Antique Market at Yasukuni Shrine

Flea markets at other places usually attract hordes of dealers, but at Yasukuni Shrine, the best part is that there are no more than 50-60 dealers. This has kept the crowds relatively low and allows better one-to-one discussions, the basic requirement for bargain talk, and you can have a look at the items you are interested in at your own pace.

The flea market at Yasukuni Shrine positions itself as "real antiques" market. I contemplated buying this piece of display pottery, but at 15000 yen, my wife just pulled me away, even before I got into a bargain discussion.

You can also find old coins, although I am not much of a coin collector and I have never bought them, I I couldn't say anything about authenticity of the same.

I avoid the Yasukuni Shrine flea market in March since the cherry blossom season attracts enormous crowds, but the rest of the year is always fine.

Rare stuff on display: camera lenses and audio recorders

A pot at 1000 yen (post bargaining) and the ornament box at 1200 yen; my living room has many such artifacts collected from the Yasukuni Shrine flea market.

The entrance of Yasukuni Shrine, the statue of Omura Masujiro, founder of the modern Japanese Army. The flea market closes early at 4 p.m., so it's best to go in the morning.