A flea market which originated in France is also practiced everywhere in Japan.

The origin of the flea market is said to date back to the second half of the 19th century in Paris.

This kind of antique market is popular now in many countries including Japan.  Japan’s first flea market was held at then Matsuzakaya department store in Ginza and Zojoji Buddhist temple in Shiba in 1934 and 1935.  Thereafter, it spread from Tokyo to the rest of the country and began to be held regularly in the precincts of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples mainly in the big cities.  Recently, vast parking lots of sports facilities and parks in urban areas are also used for the venue.  Meanwhile, C2C transaction of secondhand articles through the internet is thriving in these years.  The flea markets regularly held in Tokyo, such as at Oi race track, Tomioka Hachiman Shinto shrine and Gokokuji Buddhist temple, count about 50 in total.  The photo shows the flea market at Gokokuji temple, which is held every second Saturday of each month.

http://tour-guide-japan.jp/