A Melbourne stylist’s guide to the best vintage stores and thrift shopping in Japan
IMAGE VIA @stuart_walford/instagram
words by daisy henry and stuart walford
Everything you need to know about vintage shopping in Japan.
While Melbourne has a great selection of pre-loved brick-and-mortar stores, thrifting in Japan is, as stylist Stuart Walford says, “one of life’s greatest joys”.
Having visited Japan regularly for work and leisure over the past ten years, few know the secondhand market like Stuart does. “I’ve never been anywhere else in the world where a Maison Margiela flagship boutique is sandwiched between unassuming residential properties and quiet cafes,” he says. “It’s reasons like this that make exploring Japan so special. You really have to pay attention to where you are and looking up is crucial.”
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There’s no shortage of reasons why Japan has a reputation as one of the best spots for secondhand shopping in the world. For one, you can shop tax-free as a foreign tourist at a range of licensed retailers when making a purchase over 5000 yen (as long as you show your passport).
Another major drawcard according to Stuart, is the customer service. “Once I was buying a blazer at the CDG Trading Museum store in the Gyre Omotesando building. They had sold out of my size, but they insisted if I was happy to wait 15 minutes, they would have someone cycle down with the item from a neighbouring town. I obliged and sure enough, 15 minutes later the blazer arrived on the back of a bike,” he says.
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While the range of major chains like Ragtag, Kindal and 2nd Street all over Japan are still well worth the visit, there are plenty of hidden gems if you know where to look. “I’ve found some incredible items at mind-bogglingly cheap prices,” says Stuart. “Although the prices have changed in recent years (I blame TikTok), the hunt is still just as enjoyable and if you travel further out from Tokyo, the prices are usually more competitive.”
From stores tucked away in the backstreets of Shibuya to “the best destination for designer bags”, Stuart shares his all-time favourite spots for thrift shopping in Japan.
10tow in Shibuya
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I’m apprehensive to share this one as it might be my favourite. 10tow is located on level four of an old building tucked away in the back streets of Shibuya. I don’t want to gatekeep so in the spirit of sharing, please add it to your next itinerary. The store is peaceful, small and hasn’t changed in the last 10 years. They really only sell CDG brands, Yohji and Issey Miyake. The prices have risen lately and they don’t offer a tax-free purchase, but they have some beautiful pieces that you’ll struggle to find elsewhere.
Atlantis Vintage
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Located in Koenji (about 45 minutes on the train out of Roppongi), Atlantis Vintage is the best destination for vintage designer bags. You can find secondhand designer bags all over Japan (it’s overwhelming how much Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Balenciaga you will see) but Atlantis Vintage seems to be the most well-priced. If you plan your trip in advance, Yuji (the owner) can help secure your dream bag, just give plenty of notice.
While in Koenji, be sure to walk down the main strip where Atlantis Vintage is located. There are so many amazing secondhand stores also worth visiting. The strip goes on and on so give yourself an entire afternoon if you want to hunt and gather.
Don Don Down on Wednesday
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Don Don Down on Wednesday is located in Yokohama about 40 minutes from Shibuya by train. This particular location has an entire floor (level two) dedicated to all the CDG brands. They claim to have between 2,500 to 3,000 units of CDG clothing and it’s merchandised into collection dates. If you look up, hanging from the ceiling are special and rare pieces. It’s an overwhelming haven for CGD lovers.
Vintage QOO
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Vintage QOO is a little more euro-classic. I wanted to check it out as I was hunting for vintage designer bags, so I ventured to Omotesando. I found one of my holy grails, the CDG x LV 2014 monogram tote. I didn’t buy it but was thrilled to hold it just for five minutes.
What I didn’t expect to find was an entire basement dedicated to pre-loved Chanel. I’m talking bags, apparel, accessories, everything. I wouldn’t say I’m Chanel obsessed but if you love fashion history and iconic pieces, you’ll enjoy the experience of visiting nonetheless.
Komehyo
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Komehyo in Shinjuku was one of the last stores I stumbled into on my recent January trip. The store isn’t particularly special for any reason, they sell all the same brands you can find in most vintage designer stores, however they had the best range of preloved CDG Homme Plus for men. Be prepared though, because a lot of items are quite petite. There are a lot of very small sizes on the market.
Keep up with Stuart here.
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