Antiques, ceramics, second-hand kimonos, handicrafts, bonsai (盆栽), and other Japanese things. Are you interested in these kinds of items? Or, are you looking for a kind of unique souvenir from Japan to gift to someone—or maybe for yourself? There is no better place for it!
If these markets I introduced here coincide with your stay in Kyoto, they are worth a visit!! You can find treasures or bargains!
1. Kobo-ichi (弘法市)
First and foremost, I’ll share this flea market called Kobo-ichi. It’s held in Toji temple (東寺) on the 21st of every month, commemorating the death of Kukai (空海 = Kobo Daishi 弘法大師) on March 21 in 835. We affectionately call the market Kobo-san. Its scale is the largest in Kyoto, and about as many as 1200 vendors are set up in and around the precinct of Toji temple.
- Date: every month on 21 (rain or shine)
- Time: 6am – 4pm (from dawn to dusk)
- Scale: 1200-1300 stalls
- Place: Toji temple
〜 Enjoy bargaining 〜
Unfortunately, it was raining the other day when I visited Kobo-san. The number of people and stalls seemed smaller than usual due to the rain.
Since I like transforming old kimonos into new dresses, I always go kimono-stall hopping to hunt for my favorites at flea markets.
When I was rummaging through a pile of 500-yen kimonos, the shopkeeper told me she was about to pack up as the rain was not going to let up, so I could have each for 300 yen. Not bad, even for a rainy day!
If you are a good bargainer, don’t be afraid to negotiate the prices. Even if you don’t speak Japanese, you can communicate with the shopkeepers through body language. Quite likely, they will respond to you in English! Rest assured, they will not try to rip you off. Discounting is another fun part of shopping at flea markets, right? Even if you decide against buying any items, they won’t lose their temper.
One note of caution! Most stalls only accept cash. A very limited number of stalls accept cashless payment services (like PayPay, auPay, or others), including credit cards.
2. Garakuta-ichi (ガラクタ市)
Toji temple holds another festival called Garakuta-ichi on the first Sunday of every month.
“Garakuta” means “junk” in English. However, this market is not a junk market. There are about 350 stalls open, a quarter of Kobo market, but it’s an antique market so serious that antique dealers or connoisseurs come to buy. For antique lovers, this market looks like heaven!
Sure, we see some mysterious things we don’t figure out how to use or stuff that we wonder who would pick up for sale at this market. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, isn’t it?
Anyway, Garakuta-ichi is fun just to look around!
- Date: the first Sunday of every month (rain or shine)
- Time: 6am-4pm
- Scale: 350 stalls
- Place: Toji temple
There’s no doubt that Toji temple, which is home to that five-story pagoda symbolizing Kyoto, is a must-visit site whether the market is there or not.
3. Tenjin-ichi (天神市)
Tenjin-ichi is held every 25th in Kitano-tenmangu (北野天満宮) shrine to commemorate the birthday (June 25) and the death (February 25) of Michizane Sugawara(菅原道真), who is enshrined here.
Tenjin-ichi, popularly known as Tenjin-san, has about 1000 stands along the entrance and the ground of the temple, and is one of the two biggest flea markets in Kyoto, along with Kobo-san. There’s also a huge selection of street food vendors selling takoyaki, okonomiyaki, cotton candy, candy apples, yakitori, karaage, etc., which are standard at fairs.
- Date: every month on 25 (rain or shine)
- Time: 6am-4pm
- Scale: 1000 stalls
- Place: Kitano Tenmangu shrine
There is Kamishichiken (上七軒), which is one of the five geisha districts in Kyoto, located just east of Kitano Tenmangu shrine. If you have a little more time, please make sure to stop by Senbon Shaka-do (千本釈迦堂) nearby, whose main hall is the oldest structure in Kyoto that has remained as it was originally built for 800 years.
4. Chion-ji Handicraft Market (知恩寺手づくり市)
Chion-ji (知恩寺) temple hosts a fabulous handicraft market on the 15th of every month. This temple is often called Hyakumanben-san (百万遍さん) after its location name so as not to be mistaken with the very similarly named Chion-in (知恩院) temple, located near Yasaka shrine (八坂神社).
Since selling anything other than handmade items is prohibited, all of the stuff sold at this market is handmade. You will see a wide variety of handmade crafts, including pottery, accessories, bags, organic soap, honey, upcycled goods, and more! They are all creative, elaborate, and very Japanese. Furthermore, they are not the products of hobbyists but artisans, craftspeople, or entrepreneurs. As the stall owners all sell their own products, don’t hesitate to ask them anything about their items.
