Flea markets in Japan are sometimes also referred to as “scrap markets” or “junk markets”.

Flea markets originated in Europe and although the origins of the name “flea market” are not known with any certainty, there is a theory that says that the name comes from the fact that at flea markets you will find old junk and clothes that look like they could be infested with fleas!

However, the flea markets held in Japan in recent years are actually surprisingly trendy.

Far more than just antiques, at modern Japanese flea markets you will find anything from coffee to dried flowers to handicrafts sold by the artists themselves, making them a kind of event which tends to attract the trendy, fashionable types.

And without further ado, today we would like to introduce one such flea market in the Kyushu region, the “Wind Market”(Kaze no Ichiba), held at Hakozaki Shrine in Fukuoka.

And without further ado, today we would like to introduce one such flea market in the Kyushu region, the “Wind Market”(Kaze no Ichiba), held at Hakozaki Shrine in Fukuoka.

Hakozaki Shrine, located in the Hakozaki neighborhood of Fukuoka City’s Higashi Ward, holds a flea market about ten times each year during which the some 300-meter long path leading up to the shrine is simply lined with street vendors.

Let’s see what kinds of shops are in store for us.

Here we have some interesting old Japanese-style furniture.

This furniture which undoubtedly once adorned someone’s residence for years is now looking for a new home!

Here we have some kanzashi, or traditional hair ornaments, and combs, too!

If you have long hair, why not pick up a few?

They even have “singing bowls”! They sure do have just about anything here!

These healing tools make a beautiful soothing sound and are said to be effective for stress relief and insomnia, among other ailments. Feeling a bit tired lately? Give it a try!

There are even some lovely chandeliers for sale.

And it was at this point when I realized…

You can really find pretty much all kinds of furniture and goods for sale at the flea market, can’t you? With such a collection of valuable old treasures, it’s really no wonder that flea markets attract those looking for something uniquely fashionable.

You will of course find a number of accessories, too!

Aren’t they lovely? These beautiful brooches are an extraordinary find! You really never know what you just might find at the flea market.

And so as I found myself drawn to the many different kinds of shops here and there, before I knew it I had already made it to the end of the 300-meter long shrine path.

I also found shops selling a number of other items such as shoes, clothes, a variety of cultural goods, military items, and more. With so many different shops to browse, I could picture myself needing something to carry everything home with me!

The flea market is a great place for someone else’s once precious antiques to find a loving new owner! It may take a little patience, but it’s worth coming to rummage through things until you get to that great find!

So come check it out and you will no doubt find yourself a great bargain or two!