Best of MUSUBI: Second-Hand in Japan

Posted on 03/22/2024 Last updated on 03/22/2024

Welcome once again to the Best of MUSUBI, where the past becomes the present, much like the old stuff you would find in a recycle shop!

The value and quality of Japan’s second-hand stores is one of their best-kept secrets, and one that is quickly discovered by new ex-patriots to the country. Due to the overall good quality of Japanese products combined with the Japanese people’s propensity to take good care of their things, buying goods second-hand is seen as a preferred alternative by many to buying products brand new. You will almost always find some incredible deals and rare finds in any second-hand stores if you take the time to look for them.

Here’s a basic guide of what you’ll be getting into at a Japanese リサイクルショップ (recycle shops) and the names of a few popular chains. Nothing beats the feeling of adding to your wardrobe or picking up furniture for a fraction of the price!

Things to know in advance

As far as what is available at second-hand stores in Japan, you’re not going to find much difference between them and any other stores from other countries. Clothes, toys, collectables, bags, accessories, appliances, furniture; they sell everything. The differences on what shops will sell is often based on location.

Stores that are in more urban areas will usually focus on selling clothes due to lack of space, whereas shops in the suburbs will have plenty of furniture and bigger appliances for sale. Also, even chain second-hand stores will sometimes focus on selling genres of goods at a store location, such as electronics and toys, rather than have an eclectic mix that second-hand stores are known for. In many cases, this makes for more focused shopping.

Another thing that is worth mentioning is the quantity of quality name-brand goods you are going to see at these stores, especially in the more central locations of larger cities like Tokyo and Osaka. It is not unusual for the bigger shops in downtown areas to have multiple items from companies such as Gucci, Prada, Armani, Coach, and so on.

Quite possibly one of the greatest things about Japanese recycle shops is that they offer automatic warranties on the appliances they sell. Seriously! Now bear in mind that these warranties are usually three to six months long, but still, it’s definitely reassuring to know that you aren’t out a cool ¥30,000 after buying a refrigerator that breaks two weeks after you got it. Be advised though, the especially cheap ジャンク (junk) items will not be insured, and they are buy-at-your-own-risk (as they tend to be sold mainly for replacement parts).

Finally, and what some would say is most importantly, you don’t have to be concerned about transportation when buying furniture and large appliances. Every store that I have been to that sells large items offers either free delivery or free rental of small truck (which they will load for you) in order to transport you purchases.

Now that we’ve talked about what’s available at the stores, I’m going to list some of the most popular chains in Japan.

2nd Street

With over 650 locations around the country, 2nd Street is undoubtedly Japan’s most popular second-hand store. Because they are such a massive chain and are usually located in urban centers, 2nd Street tends to divide up the products that they sell based on category and sells them at different locations. Clothes, footwear, accessories, and bags will be found at one store, while books and electronics will be found at another. I have seen very few 2nd Streets that sell furniture, but they do exist.

Hard/Hobby/Book/Garage-Off & Off-Home

I know what you’re thinking: what a name! The “Off” chain of stores correlate to what they sell. Hard-Off sells “hardware”, like electronics and musical instruments. Hobby-Off sells toys and collectables. Book-Off sells, you guessed it, books. Garage-Off sells large appliances that you would typically find in a garage, and Off-Home sells clothes and home appliances. Multiple “Off” types are often mixed with each other at single locations.

Treasure Factory

Treasure Factories probably resemble the second-hand shops in your home country more than any other chain listed here. They sell everything; from clothes to sofas, and its often all mixed together. They also offer free rental of a small truck for transportation of your goods with every purchase over ¥5,000!

One final word about second-hand shops: they are a great way to get rid of your own old stuff as long as its still in reasonable condition (i.e. if it’s still good enough that you yourself would buy it discounted.) If say you have old clothes you’re looking to get rid of that are still in decent shape, it’s possible to sell them at a recycle shop. They aren’t going to buy socks and underwear obviously, but everything from a good-quality printed T-shirt and up is generally OK. The same holds true for books/manga, furniture, electronics, collectibles, and so on.

Don’t expect to make a fortune off your old stuff, but if you bring enough, it is possible to walk away with a couple thousand or even ten-thousand yen bills depending on the item. This is a great way to speed up your moving or Sayonara Sales, and it’s a fairly smooth process. We’ll tell you all about the ins and outs of 買取 (buy-back) on MUSUBI in 2024.

Now get out there and shop!

Photo Credits:

Top Photo: himawariin on PhotoAC