TOKYO

Antique and flea markets are held at several locations around Tokyo; they are great places to find anything from junk and old photos to Samurai helmets and wedding kimonos. Or just browse and soak up the market atmosphere. These markets are off the beaten tourist track, but foreign customers are not uncommon and many stall-holders are able to quote prices in English.

Because most of the markets are outdoors, they may be cancelled in bad weather.

Togo Shrine

One of the best, with upwards of 100 dealers. Some junk, but also antiques including some wedding kimonos. Go in through the big shrine gate (torii) and follow the market as it winds up the path, up the shrine steps and at the rear of the shrine too.
1st Sunday of every month, 05:00-15:00
How to get there: Harajuku station (on Yamanote line) and then about 3-4min.walk
or Meijijingu-mae station (Chiyoda line) and 5 mins.walk.
Outdoors, so cancelled if raining.

Harajuku Yoyogi Koen

Big and in the same area as the other above, but definitely a flea market, with a carnival atmosphere. Held next to NHK Hall, across the street from the main Yoyogi Park.
Supposedly twice a month
How to get there: Harajuku or Meijijingu-mae stations

Oedo Antiques Fair

One of the largest open-air markets in Japan, with over 250 dealers. Held at the Tokyo International Forum.
1st & 3rd Sunday of every month, 09:00-16:00
How to get there: Yurakacho station (JR Yamanote Line or Yurakacho Line), take exit D5, then 1 min. walk

Nogi Shrine

A smaller market, held in the atttractive gardens in the grounds of the shrine. Does take place if it rains. (not held in November)
2nd Sunday of every month
How to get there: near Nogizaka station (Chiyoda Line)

Arai Yakushi Temple

Few foreigners here. Held in the grounds of the temple named after the Buddha Yakushi, the Healing Buddha. Small in area and rather crowded. A little out of the way, but good-quality merchandise. Cancelled if raining.
1st Sunday of every month, dawn until dusk
How to get there: Araiyakushi-mae station (Seibu-Shinjuku Line) and 5 mins. walk.

Hanazono Shrine

Flea market in the grounds of the Flower Garden Shrine. Sometimes very good, sometimes not. For some reason the grounds of this shrine are particularly cold in winter, so wrap up warm if you plan to visit then.
Every Sunday 08:00-16:00
How to get there: Shinjuku Sanchome station (Toei Shinjuku or Marunouchi Line) then 6-7 minutes walk.

Gokokuji Temple

2nd Saturday of every month, 07:00-16:00
How to get there: Gokokuji station (Yurakacho Line) then just 1 min. walk.

Myohoji Temple

Around 100 dealers. Takes place even if raining.
2nd & 3rd Sunday of every month, 07:00-16:00
How to get there: Koenji station (JR or Marunouchi Line) then 10 mins walk.

Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine

1st & 2nd Sunday of every month, 06:00-17:00
How to get there: 3 minutes walk from either Monzen-nakacho station or Kiba station, (both on Tozai Line).

KYOTO

Kyoto has two main flea markets, which, like most of those in Tokyo, are held in the grounds of temples and shrines.

"Kobo san" at Toji Temple

The best-known, held in the grounds of the Toji Temple to the south of Kyoto. It attracts traders from a wide area, and contemporary artisans too. Everything from fresh vegetables to ceramics and antiques are on offer at this lively and crowded market. Get there early (that's early: around 6am!) for the best bargains and to avoid the crowds, particularly if it's good weather.
Held on the 21st of each month, from 05:00.
How to get there: from Kyoto station, take the local Kintetsu train one stop to Toji station.

"Tenjin-san"

This is at Kita-no-Tenmangu Shrine, in northern Kyoto. Both this and the market at Toji Temple are centuries old.
Held on 25th of each month.
How to get there: take the bus no.59 from Sanjo or Shijo in central Kyoto.