Best Vintage and Archival Shops in Tokyo
Curated by Hypemaps Team
Ok so you've been up and down Cat Street, Harajuku, Aoyama and more and bought all the new collections. Done? Not even close – there's vintage and archive pieces you haven't even explored yet. Naturally, Japan – as the fashion capital of the Eastern hemisphere – vintage and archival collecting is an entirely separate world of style and couture. The stores listed here specialize in vintage and have a real passion for curation, so expect some true gems ranging from classic graphic and band tees, memorabilia, jeans, accessories and much more. Be warned however – just because they're decades old, doesn't mean they're cheap, so try not to be shocked by the price tags.
Jantiques is your one-stop shop for vintage... everything. We found an excellent assortment of classic shirting, sweats and sneakers when we first visited, and left with much more than that the second time. Ask the staff if you're looking for something specific to your style.
Archive Store arrives with a more elevated curation of pieces, claiming that they "collect Archives from all over the world." Classic Raf Simons, Japanese high-lux brands, timeless COMME des GARÇONS and much more are stocked regularly, so save your Yen before you visit.
Perhaps the most well-known shop in the list, BerBerJin wrote the book on vintage fashion in Tokyo. The brand has expanded to multiple shops and locations, but the store just off of Meji-dori is the one the fashion world knows and loves. Take your time when you shop – we find more and more each time we do a pass.
4.
Fakeα
Fake "Alpha" is actually an extension of BerBerJin, but they specialize in Americana vintage. If you've been holding out for a classic pair of Big E Levi's, or a very specific Ralph Lauren jacket, definitely remember to visit Fakeα before your suitcase is full.
5.
Bay Apt.
This one is a bit aways, nestled far from Tokyo central in Koto City. But its distance and separation from the touristy streets means a richer, more meaningful shopping experience. Almost "hidden in plain sight," Bay Apt's interior layout and aesthetic is one to behold while you peruse its curated racks of classic Japanese, American and European offerings.
An extension of TOGA Archives, TOGA XTC in Harajuku concentrates on the used, vintage pieces that coincide with the core brand. TOGA XTC is a bit hard to find however, tucked behind Zara Harajuku on the slightest of side streets, but finding it is worth the effort.
Portration comes off more like a gallery than a vintage shop, but that doesn't stop it from featuring an awesome assortment of band tees, 20th century athletics and much more. Having trouble finding it? Head for UNION Tokyo and do a 180º – it's halfway down the alleyway across the street.
Couldn't find anything you like from the modern streetwear and Ura-Harajuku brands? Blue Room comes to the rescue. We were floored by how much vintage BAPE, Supreme, Stussy and more we found the last time we visited, not to mention sportswear and Japanese branded accessories from classic and current labels.
9.
Mr Clean
A classic vintage shop from first impressions, Mr Clean doesn't mind poking fun at itself with its nomenclature, but makes up for it with an awesome curation of vintage clothing and memorabilia. Be sure to follow the Instagram page – the products shown are a preview of what's arriving soon.
We stumbled upon Hundred Buyers actually while visiting other stores in Ikebukuro, and were pleasantly surprised in what they had in store. Americana T-shirts were incredibly strong, but the shop has so much more like leather jackets, classic Levi's and Lee denim, collegiate sweaters and much more.