A Guide to Vintage Shopping in Tokyo

If you’ve guessed that my love for vintage designer bags brought me to Tokyo, Japan, you are absolutely right! It was so nostalgic being able to hold some of my favourite old classics and limited editions that you will never find in the boutiques again, unless they are remakes, but frankly, they don’t feel quite the same as the OGs.

Why Shop for Vintage Designers in Tokyo?

Items are in very good condition.

When my sister brought home a Louis Vuitton Papillion this year, I was stunned because it was in brand new condition! “Where did you get that?!“, I exclaimed and that’s when she told me about Tokyo and how I would die and go to heaven there.

The ladies in my family and long-time die-hards of Louis Vuitton Papillion and after years of searching, we only ever manage to find ratty, scuffed-up and misshaped ones as they have long been discontinued by Louis Vuitton. This Louis Vuitton Papillion Damier however, had almost no issues on it just that it did not come with the SLG attached.

As we walked around from store to store, I noticed that almost all the bags were very well shaped and are in almost pristine condition, you can tell that the Japanese really care and value their bags.

Many hard-to-get pieces.

Upon stepping into the store, I was immediately in awe as it felt like I was stepping into a mini museum except that you can ask for assistance to try the items you are interested in.

I managed to spot some limited editions from the 2000s like Louis Vuitton Cherry by Takashi Murakami and Chanel Valentine Wicker Basket Bag! There are quite a number of John Galliano’s Dior Saddle, Chanel Diana in Pink and Louis Vuitton Pleaty, Ellipse, Tivoli, Eva, Popincourt and so many more in great condition!

If you’re looking for vintage designer jewellery, accessories, Twillies and watches, they have them too! I spotted a vintage Cartier watch and it blew my mind. Watch the Instagram Reel to see it too!

A Guide to Louis Vuitton Date Codes

Some of you may have already learned about this but for the benefit of the other Louis Vuitton bag owners (and future owners) who haven’t, here is a guide to…

Items are reasonably priced.

The prices are reasonable even for the old limited edition ones. Even if you’re just looking to get a designer bag but not willing to fork out over $10k, your best bet is to get them second-hand. I know shopping second-hand may not be everyone’s cup of tea but the quality here in Tokyo is in really good condition, counterfeits are illegal in Japan and the prices are a fraction from what they cost in the designer boutiques.

If you’re not fussy and don’t mind getting a bag with some scuffs, scratches or missing a lock, you can get them at a steal! There were an abundance of Louis Vuitton Speedy, Keepal, Eva and Papillion in various sizes, canvas and some were going as low as ¥49,798 (U.P. of Louis Vuitton Speedy 25 S$2260).

Shopping here is an experience.

The stores are themed accordingly and some only carry specific brands. Amore only carries Chanel and is beautifully decorated in kitschy pink, black and white! Qoo Vintage carries every brand under the sun and is unmistakably vintage. You have to come here to Tokyo to experience it for yourself! Here is a gist of what you can experience vintage shopping in Tokyo.