The variety of antique and flea markets available in the city is truly amazing: you can get unique finds and it’s a great way to stretch your yen. But before you start hunting, you should be aware of the differences between a regular flea market and an antique shrine fair. Then, check out our recommended list of various flea markets, including ones held in shrines and temples, and special annual antique and secondhand events held in and around Tokyo.

Shrine/Temple Fairs

As the name suggests, these fairs are usually held in the grounds of temples and shrines throughout the city. Antiques are the main attraction, but sometimes modern Japanese goods are also present: everything from vintage kimonos, one-off pottery pieces and ceramics of all types to cast iron hibachi and garden tools. Because of their location, these fairs make a great day out, a chance to visit a famous temple and to hang around in the lovely parks and gardens that often surround the temples.

Flea Markets

Flea markets, on the other hand, tend to have more secondhand goods that may not fit the “antique” or “vintage” description. It’s not that these goods aren’t available at “the fleas,” but they are outnumbered by the stalls selling secondhand clothing (not all Japanese), European tableware and cheap Chinese imports like luggage and pots and pans. The great thing about these markets is that the Japanese wares that are on sale are invariably very cheap.

7 Flea Markets & Antique Fairs in Tokyo

We’ve rounded up various antique and flea markets held monthly around Tokyo, including some of my favorites. And seriously, they all have something wonderful to offer.

1. Ohi Racecourse Flea Market (Tokyo City Flea Market)

One of the largest regular flea markets in Tokyo, with over 600 vendors on a good day. Find second-hand clothes, accessories, books, toys and more.

• When: Most weekends (check schedule on Instagram)
• Where: Ohi Racecourse, Shinagawa
• Admission: Free!

2. Oedo Antique Market

Inspired by European street markets, this antique flea market is held in two areas throughout the year. The Tokyo International Forum Flea Market is the largest outdoor market in Tokyo. It’s a centrally located market known for quality goods and well-curated stalls—perfect for urban treasure hunters. Yoyoji Park Flea Market is held more irregularly but is well-loved among locals and tourists alike. It offers vintage clothing, crafts and handmade goods in a relaxed park setting. Make sure to check their official website to find out when and where the next one is held!

• When: Twice a month (usually first and third Sundays)
• Where: Tokyo International Forum, Yurakucho or Yoyogi Park, near NHK Hall
• Admission: Free!

3. Akasaka Antique Market in Ark Hills

This elegant market is held monthly in the upscale Ark Hills complex. You’ll find European antiques, vintage jewelry and curated lifestyle goods.

• When: Fourth Sunday of each month
• Where: Ark Hills, Akasaka
• Admission: Free!

4. Shinjuku Chuo Park Flea Market

A casual market with a mix of handmade items, clothes and second-hand household goods.

• When: Selected Sundays (usually once a month)
• Where: Shinjuku Central Park
• Admission: Free!

5. Aoyama Koichi Antique Market

A European-style market focusing on the sustainable reuse of beautiful daily objects. It is co-hosted with a farmers market, so you’re sure to find some fresh new produce along with your old trinkets, too.

• When: Monthly (usually end of the month)
• Where: United Nations University Square, Shibuya
• Admission: Free!

6. Old New Market

This stylish outdoor market, with the theme of “old and new,” brings together a wide variety of shops selling everything from antiques from all over the world to carefully selected craft items, flowers and greenery.

• When: Monthly
• Where: Coredo Muromachi Nakadori Venue, Nihonbashi
• Admission: Free!

7. Chofu Flea Market

Laid-back and family-friendly, with stalls selling everything from clothing to handmade crafts.

• When: Monthly (No event in July or August)
• Where: Front of Chofu City Hall
• Admission: Free!

6 Shrine/Temple Flea Markets & Antique Fairs

© Photo by Kanagawa Antiques Market

1. Kanagawa Antiques Market

This quiet, well-organized antique market is held in three different locations near Kanagawa in western Tokyo. Great for pottery and traditional tools, find anywhere between 30 to 100 stalls at Machida Tenmangu Junk and Antiques Market, Takahatafudo Gozare City Market and Musashi-Itsukaichi Folk Market.

