Thrifting in Tokyo Vlog 🇯🇵 Better than Shimokitazawa? Best Vintage Stores in Koenji, Nakano Broadway

Let’s go thrifting in Tokyo, Japan! For our #tokyotravelguide , we explore the most underrated and best vintage shops in Japan. Starting in Koenji, the coolest vintage shop-filled neighborhood a few train stops west of central Tokyo.
Koenji has made a name for itself through vintage clothing, art, and cafe culture. It’s where the people dress a little bit differently, the vintage is a little more specially curated, and even the coffee is brewed a little more slowly.
We end the day in the equally bohemian Nakano Broadway, a smaller version of Akihabara, where anime fans, bookworms, cosplayers, and gacahapon collectors all unite.
If you’re done thrift shopping in Shimokitazawa, both Koenji and Nakano are hidden gems in Tokyo with too many things to do!
Stay tuned for the rest of our 7 Days in Tokyo!
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Ralph - / ralphmendo
Sam - / sampotenciano
Souvenir - / sou.ve.nir
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Mei Anima - Flowers Lay - thmatc.co/?l=C7AEB954
DJ Spair - Tainted Love - thmatc.co/?l=964813B2
Mark Generous - Classroom - thmatc.co/?l=0075EB61
Dakkuma - Other day - thmatc.co/?l=1735C182
Chillpeach - Here And There • [vlog background music...
Mark Generous - 2002 - thmatc.co/?l=2BDCAF08
Chillpeach - Dango • [no copyright music] '...
DJ Spair - Brown Bags - thmatc.co/?l=4ECF26D2
DJ Spair - Midnight Vibe - thmatc.co/?l=7891FBE1
Two of Us - Saidbysed
#shimokitazawa #tokyo2024 #tokyoshopping #japanshopping #japanvlog #koenji #nakanobroadway #japanvintage #tokyovintage
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:37 Koenji
01:27 Japanese Omu Curry
02:42 Koenji Vintage Shopping
04:55 Mowe Coffee Roasters
05:27 Floresta Donuts
06:19 Vintage Shopping Street
11:33 Nakano
11:58 Japanese Pizza
13:34 Nakano Broadway
16:26 Secondhand Camera Shop
17:24 Konbini Snacks

[@AudhamEnThaTokyo]

I've been living in the Koenji/Asagaya neighborhood for the past 15 years and I love it. You guys captured the vibe and visited some good spots! I love Floresta donuts. Earl Grey flavor is forever my favorite.

[@RalphSam]

So nice to hear from a Koenji local ✌🏽 thank you ✨️ we love floresta too 🍩 what do you love about Koenji? Any places you recommend for the next time we visit Koenji? It's such a relaxed, hip neighborhood.

[@tzinyernchong1939]

I think the most amazing thing about Japan is that there is fresh tasty convenient food easily available anywhere. Convenient on the go, but not compromising on health. (Okay, well maybe the doughnuts haha so GORGEOUS)

[@RalphSam]

Absolutely! One of the things we miss the most when we get home is the super fresh, balanced meals easily available at any time of day. 🤍

[@Lil_Poohfluffybum]

Nit for the poor. Check videos on that. Japan is no utopian place.😖

[@chayleeallen4316]

The woman with the yellow flower glasses had such a happy vibe. I absolutely loved her fit. And your girlfriends colorful square patches cardigan was just so pretty! This was a very entertaining watch. Please do more!

[@RalphSam]

Thank you so much for the kind words 🤍 And yes, already working on more of these soon! Stay tuned 😊

[@gabriellaberman]

I stayed in Kōenji throughout November last year and it’s now my favourite place in the world. I wake up thinking about that Omurice restaurant constantly

[@RalphSam]

Koenji is one of the coolest neighborhoods and the people reflect it. And Kanda omurice is my favorite too! Glad you had a good time. -Ralph

[@pegeek77]

Thank you youtube to put this video on my first page this morning !!!! Whoa, I love the mood ! I am french but i love traveling too and watch the countries that I have already visited !! And your video was one of the best ! Thank you for this beauty and peaceful moment ! A little wes anderson vibes sometimes, love it

[@RalphSam]

thank you so much for the kind words 🥲🥲🥲 so touched to hear our videos resonate with someone so far away. merci 🤍

[@pegeek77]

Thanks again 🥰🥰🥰🥰🌸

[@candychimes8184]

It's my first time watching your video. I'm so impressed, it's so professionally edited and so aesthetically beautiful each screen.