- Date: every month on 15 (rain or shine)
- Time: 8am-4pm
- Scale: 400 stalls
- Place: Chion-ji temple
5. Umekoji park Handicraft Market (梅小路公園手作り市)
This market takes place on the first Saturday of every month (except January and May) in Umekoji-Koen Park (梅小路公園), located west of Kyoto station.
The stores in this handicraft market seem almost the same as those at Chion-ji Market since those organizers are the same.
This is held in a spacious park, and some popular bakeries in Kyoto and vendors serving freshly brewed coffee are also open here. In between browsing around the stalls, how about taking a short break with them in the park?
There are also Kyoto Aquarium and Kyoto Railway Museum nearby, where kids can have fun.
- Date: the first Saturday of every month (rain or shine)
- Time: 9am-4pm
- Scale: 350 stalls
- Place: Umekoji-Koen Park
~ Other Markets ~
Besides those listed above, about 25 flea markets, including smaller ones, are held in Kyoto city. That means that such fairs are open almost every day somewhere, mainly at temples or shrines, in Kyoto.
I’ll share some other markets below!
6. Kamigamo Handicraft Market (上賀茂手づくり市)
- Date: the fourth Sunday of every month (rain or shine)
- Time: 9am-4pm
- Scale: 250 stalls
- Place: Kamigamo Shrine
7. Heian-raku ichi ( 平安楽市)
- Date: the second Saturday of every month (rain or shine)
- Time: 10am-4pm
- Scale: 250 stalls
- Place: Okazaki-koen Park in front of Heian Shrine
8. Toyokuni Shrine Flea Market (豊国神社 蚤の市)
- Date: every month on 8, 18, 28 (close on rainy days)
- Time 10am-3pm
- Scale: 30-50 stalls
- Place: Toyokuni Shrine
9. Inaba-yakushi temple Handicraft Market (因幡薬師 手づくり市)
- Date: every month on 8 (rain or shine)
- Time: 9am-3pm
- Scale: 50 stalls
- Place: Inaba-do(Byodo-ji)
~ Map ~
There are also other flea markets, used book fairs, or pottery fairs that are held monthly, several times a year, or on an irregular basis, not only in Kyoto but in all corners of Japan as well.
Visiting flea markets is a great way to interact with locals, and you may come across a memorable treasure that makes your trip special!!
Born and raised in Kyoto. A private tutor and a volunteer tour guide in Kyoto. Love sewing, kimono remaking, traveling, cooking, gardening, playing the shamisen(三味線), making stained glass and grandparenting as well.
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I’ve never known there are so many flea markets in Kyoto.
I’ll visit them in autumn.
Especially I was impressed by your pictures, very easy to get those information and to visit there.
Hi Masayo san! Thank you for your comment! Flea markets held at temples and shrines may also be part of Kyoto’s traditional culture. Let’s visit them together!
As always a lot of useful and well written info from Rieko Azuma!!!
Hope travelers could be able to explore more beautiful and historical Kyoto!
Thank you Rieko.
Hi Tatyana! Thank you for reading my blog!
I hope my articles help tourists from abroad explore Kyoto more easily and wisely. I’d love to walk around Kyoto with you and your husband again ‼︎
Hello from Hawaii, Reiko.
We are planning to be in Kyoto from 21-29 November 2022 for momiji-gari, amongst others.
In the past during late November, Kamigamo Jinja had a flea market that was terrific. Are you aware if they are having their temple flea market/ temple fair this November?
I probably think some temples have not announced their flea market yet on account of COVID-19 restrictions.
Arigato Gozaimasu for your information , maps and details of the flea markets in Kyoto, Reiko. Your English is also sugoi!
Hello Kerry,
Thank you for reading my blog and leaving your comment!
Most events are now back to their pre-COVID-19 state in Japan, except for wearing masks. So all of the flea markets I introduced are supposed to be held!
Late November is the best time for momiji -gari！Have a lot of fun in Kyoto!
If you have any questions, just ask!
Thank you,
Rieko
Awesome. Thank you for your time, effort and energy in providing information for visitors to Kyoto, that will enhance their experience in Japan. Truly appreciated!
Thank you for your comment!
I would be more than happy if my article could help visitors to Kyoto to have a better experience in Japan.
If you have any questions, just ask!
