Ultimate Kyoto Vintage Guide: 11 Must-Visit Pre-loved Designer Stores & Antique Markets 

🧭 The Ultimate Kyoto Vintage Guide

1. Overall Features of Kyoto's Vintage

Compared to other cities, Kyoto's vintage and antique markets have several distinctive traits:

  • Traditional and classic aesthetics: High proportion of kimonos, tea ceremony utensils, and Showa-era household items.

  • Well-preserved items: Kyoto residents tend to take great care of their belongings.

  • Wide price range: From small items costing a few hundred yen to antiques priced in the hundreds of thousands.

  • Leisurely pace: Browsing and shopping is slow and relaxed; it's not about rushing in and out.

If you appreciate items with cultural backgrounds, historical stories, and long-term collectible value, Kyoto is an ideal destination.

2. Key Vintage & Antique Areas in Kyoto

1️⃣ Kawaramachi / Shijo

  • Features: The commercial hub with a concentration of vintage clothing and branded second-hand stores.

  • Ideal for: First-time visitors to Kyoto’s vintage scene or those with limited time.

2️⃣ Teramachi / Shinkyogoku

  • Features: Traditional covered shopping arcades mixing vintage clothing, second-hand accessories, and small antique shops.

  • Ideal for: Shoppers who enjoy taking their time comparing styles and prices.

3️⃣ Okazaki / Higashiyama

  • Features: Near temples and parks; often hosts flea and antique markets.

  • Ideal for: Those interested in antiques, crafts, and everyday items.

4️⃣ Western Temple Area (To-ji / Kitano)

  • Features: Location of large monthly markets with numerous stalls.

  • Ideal for: Visitors looking to browse extensively and experience a traditional market atmosphere.

3. Kyoto Antique & Flea Markets

Most flea markets in Kyoto are held at temples and shrines, creating a strong traditional atmosphere. They offer both collectible antiques and a cultural experience.

📌 To-ji "Kobo Market"

  • Date: 21st of each month

  • Location: South area of To-ji Temple

  • Hours: ~7:00–16:00

  • Features: One of Kyoto's largest antique markets. Find old furniture, books, tea sets, crafts, etc. Cash is the primary payment method. Great for bargaining.

  • Access: ~10 min by bus from Kyoto Station; walking is also possible.

📌 Kitano Tenmangu "Tenjin Market"

  • Date: 25th of each month

  • Location: Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

  • Features: Rich in antiques and retro items, including old clothing, fabrics, bonsai, ceramics. Classic and elegant ambiance.

  • Access: Bus routes 50, 101, 203.

📌 Heian Flea Market

  • Date: Around the 10th of each month (check official website as dates vary)

  • Location: Heian Shrine / Okazaki Park

  • Features: Focused on handicrafts and daily goods, with occasional antiques and unique collectibles.

  • Access: Subway or bus to Higashiyama / Shrine-mae Station, then a short walk.

📌 Smaller Specialty Markets

  • Omoshiro-ichi: Toyokuni Shrine, 8th/18th/28th of each month

  • Chion-ji Handicraft Market: Focused on handmade goods, sometimes includes retro items

  • Tip: Markets are mostly outdoors, so rainy days may lead to cancellations or shortened hours.

3. Must-Visit Vintage & Second-hand Shops in Kyoto

Unlike flea markets, these stores operate year-round and are ideal for finding specific items. They can be divided into vintage clothing stores and antique/craft shops.

1). Vintage & Second-hand Clothing Stores

🔹 Kindal Kyoto

  • Highlights: Large chain store offering a full range of items from high-street to designer vintage.

  • Products: Men's and women's apparel, shoes, accessories.

  • Price range: Mid-to-high; good condition.

  • Experience: Spacious, well-organized, credit cards accepted, great for long browsing sessions.

🔹 Achuu Kyoto Vintage

  • Highlights: Curated vintage streetwear and Japanese retro fashion.

  • Products: Jackets, denim, printed shirts.

  • Price range: Mid-level.

  • Experience: Small but carefully selected, perfect for young shoppers seeking unique pieces.

🔹 BRING Kyoto Kawaramachi

  • Highlights: Popular vintage spot in Kawaramachi with a comfortable atmosphere.

  • Products: Men's and women's clothing, shoes, accessories.

  • Price range: Mid-level.

  • Experience: Regularly updated with seasonal themed sections.

🔹 SHIRO VINTAGE KYOTO

  • Highlights: Boutique vintage clothing and accessories, minimalist and slightly androgynous style.

  • Products: Tops, dresses, leather goods.

  • Price range: Mid-to-high.

