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I love visiting Japanese temple markets. Each one offers something unique and even the same one surprises you every time you visit. Some focus on food, while others mainly offer antiques. Most offer a wonderful mixture of items. Usually, traditional clothes like kimono and beautiful obi are part of the mixture. But often edgy modern fashion can be found, too.

Although kimono usually are very expensive, used kimono at temple markets can be as cheap as 500 or 1,000 yen. There is no better place to go bargain hunting.

Do make time to visit these wonderful accumulations of treasures, and remember to take your camera, your wallet and a big bag to carry everything back home!

Here is a short list of temple markets in Kansai (around Kyoto) and Kanto (around Tokyo).

KANSAI (around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe):

Kitano Tenmangu (Kyoto)
A large market with a little bit of everything: antiques, used clothing, ceramics, food. Prices are good.
When: The 25th of every month
Where: Imadegawa Dori, between Nishi-oji and Senbon; take City Bus (5O) or (101) from JR Kyoto Station or (201) from Demachiyanagi Station to Kitano Tenmangu-mae

To-ji (Kyoto)
Largest and most famous temple market in Japan. A must for antique lovers.
When: First Sunday, and 21st of every month
Nearest station: JR Kyoto Station

Chion-ji (Kyoto)
A medium-sized market specialising in hand-made goods and crafts.
When: The 15th of every month (16th if it rains)
Nearest station: North of Kyoto University at Hyakumanben. Take bus no17, 201, 206.

Ohatsu Tenjin (Osaka)
Packed with stalls selling traditional tools, clothing, antiques, and more.
When: First Friday of every month
Nearest station: JR Osaka Station

Shintennoji Taishie (Osaka)
Over 600 stalls. Especially famous for chinaware, clothing and gift items.
When: 21st of every month
Nearest station: Shitennoji-mae on Tanimachi Subway Line

Ikutama Jinja (Osaka)
Small antique market.
When: 8th of every month
Nearest station: Tanimachi 9-chome on Tanimachi Subway Line

Domyo-ji Tenmangu (Osaka)
Small antique market.
When: 25th of every month
Nearest station: Kintetsu Domyo Station

Gokoku Jinja (Hyogo)
Antiques, clothes, and second-hand goods.
When: Fourth Sunday (cancelled if it rains)
Nearest station: Hankyu Rokko Station, take bus no 2 to Gokoku Jinja-mae

Suma-dera (Hyogo)
A small market with antiques and second-hand goods. Good prices.
When: First Sunday (second if it rains)
Nearest station: Sanyo Suma-dera Station

Iwashimizu Hachimangu (Shiga)
Small antique market.
When: Fourth Sunday
Nearest station: Take the cable car from Keihan Iwashimizu Hachimangu Station

KANTO (around Tokyo):

Arai Yakushi
This market’s specialty is ceramics. There are also old kimono, glass items, and clocks. Not much furniture.
When: First Sunday of every month
Nearest station: JR Nakano or Arai Yakushi stn, Seibu Shinjuku line

Fuda Tenjin
A small flea market at a temple. Prices are good on items of furniture, such as tansu (chests).
When: The 25th of every month
Nearest station: Chofu, Keio line

Hanazono Shrine Antique Market
From ancient pottery to brand new furniture, this kotto ichi (antique fair) offers the best buys.
When: Every Sunday
Nearest station: JR Shinjuku east exit or Shinjuku 3-chome stn Marunouchi line, exit B3

Heiwajima Antique Festival
Over 200 stalls brimming with old and new antiques.
When: May 3-5; June 30, July 1, 2; Sept 15-17; Dec 22-24
Nearest station: Heiwajima on Keihin Kyuko or Tokyu Ryutsu on the monorail

Takahata Fudo
Extensive flea market with a good mix of everything.
When: The third Sunday of every month
Nearest station: Takahata Fudo, Keio line

Togo Antique Market
Flea markets at Togo Shrine: kimono, yukata, hibachi, prints, used records, used clothes, more.
When: Every first, fourth and fifth Sunday
Nearest station: JR Harajuku, Chiyoda line, Meiji-Jingumae

Jinmeigu Antique Market
When: Every first Saturday
Nearest station: Asagaya, Chuo line, north exit

Kawagoe Antique Market
When: The 28th of every month
Nearest station: Kawagoe or Kawagoe-shi on Tobu Tojo or Saikyo lines

Nogi Antique Market
When: Second Sunday
Nearest station: Nogizaka, Chiyoda line

Urawa Antique Market
When: Fourth Saturday of every month
Nearest station: Urawa, Keihin Tohoku line

BY DATE:

First Friday
Ohatsu Tenjin (Osaka)

First Saturday
Jinmeigu Antique Market (Kanto: Asagaya)

First Sunday
Suma-dera (Hyogo)
To-ji (Kyoto)
Togo Antique Market (Kanto: Harajuku)
Hanazono Shrine Antique Market (Kanto: Shinjuku)
Arai Yakushi (Kanto: Arai Yakushi)

Second Sunday
Nogi Antique Market (Kanto: Nogizaka)
Hanazono Shrine Antique Market (Kanto: Shinjuku)

Third Sunday
Takahata Fudo (Kanto: Takahata Fudo)
Hanazono Shrine Antique Market (Kanto: Shinjuku)

Fourth Saturday
Urawa Antique Market (Kanto: Urawa)

Fourth Sunday
Iwashimizu Hachimangu (Shiga)
Gokoku Jinja (Hyogo)
Togo Antique Market (Kanto: Harajuku)
Hanazono Shrine Antique Market (Kanto: Shinjuku)

Fifth Sunday
Togo Antique Market (Kanto: Harajuku)
Hanazono Shrine Antique Market (Kanto: Shinjuku)

8th of every month
Ikutama Jinja (Osaka)

15th of every month
Chion-ji (Kyoto)

21st of every month
Shintennoji Taishie (Osaka)
To-ji (Kyoto)

25th of every month
Domyo-ji Tenmangu (Osaka)
Kitano Tenmangu (Kyoto)
Fuda Tenjin (Kanto: Chofu)

28th of every month
Kawagoe Antique Market (Kanto: Kawagoe)

May 3-5; June 30, July 1, 2; Sept 15-17; Dec 22-24
Heiwajima Antique Festival (Kanto: Heiwajima)