Get Thrifting With These Hidden Gems in Shibuya | Guidable - Your Guide to a Sustainable, Wellbeing-centred Life in Japan

Get Thrifting With These Hidden Gems in Shibuya

By Devy Jun 13, 2022

Are you the type of person who likes thrifting and searching for hidden treasures? 

In Japan, it is fairly normal to sell your old clothes and belongings to secondhand stores or thrift shops in the hope that they will be useful to other people. 

Here, many treasures are collected and looked over by enthusiasts who like to search among banks of used goods that are still of good quality.

photo of yellow secondhand clothing on a clothes rack in a thrift shop

Photo credit: Canva

An advantage of shopping at secondhand stores is that the prices are a lot cheaper than buying new, and if you are lucky, you can find something of excellent quality that looks like it hasn’t been worn a day!

If you are one of those people who love to spend the whole day searching for a reasonably priced Balenciaga jacket or an excellent vintage pair of Levi’s, then let us guide you to some of the hidden gems when it comes to thrift shops around Shibuya-ku! 

What Is The Difference Between a Secondhand Store and a Thrift Shop?

Before trying your hand at thrifting, you should know the difference between a secondhand store and a thrift shop. 

photo of clothes on hangers

Photo credit: Kai Pilger (Pexels)

At first glance, there may seem to be little difference between secondhand stores and thrift shops. However, for those of you looking for specific items, you should understand that there is a slight difference between the two. 

Secondhand store stores sell used goods that don’t show signs of heavy wear. Usually, these items have been bought from their previous users, so secondhand stores tend to have higher prices. In short, they trade for business purposes.

On the other hand, thrift shops sell goods donated by previous owners, with prices that have not been standardized. Therefore, most thrift shops sell goods at very, very low prices!

However, it is essential to remember that you are more likely to find good quality branded goods or vintage collections at secondhand stores, as they were created to collect those sorts of items, rather than accept donations without specific interests. 

Get Thrifting!

Here are some of the best, hidden gems for finding thrift and secondhand stores around Shibuya!

1. Chicago Jingumae 

If we’re talking about vintage and premium quality street style clothing, Chicago in Jingumae will always be our go-to. 

photo of a woman thrifting in a secondhand clothes store

Photo credit: Canva

Chicago is a secondhand chain store in Japan founded in 1966, with five stores in Tokyo and one in Kyoto. 

Chicago Jingumae is a favorite among thrifters because they specialize in vintage American street-style clothing as well as kimono/yukata. If you’re lucky, you can often find limited edition items on sale here!

You can check their website here (jp only) for more details. 

Location:  4-26-26 第一谷村ビル, Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 12:00-19:00

2. Flamingo Omotesando

Another collection of vintage treasures is the famous Flamingo shop located right along the main street of Omotesando. 

Flamingo also has several other stores across Tokyo, including one in Shimokitazawa, and Kichijoji, among others and several more around Japan, including Aichi prefecture and Miyagi prefecture. 

If you are nearby, make sure to go in for a visit! They sell many rare brand items at relatively low prices!

a photo of vintage secondhand brown fur coats on a clothing rack

Photo credit: Canva

They also have many vintage items on display—a perfect addition to your collection! 

If you are looking for specific items, you can give them a call or check out their website here

Location6-2-9 B1F Minagawa Building, Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 12:00-21:00

3. Brand Collect 

If you are a lover of luxury brand items, this is the right place for you. 

Brand Collect is famous for collecting branded goods for resale at relatively reasonable prices.

You may find a nice Gucci jacket for less than 40,000 yen or a limited edition hoodie with a Balenciaga tag for no more than 50,000 yen. 

It is a small store but full of brand items. A perfect fit for treasure hunters looking for high-class items! 

They also have a range of vintage branded items, including 1990s Louis Vuitton pieces and a rare 2000s Dior cap. 

Check out their website here.

Location: 4-3-21 Omotesando Nodera Building 1F, Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 11AM – 7PM

4. RagTag Harajuku

RagTag Harajuku is one of the biggest secondhand stores on Cat Street, Omotesando. 

Thrifters like this store because it is very well laid out, making it easier for shoppers to enjoy a more pleasant shopping experience. 

Once you walk onto cat street, you will see the massive building straight away, located right across from the Adidas Originals store. 

photo of clothes on hangers

Photo credit: Arterm Beliaikin (Pexels)

Here, you can find a wide range of styles. RagTag specializes in offering a wide range of brand choices, including many high-end options at a reasonable price. 

Location: 6-14-2 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 11:00-20:00

5. Bazzstore Jingumae

If you are into street style, vintage, or retro styles, Bazzstore is the store for you. 

They mainly focus on collecting clothing from street-style brands such as Bathing Ape, Nike, Supreme, and Stussy and re-sell them again at much lower than the retail price. 

Unique printed shirts, limited-edition hoodies, and cute Coach jackets are just a few of the items you can find here. 

Location: 4-26-5 Jingumae 426 Building 1F, Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 12:00-22:00

If You Want to Enjoy Thrifting In Japan, Make Sure to Visit These Hidden Gems Around Shibuya!

What are you waiting for? Head on down to Shibuya and grab a pair of special edition Balenciaga shoes for less than 50,000 yen

Devy Mufliha,

Indonesia

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Featured photo credit: Canva