Flea Markets in Japan

Flea markets are enjoyed the world over; it's the place to hunt for treasures or snag a bargain. Despite Japan's image of being very "fashion-forward", even the Japanese love the kitch style that a flea market offers.

I wandered around a flea market in Yamato, Kanagawa last Saturday and snapped photos of some interesting finds. I didn't buy anything, because I prefer having a simple, uncluttered home, but just looking was an event in itself. Enjoy the photos!

Unique baseball trophy:

Old kimono, for ¥1,000 ($10) each. 

Kimonos are often the most sought after items in Japanese flea markets. The quality of the material is very high. A new kimono starts at a price of ¥100,000 ($1,000), due to the embroidery and silk. The obi (large, rectangular belt) alone can cost hundreds of dollars, so it's no wonder women love these cast aways. Japanese women often cut the kimono material to make pillow cases, vests, handmade bags, etc.

Tourists often see "Japanese kimono robes" in airports selling as souvenirs. These are nothing more than silk robes and are not used in Japan at all. A true kimono's material is thick and usually, hand woven, with hand-stitched embroidery or dyed emblems. If you want to purchase a real kimono, at a reasonable price, please visit a flea market!

Interesting tin tea pots:

View of the crowd:

One vendor's stylish display:

This vendor featured old war items, including this mobile cannon. Is it real??

I couldn't stop staring at these old telephones. I miss the analog era.....

The prices for the phones were ¥4,000 & ¥6,000 ($40 & $60)

Something for my Canadian friends -- deer antlers! (and yes, they were real) The price? ¥300 ($3).

~Information~

This flea market was held in Yamato, central Kanagawa, about 20 minutes by train from Yokohama. 
Yamato city hosts two flea markets per year: in spring and autumn, right in front of the train station. 
Access:
Odaykyu line from Shinjuku to Yamato (50 minutes)
Sotetsu line from Yokohama to Yamato (20 minutes)

There is information about various flea markets in Kanagawa at THIS SITE. (via Yoke -- Yokohama Association for International Communication and Exchange)