[@RalphSam]

Thanks for your kind feedback! Inspires us to keep going ❤️

[@dtran8872]

Same here! I have to agree, well done!

[@RalphSam]

appreciate it! 😊

[@raghavsharma3211]

One of the key aspects of KodaK shots is exclusivity, so keep it alive, buddy

[@RalphSam]

Film is our special ingredient. Thanks man 🎞✌🏽🥸

[@animeevergreenathena]

Oh my gosh, these shops look so clean and beautiful unlike the secondhand shops in America. These days, you can’t even tell based on how dingy the store looks as to whether or not you’ll find a good deal. Wherever you go, it’s clutter all over the place. The cafés and food markets look wonderful too, by the way. I so want to travel. ❤❤❤

[@RalphSam]

The Japanese find a way to make their secondhand shops so clean and organized! Always a treat to wander through them and look through their finds. Thanks for watching and hope you get to visit! 🤍

[@ciganyweaverandherperiwink6293]

I hope you get to Japan soon-- it's going to blow your mind. You'll find so much cool stuff, such beauty and inspiration that I promise you'll be fiddling with the calculator function on your phone on the flight home, trying to figure out how quickly you can raise the funds to enable a return ASAP. Ha, wait for it!

[@barbaramelville337]

❤❤❤I wish I could travel 🎉🎉🎉

[@veryclaro]

Gah, you guys make shopping look so relaxing hahaha. I've never been a fan and would almost never shop when I go to Tokyo (books/vinyl at the most), but your vintage shop stops don't look intimidating at all! Would you have tips for someone who might shop vintage in Japan for the first time? :)

[@RalphSam]

If it's your first time, we recommend making a stop at one of the bigger Vintage chains like Kinji, 2nd Street or Chicago! Prices are reasonable, staff is helpful and the selection is always great! If you're on the shy side, these are definitely less intimidating than some of the standalone shops 😊

[@veryclaro]

@@RalphSam Omg, thank you so much! Taking note of these :)

[@thatissodawn]

You two always visit such cool local spots. Bookmarking all of them for my next trip~

[@RalphSam]

Aww thank you for watching! Hope you get to visit some of them on your next Tokyo trip

[@ciganyweaverandherperiwink6293]

I'm doing the same. Pinning great shops, kissaten and restaurants onto Googlel maps helps me orient myself when leaving an unfamiliar train station; it's good to know which direction I ought to walk in order to collide with 'the good stuff' rather than wander into an underwhelming residential area with a smattering of dull retail options. Looking at where the shops etc are on a map is very handy, just to get an idea about the lay of the land, so to speak. Have fun on your next trip-- hope you discover a really cool pocket to explore somewhere unexpected in Tokyo.

[@user-tb5rs5ie3j]

I like your video. It’s cool and informative even for Japanese. Hope you should stop drinking before you buy cloths.

[@RalphSam]

Thank you for your comment ✨️😊✨️

[@miku4936]

I love it when you show the products packaging because I'm a graphic designer and I'm soo interested in Japanese graphic design 😅

[@RalphSam]

thank you! always inspired by unique packaging and design as well. thanks for watching 😊

[@p30413]

영상미가 참 좋네용~

[@RalphSam]

Thank you! We would like to visit Seoul someday 🙏🏽

[@cynyou1]

I’m going to Japan in Nov & watching this makes me want to go sooner! Looking forward to shopping these places. Thank you!

[@RalphSam]

Nov is a good season to go! Thanks for watching ✨️🇯🇵

[@ciganyweaverandherperiwink6293]

I had the same reaction-- really great videos that capture atmosphere, the genuine mood of the vlogger whilst introducing me to cool new shops etc make me excited anew about my upcoming trip. I cannot wait. I love Japan. Have a great time in November!

[@lisama4903]

Yes I hope so so too! ❤

[@bigdog502]

Great vlog guys. I’m binge watching all your videos now I have found you 😊

[@RalphSam]

Thanks for watching ❤️ more to come weekly!

[@marianneangelica___]

New subscriber here! 🤸🏼‍♀️🥰 I'm so happy that I found your channel. I loveeee the aesthetic vibe of the video. I guess it's time for a vlog marathon! 🚀🎥

[@RalphSam]

Woohoo! We appreciate it. Thank you for subbing and happy holidays 😊

[@ivandraw3036]

I really like your vlog omg

[@RalphSam]

Thank you so much for watching 🤍

[@viktoriyazdravcheva143]

I really enjoyed the video!!

[@RalphSam]

We enjoyed filming it too! Thanks for watching ❤️

[@_gervang]

You're both so chill. Definitely how I would spend one of my days in Tokyo. Heading there in March. Subscribed!!

[@RalphSam]

Thanks so much for subscribing! Heading back to a different part of Japan in March too. Hope you have a great trip 🤍

[@ciganyweaverandherperiwink6293]

I'm deeply envious!! Only a few more weeks to go, you lucky lucky thing. My holiday isn't until October, I cannot wait. Have a great time dude!!

[@andream.313]

Faboulous place to be, love this video, love this channel

[@RalphSam]

Wow thank you so much!

[@mihklirir.5188]

Oohh so glad this video got recommended to me! Saved it in my Japan playlist for inspo when I will travel to Japan in 2026! Time to watch all the other ones aswell + subscribing for upcoming videos! ♥

[@RalphSam]

Thanks so much for watching! We have one last Japan vlog coming out. Hope you get to visit these wonderful places. Safe travels then 🤍

[@karllee8689]

Thanks for share, I like the background music too😊

[@RalphSam]

Thanks! We take our time putting background music 🎵😄🎵

[@string0fpearls]

this vlog was so good! was super interesting to see cool thrift shops/cafes or little niche places like the camera shop

[@RalphSam]

we love discovering neighborhood shops like these. thank you for watching! 🤍🤍

[@Roberto_MR]

Hi, very nice video and great vintage style photos.

[@RalphSam]

Appreciate it! We always bring a film camera ✨️

[@Kit001300]

i couldnt imagine a better day if I tried. amazingly captured!!!

[@RalphSam]

thank you so much 💖

[@meluvcats]

I only went to Koenji once many years ago and didn't get a chance to explore it but for sure I will go again after this! Also, I'll never get bored of your combini runs 😉

[@RalphSam]

Koenji is so underrated! How was your experience years ago? Thanks for liking our conbini runs! Such a fun food routine for us 🍣

[@meluvcats]

@@RalphSam We didn't spend much there as it was a company trip but I recall visiting a quaint little shop selling kitchen wares 🙂 The general vibes was a quieter Shimokita but not sure if it's still the same now.

[@bririe5296]

I love your videos!

[@RalphSam]

Thanks for the love 🥰

[@henlolneh]

threw me off when I heard Ralph narrating at the beginning 😂but man so many little nooks and crannies that I had to jot down for my trip in less than 4 weeks. thank you so much for such awesome little recommendations~~ nakano is seemingly a must hit especially if THE miss lauren tsai said so ha! and also, it's a crazy statistic but some of the best pizzerias in the world are located mainly in tokyo!! The Pizza Bar On 38th was ranked the best pizza spot in all of asia and it's located in Tokyo! cannot wait for the last few Japan vlogs from the both of yall!! Happy Holidays to you and yours, Ralph & Sam!

[@RalphSam]

Hahaha! Thought we'd switch it up for a change. Yes, heard that some of the best pizzas are in Japan. They really are super creative with it. Thank you so much as always for watching! And happy happy holidays to you and yours 💚🎁❤️

[@lisama4903]

Such an interesting video. Thanks for posting. I’ve heard about Koenji , it looks cool there. Japanese neighbourhoods are fun to explore . Next time I’m in Japan will def check it out . Music you guys used was great as well.

[@RalphSam]

Thanks so much for watching! We had so much fun exploring Koenji for this 🤍 Hope you get to visit

[@aldrinperez556]

Going next week, you guys went to the spots I'm planning to go to so thanks for these! When was this btw? Weather seems kinda warm in the videos

[@RalphSam]

2nd week of October. Not too cold yet. 20 degrees celsius maybe. Enjoy your trip! It's a lot colder when you go ❄️

[@ornifexx3046]

the type of vids i wanna seeeee

[@RalphSam]

thanks for watching! 🇯🇵

[@frankbombaci4977]

I love your videos! I’m going on a cruise in Japan in March and feeling overwhelmed by all there is to offer I’ll be in Tokyo for 4-5 days after … this is super helpful Any suggestions for MUST Dos is appreciated

[@RalphSam]

March is a beautiful time to visit! Personally, we would say Asakusa and Tsukiji are Must Dos for us. Great combination of unqiuely Japanese culture and food. Just take note most shops are closed on Wednesdays, so you can plan around that. Hope you have a wonderful cruise!

[@frankbombaci4977]

@@RalphSam wonderful! Thank you so much! And I’m going to keep watching your videos for more inspo

[@megzkimpoy4081]

Love all ur videos. I just wana ask tho about the fone u r using? Thanks! The quality of ur videos r so good!

[@RalphSam]

Thank you so much!! We shoot our vlogs on our Samsung Galaxy S phones 🤍

[@megzkimpoy4081]

@@RalphSam oh. Thanks! 🖤

[@cutiepietrinhbackup]

your guys’ channel is so underrated

[@RalphSam]

thank you 🥲🥲🥲

[@Mexicanaenelmundo]

omg so cuteee

[@RalphSam]

Kawaii 💖

[@barbaramelville337]

❤❤❤❤ love the video the food yummy 😋 new subscriber ty for sharing this video 💕💕💕💕💕

[@RalphSam]

Thank you so much for subbing! 🤍🍙

[@TYup-cr5pk]

🔥 🔥 🔥

[@RalphSam]

❤️❤️❤️

[@AnisFerisa]

nakano is amazziiinnnggggggg

[@RalphSam]

Nakano really is amaziiiinggg! Hope to return soon!

[@asuranrocks]

putting pins on all the places u guys showed!

[@RalphSam]

Happy to hear that! 😊

[@kei-tf3cj]

I'm Japanese, but I watched your KZbin and found it very interesting.

[@RalphSam]

Arigato 🤍 We appreciate it!

[@leslieyen3531]

I love the shops yall always visit. Do you happen to know any of the name of the stationary shop at 15:40? Or what floor in Nakano Broadway it is on? thanks!

[@RalphSam]

Thank you! Unfortunately we didn't the name, but it's on the 2nd or 3rd floor and it's a pretty big bookshop/stationery store in the center. 😊

[@Mwoods2272]

Really nice vid, I feel Koenji is better than Shimo so many nicer vintage/thrift stores.

[@RalphSam]

Thank you so much! We wanted to shine a light on Koenji since it's not as known as Shimokitazawa, but just as exciting in our opinion! And yes, the vintage selection is fantastic.

[@user-tw4ic9cr7y]

I have been watching your vlogs since I came across your BKK trip! Your videos are really nice and looks natural and I noticed youre just using a phone, may I ask the model of your phone? 😊❤

[@RalphSam]

Thanks for watching since Bkk 🤍 Yes, we both shoot with our Samsung Galaxy phones. An S23 and S22 🤳

[@JEbner44]

Intro song is super catchy

[@RalphSam]

It actually is!

[@mastodontedepapel4593]

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Maravilloso `paseo!! Gracias por compartirlo!!!!

[@RalphSam]

Gracias! Are you from Spain or Mexico? South America? 😊

[@batex3]

Just found your channel and really enjoy your videos, but especially your photos. Can I ask what film camera you’re shooting with, it has a lovely vintage rendering. I could hardly stand watching you go past all that camera stuff at the flea market!

[@RalphSam]

Thank you! Means a lot to us. We use either a Contax G2 or Olympus mju ii when we travel ✨️🥸👌🏽

[@batex3]

@@RalphSam thanks! The Contax has a special look to it. Hoping to visit Tokyo one day. I wanted to shoot black and white but after seeing your color now I don’t know!!

[@nununana4061]

Hi love your vlogs! Do you still remember the shrine with mr mike kitty name? I really need to see mr mike 😂

[@RalphSam]

Haha! On Google Maps the name is in Japanese "手水舎". Hope you get to visit it in Koenji 🐱

[@mimzyrabbit545]

I’m going to Japan in a few days and Koenji is definitely on the list now! I’m now going binge watch all your videos 💕 Also, that antique store you went to was adorable! but I can’t find it on google maps 😭 any way you know the address?

[@RalphSam]

Look for 権ノ助 on Google Maps 😁 Gonnosuke in English. Thanks so much for binge watching ✨️📺✨️

[@mimzyrabbit545]

@@RalphSam thank you so much I found it!! 🖤🤍

[@denirogosic6545]

I love japan ❤👍 😎

[@RalphSam]

Japan's the coolest 🥸👌🏽

[@jajtonjuntilla]

Nice video.. btw, do you know any used fuji lens store in Japan?

