HOT TIP

There's more to Tokyo than what's new--the city is a treasure trove for those who love searching for second-hand bargains. Many of the antique markets are held on Sundays at temple or shrine grounds; call 81-3-3201-3331 for dates and venues. At 420 years of age, the Boro Ichi flea market is older than most of the wares on sale. The stalls lining the streets around Tenso Shrine near the Kamimachi station in Setagaya offer a colorful selection of arts and crafts, old kimonos, knicknacks, ceramics and all manner of boro (or ragged clothes). A costumed parade of old-timers will be kicking up their heels here Dec. 15-16. Book lovers will want to spend a few hours in Kanda, perusing the scores of bookstores catering to the neighborhood's students. The main intersection at Jimbocho is Tokyo's version of Charing Cross, with more than 100 shops specializing in reading material from highbrow literary fare to manga comics. The annual book fair taking place here Oct. 30-Nov. 4 promises more than 1 million books for sale, but don't worry if you miss it--there will be plenty left for browsing and bargaining.