Flea Markets are now part of Japan's culture

According to statistics from the Japanese government, tourists to Japan typically spend 30% of their budget on shopping! This is hardly surprising as nowhere else in the world can you find such a tempting city like Tokyo filled with items for sale ranging from the latest fashion trends to cute novelty goods.

From expensive designer brands in Omotesando to the trendy street wear shops in Shibuya, there's always a place in Tokyo for you to spend your money! Recently, flea markets have been attracting both foreigners and Japanese alike. Flea markets have been part of Japan's culture since centuries ago when old housewives wanted to get dispose of old furniture or clothes in their houses. Usually set up in front or on the grounds of shrines and temples, flea markets are more than just booths selling antiques and laquerware, but a chance for the locals to gather and socialize.

The word 'flea market' brings with it the image of old, damaged household goods and used musty smelling clothes, but visiting Tokyo's flea markets will give you a nice surprise. Going to a flea market in Japan is like going to a museum for free - you'll be amazed at the different goods displayed proudly on each stall. Antiques, dolls, kimonos, war time paraphernalia and even old fans are displayed. Some really nice ceramics, knives, lacquer ware and Buddhist altars alongside the racks of beautiful colorful kimonos and yukatas are also seen.

Before, foreigners looking for collectables compromised the majority of those that visited the flea markets. Kimonos, small swords and antiques are among the favorite items sought. Now, even the Japanese go to flea markets to look for materials that can't be bought in stores in Japan.

Most people might expect flea markets to give you the best bargain price there is in all of Japan. This may true for some, and a nasty surprise for others. The best way to get the best deal in flea markets is to hold off buying the piece that you like until you have scoured the nearby stalls. This way, you can compare the prices between the stalls. In flea markets, bargaining is also acceptable. For those who don't speak Japanese, flea markets are probably the only place in Tokyo where you can fully communicate with the store owner with just the use of your calculator.

The best thing about these flea markets is that there's always one held somewhere in the city. Most flea markets open from 9 am and end around 3 pm in the afternoon. Some flea markets close as early as 1 pm in the afternoon.

The "Best Fleamarket" is being held at the Tokyo International Forum in Marunouchi, Tokyo every month. The fleamarket will take place on the street level of the Forum plaza where you can enjoy lots of greenery and art works. It is unusual that a fleamarket is held at a business center.

About 100 sellers are participating. This will be modeled on a Western-style fleamarket and is about more than just recycling unnecessary household goods. Various items including art works, collections, unique products and hand-made goods will be displayed.

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