A Great Thrift Shop Spot in Osaka

Posted on 09/06/2022 Last updated on 09/06/2022

Top photo: NhatBanさん on PhotoAC

Japan is a consumer’s paradise and with multiple shopping complexes in all major cities, it’s not difficult to find ways to part with your money. When it comes to furnishing your house in Japan or buying clothes, we are all familiar with the staple chain stores that are present all around the country. But sometimes we don’t always want the same plastic storage bucket from the 100 yen store, or want clothes outside of the staples that many of the bigger brands in Japan.

After spending the last two years as a student, I started watching my pennies. I got into the habit of thrifting. It was budget friendly yet still allowed me to indulge in some retail therapy. Sustainability was also a motive, at the moment waste from clothing and fast fashion is a huge environmental issue. Giving life to new clothes and objects already in rotation just seemed like a logical thing to do. I still buy new things, but if I have the opportunity to thrift, I will swipe it.

When I switched back to ALT this year after working for a company that provided a uniform, I suddenly needed to have a whole new office casual wardrobe suitable for work and the different extremes of temperature in Japan. Where can we look beyond the high street for these kinds of essentials and fill our wardrobe for only a few thousand yen? Where can we find unique souvenirs that reflect the culture that we are immersed in without spending a fortune?

A thrift market in a historical setting. Photo by Kimberley North

If you’re looking for a way to incorporate a bit of history, culture, shopping and sustainability in Osaka, look no further than Shitennoji market. Shitennoji market is open on the 21st and 22nd of the month, in the grounds of Shitennoji Temple. While browsing the market, you can also enjoy the scenery in the expansive temple area.

There are multiple shrines, including one dedicated to hundreds of Jizo-san, as well as many tranquil ponds (one of which contained hundreds of sunbathing turtles). Shitennoji temple is one of the oldest temples in Japan, founded in around 5931 although it has been reconstructed at various points over the centuries due to fire damage.

Vintage curiosities for sale. Photo by Kimberley North

The market is a joy to browse in itself. It’s famous for second hand kimono and yukata (cotton summer kimono), and is frequented by a lot of crafters who remake these garments. You can see people in bold and colourful outfits both shopping and manning the stalls, and there are many bargains to be found. I didn’t haggle while I was there, but I have heard that Osaka is one of the few cities where you can haggle with a vendor should you be bold enough to do so.

Regular and traditional clothes were everywhere, as well as stalls selling knickknacks and tchotchkes from Showa Era Japan. It’s also famous for antique furniture and tableware, so if you’re looking to snap up some unique plates with a history it may also be of interest to you. I even saw some antique Geisha wigs for sale.

I visited during summer, so was able to purchase some bargain Yukata and summer kimono for 500 yen, and even a pair of extremely comfortable and breezy parachute pants that were made from an old kimono. It’s definitely a great spot if you’re looking for a kimono for display or crafting, if that’s your thing. I’d recommend going early on the first day if you want to have the widest choice of items.

A selection of kimono and yukata. Photo by Kimberley North

If you’re looking for a bargain or just a great afternoon out, I highly recommend a few hours at Tennoji market. The fact that the area is filled with historically important temples just a 10 minute subway ride from the center of one of the biggest and livable cities in the world is really quite incredible. In these post-pandemic times many of us have felt the pinch, and what better way to help your pocket – and someone else’s pocket directly – than going to a market like this. It might just be the perfect place for you if you’re looking for that quirky item to give your home a bit of personality, or a lovely vintage gift rich with culture that you may want to send back to friends or family. These items are not only from Japan, but they have had a life here, and are sold by the people who have used and lived with them for even generations. That little slice of history isn’t something you can buy on the high street.

Shitennoji Temple information: The closest station is Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka on the Osaka metro Nagahori Tsurumi-ryoukuchi line, and is also about a ten minute walk from JR Tennoji station.

Photo Credits

Top photo: NhatBanさん on PhotoAC

All additional images taken and provided by Kimberley North, used with permission.