As a resident of Kyoto, I always recommend going to the monthly fairs and flea markets held in temples, shrines and their surrounding areas.
Items sold here are distinctively Kyotoan; vintage kimonos, antiques, vintage tools, handmade goods, various foods, etc. A wide array of goods are sold all throughout these markets, making a memorable shopping experience.
These markets are starting to gather attraction from keen-eyed foreign tourists as well, known as the go-to spot to collect unknown treasures.
You can find kimonos and other Japanese traditional wear, vintage anime-related goods, a wide selection of vintage Japanese ceramics… all these can make a great addition in your home.
In this article, I will introduce the top 3 most recommended fairs and flea markets held here in Kyoto.
Koboichi in Toji
Koboichi is a fair held every 21st of the month in Toji, a World Heritage Site-designated temple located south of Kyoto Station.
This fair is one of the largest in Kyoto, attracting over 1,000 shops and 200,000 visitors. Not to mention the impressive 700 years of history and counting.
With a history of more than 700 years, it is one of the largest fairs in Kyoto, attracting more than 1000 shops and attracting as many as 200,000 people every month.
Sold items include foods & snacks, antiques, vintage clothing, sundries, crafts, plants, and many more. Just browsing through the aisles bring immense enjoyment.
The treasure hunters always arrive early in the morning.
One of my foreign friends visits this fair every month to purchase items like an antique mosquito-repellent-coil case made of metal, old black & white postcards of Kyoto, and uses these items as unique décor items for a café that he operates.
As such, there are many people, including non-natives, that visit here every month to get a hold of something special.
Bargaining with the shop owners is also part of the fun.
The atmosphere in this fair is lively and definitely unique. You have to go visit to understand.
▼ Toji
Address: 1 Kujo-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 601-8473
Date & time: 21st of every month, from early morning to 16:00
http://www.touji-ennichi.com/ (website only in Japanese)
Tenjin Ichi in Kitano Tenmangu
Tenjin Ichi is a monthly fair that happens on the 25th of every month in the Kitano Tenmangu shrine, located in Kamigyo-ku, about a 35 min train ride from Kyoto Station.
This fair started as a memorial service for Sugawarano Michizane, who was born on the 25th of June, and passed away on the 25th of February. To commemorate this date, the fair has been held on every 25th of the month.
Around 1000 shops gather in Tenjin Ichi, selling antiques, tools, vintage clothes, plants, food, etc., and attracts a very lively crowd.
As of recent, this fair has started to collect attention from tourists from across the globe.
Many rare items can be found here, from traditional Japanese items, to retro-styled goodies. A good portion of these cannot be bought anywhere else; there is something here to be had by anyone.
December 25 is the last day of Tenjin✨.
- Official】Kitano Tenmangu shrine, the headquarter of all Tenmangu shrines in Japan (@kitano_bunka) December 24, 2023
The Tenjin Market will be held for the last time during the year, and the Treasure Hall will be open to the public (9:00-16:00, Treasure Hall).
◆Opening and closing hours: 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
◆Service Monthly service, evening service
◆Mikagura 10:00 - 16:00
◆Monkeyshow until about 5:00 p.m.
◆Kitano Tenjin Taiko dedication from 6:00 p.m.# Kitano Tenmangu Shrine # Kyoto # Goshen Day # Tenjin City pic.twitter.com/2XXYfviRPa
When closing time approaches, some shop owners are happy to bulk sell items for a good bargain, so be sure to negotiate when you can.
I know some people who bought items like kimonos to wear as room clothes, a Go board to use as a side-table, a soroban (Japanese abacus) to use as décor… all these items personalized however they like.
The fair is most vibrant around new year; the December and January editions attract the most shops and visitors, so I’d suggest getting there early if you plan on going.
▼ Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Address: Bakurocho, Kamigyo-ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 602-8386
Date & time: 25th of every month, early morning to around 16:00 (will be held rain or shine in general)
https://ja.kyoto.travel/event/single.php?event_id=7054 (webpage in Japanese only)
Heian Antique Market in Okazaki Park
Okazaki Koen, located in Sagyo-ku, right in front of the very popular Heian Jingu Shrine, hosts the Kyoto Heian Antique Market around the 10th of every month.
This is a relatively new flea market that started in 2019, and is an event that attracts a lot of youth as well.
Within the large space of 140㎡, 100-plus shops from all over Japan huddle up to sell antiques, vintage collectables, vintage clothing, and many other items.
In contrast to the two fairs mentioned before, this flea market tends to sell newer antiques from Japan and Western countries, making a distinctive, European-like atmosphere.
Notice]
- Heian Flea Market (@heiannominoichi) October 19, 2022
Date of next meeting
2022 ⁰November 10 (Thursday) ⁰December 12 (Monday) ⁰December 27 (Tuesday) [ Cancelled ].
⁰2023 years
Tuesday, January 10 ⁰February [ Closed ] ⁰Friday, March 10 pic.twitter.com/0fr1Xpquak
*Dates are not fixed for this event, so be sure to check the the official website beforehand.
The plates above are mamezara (small plates used for Kaiseki dishes) that were produced around the Meiji-Taisho era (1868~1926).
Don’t you think these make great, compact souvenirs?
If you want extra protection for carrying, I’d also recommend buying old cloths. You can use them for protecting your glassware, and it can also double as a table-liner or tapestry when you get back home.
Heian Flea Market
- Heian Flea Market (@heiannominoichi) September 22, 2022
Next event
Monday, September 26
9:00-16:00
Location: Okazaki Park, in front of Heian Shrine. pic.twitter.com/ezGSrNawu9
Kyoto Heian Antique Market welcomes people from all places, as written in their own words, “with the goal of creating a space for cultural exchange, our market bustles with antique lovers from across the globe, and is just another of Kyoto’s cultural highlights” (from their website).
Mark the date, and visit if you can.
▼Kyoto Heian Antique Market
Address: 606-8342 Okazaki Saishoji-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Okazaki-koen Heianjingu-mae Square
Held every month, roughly around the 10th
Hours: 9:00-16:00 (*Subject to change. Cancelled in case of rain or stormy weather)
https://www.heiannominoichi.jp/
Great shopping experiences guaranteed at Kyoto’s wonderful fairs & flea markets
As I have written above, Kyoto hosts wonderful fairs and flea markets where you can get rare & traditional items.
Be sure to visit these markets, and get something you can only find here.
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