• When: Machida Tenmangu Junk and Antiques Market: 1st of every month; Takahatafudo Gozare City Market: Every third Sunday of the month; Musashi-Itsukaichi Folk Market: 5th of every month (No event in August)
• Where: Machida Tenmangu Shrine, Takahatafudo Temple Grounds or Itsukaichi Square
• Admission: Free!

2. Tomioka Hachimangu Antique Fair & Flea Market

An atmospheric market held at one of Tokyo’s most important shrines, the Antique Fair and Flea Market, are technically two separate monthly events held on different days.

• When: Antique Fair: Monthly (usually first and second Sunday); Flea Market: 15th and 28th of each month
• Where: Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine, Koto-ku
• Admission: Free!

3. Hanazono Shrine’s Open-Air Antique Market

Browse for hidden treasures from early morning to sunset, just steps away from Shinjuku Isetan. This market is especially popular with tourists and bargain hunters alike!

• When: Every Sunday
• Where: Hanazono Shrine, Shinjuku
• Admission: Free!

4. Gokokuji Antique Market

Held on the peaceful grounds of a historic temple, this market attracts collectors and casual browsers alike. It is especially beautiful in April when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

• When: Every second Saturday of the month
• Where: Gokokuji Temple, Bunkyo-ku
• Admission: Free!

5. Tama Antiques Market

Set in a forested open-air area, the Tama Antiques Market has welcomed vintage lovers since 2002 with its charming atmosphere and carefully curated finds.

• When: Fourth Sunday of each month (No event in August)
• Where: Tachikawa Suwa Shrine
• Admission: Free!

6. Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin Flea Market

Perhaps my favorite market, this one asks for some dedication, as it is an 80-minute train ride from central Tokyo. But it is so worth it. Downtown Kawagoe’s main street is lined with traditional shophouses and warehouses from the Edo period, which lend a wonderful feel to the proceedings.

• When: 28th of each month
• Where: Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin Temple, Saitama
• Admission: Free!

6 Annual Antique & Second-Hand Events

© Photo by iStock: LewisTsePuiLung

1. Setagaya Boroichi

Held each December and January, the Setagaya Boroichi is one of Tokyo’s most beloved traditional markets, with roots dating back to 1578. Wander through streets lined with 700+ stalls selling antiques, second-hand goods, crafts, daily necessities and nostalgic treasures. Timeless and bustling, this historic flea market is a true winter tradition and a rare chance to experience Tokyo’s living history.

• When: Twice a year; January and December
• Where: Setagaya 1-Chome “Boroichi Street” and its surrounding areas
• Admission: Free!

2. Heiwajima Antique Fair

First held in 1978, this antique fair is Japan’s longest-running indoor antique event—and one of its largest. With over 120 trusted dealers from across the country, this massive Tokyo-area market transforms 3,000 square meters into a treasure trove of rare folk tools, vintage finds and surprising one-of-a-kind pieces. A true “national antique pilgrimage,” each event is unique, drawing both local collectors and international visitors in search of something special.

• When: Four times a year in March, May, September and December
• Where: Tokyo Ryutsu Center, Ota-ku
• Admission: Free!

3. Ariake Antique World

Formerly known as the Antique Jamboree, Ariake Antique World is Japan’s largest antique fair, held twice a year at Tokyo Big Sight. Over 500 dealers from Hokkaido to Okinawa gather to showcase everything from rare collectibles and vintage toys to museum-grade antiques, swords, and small curios. Seasonal special exhibitions—like retro black cat figurines or nostalgic Glico bonuses—add extra charm. Free antique appraisals and doll memorial services are also available. It is a must for serious collectors and casual browsers alike.

• When: Twice a year; Upcoming: July 19–21, 2025; February 21-23, 2026; July 18-20, 2026; March 20-22, 2027 (Check site for updates)
• Where: Tokyo Big Sight, Koto-ku
• Admission: ¥1,000 (free for children under 12)

4. Yokohama Antique World

As the largest indoor antique event in Kanagawa Prefecture, this twice-yearly market gathers top dealers from across Japan under one roof. Rain or shine, explore museum-quality pieces, rare collectibles, nostalgic toys and timeless treasures in every category. A must-visit for antique lovers and serious collectors alike!

