Buying vintage Hermès in Japan – what should I be mindful of?

Hi everyone,

I’m planning a trip to Japan and considering purchasing a vintage Hermes bag (Kelly croc or Birkin 25) in Tokyo. I’ve done some research, but I’d love to learn from people who’ve bought vintage bags.

A few questions for those with experience:

•	What typically comes with vintage bags purchased in Japan? What’s common to receive (store receipt, dust bag, box), and what’s not unusual to be missing with older pieces?

•	Condition considerations: When viewing a bag in person, what elements do you personally pay the most attention to beyond general wear, especially for structured bags or exotics?

•	Choosing the right piece: Aside from price, what factors matter most to you when deciding whether a bag is “worth it”? Year, leather, hardware, condition?

•	Bringing it back to the US: Any tips around customs, receipts, declarations, or how you prefer to travel with it back?

This wouldn’t be my first Hermes bag, but it would be my first vintage one, so I’m a little nervous and I want to be extra mindful when choosing. so I’d really appreciate any insights or things you wish you’d known beforehand.

Thank you 🤍