Yokohama, once a quiet fishing town, has become one of Japan’s largest cities after opening its ports for international trade in 1859. It was also the first Japanese city to establish a rail connection. 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.
Tokyo-based stylist says vintage designer bags are in high demand due to the resurgence of 70s and 80s style. Hanae Uwajima. The strict Japanese authentication standards, and the culture’s emphasis on preserving belongings means you are likely to find pieces that have been both authenticated and well-maintained. Uwajima adds that the weaker yen only increased global interest and made Japan’s used luxury market more attractive to foreign buyers. 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. Your guide to treasure hunting, from boutiques with rare vintage Chanels to showrooms.
How to Get There
JR Tokaido Line, or Yokosuka Line, from Tokyo Station (30 mins, $3.30). Tokyu Toyoko Line, which runs from Shibuya, also provides direct access 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 showroom for luxury goods than a used 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
It can be difficult for the most discerning of eyes to distinguish between authentic and fake clothing or accessories, especially in an increasingly crowded fashion world. Even the most discerning eye can have difficulty identifying which garments and accessories are authentic. OkuraYou can attend an exclusive crash course on the subject of 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 has a large inventory. The collection ranges from ultra-rare, vintage pieces to near-perfect contemporary pieces. 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 They opened their first shop in Kagawa (a coastal town at the northeastern end of Shikoku Island). Fast forward nearly three decades and their name has grown to be a secondhand giant with more than 700 stores worldwide, including the US. If you’re looking to shop secondhand in Yokohama’s Kohoku district, make sure to stop by 2nd Street. 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.
