弘法市（東寺） Kobo-ichi (Toji Flea Market)
A monthly market held at Toji Temple on the 21st, with antiques, secondhand kimono, food and plants. The biggest day is December 21.
- Where
- 東寺
- How to enjoy it
- Best from early morning for antiques; bring cash.
Background
The 21st of each month marks the memorial day of Kobo Daishi (Kukai), founder of Toji Temple. A memorial service is held at the Miedo Hall, and a market grew up in front of the gates, nicknamed 'Kobo-san.' The year-end market (Dec 21) and New Year market (Jan 21) are the biggest.
What to see
- Around 1,000 stalls: antiques, kimono, pottery, old tools
- Monthly memorial service for Kobo Daishi at Miedo Hall
- The December and January markets are the largest
- A smaller antiques market on the first Sunday of each month
Timeline
- 21st, early morning
- Stalls open
- 21st, daytime
- Market runs until around 16:30
How to watch
- Free entry
- Come in the morning for the best picks; stalls start closing in the afternoon
- Dec 21 is the most crowded, arrive early
Getting there
About 10 min on foot from Kintetsu Toji Station; about 15 min from JR Kyoto Station; city buses to Toji-minamimon-mae or Toji-higashimon-mae.
Good to know
Is it held in the rain?
Yes in light rain; some stalls may skip bad weather.
Can I haggle?
Yes, many stalls accept bargaining.
Are credit cards accepted?
Most stalls are cash-only.
How does it differ from Tenjin-ichi?
Kobo-ichi is bigger with more antiques; Tenjin-ichi (25th, Kitano Tenmangu) feels more local.