Thank you,
Rieko
Hi. Do you have information about Osaka flea markets? Thank you
Hello! Thank for your comment! Unfortunately, I don’t know much about flea markets in Osaka. Kyoto is next to Osaka and only 30 minutes away. Actually, many people from other prefectures visit the Kyoto flea market. There are even bus tours to flea markets in Kyoto. Hopefully, you enjoy the Kyoto Flea Market! Thank you 😊
Hi. Rieko. Thank you so much for the informaion. Willl be revisiting Kyoto 4th week of March 2023. Your guide of Kyoto can really enhance our experience in Kyoto. Really Appreciate.
Thank you for your comment!!! I am more than happy that my blog will help enrich your stay in Kyoto!! You mean that you are planning to visit Kobo-san on 21 or Tenjin-san on 25, right? I’m also going Kobo-san this month! In a few weeks, the cherry blossoms will start blooming in Kyoto and will adorn your trip!
Enjoy Kyoto!
Thanks for the information!! Do you know more about the flea market bus tours, or do you also do tour guiding in Kyoto? Will be heading out there soon! 🙂 aloha!
Thank you for your comment!
The flea market bus tours mean sightseeing bus tours where people from other prefectures come to big flea markets in Kyoto like Kobo-Ichi.
I am a volunteer tour guide. I may be able to show you around Kyoto if my schedule allows.
I will contact you directly at your address later!
Good nigth!
I’m from Brasil.
My name is Maria Fernanda, I have 63 years old.
I’m visiting Kyoto, on 1 april to 8.
And if it is possible , I want to have a guide.
I’’m interested in craftsmanship, textiles, art,nature.
I’m designer.
Please, let me know how is your as a guide.
Waiting your answerd
Thanks
Maria Fernanda
Thank you for your comment!!
There will be flea markets in Kyoto on April 1 (first Saturday) and 2 (first Sunday), respectively.
Unfortunately, my personal schedule is packed from April 1-8, including two guides. Anyway, I will email you directly later.
There used to be fabulous charity bazaars when we stayed in Kyoto years ago. Where can one find info in English?
Thank you for your comment!!
If bazaars are held regularly, you may be able to get information even in English, but if they are irregular, it may be difficult to get information in English, I guess. Just contact me again if I can be of any help.
Hello Reiko
I was in Kyoto for 9 days during May 2023. I visited the To-Ji temple shrine flea markets.
I bought some lovely kimonos, antique headwear (combs and slides) and glass sewing pins. The name of the shop is Kaya. Her stall was to the left at the top of the steps near the entrance. I wonder if you have any details on how I can contact her to purchase some more?
Kind Regards
Christina
Hello Christina,
The other day I went to the Kobo flea market in Toji temple and met Kaya’s owner to tell her your request. Unfortunately, she said that she does not speak English at all and cannot even exchange e-mails. She does not have her own store, and only opens a stall here on the 21st of every month. She has to ask you to come back.
Sorry I could not be of more help. Please come to Kyoto again!!
All the best,
Rieko
Hello Christina,
I don’t know if the name of that stall is Kaya or not, but I do know the stall on the left side of the stairs near the entrance since it is there every time. Next time I go to the flea market (maybe this month?), I’ll ask how to contact her and let you know!! Hopefully 🤞, it will work out!!
Rieko
Hello Rieko,
I am planning to visit Kyoto for the first time with my sister and friend (we are all in our mid to late 20s) around the second week of March (March 4 or 5th to around the 10th). The last time I was in Japan I was only able to visit Tokyo, but came upon a small flea market in Ueno and really enjoyed the experience and talking to the stall owners (in my very limited Japanese). I love flea markets and am hoping to visit more this time, especially while we are in Kyoto. Unfortunately, it looks like my timing means I will miss many of the ones listed here but thank you for the info on your page!
I also saw that you are a volunteer guide, would you be available as a guide around this time? I think it would be helpful to experience Kyoto with someone more familiar with the area.
Hello Brynna,
Thanks for liking my article. And thanks for your comment.
During your stay in Kyoto (second week of March), there are a couple of flea markets at small temples in Kyoto.
Anyway, I would be more than happy to show you guys around Kyoto. I will send an email directly to you.
Hi Rieko,
I came across your article whilst looking for flea markets in Kyoto. I can’t wait to check out some of your recommendations for our next trip!
I wondered if you know of any flea markets that take place on the first week of April on weekdays, or point me to a useful resource? We are planning on visiting April 1st-4th.
Thank you for your time!
May
Hello May,
Thank you for your comment! On April 4, a flea market called “Heian Rakuichi” (平安楽市) will be held at Okazaki Park in front of Heian Jingu Shrine. (10:00-16:00, rain or shine) Please check it out. If you have any other questions about Kyoto, feel free to ask.