Shimokitazawa is your new heaven:  This suburb is the stuff of thrift wet dreams. It’s very charming with cute winding lanes, bars, cafes and friendly, trendy (ugh I hate that word, sorry) well dressed people. It’s a small suburb so take your time wandering around and you won’t miss any of the vintage heaven. Unlike many parts of Tokyo it’s relaxing to walk around.

My favourite shop is Lotty (2-26-13 Package One 1F Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku) and Haight and Ashbury. If you’re into old records and retro furniture, you can tick that off your list also.

Getting there:  Take the Keio Inokashira line from Shibuya. Should take about 3 mins. Be sure to stop in for a soda and slice of cake at one of the many cute cafes!

Harajuku isn’t just for lolitas: Harajuku is the suburb that seems to spew rainbows, fake eyelashes and hair extensions. While many go for people watching, to shop at LaForet (the best mall I have ever seen), Topshop, Forever 21, or the biggest Daiso in Japan, there is also awesome vintage. Kinji (YM Square Harajuku B1F  4-31-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku  Tokyo 150-0001)  is probably the best and biggest second hand store. Things here can get a little expensive but the selection is grand.

Nakameguro’s easy breezy vintage:   Nakameguro is a beautiful, easy breezy suburb with a canal, trees, dappled lighting and lovely cafes. There is a lot of well curated vintage shops around, as well as some wonderful bookstores and people are friendly, relaxed and approachable. It is teeny tiny so you can get around easily. From Shibuya, jump on the Tokyo Tokyu line and it’s two stops.

If it’s sequined, bedazzled, tasselled or embroidered, it’s probably in Tokyo: A lot of the vintage isn’t for the faint hearted. Be brave. You’re going to find things beyond your wildest dreams. Even if it’s for special occasions, or the type of outfit that requires a shot of tequila before stepping into the public, or one to simply hang on the wall, you should totally buy it! Explore. Sometimes finding the perfect vintage can be an expedition, but it’s all part of the hunt. Talk to shop owners and ask where they recommend. Most of all – have fun, you’re in Tokyo!!!

Photo credit: Lukasz Wierzbowski