Second-Hand Shopping in Tokyo
Save money and find unique items — Tokyo's thriving secondhand culture has everything from furniture to electronics.
Why Buy Secondhand in Tokyo?
Japan's secondhand market is exceptional — items are often in near-new condition at a fraction of the retail price.
Exceptional Quality
- Japanese culture emphasizes care and maintenance of belongings
- Strict grading systems (A/B/C/Junk) let you judge quality at a glance
- Items are cleaned and tested before resale at major chains
- Even "junk" grade items often work perfectly fine
Massive Savings
- Furniture sets: ¥5,000–¥30,000 (vs ¥50,000+ new)
- Appliances (rice cooker, microwave): ¥1,000–¥5,000
- Bicycles: ¥3,000–¥15,000 (vs ¥20,000+ new)
- Save 50–90% on setting up your first apartment
Major Secondhand Chains
These stores have multiple locations across Tokyo and are easy to visit.
Hard Off
Japan's biggest secondhand chain with a quality ranking system (A/B/C/Junk). Covers electronics, instruments, PCs, games, and more. Sister stores: Mode Off (clothes), Off House (furniture).
Book Off
Books, manga, CDs, DVDs, and games. Famous for the ¥110 bargain corner. Great for building a Japanese media collection on the cheap.
2nd Street
Trendy secondhand fashion including clothes, bags, shoes, and accessories. Some locations specialize in brand-name luxury goods.
Treasure Factory
Your one-stop shop for furniture, appliances, clothes, and miscellaneous goods. Excellent for furnishing an apartment after moving. Delivery service available for large items.
Online Platforms
Buy and sell from home using these popular apps and services.
Mercari
Japan's #1 flea market app. Buy anything from furniture to electronics. In-app English support, secure payments, and shipping built in. No need to meet sellers in person.
Jimoty
Craigslist-style bulletin board. Many items listed for free or extremely cheap. Pickup-based — you'll need to arrange collection. Japanese language required.
Yahoo Auctions
Japan's largest auction platform. Great for finding rare or specific items. Integrates with PayPay Fleamarket. Japanese interface only.
Sayonara Sales (Facebook)
Facebook groups where departing expats sell their belongings at bargain prices. Search for "Tokyo Sayonara Sale" or "Tokyo Moving Sale" groups. English-friendly.
Tips for Foreigners
Apartment Setup Strategy
- Check Treasure Factory and Hard Off first for essential appliances
- Browse Jimoty/Sayonara Sales for free furniture from departing residents
- 100-yen shops (Daiso, Seria) fill gaps for kitchen and cleaning supplies
- Ask your real estate agent — some apartments include appliances
Before Throwing Away
- Large items require sodai gomi disposal (costs ¥400–¥2,800)
- Try selling at Hard Off first — walk-in appraisal takes 15–30 minutes
- List on Jimoty or Mercari if you have time before moving
- Some items (bikes, electronics) can be traded in at purchase shops
Walk-in Buyback (Kaitori) Process
At stores like Hard Off, bring your items to the counter and request "kaitori" (買取). They'll inspect each item and offer a price. You can accept or decline — there's no obligation. Bring your residence card or passport as ID. The whole process takes 15–60 minutes depending on volume.
Selling Your Items When Leaving Japan
Planning to leave? Here's how to get the most value from your belongings.
| Method | Best For | Speed | Return | Effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercari | Small to medium items | Days to weeks | Highest | Medium (photo, list, ship) |
| Hard Off / 2nd Street | Electronics, clothes | Same day | Low–Medium | Low (walk in) |
| Sayonara Sale | Furniture, large items | Days | Medium | Low (post & wait) |
| Jimoty | Bulky items, giveaways | Days | Low (often free) | Low |
| Sodai Gomi | Last resort disposal | 1–2 weeks booking | Costs money | Low |
Timeline Tip
Start selling 4–6 weeks before your move-out date. List high-value items on Mercari first, then move to Sayonara Sales for furniture, and do a final Hard Off run 1 week before leaving. Schedule sodai gomi pickup for anything that doesn't sell.