Leather jacket stores in Tokyo

[Mighty44]

Hello all--

I will be in Tokyo next week. Would love to try on some vintage or used leather jackets (on the lookout for a 30s-style halfbelt) and/or fedoras but any budget for actual spending would likely be quite small by Tokyo vintage standards.

Any suggestions for spots to check out where there might be a chance i could actually afford something like a used Aero jacket or knocked about vintage piece? I've read about Koenji and Shimokitazawa as vintage store neighborhoods --if I could only do one, which would you recommend? I've seen the store Whistler praised online but would love any suggestions.

Also, is there any negotiating prices for vintage/used pieces or is that a big NO?

Cheers,

David

 

[Jasonissm]

Hello all--

I will be in Tokyo next week. Would love to try on some vintage or used leather jackets (on the lookout for a 30s-style halfbelt) and/or fedoras but any budget for actual spending would likely be quite small by Tokyo vintage standards.

Any suggestions for spots to check out where there might be a chance i could actually afford something like a used Aero jacket or knocked about vintage piece? I've read about Koenji and Shimokitazawa as vintage store neighborhoods --if I could only do one, which would you recommend? I've seen the store Whistler praised online but would love any suggestions.

Also, is there any negotiating prices for vintage/used pieces or is that a big NO?

Cheers,

David

I found most of the jackets that I really wanted in Tokyo, were gonna be priced accordingly, Buco, Trojan, etc. and with a lot of the general thrift stores, older jackets are rare to find but maybe priced better, stores that specialise in vintage leather jackets would be more expensive because they definitely know what they have and also probably paid a lot to get them imported to Japan. Although I was already tuckered out from vintage hunting around Kansai and Hokkaido so I didn't do too much searching when I got to Tokyo, I probably missed some nice spots.

@Marc mndt went to many stores on his trip, he may be able to provide suggestions.

 

[Mighty44]

I found most of the jackets that I really wanted in Tokyo, were gonna be priced accordingly, Buco, Trojan, etc. and with a lot of the general thrift stores, older jackets are rare to find but maybe priced better, stores that specialise in vintage leather jackets would be more expensive because they definitely know what they have and also probably paid a lot to get them imported to Japan. Although I was already tuckered out from vintage hunting around Kansai and Hokkaido so I didn't do too much searching when I got to Tokyo, I probably missed some nice spots.

@Marc mndt went to many stores on his trip, he may be able to provide suggestions.

Thanks—I’d also just like to actually see some of these things in person (Japanese brands especially) even if I don’t end up buying.

 

[Jasonissm]

Thanks—I’d also just like to actually see some of these things in person (Japanese brands especially) even if I don’t end up buying.

If you want to see Japanese brands, Mushmans is good a bit far about 1.5 hrs by public transport, also Barnstormer Gotemba also about 2 hrs

In to the metro area of Tokyo you have The Flat Head, The Real McCoys, Americaya General Garden Ueno (Buzz Rickson and Rainbow Country), Attractions, Addict Clothes, Desolation Row (Freewheelers) I also had a look at Schott and Lewis Leathers.

 

[Mighty44]

If you want to see Japanese brands, Mushmans is good a bit far about 1.5 hrs by public transport, also Barnstormer Gotemba also about 2 hrs

In to the metro area of Tokyo you have The Flat Head, The Real McCoys, Americaya General Garden Ueno (Buzz Rickson and Rainbow Country), Attractions, Addict Clothes, Desolation Row (Freewheelers) I also had a look at Schott and Lewis Leathers.

Cheers

 

[Marc mndt]

I found most of the jackets that I really wanted in Tokyo, were gonna be priced accordingly, Buco, Trojan, etc. and with a lot of the general thrift stores, older jackets are rare to find but maybe priced better, stores that specialise in vintage leather jackets would be more expensive because they definitely know what they have and also probably paid a lot to get them imported to Japan. Although I was already tuckered out from vintage hunting around Kansai and Hokkaido so I didn't do too much searching when I got to Tokyo, I probably missed some nice spots.

@Marc mndt went to many stores on his trip, he may be able to provide suggestions.

Basically everything that has already been mentioned in this thread. You might find a Sears Hercules halfbelt in one of Tokyo's thrift stores but I don't think you'll find a nice vintage motorcycle jacket for a reasonable price. The people from Fake Alpha or Marvin's would have already found it before you

@marvins

@fakealpha

At Yam (thrift store)

Chances of finding nice vintage jackets for reasonable pricing are better in Kyoto or Osaka imo. In Osaka you'll find dozens of vintage stores that specialize in 80s / 90s t-shirts and denim. Because leather jackets aren't their focus you'll have better chances of finding good deals on leather jackets there.

 

[Marc mndt]

a chance i could actually afford something like a used Aero jacket

I've visited dozens and dozens of vintage stores in a handful of Japanese cities and I've only seen one vintage/used Aero... Found it in 'Vintage Dig Store Nats' in Osaka. It might still be there

 

[Blackadder]

There is a couple of big chain "thrift" stores or 2nd hand stores in Japan. Here is the list of Aero jackets the 2nd Street chain currently has. But as said, it is a chain and these Aero stock are with individual stores all over Japan so the end result is the same as your average thrift store in US, try your luck. The only store with racks of Aero leather is Aero's dealer at Ueno and those are brand new and costs more than Thurston not to mention Aero directly.
https://www.2ndstreet.jp/goods/detail/goodsId/2321021458600/shopsId/31001

Having said that, you can find plenty of common affordable 70s-90s leather jackets like those Members-only like jackets at average vintage stores.

 

[Mighty44]

There is a couple of big chain "thrift" stores or 2nd hand stores in Japan. Here is the list of Aero jackets the 2nd Street chain currently has. But as said, it is a chain and these Aero stock are with individual stores all over Japan so the end result is the same as your average thrift store in US, try your luck. The only store with racks of Aero leather is Aero's dealer at Ueno and those

I've visited dozens and dozens of vintage stores in a handful of Japanese cities and I've only seen one vintage/used Aero... Found it in 'Vintage Dig Store Nats' in Osaka. It might still be there

View attachment 537996 View attachment 537997

are brand new and costs more than Thurston not to mention Aero directly.
https://www.2ndstreet.jp/goods/detail/goodsId/2321021458600/shopsId/31001

Having said that, you can find plenty of common affordable 70s-90s leather jackets like those Members-only like jackets at average vintage stores.

It’ll be a sad day if I set out looking for a 30s halfbelt repro and come home with a Members Only jacket. But appreciate the input and will definitely let you know if I find anything.

Cheers,