If you are interested in antiques but never have a chance to visit shops, don't miss two large-scale fairs slated for the yearend and soon after New Year's. Hundreds of dealers will gather at each event from all around the country to offer art, antiques and curiosities.

Heiwajima Antique Fair will be held Dec. 22-24 at Heiwajima Tokyo Ryutsu Center Building from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (till 5 p.m. on Dec. 24). About 200 dealers will sell such items as old kimonos, furniture, accessories, tableware and wooden sculpture.

Admission is free. The hall is outside Ryutsu Center Station on the Tokyo Monorail Line.

Antique Jamboree will take place Jan. 7 and 8 at East 4 Hall of the Tokyo International Exhibition Center, better known as Tokyo Big Sight.

This is even bigger than the fair at Heiwajima, with a total of 500 dealers to bring in hundreds of thousands of items ranging from toys to museum pieces. They include both Japanese and Western items.

The fair is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is 1,000 yen at the door and 800 yen in advance. Tickets are valid for both days.

In additon to the two days, "Early Buyers' Day" is planned on Jan. 6 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the same venue. It is open to everyone but the admission is more expensive -- 3,000 yen at the door and 2,000 yen in advance, to cover three days.

The hall is outside Kokusai Tenjijo Station on the Yurikamome Line. Tickets are now available at Ticket Pia (03) 5237-9999 and Lawson Ticket (03) 3569-9990.