Flea markets are held at many temples and shrines in Kyoto. You can find unique Kyoto-style cuisine, unusual foods, souvenirs, and unexpected hidden gems; simply strolling around is enjoyable in itself.
These events often take place on a fixed day each month, so be sure to check the date before you go.
Kyoto City Flea Market Schedule
Inabado Byodoji temple : The 8th of every month
This temple enshrines Yakushi Nyorai (Bhaisajyaguru) as its principal deity.
A handmade goods market is held on the temple grounds on the 8th of every month, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Dozens of vendors set up shop each time.
Toyokuni shrine : The 8th, 18th, and 28th of every month
This is a shrine dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
A flea market is held in front of the National Treasure Karamon Gate on the 8th, 18th, and 28th of every month, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Each time, between 30 and 50 vendors set up stalls.
Toji temple : The first Sunday of every month, and the 21st of every month
It is a beautiful temple featuring a five-story pagoda, numerous halls, and Buddhist statues.
A flea market is held on the first Sunday of every month from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Around 350 stalls set up shop each time.
The Kobo Market is held on the 21st of every month from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This is one of the largest flea markets in Kyoto. Around 1,000 vendors participate each time.
Fujinomori shrine : The third Sunday of every month (the fourth Sunday in June)
This shrine was founded approximately 1,800 years ago. It is famous for horses and hydrangeas.
A flea market is held on the shrine grounds from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the third Sunday of every month (or the fourth Sunday in June). Around 100 vendors set up shop each time.
Kitano-Tenmangu shrine : The 25th of every month
It is the head shrine of the Tenmangu shrines, of which there are approximately 12,000 across Japan.
The Tenjin Market is held on the 25th of every month, from 7:00 a.m. until sunset. Around 1,000 vendors participate each time. The events are held on a particularly grand scale in January and December.
Kiyomizu-dera temple : The 28th of every month
Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto’s most famous temples, featuring a main hall built on a cliff.
A flea market is held near the temple gate on the 28th of every month, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There is a wide variety of stalls offering items such as food products, agricultural produce, and traditional crafts.
Kamigamo shrine : The fourth Sunday of every month
It is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto, boasting a history of over 2,600 years.
A flea market is held on the shrine grounds from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the fourth Sunday of every month. Around 200 stalls set up shop each time.
Higashi-Honganji temple : About once a month
It is a large temple located about a five-minute walk from Kyoto Station.
A flea market is held about once a month in the open space in front of the temple. Various other events also take place at this location. If you are at Kyoto Station and have a little time to spare, I recommend stopping by to take a look.
