in your neighborhood, recycle shops provide valuable resources while promoting sustainability and thriftiness. Take advantage of their offerings and contribute to Japan’s reuse and recycling culture.

Related Articles:

• Get Thrifting With These Hidden Gems in Shibuya
• The Best Recycle Shop Near Me! 5 Second-Hand Furniture Spots in Tokyo
• Our Top Secondhand Store Picks! The Best Truly Cheap Vintage Stores in Tokyo

The Best Recycle Shop Near Me! 5 Second-Hand Furniture Spots in Tokyo

Featured image credit: Canva