8-Day Japan Antique Hunting Tour: Tokyo & Kyoto Treasure Markets

This 8-day journey is crafted for travelers with an eye for the rare and the timeless, leading you through the antique markets, vintage shops, and old-town lanes of Tokyo and Kyoto. From hidden treasures in Tokyo’s historic neighborhoods to centuries-old craft traditions in Kyoto, this itinerary blends the thrill of the hunt with authentic cultural discovery.

In Tokyo, wander the nostalgic streets of Yanaka and Nezu, explore Senso-ji Temple and Kappabashi’s kitchenware shops, and admire the refined Asian antiquities of the Nezu Museum. Travel to Kyoto aboard the Shinkansen bullet train, where you’ll time your visit to the famous Toji Temple Kobo-ichi antique market, meet folk-craft masterworks at Kawai Kanjiro’s House, and explore the historic dealer streets of Gion before a final day uncovering retro and vintage finds in Osaka.

With a dedicated English-speaking guide, thoughtfully paced scheduling, and seamless transportation throughout, this tour offers a comfortable and richly rewarding way to seek out Japan’s finest antiques and crafts — especially ideal for collectors, design lovers, and curious travelers who want expert support navigating the country’s most treasured markets.

Why This Tour Stands Out

  • Hunt for antiques, vintage finds, and traditional crafts across Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka in one seamless journey.
  • An immersive 8-day itinerary timed around Kyoto’s renowned monthly antique markets.
  • Travel with a knowledgeable guide, so you can explore Japan’s markets and craft districts with confidence.
  • A perfect choice for collectors and design enthusiasts who want expert guidance and hands-on cultural experiences.

Tour Pricing

Group Size Price (Per Person)
2 From USD 2,968
4 From USD 2,194
6 From USD 1,935

Tour prices do not include airfare, guide tips, meals, or transportation to/from airports.

*Exchange rate used: 1 USD = 155 JPY

Group size is flexible—please contact us for details.

Final pricing will be confirmed based on travel dates and availability.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Tokyo

Relax at your hotel and settle in after arrival.

Hotel: 3-4 Star Hotel in Tokyo

Day 2 | Tokyo

  • Yanaka & Nezu (Yanesen) old-town walk (e.g. antique & vintage shops, Yanaka Ginza shopping street)
  • Visit Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise-dori
  • Explore Kappabashi Kitchenware Street (e.g. vintage ceramics, lacquerware & kitchen tools)
  • Food Sample (Sampuru) Making Experience at Ganso Shokuhin Sample-ya

Hotel: 3-4 Star Hotel in Tokyo

Day 3 | Tokyo

  • Explore Tsukiji Outer Market (e.g. food stalls, vintage kitchen knives & ceramics, street-food tasting)
  • Visit the Nezu Museum (e.g. collection of Asian antiquities and a tranquil garden designed by architect Kengo Kuma)
  • Free time around Omotesando / Aoyama

Hotel: 3-4 Star Hotel in Tokyo

Day 4 | Kyoto

  • Bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto (e.g. enjoy an eki-ben bento box onboard)
  • Visit Toji Temple Kobo-ichi Antique Market (e.g. 1,000+ stalls of antiques, old tools, kimono & ceramics, held every 21st)
  • Toji Temple sightseeing (e.g. National Treasure Five-Story Pagoda & Kondo/Kodo Halls)
  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple autumn night illumination (special viewing Nov 21-30)

Hotel: 3-4 Star Hotel in Kyoto

Day 5 | Kyoto

  • Visit Kawai Kanjiro’s House (e.g. Mingei folk-craft master’s home, pottery & antique furniture)
  • Explore Gojo-zaka Kiyomizu-yaki pottery district (e.g. studios & antique ceramic shops)
  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Sannenzaka / Ninenzaka old streets sightseeing
  • Tea ceremony experience in Gion (e.g. whisk your own matcha with wagashi sweets)
  • Explore Nishiki Market & Teramachi / Shinkyogoku antique arcades

Hotel: 3-4 Star Hotel in Kyoto

Day 6 | Kyoto

  • Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji Temple
  • Togetsukyo Bridge & riverside stroll
  • Visit Okochi Sanso Villa Garden or antique shops in the Saga-Toriimoto preserved district
  • Explore Gion Shinmonzen & Furumonzen Streets (e.g. Kyoto’s historic antique & fine-art dealer district with galleries of ceramics, scrolls & Buddhist art)

Hotel: 3-4 Star Hotel in Kyoto

Day 7 | Osaka

  • Osaka Castle sightseeing (e.g. Tenshukaku main keep)
  • Explore Nakazakicho retro district (e.g. vintage, antique & secondhand shops in old townhouses)
  • Explore Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi (e.g. Glico sign and shopping street)

Hotel: 3-4 Star Hotel in Osaka

Day 8 | Osaka

Check out from your hotel and transfer to Kansai International Airport.

If you’d like to extend your stay, add experiences, or arrange hotels only without a guide, we’re happy to customize your plans.

Inclusions

  • Private tour
  • Dedicated English-speaking guide
  • 8 days itinerary
  • 7 nights accommodation in 3-4 star accommodation
  • Breakfast everyday
  • Public transportation
  • All entry fees to sites, activities as specified
  • Food sample making experience in Tokyo
  • Tea ceremony experience in Gion, Kyoto
  • Lunch in Arashiyama on Day 6
  • Ride the shinkansen bullet train

Exclusions

  • International airfares
  • Arrival airport transfer / Departure airport transfer
  • Visas
  • Tipping
  • Travel Insurance
  • Optional activities
  • Personal expenses
  • Luggage transfer for bullet train (if required)
  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Important Notes

If your inquiry is made within three months of your desired arrival date, the above prices may not apply. In such cases, we will provide a custom quotation based on availability and travel conditions.

Several highlights of this tour are tied to specific market and event dates — including the Toji Temple Kobo-ichi market (held every 21st) and the Kiyomizu-dera autumn night illumination. We recommend planning your travel dates accordingly so you don’t miss these seasonal experiences.

Tell Us More, and We’ll Find the Best Plan for You

Interested in this 8-day package? Contact us anytime to begin planning your trip.

If you would like to extend your stay or add more experiences, we can arrange additional days, activities, or accommodations upon request.

We also offer fully customized itineraries tailored to your interests and travel style. To learn more, check out Tailor-Made Tour by ENJYU JAPAN.

8-Day Japan Antique Hunting Tour: Tokyo & Kyoto Treasure Markets

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