What Are the Best Fake Markets in Nagoya?

What Are the Best Fake Markets in Nagoya?

Nagoya is one of Japan’s most underrated cities. It may not be as famous as Tokyo or Osaka, but it has its own charm, culture, and rhythm. The city is known for its automotive industry, delicious local food like miso katsu, and historical sites like Nagoya Castle, and is often packed with both locals and curious tourists.

If you love shopping, Nagoya won't disappoint either. Places like Bangkok, Jakarta, and Seoul might be more popular for their shopping experience, so Nagoya is like a hidden gem, where you can get both authentic products and all sorts of knockoff designer stuff.

Let’s take a look at some of the markets to get you started.

Image: A photo of a busy street, featuring huge signage, buildings, street lights, and crowds of people wearing masks, walking on the street.

Osu Shopping District

This is a great place to start. Osu shopping district is a popular area in Nagoya offering a wide range of things, from traditional stores and street food stalls to electronics shops and vintage clothing boutiques.

While most of the items sold here are genuine, you can also find fashion pieces and accessories that closely resemble luxury brands. Some of them are not exact fakes, but “inspired” products that look like they came from a designer store, only without the logo.

Sakae

For those looking for items that copy designer brands more directly, your best bet might be small, hidden shops in Sakae, which is another major shopping area in Nagoya. Sakae is home to department stores, underground malls, and backstreet fashion shops.

Most of what you will find here is either real luxury items or streetwear, but there are also imported knockoff goods from China, Korea, or Thailand that make their way into the city. These items might be sold openly. They may appear in street stalls or be mixed in with regular stock. It helps to have a local friend or someone who speaks Japanese to guide you, as some sellers are careful about what they show to tourists.

Image: A photo of a tall building at the corner of a street, showing a brightly lit mall with glass windows, through which clothes and other items inside can be seen, with a crowd of people outside standing at a zebra crossing.

Komehyo

Another spot worth visiting is Komehyo. This is Japan’s most famous secondhand luxury store chain. There is a big branch in Nagoya, popular with both locals and tourists. While Komehyo only sells authentic secondhand items (not fake goods), it is still a great place if you want the designer look at a lower price. Bags, watches, clothes, and jewellery from brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Rolex, and Gucci can be found here at a big discount. And because everything is carefully checked by experts, you can trust that the items are real.

Conclusion 

It is important to remember that Japan has very strict rules when it comes to fake products. Selling fakes is illegal, and while buying them is not always punished, it can still lead to trouble, especially at customs when you are travelling home.

If you buy a fake luxury bag and try to take it through an airport in Japan, you could be questioned or even fined. So always be careful and use your judgment well. It might also not be a good idea to buy in large amounts. Instead, stick to small, single items for personal use.