• When: Twice a year; Upcoming: June 21–22, 2025; October 12-13, 2025
• Where: Marineria Exhibition Hall, Yokohama Industrial Trade Hall
• Admission: ¥500 (ticket valid for two days)

5. Tokyo Art & Antiques

Step into Tokyo’s historic “art town” of Nihonbashi and Kyobashi, where over 150 long-established galleries and antique shops open their doors for one of Japan’s largest gallery-based art events. Held every spring, this annual event invites visitors to handle real works of art, chat with passionate curators and explore a wide range of antiques, crafts, Japanese paintings and more. No reservation or art expertise needed—just curiosity.

• When: Every spring
• Where: The area centered on Nihonbashi and Kyobashi district in the Chuo Ward
• Admission: Free!

6. Super Junk Show Tokyo

Since 1996, the Junk Show has been a go-to indoor market for lovers of all things retro, vintage and kitschy. Specializing in mid-century finds from the U.S. and Europe, this curated event features everything from classic toys and funky furniture to nostalgic ads and vintage clothing. Whether you’re a serious collector or just browsing for fun, you’ll uncover quirky gems with stories to tell.

• When: Twice a year; Upcoming: August 2-3, 2025; December 13-14, 2025
• Where: Yokohama Trade Center
• Admission: ¥1,500 (discounted advance tickets usually available)

Savvy Tips For Treasure Hunting

On a recent flea market adventure, I was led by two extremely experienced shoppers who gave me the following pieces of advice:

1. Take your time: start at the beginning and work steadily through the stalls and alleys.
2. Don’t buy from the first stallholders! Their prices are higher and they will be thankful when you come back.
3. Take a backpack to carry your purchases.
4. Take a drink, hat and snack, although there are food vendors and drink machines at most of the markets.
5. Go early, as that’s when the best goods are available, but be aware that antique dealers and buyers are also looking for bargains at this time.
6. Haggling is fine, but be fair.
7. The stalls and items are invariably dusty. Hand sanitizer will help.
8. Small change is essential if you want to strike a bargain, so be sure to have lots of ¥100 coins and only ¥1,000 notes.
9. Delivery can usually be arranged for larger items.

These markets offer a perfect mix of culture, creativity, and community. Whether you’re looking for Edo-era ceramics or retro ‘90s streetwear, you’re bound to discover something unexpected and delightful at the locations above.

This article has been updated and republished with the latest information for 2025. Please check the official websites or social media for the most up-to-date event details before attending.

When Tokyo is just too much, Mt. Nokogiri is your ticket for evasion! This hike is easily accessible by train from Tokyo and offers expansive views to the Miura Peninsula and across Tokyo Bay, the perfect outing before the summer heat hits us. But be warned, its wooded beauty and steep pathways are not for the fainthearted.

A peek into hell

Hike at your own pace

Located in the southeastern region of Tochigi prefecture, Mashiko is a town that is serious about its pottery. Twice a year, once in spring and then again in fall, the whole town becomes an outdoor market for regional potters to display and sell their wares. Also open for business are the town’s large pottery stores, which operate year round.

Of course the festival attracts thousands of people and the streets of Mashiko are crowded with visitors. Fortunately, the stalls and shops spill over the towns gentle hills and down the main streets, giving shoppers the chance to stroll amongst the stalls and to view the many varieties of pottery without too much congestion.

Tochigi became a world renowned ceramics center in the late 19th century, when clay suitable for firing was discovered in the area. Over the years many famous potters were drawn to the district because of this clay. Kilns were built and different styles were experimented with, resulting in today’s incredible range of designs and types of pottery. There are so many, in fact, that a signature type is difficult to pinpoint. This area is famous for its particular style of kiln, the noborigama, or climbing kilns. As many as six small kilns are situated above one another and connected to one another on the hillside. There are also glazes typical to the area, chief among which is the persimmon glaze.

The range of pottery available in Mashiko is amazing. Gracious vases and rough ikebana plates are equally at home here with the sake bottles and incredible variety of garden ornaments, from Hello Kitty and Kappas to the ever-present tanuki (Japanese racoon dog) statues.

