Flea markets throughout all of Japan are commonly held at the grounds of temples and shrines, and sometimes in larger parks. It’s a great way to get your dose of Kyoto sightseeing in while enjoying the unique, lively and bustling ambience of flea markets and picking up a few souvenirs to take back home with you. Flea markets are a great way to interact with the merchants and locals as well. As Kyoto is fairly international, it wouldn’t be a stretch to find some vendors who speak English to converse with.
Most markets also have food stalls set up so snacking in between all of the browsing, talking and shopping is recommended!
To-Ji (Kobou-ichi)
Image source
This may well be the most famous temple market in all of Japan. If you are a lover of antiques, this market is the ideal place to pick up some great deals. It attracts a wide range of people, from trader merchants to contemporary artisans to tourists looking for an excursion off the beaten track.
What you’ll find:
-Plates, bowls, chopsticks, ceramics
-Fresh vegetables
-Various anitques
-Kimonos/obis
When: 21st of each month, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Access: To reach Toji Temple, take a 15-minute walk from the south-west of Kyoto station close to the intersection of Omiya and Kujo Street.
Address: 1 Kujocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 601-8473, Japan
Map:
Chion-ji
Image source
Chion-ji, also known as Tezukuri Ichi or Handicraft Market, is unique compared to the other temple markets that happen in this area due to the fact that the vendors there offer both antique and newly create handicrafts. These items range from your traditional antiques and pottery, to new items such as cell phone accessories. Many of the vendors there are willing to negotiate on prices, as you can do at most markets throughout the world.
What you’ll find:
-Chairs
- Handmade pottery
-Hand-spun yarn
-Decorative pins and other accessories
-Paintings
When: 15st of each month, 9:00 am to 16:00 pm
Access: North of Kyoto University at Hyakumanben. Take bus no17, 201, 206.
Address: 103 Tanaka-monzen-cho Sakyo-ku Kyoto
Map:
Kitano Tenmangu (Tenjin-san Market)
Image source
This is a great place to enjoy a morning or afternoon with the family. In addition to having a large variety of second hand clothing, there is a variety of food stalls that have testers for the public and they also have a few stalls that have games, as well as standard kid-friendly festival fare such as cotton candy and lollipops.
What you’ll find:
-Second hand clothing/kimonos
-Pottery
-Fruits and vegetables, picked vegetables, seafood
-Posters, books, calendars
When: 25st of each month, 6:00 am to 16:00 pm
Access: 1-minute walk from City Bus Stop Kitano-Tenmagu-mae
Address: Bakuro-cho Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto
Map:
