Good Tokyo markets for tsuba shopping?

[Jesta]

I’m visiting Tokyo at the end of the month, does anyone have any suggestions for markets for tsuba shopping?

 

[Brian]

If you are talking about antiques/flea markets, one thing I must warn you about is that you are going to see a lot of cheap Chinese fakes among the real stuff, and usually at high prices. Unfortunately those have crept into Japan just like everywhere.
I wish the Yasukuni market was still around on a Sunday, it was a great market.

[Baka Gaijin]

Biggest in Tokyo is Oedo Sunday Market at the Tokyo International Forum - Yurakucho Station 1st stop on the JR Yamanote after JR Yamanote Tokyo Station

 

1st and 3rd Sundays weather permitting.

 

https://www.antique-market.jp/english/

 

And definitely echo what Brian said about prices and origin of some items.

[Brian]

IF I manage to go to Japan this year (and I am frantically saving as I REALLY REALLY want to go) then I'm looking at arriving around the 23rd October until just after the DTI.
Sad thing is that this misses the 3rd Sunday of October, and the markets on the 1st Sunday...that's the DTI. Which is a pity, as I love Tokyo flea and antiques markets.
Won't be travelling around Japan this time as I limited leave available, and want to spend 4 or 5 days in Thailand for the first time on the way back. Pity...I wanted to see Sapporo for once.
But we will have to see if I can swing the trip. As much as the Yen has fallen, the Rand has done worse. I can pay for flights or accommodation...not both.

Do as many markets as you can. You may not buy a lot, but it's awesome to see stuff that is actually antique among stuff made yesterday. But there are few bargains. If you can find a private person selling stuff off, you can score. But most are professional dealers who sell online when they are not at the market, and they think every tsuba is worth $500+

[Baka Gaijin]

Just a quick thought, some Shrine  and Temple precincts have mid week flea markets.

 

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple in Narita City does.

 

Heian Jingu Shrine in Kyoto does.

 

[sabiji]

If you are in Tokyo ‘at the end of the month’, I would recommend the antique market in Kawagoe, which always takes place on the 28th of the month.

 

I've already been to a few flea markets in Kyoto, Tokyo and the surrounding area, but I've never discovered any really nice tsuba (at least for my taste). Once there were really better pieces to be found at a dealer, but I could have bought them in Ginza for the prices they were asking.

 

And that's how I've done it so far, by buying from the well-known dealers in their shops. You have the advantage of being able to compare favourites directly, and you usually get a discount if you pay cash.

 

[Brian]

Looks like a nice day trip, thanks Thomas. Swords and fittings are likely unaffordable at these markets, but sometimes there are nice trinkets like WW2 sake cups etc worth looking for. Will definitely slot that in if I go.

[Jesta]

Thanks everyone. Sadly, I arrive on the 28th, and leave on the 4th, so I will miss both of the recommended markets this trip. I will have to look them up next time, I go.