In fact, it is the tanuki that presides over the center of the town. Perhaps the largest tanuki in the world, this generously proportioned statue is at least six meters tall. His happy face and raised sake cup welcome one and all to the town. Tanuki statues are everywhere and make a cute souvenir of Mashiko.

However the town’s potters are serious artisans and display their artistic works with great pride. Many of them have embraced various contemporary styles and offer interesting uses for their products. Ceramic button hair ties, wall mounted flower flutes, dishes, vases and objets d’art are all available to tempt the shopper.

Mashiko is a fun place, with food stalls and restaurants happily providing great fare to feed all the visitors. Interesting antique shops and curio shops are also open and have all sorts of portable antiques. The town arranges displays of pottery making and exhibitions of local artists’ wares. Local farmers also take the opportunity to sell their freshly harvested vegetables to some of the estimated 800,000 annual visitors.

Tochigi is a very pretty area situated in a national forest. Its lovely wooded hillsides provide leafy pathways for weary travellers to wander off and find a perfect spot to eat a bento and survey the town below.

The town can be reached by train, bus or car. The journey via the roads can be long and frustrating, sometimes taking over four hours from Tokyo. By train, take the Tohoku Line from JR Oyama station to JR Shimodate station. From there, take the Mito Line to Mashiko station. The town center is a 20-minute walk. Alternatively, a Toya bus can be taken from Utsunomiya station on the Tohoku Line (bus platform 14 at the West exit) to Mashiko.

The Deets

When: Sat, Oct. 31–Wed, Nov. 4, 2015 (Takes place twice yearly, in the spring and autumn. For dates of future fairs, check the website of the town’s tourism association.)

Where: All across Mashiko town.

How much: Entrance to the festival is free, and works of pottery range in price from extremely reasonable to more of an investment.

More info: For additional information on the festival and the town of Mashiko, check the official website of the town’s tourist association.

Top three photos by Masayuki Kawagishi, Eryn Vorn, and Skyseeker.

Take the Odakyu line from Shinjuku heading towards Odawara. To speed up your journey back into the past, make sure you board an express train, which is clearly identified in both English and Japanese on the platform signs and on the train itself. The entrance to the park is a one-kilometer walk from Mukogaoka Yuen station’s south exit.

The peaceful and tranquil nature of the park is evident immediately. Even though my visit was at the very end of summer, cicadas were still filling the air with their special song, and the trees and shrubs were lush and vibrant in their green foliage. There were remnants of summer’s flowers but they were obviously on the decline. Having visited the park in all seasons, I can say with certainty that it is beautiful year round.

The path has a steep upward climb to the first houses. These are set in gardens that could easily belong to our contemporary neighbors. There is a feeling throughout the park that the inhabitants have just stepped out for a moment and that the open doors and windows are allowing you a stolen glance into other lives. Some of the houses have specific rooms set up with traditional tools and fireplaces. The comforting, somewhat acrid scent of a crackling fire entices you to enter and sit on the zubuton cushions around the fire pit. Local volunteers are happy to explain the houses’ features and the central role of the fire pit in family life. There is something so timeless about this that you can easily lose track of time here.

Visually dramatic, the Gassho Zukuri houses, numbered 7, 8, 9, 10 and 23, are the scene stealers in the park. Their steep roofs reaching high into the sky like hands positioned in prayer, they lord it over their more humble neighbors. All brought from mountainous regions in Japan, these houses give a good indication of the role of architecture in one’s surroundings. Obviously the pitched roofs were to keep the snow from settling on top. The magnificent Sugawara house (number 23) also has a second story window which doubled as an entrance in the depths of winter when the snow could be many feet deep.

But don’t dismiss the smaller buildings. Most of the single story dwellings are from Kanazawa Prefecture and have many interesting features. The roofs are once again the dominant thing. Thick woven thatch hangs over the houses like protective bangs. Other homes have tiles or slates. The traditional huts and stables are covered by thick, mossy boards. Many of the houses have clay flooring, which keeps the interiors cool. The lack of windows and deep verandas make the residences quite dark.

