Whenever the urge to shop for household goods strikes, my mind immediately returns to the antique shops I’ve visited while living in Japan. Even on the smallest of the main islands, Shikoku, there’s no shortage of stores I love revisiting. Since moving here, we’ve managed to snag some truly amazing pieces: an antique ramen maker, a mid-century modern couch, a solid wood low-standing table, and several vintage glass jars for my growing collection of shells and other mementos.
What You’ll Find in This Guide
This list is designed to help you explore Shikoku’s best antique spots:
- A curated list of my favourite antique stores.
- Essential details like location notes and operating hours for each business.
- The style and type of antiques each store specializes in.
- A list of other highly-recommended antique stores to check out across Shikoku.
- A map of all the listed antique stores.
Why Shikoku is an Antique Hunter’s Dream
Antique shops in Japan offer a diverse range of items, from classic Japanese furniture and curated collections of Western products to specialized stores dedicated to selling old doors, windows, and fixtures salvaged from dismantled traditional houses. While big cities like Tokyo and Kyoto also have their fair share of antique shops, Shikoku has a slight edge because fewer people mean the stores are less crowded, and items tend to be priced more affordably than those in major cities.
Watch: Finding our antique ramen maker while antique shopping in Shikoku.
What makes antique hunting in Japan so great is the eclectic and harmonious mix of Western and Japanese items. Just think of the potential—this rich country is full of old homes that hold literally hundreds of years’ worth of history and special items!
On the map, I’ve marked all the antique stores I’ve visited in yellow. At the bottom of this article, you’ll find a list of additional antique stores (marked red on the map) to explore on your own during your Shikoku visit.
My Top Antique Shop Picks in Shikoku
Without further ado, here are a few of my favorite antique shops in Shikoku I’ve visited so far.
1. Enro (Shimanto-cho, Kochi Prefecture)
Style & Specialty: Japanese Furniture, Ceramics, Home Goods, Architectural Salvage
Why I Love It: This was the first antique store I visited in Shikoku. Located in the small, beautiful farmland area of Shimanto-cho, this charming shop is run by a couple originally from Kochi City. It has a wonderful collection of furniture, ceramics, home goods, decorations, and even a few old sliding doors and windows from historic houses. We picked up a lovely mid-century modern couch, a low, wooden table, and some glassblown jars here.
2. Kan-kan (Shimanto-cho, Kochi Prefecture)
Style & Specialty: Curated English/Western Vintage Items, Small Homewares
Why I Love It: Kan-kan is the definition of a hidden gem. It’s an easy-to-miss spot right off the highway, housed in a modest, traditional home. Its small size belies a charming, carefully curated collection of English and Western vintage items. The owner, who lives next door, runs the shop seven days a week, often with irregular hours, so don’t be surprised if the timing is a bit flexible. If you manage to squeeze your car into the narrow parking lot, the delightful browsing experience makes the slight effort completely worthwhile.
3. Intimite (Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture)
Style & Specialty: Eclectic Mix (English, Western, Japanese), Baskets, Antique Clocks, Local Art
Why I Love It: Despite being Japan’s smallest prefecture, Kagawa has an astonishing number of antique stores, and Intimate (アンティミテ) is a standout. This place has a bit of a fairytale vibe, with a small section at the front showcasing a rotating gallery of artwork by different artists. We seriously considered a cabinet but opted for smaller items, choosing instead to purchase a set of enambled lamp shades and a pair of (faux) pearl earrings. If you’re a fan of baskets or antique clocks, this place has a fantastic collection,
4. Remza (Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture)
Style & Specialty: Gothic, Eclectic, Industrial, Unique Finds (Oil Lamps, Metalware)
Why I Love It: This place has a moodier atmosphere and feels a bit more like a treasure storage space owned by an eclectic collector dreaming of the Gothic era. It’s filled with old stuffed animals, oil lamps, and metal cups and plates. This is where we found our incredible antique ramen machine! We’ve already put it to good use, making fresh ramen noodles.
Other Recommended Antique Stores in Shikoku
While I haven’t been able to visit these yet, they are high on my list for my next trip and are highly recommended by fellow collectors.
Dodo (Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture)
Why It’s On My List: I really wanted to visit Dodo while I was in Kagawa prefecture. They frequently receive shipments from overseas and are known for their great selection of furniture. Most importantly, I want to see the old doors and windows scavenged from dismantled houses all over Japan—a perfect find for complementing a traditional Japanese home.
Unfortunately, when I was in the area, they were just receiving a shipment and stocking their goods, so I missed out. Always check a store’s social media before visiting!
Bolt (Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture)
Style & Specialty: 19th to Early 20th Century European Antiques (Primarily French furniture), architectural salvage like doors, windows, and tiles.
Why It’s On My List: I first stumbled on Bolt from a kominka (house) renewal magazine. The shop owners of Bolt are collectors who travel throughout rural Europe, mainly France, hand-selecting items that resonate with them. They source a fantastic variety of goods, ranging from small tableware to large furniture pieces and architectural elements—like decorative tiles, doors, and windows—salvaged from old French buildings.
Getting Around: Rental Car
You’ve seen the list, and now for the most important travel tip: you are absolutely going to want your own set of wheels for this antique hunt!
Apart from the exception of intimite, nearly all these fantastic shops are tucked away in remote areas or, frankly, miles from convenient public transit. (And let’s be real, who wants to struggle onto a bus carrying a beautiful antique lamp or a small wooden chest?)
When it comes to renting a car in Japan, booking ahead is my golden rule. While I’ve seen people wander into an office without a reservation, securing a car online (especially one with an English interface) always gives me peace of mind. Not only does it guarantee you have a car waiting, but you can also deal with all those complex Japanese regulations and consent forms from the comfort of your own computer. Less stress at the counter means you can get on the road to treasure hunting faster!
What’s the one piece of furniture or decor you’re currently looking for on your next antique trip? Let me know in the comments!
