Kyoto has the big two flea market, Shimai Kōbō and Shimai Tenjin.
Kōbō market is held every 21st of the month at Toji temple enshrines Kukai.
The other is Tenjin market held every 25th of the month at Kitano Tenmangū shrine.
Though these flea market is very popular event every month, the last one of the year is exceptional.
Shimai Kōbō And Shimai Tenjin
The reason why the flea market is held every same date is the anniversary of one’s death.
Kukai passed away on March 21st in 835 and Sugawara no Michizane passed away on February 25th in 903. Sugawara no Michizane was also born on 25th so the meaning of the date might be more important.
They were loved by many people at that time, so they visit and pray for them at Toji and Kitano Tenmangū shrine.
Then some vendors were lined up there and got popular.
Although both Kōbō market and Tenjin market are held every month, the last one of the year is more popular and famous.
People visit and pray to express the gratitude for living in peace.
More than 100,000 people come and more than 1,000 vendors are lined up at both market.
You’ll find various things like antiques, kimono, potteries, local foods.
Only in December, Japanese new year’s ornaments are sold at the market.
If you don’t look for the desired one, you can enjoy just looking around.
Information
Venue:
Toji Temple
Address:
1, Kujo, Minami ku, Kyoto
Date and Time:
December 21st, Sat., 8:00~16:00
Access:
・10-minute walk from “Kyoto” Sta. on the JR or Kintetsu line.
・5-minute walk from “Toji” Sta. on the Kintetsu line.
・In front of the “Toji Higashi mon” bus stop on the City bus at Kyoto Sta.
・3-minute walk from “Kujo Omiya” bus stop on the City bus at Kyoto Sta.
Admission Fee for the market:
Free
Admission Fee for Toji:
[Five-story Pagoda, Kondo, Audotium] 800 yen per an adult, 700 yen for 15-18 years old,500 yen for under 15 years old.
[Treasure Hall] 500 yen per an adult, 300 yen for under 12 years old.
Information
Venue:
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Address:
Bakuro cho, Kamigyo ku, Kyoto,602-8386
Date and Time:
December 25th, Wed., 5:30~21:00
General Time: 9:00~17:00 (Gate/5:30~17:30）
Access:
・In front of “Kitano Tenmangu Shrine” bus stop on the Kyoto City Bus #50,101 at Kyoto Station
・5-minute walk from “Hakubai cho” St. on Keifuku line
Admission Fee:
Free
Do you need more information?
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With this application, even if you don’t have Wi-Fi, you can find nearby stores and so on.
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