The path through the village takes you upwards, with the stairs and the pathways giving quite a good workout without being tiring. At the top of one hill is the Kagogesan Shrine. Once situated in Kawasaki City, it is dedicated to a god worshipped by the silkworm farmers. Nearby, up more steps is a pink walled provincial Kabuki stage, still in occasional use today. An annual performance is scheduled for November 3. Indeed, the park offers many cultural displays and events that change monthly. On the day I was there volunteers were helping school children to carry large water buckets on a pole, a task that is not as easy as it may sound. At the west gate, furthest from the main entry, is an indigo dyeing workshop. There are often displays here of the various techniques involved in the process.

It is advisable to contact the office or check the official Nihon Minkaen website if you are interested in attending any of the cultural events or displays. However, a walk through the park on any day will leave you stress free and allow you a glimpse into the houses and homes of old Japan.

The Deets

Address: 7-1-1 Matsugata, Tama-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa

Tel: 044-922-2181

Open: 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. (until 4:30 p.m. Nov.–Feb.); closed Mon except national holidays; closed on the day after public holidays; closed from Dec. 29–Jan. 3

How much: Admission costs ¥500 per adult, and ¥300 per high school student and senior. Entrance is free for Kawasaki residents and children.

On offer is a mouthwatering set of savouries, cakes and scones. Mini leek and mushroom quiches, ham croissants, chicken tortilla wraps and salmon rillettes are perfectly bite sized and very tasty. The cake plate is prepared by the onsite and award-winning pastry chefs, and it shows. A Gustave Eiffel cheesecake, a gem-like pistachio macaroon, a slice of the seemingly perfectly constructed chocolate Opera cake, and a daily selection from the hotel’s cake shop decorate the serving platter. It is almost too beautiful to eat. But one must.

The Gustave Eiffel cheesecake is named for the famous architect behind the construction of the tower that bears his name (the cake was even served at the tower’s opening ceremony). But Monsieur Eiffel had good taste in more things than just architecture. He also gave his support to the founder of the French tea company Janat, Monsieur Janat Dores. The idea that these two Frenchmen came up with was to not only transport tea leaves in solid oak barrels, but to also use these barrels to age the tea leaves. This maturing process gives the tea a light smokey flavor which is very pleasant.

If it is not to your taste, there are other Janat tea types on offer. On the day we visited we were offered peach or pear tea as alternatives. I was very happy with my choice of the barrel aged tea, which when drunk black and poured straight from the pot, was both light and refreshing. Drinking tea in this manner and enjoying the lovely platters of goodies, a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach, has a positive and relaxing effect on the participants.

But there is more! A final plate is served to the table. Cradling traditional scones with blueberry jam and clotted cream for the traditionalists, it also held some surprisingly good chocolate chip scones as well. A delightful way to end a delightful afternoon tea.

The Deets

When: Now through Feb. 29, 2016, Thu–Sun and national holidays, 3–5:30 p.m.

Where: The French Kitchen, 2F Grand Hyatt Tokyo, 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

How much: ¥3,000 per person

Reservations: 03-4333-8781

Situated underneath the tracks of the JR line about halfway between Akihabara and Okachimachi stations, 2k540 mimics the izakaya and bars that huddle under so many of Tokyo’s elevated train tracks. But that is all that this shopping arcade has in common with them. Stark white walls and black asphalt floors with recessed lighting lead the shopper into a delightful venture through shops proudly creating and selling “made in Japan” items.

Not just for tourists, these shops are more often than not run by the artisans and craftspeople who make the goods. There are many leather workers and jewelry makers here, along with fabric designers and quirky interior decorator shops. Wood workers and contemporary furniture makers are also present. Yet this is not a crafters fair or market. The goods on display here are sophisticated and upmarket.

There is also a good sense of fun at 2k540. The Asan Cafe serves light lunches, cakes, organic teas and coffees. It is also known as a “hammock cafe.” Against one wall is a row of individual hammocks that swing suspended from the ceiling. Whilst this makes drinking tea a little difficult, it is a very relaxing way to check your phone or use one of the supplied iPads to check in and update your status. If you happen to nod off, the very helpful staff will give you an hour of peace before gently asking you to move along.

Another whimsical shop sells only tengui, the long, thin cotton towels that are used for just about everything. This store also sells the fabric for tengui by the meter and made up into children’s clothes and fashion accessories. The patterns and designs are incredibly diverse and colorful.

