Secondhand Shopping from Japan: How to Shop Cheap and Chic
Japan has become a hotspot for online secondhand fashion, offering top-tier quality, a vast array of styles, and one-of-a-kind finds. From luxury designer pieces to trendy streetwear, Japanese platforms make it easy to discover affordable, stylish pre-loved clothing while enjoying a hassle-free shopping experience. In this article, we’ll explore the top online stores for secondhand clothing from Japan, reasons to shop secondhand, and tips for navigating these platforms effectively.
Why Buy Secondhand Clothes from Japan?
Exceptional Care for Clothing
Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on cleanliness and respect for possessions, which translates into exceptionally well-maintained secondhand items. Unlike in many other countries, pre-owned clothing in Japan is often in pristine condition. Clothes are carefully stored, regularly cleaned, and frequently aired out to preserve their quality. When you purchase secondhand fashion from Japan, you’re getting items that are almost as good as new.
Honest Descriptions and Transparency
Japanese secondhand sellers pride themselves on providing accurate descriptions of their products. Any flaws, such as small stains, loose threads, or minor discoloration, are meticulously documented in product listings. This transparency allows buyers to make informed decisions, ensuring no unpleasant surprises upon receiving the item.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly
By choosing secondhand fashion, you’re contributing to a more sustainable world. Fast fashion generates massive amounts of waste and consumes significant resources, but secondhand shopping extends the lifecycle of garments, reducing their environmental impact. Buying pre-loved items from Japan supports a circular economy and aligns with a more eco-conscious lifestyle.
Where to Buy Secondhand Clothing from Japan
TreFacStyle

TreFacStyle, short for Treasure Factory Style, is the go-to store for treasure hunters seeking a mix of casual, trendy, and vintage items. This chain offers a vast selection of affordable clothing, ranging from everyday basics to eye-catching statement pieces. TreFacStyle stores are known for their organized layouts, making it easy to browse through racks of denim jackets, oversized sweaters, and retro dresses. They also frequently stock unique Japanese brands that are hard to find elsewhere. Shopping here feels like a thrilling treasure hunt, as you never know what hidden gem you might uncover.



Read more: Where to Buy Second-Hand Watches from Japan
RAGTAG
If you’re a fan of high-end fashion, RAGTAG is your paradise. Specializing in secondhand luxury brands like Comme des Garçons, Yohji Yamamoto, and Issey Miyake, RAGTAG offers an unparalleled selection of premium Japanese and international designer pieces. Visiting a physical RAGTAG store is an experience in itself, with beautifully organized racks of avant-garde fashion, stylish accessories, and even rare collectibles. Online shoppers can also enjoy a seamless experience with detailed photos and descriptions.


Popular categories at RAGTAG:



2nd Street
As one of the largest secondhand chains in Japan, 2nd Street offers a comprehensive shopping experience both online and in their physical stores. With hundreds of locations across the country, 2nd Street caters to a diverse range of fashion tastes. You’ll find everything from minimalist wardrobe staples to edgy streetwear and vintage designer items.



Read more: How to buy from 2nd Street Japan Thrift Online Store?
Mercari
Mercari is a popular online marketplace where you can find everything from high-end designer pieces to casual streetwear. One of the best aspects of shopping on Mercari is the sheer variety available. Whether you’re hunting for a rare vintage piece, limited-edition sneakers, or a chic kimono, Mercari has something for everyone. The platform’s user-friendly search filters allow you to easily find items within your budget and style preferences.

Read more: How to order and buy from Mercari?
Local Thrift Stores & Flea Markets
Japan’s vibrant thrift stores and flea markets are treasure troves for secondhand enthusiasts. One area that stands out is Shimokitazawa, a trendy neighborhood in Tokyo known for its unique vintage shops and laid-back vibe. Here, you’ll find an eclectic mix of retro pieces, quirky accessories, and one-of-a-kind items that reflect Japan’s distinctive fashion culture. Shimokitazawa’s thrift stores offer everything from 70s-inspired leather jackets to whimsical printed dresses. Flea markets in the area often feature local vendors selling handmade jewelry, antique trinkets, and even rare vinyl records. Shopping in Shimokitazawa is more than just a retail experience—it’s a dive into Tokyo’s creative and bohemian spirit.




Additional Shopping Tips
- Pay Attention to Seller Reviews and Ratings: Always check the seller’s feedback and ratings to ensure they are reliable and trustworthy.
- Carefully Evaluate Item Condition: Study the photos and read the description in detail. Make sure the listed flaws, such as scratches or stains, match what is shown in the images.
Translated Japanese Phrases for Shopping
When shopping secondhand fashion in Japan, knowing a few Japanese phrases can be incredibly helpful. Here’s a detailed list of terms that can assist you in finding exactly what you’re looking for on Japanese platforms:
- サイズ (saizu) – Size (used to filter items by size, e.g., S, M, L, XL)
- 状態 (joutai) – Condition (used to describe the overall state of the item)
- 新品 (shinpin) – Brand new (used for items that have never been used)
- 中古 (chuuko) – Used/secondhand (general term for pre-owned items)
- 美品 (bihin) – Excellent condition (used for items that are gently used and well-maintained)
- キズ (kizu) – Scratch or flaw (important for identifying any defects)
- 汚れ (yogore) – Stain or dirt (used to indicate any visible stains)
- 匂い (nioi) – Odor (important for clothes and shoes)
- 在庫あり (zaiko ari) – In stock (indicates availability of the item)
- 売り切れ (urikire) – Sold out (to check whether the item is still available)
- バッグ (baggu) – Bag (e.g., handbags, backpacks, totes)
- 靴 (kutsu) – Shoes (e.g., sneakers, boots, sandals)
- ジャケット (jaketto) – Jacket (e.g., coats, blazers)
- メガネ (megane) – Glasses (e.g., sunglasses, eyeglasses)
- ドレス (doresu) – Dress (formal or casual)
- シャツ (shatsu) – Shirt (e.g., T-shirts, blouses)
- アクセサリー (akusesarii) – Accessories (e.g., jewelry, hats, scarves)
Shipping
Many Japanese online shops only ship within Japan. But you can still shop there from abroad. Using a proxy service like Remambo can help you buy products from these sites.
When you choose Remambo, we handle the entire buying and shipping process for you. This makes it easy to find excellent deals on Japanese products that are typically hard to buy from outside Japan. With Remambo, ordering from these websites becomes simple and stress-free.
Our proxy shopping service has already helped thousands of people worldwide access Japanese stores that usually don’t ship overseas. So, no matter where you are, Remambo can bring Japan’s exclusive items right to your door.
Best Japan Proxy Shopping Service
Do you love shopping in Japan? Looking for trendy but affordable stores? We created our service back in 2015 to help foreign customers who want to buy from Japanese online stores and auctions. We offer the easiest way to buy from Japan and ship worldwide.
Have you signed up for Remambo yet?