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
Daishogun-hachi Shrine : The first Sunday of every month
This shrine was founded in 794 – the year Kyoto (Heian-kyo) was established – to protect the imperial capital.
A flea market is held on the first Sunday of every month. There will be stalls selling items such as vintage clothing, miscellaneous goods, daily necessities, and accessories, as well as fortune-telling services.
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Daishogun-hachi Shrine (Kyoto) : A deity presiding over directions
This shrine was founded in 794 – the year Kyoto was established – to protect the imperial capital. A deity governing the directional aspects of Onmyodo is enshrined here. For this reason, the influence of Onmyodo philosophy was strongly evident, and the layout differed somewhat from that of typical Japanese shrines.
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.
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Inabado Byodoji temple (Kyoto) : Handmade market on the 8th of every month
About 1000 years ago, there was a nobleman named Tachibana no Yukihira. He was told in a dream to offer prayers to Bhaisajyaguru (the Medicine Buddha), and he founded Inaba-do Byodoji Temple. Here, a handmade crafts market is held on the temple grounds on the 8th of every month.
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.
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Toyokuni shrine (Kyoto) : Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s shrine
This shrine enshrines Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who rose from a peasant to unify Japan. In front of the main hall is the Karamon gate, which is designated as a national treasure. Within the shrine grounds, there is a treasure museum displaying items associated with Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
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.
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Toji temple (Kyoto) : Beautiful pagoda , Buddha statues , Kobo Market
Toji means the temple in the east. It was built on the east side of the city 1,200 years ago when Kyoto was founded. The five-story pagoda stands 55 metres (180 feet) and is the tallest wooden structure in Japan. There are many Buddha statues lined up in the Kodo hall.
Hyakumanben-Chionji Temple : The 15th of every month (Closed in August)
This temple is one of the head temples of the Jodo sect.
A craft market is held on the 15th of every month. (Closed in August). Around 450 vendors set up shop each time.
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Hyakumanben-Chionji Temple (Kyoto) : Photos and reviews of the craft market
Hyakumanben Chionji is one of the head temples of the Jodo sect. A craft market is held at Hyakumanben Chionji Temple on the 15th of every month. (Closed in August) So many stalls lined the grounds that the spacious precinct felt cramped. There were a lot of unusual things, and it was fun.
Kamigoryo Shrine : The 18th of every month (closed in May)
This shrine was founded when the capital was moved to Kyoto.
A flea market is held on the temple grounds on the 18th of every month (except May). Handmade goods, recycled items, antiques, clothing, food products, sweets, and more will be sold.
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Kamigoryo Shrine (Kyoto) : Two historical events
This shrine is associated with two important historical events in Kyoto. One factor was the death of Emperor Sudo, which triggered the relocation of the capital to Kyoto. Another major event was the outbreak of the Onin War (1467-1477) in this area. It is a very quiet shrine these days.
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.
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Fujinomori shrine (Kyoto) : Horse racing fans gather
Fujinomori-jinja Shrine was founded about 1,800 years ago. The ritual of running horses has been handed down since ancient times. As a horse shrine, it is visited by many people involved in horse racing, jockeys, and fans. There were a lot of things related to horses in the shrine grounds.
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.
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Kitano-Tenmangu shrine (Kyoto) : The head shrine of Tenmangu
Kitano-Tenmangu Shrine was founded in 947. The shrine enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, who is known for granting academic benefits. It is the head shrine of the approximately 12,000 Tenmangu shrines and Tenjin shrines throughout Japan. There is a festival on the 25th of every month.
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.
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Kiyomizu-dera temple (Kyoto) : Building on a cliff
Kiyomizu-dera Temple was founded in 778. There are over 30 buildings within the temple grounds, including national treasures and important cultural properties. The most popular attraction at Kiyomizu-dera Temple is the stage in front of the main hall. It is built on a cliff and is 13 metres (42.65 feet) high.
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.
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Kamigamo shrine (Kyoto) : History , Highlights , Access
Kamigamo-jinja Shrine is a shrine that boasts a history said to be the oldest in Kyoto. Special prayers and viewings are accepted here at any time. After receiving prayers from the Shinto priest, you can view gardens and treasures that are normally off-limits to the public.
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.
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Higashi-Honganji temple (Kyoto) : Huge wooden buildings
Higashi-Honganji is the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu Otani sect. It is located very close to Kyoto Station. There are many buildings designated as important cultural properties within the temple grounds. The Goeido (Main) Hall is one of the largest wooden buildings in the world.