My fancy was taken by a shop selling scarves and shawls made of silk, wool or a cotton and linen mix. The process to create these gossamer thin pieces is based on traditional Japanese methods and uses organic dyes. Indeed, many of the garments on sale at 2k540 have a beautiful traditional feel and look that has been tweaked to suit both modern and foreign tastes. A felt maker sells dramatic coats and hats that would not look out of place at any theater opening in the world. Elsewhere, traditional workmen’s pants and jackets are made of indigo and red cotton for a more contemporary market.

The jewelry shops run the gamut of beads and trinkets to upmarket acrylic bangles and earrings, including the very desirable acrylic Issey Miyake wrist watches. Nearby, a cobbler sells incredibly beautiful men’s suede shoes made in every color of the rainbow. Of course, traditional crafts using materials such as washi paper, bamboo and straw are also available. An amazing array of traditional brooms made using the most involved and precise techniques are on display alongside their equally amazing prices.

A small artist’s atelier holds painting classes several times a week. Groups of between six and eight learn to paint flowers and scenes and to decorate china. The group I saw were a happy bunch who generously showed me their work and encouraged me to join in. Only time pressure prevented this from happening, but maybe next time.

The homeware stores are showcases for modern Japanese design at its best. From small pieces such as chopstick rests and perfectly lacquered chop sticks to eclectic bamboo kitchen tools, there is something to entice everyone here. Wooden bow ties and ceramic apples and pears continue the sense of fun that runs through some of the shops. A more serious and traditional shop sells made-to-order chests to store kimono and deceptively simple bamboo lamps which would sit well in any decor.

A visit to 2k540 is a deeply satisfying journey through the style, traditions and innovation of Japanese design. Fully under cover with lots of parking nearby, notwithstanding the close proximity of several train stations, 2k540 is a great day out no matter what the weather.

The Deets

Address: 5-9 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Open: Thu–Tue, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; closed Wed

A nondescript looking restaurant , Spice Magic Calcutta was full of diners enjoying the holiday special. The owner kindly gave me some information about other Indian restaurants and shops in the area, but sadly had to admit that the affiliated own Spice Market Bazaar, a well renowned Indian spice shop, was now no longer in operation.

I walked on, looking for any clues to where Little India may be. There were none. The people in the streets of this tidy suburb were all Japanese. Families and couples were enjoying the holiday by window shopping or eating in the very typical Japanese restaurants.

Completely frustrated, I finally found a small grocery store selling pre-packaged, dehydrated Indian food. The shelves were sparsely filled. The Indian proprietor confirmed that this was indeed Little India and offered to take me to an authentic Southern Indian restaurant a few blocks away. Another older Indian gentleman took my hand and led me to Amudhasurabhi, two blocks away. Literally. He held my hand until he deposited me at the restaurant, and then sat watching me eat my set curry meal and lassi drink. The food was excellent, the lassi delicious and the price incredible: just ¥700.

Declining any further assistance from my newfound friend, I set off to find any one of the other three restaurants on my list and another promised bazaar. I could not help but wonder as to why this area had earned the title of “Little India.” I did not see a single Indian person who was not working in a restaurant or in an Indian grocery store. I had read that over 2,000 Indians live in this suburb. Where were they then?

More frustration and dead ends followed, and after an hour of searching I was ready to give up. Turning to retrace my steps to the station, I looked up and saw the sister shop of Spice Magic Calcutta. Full of Japanese customers, I decided not to enter, but saw a side door open. Here the chefs were busily slapping naan bread into the tandoor oven and tossing freshly stir fried curries around in hot woks. In between dishes they told me to head over the tracks to find the Swagat Indian Bazaar, which is “very, very Indian,” they assured me.

Fortunately, I found this grocery store with no difficulty. And what a find it is. Strictly business, there is no decoration or fuss, just chrome shelving and a couple of freezers. Here, too, were many Japanese customers picking up their supplies of lentils, spices and sweets. I was disappointed that the spices were either prepackaged or canned, having hoped to find mounds of gloriously colored turmeric, coriander and chili powders. It was not to be.

