If you’re in Kyoto on the 25th of every month, be sure to attend the “Tenjin-san” flea market. It is held at the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. As many as 1000 stalls line up on the shrine precincts as well as in the area around the shrine. The majority of stalls sell clothing such as second-hand kimonos, etc., and antiques such as pottery, all kind of tools, curios, antiques, and the like. There are also many places to eat, including food carts and stalls selling foods such as fruits, vegetables, etc.
With its small-time festival atmosphere, it is sure to be a fun event to come out to with your family and friends.
This is one of the two best markets in town. It’s named for Sugawara no Michizane, a 9th century poet and scholar who is the patron saint of academic pursuits in Japan. This market is a great excuse to visit the Kitano Tenmangu shrine — one of our favorite one in Kyoto. It is a very popular shrine among the Japanese people. You’ll have fun watching school children rubbing the two stone bulls in front of the main hall of the shrine (doing so is said to make one more intelligent).
If visiting in the Spring, you’ll be in for a treat as you’ll see the most beautiful prune flowers (梅). These are the first flowers to bloom, before the peaches (桃) and the cherries (桜).
ACCESS
City Bus (5O) or (101) from JR Kyoto Station; (203) Demachiyanagi Station to Kitano Tenmangu-mae
