The Best Luxury Vintage Shopping in Japan
Japan is kinda the best place in the world. The best food, the nicest people, the most debilitating jet lag (I am currently writing this at 4:45AM), and insane shopping. Seriously, if you can't find it in Japan it doesn't exist (looking at you, luxury facial rollers of every shape and configuration).
But the best shopping in Japan is luxury vintage shopping. There are stores throughout Tokyo that feature more designer items than you've ever seen together in one place - literal rows upon rows of Birkins, actual stacks of Louis Vuitton bags, and more Chanel flap bags than you'll find in the front row at New York Fashion Week.
The best part? Fake merchandise in Japan is HIGHLY illegal so you can trust the authenticity of everything you buy.
Below are some of my favorite locations:
This store is the BEST. The merchandise was in impeccable condition, and the curation here is on point. Everything is arranged by brand and they have some incredibly rare pieces. Because of the high-end environment and the condition of the merch, the prices are not as cheap as you'll find at some other stores, but it's 100% worth a visit. Check them out on Instagram to see the latest stock (and they ship, too!).
I got this Dior trotter logo bag for about $250. Similar styles have been reissued by the brand for thousands!
J'adore my "new" Dior.
Brand Off has a few locations in Asia, but the one I visited in Tokyo is in Ginza. Ginza is an extremely high-end shopping neighborhood (the Hermes store there is something like 7 floors). Ginza is also home to the Shiseido Parlour restaurant and about 4 Shiseido stores. Did I mention Shiseido is popular in Japan? The Brand Off store in Ginza is 3 stories, and each one is dedicated to a specific brand. If I'm ever missing, look for me on the Hermes floor.
Shiseido all day-do.
Daikokuya is another mini-chain of luxury vintage stores in Japan, but what sets them apart is their pricing. Not everything is super cheap, but when it is...it is. I got this vintage Louis Vuitton bag for $150! Like, I've had bad salads that cost more than $150.
Jealous of my bag? Good!
No matter where you shop in Tokyo, make sure to bring your passport if you're not a Japanese citizen. Most stores allow you to shop tax-free, a savings of 8%. All they do is scan your passport and then staple the receipt for your purchase into your passport. You may have to show the receipts to customs, but I didn't have to. It's not a huge savings, but money's money.
Not heading to Japan anytime soon? Below are links to some of my favorite Japanese sellers on eBay. I’ve purchased from all of them, and have had great experiences with all of them - items arrive quickly, are well-packed, and in even better condition than described. In no particular order:
I hope this has been helpful, and make sure to show me what you get if you shop for luxury vintage in Japan!