  • Experience: Bright, pleasant store layout, ideal for quality-focused shoppers.

🔹 LOWECO by JAM Kyoto

  • Highlights: Japanese vintage streetwear and imported second-hand clothing.

  • Products: Denim, jackets, hats, shoes.

  • Price range: Mid-level.

  • Experience: Friendly staff offering styling advice.

🔹 GUGU Kyoto Vintage Clothing

  • Highlights: Curated collection of distinctive vintage pieces.

  • Products: Men;s and women;s clothing, accessories.

  • Price range: Mid-level.

  • Experience: Small and specialized, ideal for "treasure hunting" style browsing.

🔹 Harajuku Chicago Kyoto Store

  • Highlights: Chain store from Tokyo’s Harajuku, combining streetwear and vintage fashion.

  • Products: Diverse range, including street style and retro clothing.

  • Price range: Low-to-mid.

  • Experience: High popularity and fast stock rotation, great for young shoppers.

2). Antique & Craft Stores

🔹 Kyoto Antiques Center

  • Highlights: Specializes in traditional antiques, old furniture, ceramics, tea sets, and Japanese-style decor.

  • Price range: Mid-to-high.

  • Experience: Elegant atmosphere, ideal for collectors; staff knowledgeable about item history.

🔹 Furugiya KINJI / JAM Kyotoshijoten

  • Highlights: Vintage clothing + accessories, with some retro furniture and small items.

  • Price range: Mid-level.

  • Experience: Well-organized store, easy to locate popular items.

🔹 ROGER'S Kyoto

  • Highlights: Boutique vintage shop covering furniture, home goods, and decorative arts.

  • Price range: Mid-to-high.

  • Experience: Quiet, comfortable environment; perfect for leisurely browsing and high-quality purchases.

🔹 SALAMANCA VINTAGE KYOTO SHIJO

  • Highlights: Specializes in antique bags and accessories.

  • Price range: Mid-to-high.

  • Experience: Medium-sized store, carefully curated, suitable for collectors seeking premium bags or small items.

💡 Tip:

  • Vintage clothing stores are mostly in Kawaramachi / Teramachi / Shinkyogoku, and you can walk between multiple shops.

  • High-quality antique shops tend toward mid-to-high price ranges but offer authenticity and uniqueness.

5. Transportation & Itinerary Suggestions

🚆 City Transport

  • Subway + bus is the most practical combination.

  • Kawaramachi area is walkable for hopping between shops.

💡 Market Day Tips

  • Arrive early (7–9 AM) for the best selection.

  • On rainy days, there may be fewer stalls.

  • Combine market visits with nearby temples for efficiency.

6. Payment Methods & Tax Refunds

💴 Market Payments

  • Cash preferred: Most stalls accept cash only (especially small vendors). Prepare ¥5,000–¥10,000 in cash.

  • Bargaining: Small discounts may be offered for cash payments.

💳 Store Payments

  • Most vintage/second-hand stores accept major credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, AmEx) and electronic payments.

  • Some small stores may still accept cash only; check signage before entering.

🧾 Tax Refunds

  • Japan's tax-free requirement: single purchase ¥5,000+ with passport.

  • Not all second-hand stores offer tax-free services; look for in-store tax-free signs.

  • Tax-free items are usually sealed and cannot be opened before departure.

  • Certain antique/used goods may not qualify for standard tax-free rules; check with staff.

7. Tips for Successful Vintage & Antique Hunting

① Visit early: Large markets like Kobo, Tenjin, and Heian start getting busy from 7–9 AM. Early birds have the best choice of items.

② Observe before buying: Compare similar items across stalls to avoid impulse purchases. Ask about history and condition for valuable or fragile antiques.

③ Bargain politely: Bargaining is common, but always be courteous. Start by asking about item features, then negotiate gradually.

④ Check item condition: Inspect antiques for damage, missing parts, or signs of insect damage. For mechanical antiques, confirm if returns or repairs are possible.

⑤ Follow event schedules: Large antique fairs like Kyoto Antique Fair / Pulse Plaza Antiques Grand Fair happen a few times a year. Large vintage events like "Kyoto Vintage Festival" are also worth attending.

8. Conclusion

Kyoto's vintage shops and antique markets are more than shopping destinations—they are a way to engage with history. From Showa-era household items to well-preserved retro clothing, each piece tells a story. With thoughtful planning, you can not only find unique treasures but also gain a deeper understanding of the city's cultural charm.

If your itinerary allows half a day to a full day, dedicating it to vintage and antique hunting often leads to unexpected discoveries.