Boroichi – Flea market in Setagaya has a long history, and been a popular event in Tokyo in Winter. Here is a guide to enjoy it with food, shopping, stroll, etc!
Boroichi Flea Market in Setagaya, Tokyo
Shopping & Food
There are 700 shops (venders) lining up for Boro Ichi Market including antiques, books, clothes, plants, food, etc. About 800k-900k people come through the event!
Long History : Over 445 years!
Boroichi market had started in 1578 as a tax-free market. It’s been 445 years in 2023. Isn’t it awesome? It was not held during Covid, but it came back Dec 2022 to Jan 2023! I could finally go!
When Boroichi Market is Held?
It’s held on only 4 days in a year; December 15th, 16th, January 15th and 16th. It’s same schedule every year.
Boroichi 2023 – 2024
It is planned to be happening on December 15th. 16th (2023), January 15th and 16th (2024)!!
I went in January 2023, and Just went back on 16th Dec 2023!!
Things to Buy at Boroichi? : Get Antiques and more
You can find a lot of shops there, there are a lot of antique/vintage stuff including plates, kitchen stuff, toys, clothes, books, plants, bags, etc.
What I thought to buy was Kimono and Obi (tie). I saw many of beautiful ones.
In my opinion, finding something you like at flea market is a good sign to consider buying them.
Food Guide : What to Eat at Boroichi Market?
Who loves to eat like i do? There are many food venders on this event. Here are some foods that I have had.
Daikan Mochi : Fresh Made Iconic Food
This might be the most famous and popular food at Boroichi flea market! You can buy this Mochi at ONLY Boroichi market, which means 4 times in a year. There are many people who want to buy this mochi, of course, so there is always a line.. They start selling from 9 am.
In January 2023, I waited in the line for 30 minutes which is actually shorter than usual, maybe due to the weekday + rainy day. It could be 2 hours, or even more! In December 2024, I arrived early because it was on the weekend. I waited for 1.5h from 7:40 am to 9:10 am.
They are making this Daikan Mochi there, so it’s very fresh!! Also, it smells so good!
Flavors of Daikan Mochi
There are only 3 kinds of flavor;
- Anko – sweet read beans paste
- Kinako – soy beans powder
- Karami – graded Daikon radish, soy sauce, etc
Price
800 yen / pack in Jan 2023 –> [NEW] 1000 yen / pack in Dec 2023
There are 6 Mochis inside, and it says “Please eat it up today”
I usually buy 2 packs, Anko & Kinako, both are so good!
Where to Buy Daikanmochi?
Daikan-mochi is sold at Setagaya Shinkin Bank Headquaters. The closest station is “Kamimachi station” in the Tokyu Setagaya line.
Fresher is Better
I recommend eating it sooner! Sooner is better because it’s softer and more aroma! This time, (Dec 2023), I ate it as soon as I bought! Just found a place to sit down and bit it.. OMG so soft and chewy..! Very good!
*be careful not to get choked, especially kids and elderly people need to be very careful.
Beef Tongue Stew
I also had a bowl of beef tongue stew that my friend recommended. The beef tongue is very tender! It was nice to sit down inside the restaurant and eat something that can warm you up.
Xian Bing – Street Food
XianBing is a Chinese food that is like a flat-style bun. To make it easier for your to imagine, it tastes like Gyoza, I’d say.
There are some shops selling XianBing, I liked the one sold on the Komazawa Park Street. (The pic above, letters in yellow x black back ground),
Setagaya Boroichi Manju
You can find Boro Ichi Manju, which is a steamed bun with sweet bean paste inside.
There are 2 flavors of Manju, white and black (brown). I bought a package of 2 white ones + 2 black ones. I prefer black one that I could taste Anko stronger!
Ama zake – Non-Alcoholic Beverage
Amazake is a non-alcoholic drink that is made from fermented rice. It is often drank in Winter. It smells like Sake, which some may like, other may don’t. I personally don’t drink much Sake, so I didn’t find it that great, to be honest.
How to Get to Boroichi Market
Before going, I suggest you checking below.
- Comfy shoes – you’d walk around
- Keep yourself warm – You should go in very warm outfit. It’s winter, and outside event.
- Bring your own bags to store what you buy there.
- Go to bathroom before going, and also if you find one.
The Closest Station to Boroichi Market
It depends which part of Boroichi Flea Market you want to go, but those below should work since mainly the shops are lined on the Boroichi Street.
- Setagaya station – Setagaya Line
- Kamimachi station – Setagaya Line
If you want to go get Daikan Mochi, I think Kamimachi station is closer, which I did.
Would you like to explore more things in Setagaya Line? Check below!
More of the articles about Setagaya Ward
Boroichi Flea Market is so fun to find antique stuff, do some shopping, enjoy the famous Daikan Mochi, other foods, and the atmosphere!
