6 Must-Go Places To Shop Vintage Luxury Bags In Tokyo

As an unabashed weeb and self-confessed shopaholic, my vintage luxury shopping journey in Japan is one that has taken me to over 50 secondhand stores in the last three years. Now, you might be wondering, “Why Japan?” Let me take you through the reasons that make this country a paradise for vintage enthusiasts like myself.

First off, Japan’s dedication to quality is something out of a storybook. The items I’ve come across in these stores are often in near-mint condition (some even came with tags), looking like they’ve barely been touched. This impeccable standard means that each visit brings the excitement of discovering something beautiful and well-preserved. A contributing factor might be the size of the apartments in Tokyo. Being small with limited storage space, if people purchase new items, they would have to get rid of the old ones to make space for them. This means that local secondhand stores get a fresh batch of items every time the season changes. Circular economy, amirite?

Navigating the secondhand market in Tokyo is also reassuring, thanks to the rigorous organisation and stringent regulations that govern these spaces. The Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) enforces regulations that protect consumers, which include ensuring that goods sold are not counterfeit. Sellers must provide accurate descriptions of items, particularly concerning their condition and authenticity. Businesses engaged in selling secondhand goods, including luxury consignment items, must obtain a secondhand dealer license from the local public safety commission. This licensing process involves stringent checks to prevent the sale of stolen or counterfeit goods, so you can be assured that the items you purchase from these secondhand stores are authentic. 

Now that you’ve given yourselves a reason to shop for vintage bags in Japan, here are the places you should definitely bookmark for your next trip to Tokyo.

1. Hedy Vintage

Tucked away in the chic district of Daikanyama, Hedy Vintage offers an exquisite collection of vintage bags from iconic brands like Chanel, Loewe, Celine, Louis Vuitton, and Dior. The selection is visually curated, featuring predominantly neutral palettes that promise timelessness. If you’re in search of classic bags that blend seamlessly into any wardrobe and stand the test of time, Hedy Vintage is your ideal destination. Outside of Tokyo, Hedy Vintage also has branches in Osaka and Fukuoka.

2. Komehyo Shibuya

Even if shopping isn’t on your agenda, a visit to Komehyo Shibuya is highly recommended. This expansive store spans four floors, each brimming with luxury fashion brands such as Hermès, Balenciaga and Fendi. The highlight is undoubtedly the third floor, which I fondly refer to as a shrine to Louis Vuitton. Here, a curated selection of limited edition bags from Louis Vuitton is displayed with pride. On my last visit, the spotlight was on the Jeff Koons and Yayoi Kusama collections, but rest assured, you’re likely to encounter a sought-after limited edition piece from Louis Vuitton here, even if you missed its initial release.

3. Kindal Cat Street

Kindal is a renowned chain of luxury vintage stores in Japan, with a strong presence in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. My personal favourite is the location on Cat Street in Harajuku, although the ones at Ginza and Shinjuku are also strong contenders for a good selection of luxury bags. The Cat Street store boasts a carefully curated collection featuring Burberry trench coats, Moncler puffer jackets, Issey Miyake pleated garments, and exquisite bags from Chanel, Bottega Veneta, Louis Vuitton, and more.

4. Atlantis Vintage Tokyo

Yuji, from Atlantis Vintage Tokyo in Koenji, has become somewhat of a legendary figure in the world of vintage fashion. While the store itself is compact and densely stocked with luxury bags from Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Hermes, its true appeal lies in the vibrant community it nurtures and the shopping service it offers. If you’re seeking a specific piece or chasing after “the one that got away,” you can count on Yuji to track it down for you. Besides the outlet in Koenji, there are two more branches in Tokyo, at Ginza and Hiroo.

5. Vintage Qoo

Stepping into Vintage Qoo is akin to exploring the attic of a well-heeled aunt, where vintage European-styled furniture showcases an array of luxurious bags. The store overflows with classic pieces from Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior, Fendi, and Hermes. Beyond bags, you can also discover vintage costume jewellery, clothing, and shoes to perfect your wardrobe. If your heart is set on unique, one-off Chanel items or timeless classics like Gucci’s bamboo handle bags, Vintage Qoo is your quintessential destination.

6. Amore Vintage Tokyo

Amore Vintage is located just a stone’s throw away from Vintage Qoo, and houses some of the most exceptional Chanel pieces, including the vintage heart-shaped bag spotted on Kylie Jenner. The store boasts celebrity visitors like Kim Kardashian, Katy Perry, Megan Fox and Hailey Beiber, so you never know when you’ll be rubbing shoulders with them. Besides rare Chanel pieces, you can also find an extensive collection of Hermes and Louis Vuitton here.

This article was originally published on Harper's Bazaar Singapore.