The manager, Alok, was busy tending the cash register while I perused the stock. There is no doubt that Swagat holds all the essentials for your Indian culinary needs, including big beautiful bags of pistachios, cashews and almonds, and compared to costs in other parts of town, they are very inexpensive. Mr. Alok also stocks a small range of Indian incense and beauty products. I was very interested in the range of hair products, and after much discussion on the pros and cons of each, I was persuaded to buy the almond hair treatment which, Mr. Alok confided to me, he uses himself.

Another purchase was a pack of the sweet fennel seeds, those colorful confetti pieces that one finds near the cash register at every Indian restaurant. Used as a breath freshener, they are handy after a curry meal. Mr. Alok suggested returning to Little India during one of the traditional Indian holidays when, he assured me, Indian people are out and about in the streets.

You will probably find more Indian restaurants in Hiroo or Roppongi, and there are some great Indian spice shops in Ameyokocho Market in Ueno. So, would I go back to Little India? Certainly. I already need more of my almond hair conditioner.

The Deets

Spice Magic Calcutta

Address: 3-13-3 Nishi Kasai, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo

Tel: 03-5667-3885

Amudhasurabhi

Address: B1, 5-1-5 Nishi Kasai, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo

Tel: 03-5605-2107

Swagat Indian Bazaar

Address: 5-11-11, Nishi Kasai, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo

Tel: 03-3680-9490

Also known as the French Way or The Way of St. James, the Camino has been a religious pilgrimage for almost a thousand years. Originally starting at the French town of St. Jean Pied de Port, the Camino weaves its way over the Pyrenees and down into the mountainous region of Galicia in northwestern Spain. Here the trail follows the mountain range all the way to Santiago, 780 kilometers away in the far west.

The Camino is no longer exclusively a religious pilgrimage. Many walkers undertake it as an endurance test, a personal journey in the company of thousands of others, particularly in the summer months.

The Camino, or “way,” can be undertaken all in one go or in stages, the length and timing of which are entirely up to you. Some people walk a new segment each summer, others come and go at different times of the year in order to experience the walk in different seasons. It really is your choice. There is only one rule. In order to qualify for the “passport” to prove you have completed the walk, you must walk the last 112 kilometers and have a paper passport (available for free along the way) stamped at any of the many hostels, restaurants, churches or coffee shops en route. You can undertake the trail by foot, on a pushbike, or on horseback.

We chose to walk only the last 112 kilometers over five days at the end of June. Starting in the lovely town of Sarria, we contracted a company, of which there are many, to book our accommodation at roughly equal stages along the walk and to pick up our luggage from the hotels and deliver it to our next night’s lodging. This meant we only had to carry a daypack and a water bottle with us, though many other walkers carried huge packs and camped in the fields over night.

The great thing about walking the Camino is the incredible camaraderie of all on the trail. A cheery “buon Camino” is called out by all and sundry as they pass one another. Bike riders call it out to warn of their descent down hills at a rapid rate, school groups and religious orders sing it, and villagers and townsfolk respond to it untold thousands of times a week.

Your fellow walkers can be identified by the totem of Santiago, a half scallop shell, and by a pilgrims staff, which is useful to aid the often rocky descents as you navigate the hills. The trail covers all sorts of terrain, most of it through the beautiful farmlands and valleys of Galicia. Several parts follow national highways and include some industrial parks which are less than inviting on a warm summer’s day, but generally the going, whilst challenging at times, is serenely beautiful.

For us the timing of our walk was fortuitous. The mornings held their misty coolness until well after 9 a.m., and the real heat of summer was still a few weeks off. We attempted to start early and get most of the walking done before lunch, but the best laid plans were often overturned in favor of spending time investigating old churches, archeological ruins and beautiful streams and fords. Along the way there are a smattering of lovely restaurants and cafes to entice you off the road for a bocadillo (bread roll) of ham and cheese, empanadas or other typical Galician fare.

The end of each day was a hard slog, usually uphill, into towns that were historically placed on hilltops, and the walks to the hotels are not included in the daily tally of kilometers, a harsh reality when you have just finished 23 kilometers and find it’s another four to the hotel!

