Where to find the best deals for secondhand furniture in Japan
With a rich culture and history and a high quality of life, there is no doubt that Japan is one of the most popular destinations for people looking to move overseas. However, moving to another country is generally expensive as you will have to buy new furniture for your new home sweet home.
However, this is not always the case! If you are fine with used goods, there are many ways where you can get cheap, or even free furniture that are of decent quality! In this article, GoEMON will introduce you to several websites and platforms that you can use to find the best deals for secondhand furniture in Japan!
1. Facebook Groups
One of the most simple ways to look for secondhand furniture is to join online communities that specialize in selling or even giving away unwanted furniture, such as Sayonara Sale or Tokyo Garage Sale. There are also many groups catered for specific foreign communities living in different regions of Japan, so you are sure to be able to find one (or some) that is most suitable for you!
In these groups, you can browse through a variety of items and freely communicate and interact with the sellers. One thing to note is that these transfers do not include delivery service, so you will have to arrange with the seller to come and pick up the items for yourself. This shouldn’t be too much of a problem with smaller items, but you might need to rent a car or truck for larger pieces such as bed frame or sofa.
Safety is also another thing that you should keep in mind. Since you are meeting up with strangers, it is best that you bring a friend with you, just to be extra careful.
2. Local ward recycling centers/shops
This is probably one of the best locations where you can find the best deals for secondhand furniture. In Japan, to throw away large-sized trash items, you will have to request collection from a designated contractor of the local government and pay them to pick up the item. Furniture also falls into this category of oversized trash, and if these items are still in good condition, they will be sorted out and transferred to local ward recycling centers/shops. You can find some of the best secondhand furniture deals here.
However, these centers/shops do not offer delivery services, so you will have to pick up and bring the items home by yourself.
3. Online marketplace
Another super simple way to find the best secondhand furniture deals is by looking at online marketplace platforms. You can easily buy, as well as sell your items by posting on these platforms. Payments will be made online, and you can negotiate with the seller whether to pick up the items yourself, have the seller drop off the item at your place, or hire a separate delivery service. Most of the time, however, you will have to pick up the items yourself.
Some of the biggest online marketplace platforms in Japan include Mercari (メルカリ), JIMOTY (ジモティー), and Rakuten Rakuma (楽天ラクマ). One downside is the possible language barrier issues, as these platforms are only available in Japanese and mainly Japanese sellers. Among these, JIMOTY stands out as you can find many people giving their items away for free!
4. OFF brands
When it comes to buying secondhand goods in Japan, you definitely cannot miss out on the OFF brands, which are a large group of chain stores available all across Japan. The items available vary depending on the type of store. For those looking for furniture, household items, and appliances, OFF House is the way to go. You can choose to bring the purchased items home yourself or use the delivery service that is offered there.
5. Second Street
Similar to the OFF brands, Second Street is another large group of chain stores available all across Japan. However, the variety of items available is more limited as they are more specialized in selling used clothing. You can still find a large selection of good deals for used furniture and home appliances in large stores that are usually located a bit outside of city centers. Second Street also offers delivery services where you can designate a specific date and time to receive the items.
Above was GoEMON’s recommendation on some of the best ways to find the cheapest secondhand furniture deals in Japan. We hope that the article was of use to you!
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