I went to Osaka, Japan earlier this year. I returned with 2 large suitcases packed full of retro video game consoles and peripherals. Their LaserDisc stores were insane and floor to ceiling with stacks of discs. I so badly wanted to pick through them, but LaserDiscs are notoriously heavy, and I couldn’t spare the luggage weight.
A few years back I spent a year living on the road, all across the US. I brought back a huge haul that time, notable acquisitions being an Atari Jaguar and an NEC PC Engine.
One of the coolest things I saw in Osaka was a monthly flea market held on the grounds of Shitennoji Temple. It’s a pretty big temple so there were a lot of vendors. I spent the better part of the morning eating amazing food and browsing through old games and records, vintage clothes, and all sorts of other old stuff. I ended up getting some old woodworking tools, a couple of wooden serving platters, and a copy of Dragon Quest V.
What time of year was this, by chance? I’d definitely be interested in checking it out.
This was in the early summer, but I’m pretty sure it’s a year-round event.
