Once a quiet fishing village, Yokohama has evolved into one of Japan’s most cosmopolitan cities since opening its ports to international trade in 1859. It was the first city in the country to establish a railway connection to Tokyo—now just a 30-minute ride away, it revolutionized access to the capital—and is home to Japan’s oldest and largest Chinatown. More recently, though, Yokohama has gained a reputation as a hidden gem for vintage shopping—particularly for secondhand designer bags.
“The resurgence of 1970s and 80s fashion, fueled by a retro boom, is driving the demand for vintage designer bags,” says Tokyo-based fashion stylist Hanae Uwajima. “Japan’s strict authentication standards and cultural emphasis on preserving personal belongings mean you’re likely to discover pieces that are both authentic and impeccably cared for.” The weak yen has only heightened global interest, making Japan’s secondhand luxury market even more appealing to international buyers, adds Uwajima. Plus, Yokohama is home to far less eye-watering prices than Tokyo’s premier shopping hub, Ginza—both renowned and infamous for its packed, high-end department stores—meaning savvy shoppers flock here on weekends to score rare luxury finds. Below, your guide to where treasure hunt, from sleek showroom-style spaces to boutiques packed with near impossible-to-find vintage Chanels.
How to Get There
From Tokyo, take the JR Tokaido or Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station (30 minutes, $3.30). The Tokyu Toyoko Line from Shibuya also offers a direct route to Minatomirai. Just a short 10-minute ride from there brings you to Motomachi Shopping Street—a charming stretch lined with cobblestone walkways and a mix of long-standing local outfitters and curated secondhand designer bag shops.
Where to Shop
Brand Bay
Tucked away in Motomachi—an eclectic shopping area packed with boutiques selling everything from handmade Hawaiian jewelry to kimono fabrics—Brand Bay feels more like a luxury showroom than a secondhand store. A laminated white marble storefront leads into an equally sleek and minimalist interior populated with chic velvet mannequins and glass cases filled with pristine Celine, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton bags. Needle-in-the-haystack items like an electric-blue Chanel piece live on the shelves, barely worn, with the leather in pristine condition, silver hardware gleaming like new and without a scuff in sight.
One thing to notice while shopping in Yokohama—and especially at Brand Bay—is just how patient and attentive the sales staff are. They are genuinely invested in helping shoppers find their dream bag—an embodiment of the Japanese concept of “omotenashi,” a sincere, above and beyond commitment to customer service and hospitality.
Okura
In a fashion landscape increasingly crowded with specious dupes, it can be tricky for even the most discerning eye to tell which garments and accessories are authentic. At Okura, it’s possible to sit in on an insider’s crash course on luxury authentication. The encyclopedically knowledgeable staff is eager to share their expertise—from exactly how to decode the serial codes on a Louis Vuitton bag to checking the seal of authentication on a vintage Chanel.
Okura’s inventory is impressive. The collection spans from near-pristine contemporary pieces to ultra-rare vintage gems. Showstopping items include a 1996 Chanel Ivory Quilted Caviar Matelassé Turnlock Flap Bag—a seasonal color that’s nearly impossible to find today, especially in such remarkable condition. Chanel bags from this era are celebrated for their craftsmanship—often considered more durable and meticulously made than some modern iterations, making them especially prized among collectors.
2nd Street
In 1996, 2nd Street opened their first store in beachy Kagawa on the northeast end of Shikoku Island. Nearly three decades later, their name has become something of a secondhand empire with over 700 stores, including in the US. When shopping secondhand in Yokohama, be sure to make a stop at 2nd Street’s location in the city’s Kohoku neighborhood. The area is a real mix between its Ramen Museum, the scenic ruins of Korozue Castle, and Yokohama Arena—fitting surroundings for a shop that is just as wonderfully sundry.