[@RalphSam]

Sure! We trust GT camera and Osawa in Ebisu. Lucky camera and Map camera in Shinjuku. Enjoy!

[@shoiku4734]

The cheese curry rice is expensive. For 2 persons, 2 of that dish already takes a large chunk out of the $46 daily food budget for 2 persons. In 2009, I was able to keep within $23 for food for myself daily, just eating convenience & supermarket basement food.

[@RalphSam]

Thanks for your comment 😊 we like to eat in convenience stores and supermarkets too, theyre the best

[@falitosis]

guy with the tattoos is so rad

[@RalphSam]

The coolest

[@jekku4688]

Seasonal sweet potato flavor....is that like the seasonal pumpkin latte everything that goes on in the states every year??? LOL It's all so fascinating!

[@RalphSam]

Haha very similar in concept! Except instead of the spiced pumpkin it's a more sweet flavor in japan. 🇯🇵

[@jedethree]

Constantly amazed at how much food people eat in one day. I eat less than half of that.

[@RalphSam]

Haha it all balances out with all the walking I guess 😊 thanks for watching

[@andream.313]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤supercool

[@RalphSam]

It really was the coolest! Underrated area

[@kilap13]

Hi there, may I know what camera did you use? It was so prettily taken!

[@RalphSam]

Contax film camera 🙏🏽🥸✨️ thank you!

[@ashleyyuan-up7ch]

great video!! May i ask what camera did you guys use?

[@RalphSam]

Thanks for watching! Just our Samsung phones 😊

[@ashleyyuan-up7ch]

thank you guys!!@@RalphSam

[@chacogurrola]

its amazing the prize of the film, so cheap!

[@RalphSam]

Film in Japan can be cheaper, yes! Thanks for watching

[@aprilhudson3943]

Any tips on where to stay?

[@RalphSam]

We stayed at BMJ Shinjuku Okubo on this trip. Next time we want to try Asakusa, which seems like a nice area to stay.

[@jaegerkarina]

can i ask what shop you're in at the 7:00 mark? thank you!

[@RalphSam]

I think that's Big Time Koenji 🙂 thanks for watching

[@jaegerkarina]

thank you so much! 🌟 i'm staying in tokyo for a month on a student exchange and was looking for really affordable places to shop for winter clothes. would you say these koenji thrift stores are cheaper than gu/uniqlo?

[@RalphSam]

Definitely no actually 😄 hard to beat GU prices which are even cheaper than Uniqlo. Ralph got a GU black turtleneck for like $7. Vintage clothes are of course special and very rare in their own way, so the prices are deservingly mid to high. Ralph's vintage polos cost about $40-50 because the stores are curated. Depends where you go. But the flea markets can be cheaper. Enjoy Tokyo! We'll be back next year 🍡🍣

[@jekku4688]

This would be a dream for me, but they don't make Japanese clothing in my size! 😞

[@RalphSam]

True, Japanese sizes run very small even for both of us. But they do like to wear oversized pieces, so you will find some more forgiving sizes in there 😊

[@HOUSEOFJHVH]

⚡️

[@RalphSam]

🤍

[@HOUSEOFJHVH]

@@RalphSam greatly enjoyed your video. Made me hit up my local thrift store today. New sub! Would love to end up in Japan one day! BLESSINGS!

[@RalphSam]

hope you found something cool at the thrift shop! appreciate the sub 🙏 all the best

[@Lil_Poohfluffybum]

The yellow outfit...😝

[@RalphSam]

⭐️✨️

[@kasuya1687]

😍👍✌️

[@RalphSam]

🥸👌🏽✨️

[@grocerynoize1972]

Are you guys from Manila?

[@RalphSam]

Yes! 🇵🇭

[@grocerynoize1972]

good stuff tol

[@RalphSam]

Salamat bro 🙌

[@hayatirania366]

The store owner look like indonesian uncle

[@RalphSam]

He does look Indonesian 😀

[@hayatirania366]

@@RalphSam 😂 btw great video 😭 pls collabs with paolo from tokyo if you can

[@RalphSam]

we wish! hahaha

[@braveisidor9122]

Dogs and cats are not accessories to be showcased in glass cages.

[@RalphSam]

True!

[@lumieredice485]

Yeah, Asia in general have trouble with animal rights and ethics.

[@suettsui3934]

Need address

[@RalphSam]

Address for which part?