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SEASONAL
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SEASONAL
Kyoto's Monthly Markets: Tenjin-san and Kobo-san
The monthly Tenjin-san market at Kitano Tenmangu (25th) and Kobo-san at Toji (21st) are Kyoto's beloved flea market festivals. Here's how to enjoy both in a single day trip.
暦
Author
Koyomi
| Seasons & Customs
Contents
MOKUJI
1
What Is Ennichi (縁日)?
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2
Kitano Tenmangu — Tenjin-san Market (Every 25th)
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3
Toji — Kobo-san Market (Every 21st)
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4
Tips for Visiting
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5
Combine with Nearby Spots
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6
Monthly Highlights Calendar
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7
FAQ
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What Is Ennichi (縁日)?
Ennichi refers to special days when it is believed to be easier to form a connection (en) with a deity or Buddha. Visiting a shrine or temple on its ennichi day is said to bring greater blessings. Kyoto has two beloved monthly ennichi markets: Tenjin-san at Kitano Tenmangu (every 25th) and Kobo-san at Toji (every 21st).
Kitano Tenmangu — Tenjin-san Market (Every 25th)
Held at Kitano Tenmangu on the 25th of every month, Tenjin-san honors Sugawara no Michizane (845-903), the scholar-deity of learning. Hundreds of stalls line the shrine precincts selling antiques, kimono, old books, plants, Kyoto vegetables, and street food.
Key dates:
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January 25: Hatsu Tenjin (first market of the year)
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February 25: Baikasai (Plum Blossom Festival) — geiko and maiko from Kamishichiken serve tea outdoors
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December 25: Shimai Tenjin (final market of the year)
Toji — Kobo-san Market (Every 21st)
Held at Toji on the 21st of every month, Kobo-san marks the monthly death anniversary of Kobo Daishi (Kukai, 774-835), founder of Shingon Buddhism. March 21 is particularly significant as the actual anniversary. Over 1,000 stalls spread across the temple grounds — it’s Japan’s largest antique market.
Tips for Visiting
What to bring:
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Eco bag for purchases
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Cash (most stalls don’t accept cards)
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Comfortable walking shoes
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Arrive by 9:00 AM for the best selection
Manners to observe:
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Ask before photographing stall goods
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Haggle politely if at all
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Remove rubbish from the sacred grounds
Combine with Nearby Spots
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Kiyomizudera: 30 min by bus from Kitano Tenmangu
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Nishi Honganji: 15 min walk from Toji
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Daitokuji: 10 min by bus from Kitano Tenmangu
Monthly Highlights Calendar
Month
Tenjin-san Highlight
Kobo-san Highlight
February
Plum blossoms, Baikasai
Plum season
March
Spring special openings
Grand memorial for Kobo Daishi
December
Year-end Shimai Tenjin
Year-end grand market
FAQ
Are the markets held year-round?
Yes, both markets are held monthly year-round, even in rain. Only typhoons or severe weather cause cancellations.
Is admission free?
Entering the market areas is free. Paid admission applies to Toji’s pagoda interior and treasure hall (approx. 500 yen), and Kitano Tenmangu’s plum garden (Feb-Mar).
Last updated: May 2026
北野天満宮, related to 京都の縁日
Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
東寺（教王護国寺）, related to 京都の縁日
Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
清水寺, related to 京都の縁日
Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
西本願寺, related to 京都の縁日
Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
大徳寺, related to 京都の縁日
Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
── END ──
暦
Author
Koyomi（こよみ）
Seasons & Customs
Toku editorial team — seasons and customs. Former travel-magazine editor delivering bloom timings, annual rituals and visit etiquette in sense-laden prose accessible to first-timers.
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Visit Related Places
History truly comes alive when you visit in person. Choose your next destination from the related sites and pilgrimage courses below.
1. Kitano Tenmangu
Head of 12,000 Tenmangu shrines — Michizane's learning deity where Hideyoshi held his Grand Tea Gathering
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2. Toji (Kyoogokokuji)
Kukai's esoteric Buddhist stronghold granted by Emperor Saga — the 55m pagoda is Kyoto's landmark
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3. Kiyomizu-dera
World Heritage temple with the nail-free hanging stage — three streams of Otowa Falls grant different blessings
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4. Nishi Honganji
World Heritage head temple of Jodo Shinshu — Shinran's legacy preserved in the grand Momoyama complex
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5. Daitokuji
Zen sanctuary of Ikkyu and Rikyu — 24 sub-temples with stunning dry-landscape gardens
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Shinbutsu Reijo Pilgrimage
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