The fifth and final day was for us a short one. Fourteen kilometers into Santiago itself, through the town and past the magnificent hillside cultural center. Another few kilometers and we arrived at the cathedral, where there was an hourlong wait for our Camino certificates. Pilgrims masses are held every day at midday and on Fridays at 7 p.m. the enormous incense burner called the Botafumeiro is swung over the congregation.

No matter what your reason for walking the Camino, it is a fabulous once-in-a-lifetime adventure that will test your endurance but will leave you with a feeling of accomplishment and well being.

The Deets

More info: Useful sources for more information can be found here and here.

The Eiffel Tower Plus Napoleon’s Tomb

Probably the most iconic monument in Paris is the Eiffel Tower. It has a mesmerising sway over most people who visit. Its graceful arches and beautiful shape have entranced lovers for over a century, and it is reputed to be a popular place for marriage proposals. The view from the deck is extensive and literally breathtaking.

Once you have spent an hour or so here making sure you have all the best photos from every angle of the tower, it is time to move on. If you are lucky enough to have received a proposal your choice is simple: champagne! But if, like many of us, this didn’t happen then it is time to take a stroll down the Esplanade des Invalides to the Hotel des Invalides, which houses the magnificent tomb of Napoleon.

This beautiful building is a marble edifice to the great man and others who have served France, mainly in the military. The tomb itself is spectacular, with the sarcophagus placed in the heart of the building. It is quiet and cool, with statues and plaques detailing the life of the emperor. In other buildings there is an extensive museum of the army, which holds uniforms and materiel from throughout France’s history. It is worth spending a few quite contempative hours here.

The Louvre Plus Decadent Chocolate

On the other side of the Seine River is the palace, now an art gallery, known as the Louvre. The collection here could keep you busy for weeks. Home to Leonardo di Vinci’s enigmatic Mona Lisa and the equally intriguing Venus de Milo, the Louvre is a place to revisit time and again. Take a break from the art and walk down the Rue de Rivoli towards the rotunda. Directly across the road from the ferris wheel is the wonderfully elegant Angelina Tea Rooms. More than a cafe, Angelina’s has been serving delicious hot chocolate, cakes and hand made chocolates here for decades. The hot chocolate is not to be bested anywhere! And the chocolates and cakes are in the “to die for” category. This “plus one” is not to be missed.

Sacré-Coeur Plus Artisanal Perfumes

Sacré-Coeur sits atop the bohemian suburb of Montmartre. The journey up the hill is thrilling, as are the views and cool breezes that are afforded by the cathedral’s position. After viewing the interior and exterior of this beautiful building, leave via the funicular railway down the hill to the busy streets of Montmartre. Immediately across the street is your plus-one destination. Fragonard Parfumerie is a sweet smelling oasis of scents originating in the famous French perfume making area of Grasse.

If you have time, make your way to the nearby Opera metro station and visit the Fragonard Musée du Parfum. Occupying a Napoleon III townhouse built in 1860, it is free to enter and free tours are also offered. If perfume is your thing, this is the “plus one” for you.

Notre Dame Plus a Literary Institution

Back in the center of town is France’s most famous cathedral, Notre Dame. The crowds throng through this church and its forecourt every day of the year. After checking out the gargoyles and the imposing gothic architecture, step away from the crowds and head over to the nearby Latin Quarter. Only a few blocks away is the well known English language bookstore Shakespeare and Company. This Paris institution was patronized by some of the 20th century’s greatest literary names and still has a very bohemian feel to it. Although its irascible owner George Whitman is no longer around to grant you the privilege (or not!) of buying a book, the store buzzes with life.

Arc de Triomphe Plus French Cooking

Last but certainly not least is the Arc de Triomph and its equally famous boulevard, the Champs-Élysées. This exclusive shopping street is full of designer stores and high-end art galleries. After braving the incredible traffic that whizzes up and around the monument, take a plus-one look at the side streets around the area. The Rue de Miromesnil is home to several very accessible cooking schools, such the Atelier Guy Martin. With a bit of forward planning it is possible to learn the secrets to French cooking from famous chefs or, if time is short, take an afternoon course in how to make the perfect macaron or a sumptuous soufflé.

Featured photo by Moyan Brenn; soufflé photo by McPig.