The most interesting temple flea markets of Kyoto

Do you like markets? I get excited at markets with the possibility of finding treasures or bargains. There are market events every month in Kyoto too! Some of them are held at parks while others are in more Kyoto like places like temples. I’m going to introduce to you four market events popular with both locals and tourists alike!

Every month on the 25 they have a flea market at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine called Tenjin Ichi. The locals affectionately call this market Tenjin-san. 

This market is famous as Kyoto’s biggest antiques market, and there are over 1000 stalls in the temple grounds, with a great number of antiques on sale. The word antiques may sound a bit expensive, but many of the antiques sold on Tenjin Ichi are cheap, and many of them are cute so it’s easy to enjoy the market. 

Some stalls also sell things that are not antiques like old clothes and bonsai trees, and there are even stalls selling things to eat, so there are a lot of discoveries to be made just by walking around!

Event date: Every month on 25

Event place: Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

This Kobo Market held at To-ji Temple every month on 21 is the second one of the two big antiques markets of Kyoto, the first one being of course Tenjin Ichi. This market is frequented by the locals who call it “Kobo-san.” There are around 1200 stalls in the market so it’s a very big one. 

As expected from one of the big two of antiques markets, there are antiques on sale all around the place. You can take the antiques in your hands and take a good look at them. If you get permission from the shopkeeper, you can take pictures. Many of the stalls are by professional antique dealers so the prices may be a bit on the expensive side, but you can be sure you are buying authentic antiques. 

There are all kinds of things on sale, from tableware like plates and big tea cups to quaint looking small objects… there are things all around that are sure to interest antique connoisseurs! You may find something even greater than you thought you would.

Event date: Every month on 21

Event place: To-ji Temple

 

This is a handicrafts market that takes place every month on 15 at Chion-ji Temple. Because Chion-ji is sometimes called “Hyakumanben” the market is also called “Hyakumanben-san’s handicrafts market.” This is a famous market event among Kyoto’s handicrafts markets, and there are 450 stalls in the market. All the products on sale are made by hand, and there are clothes, sundries, bread, and sweats on sale. 

Because the stalls are chosen by lottery every month the things on sale also differ from month to month. One of the highlights of this market is that you can enjoy an once-in-a-lifetime chance to get something.

Event date: Every month on 15

Event place: Chion-ji Temple

This market event is right by JR Kyoto Station at Umekoji Park. This market does not take place at a temple, but this event is frequented by locals. All kinds of people have stalls here, and they sell handmade foods, sundries and other things. Because the park is very spacious you can enjoy shopping at your own pace. 

Sightseeing spots like Kyoto Aquarium and the Kyoto Railway Museum are close, and the park is close to Kyoto Station so it’s easy to come here. How about enjoying the warmth of handmade things while shopping at your own pace?

Event date: The first Saturday of the month (not held in January and May)

Event place: Umekoji Park