To-ji Flea Market (Kobo-san)
東寺・弘法市
While To-ji Temple is already listed, its monthly flea market deserves special mention. Held on the 21st of every month (the date Kobo Daishi died in 835), "Kobo-san" attracts 1,200+ vendors selling antiques, crafts, kimono, ceramics, food, and curiosities. One of Japan's best markets.
Key Architectural & Sacred Highlights
- 1,200+ vendors on the 21st of every month
- Antique kimono, ceramics, crafts, and curiosities
- Traditional Japanese street food stalls
- Unique finds not available in regular shops
- Atmospheric setting among temple grounds
- Free entry - just browse and enjoy
📍 How to Get There
Nearest Station
Toji Station (Kintetsu Line) - 5 min walk, or 15 min walk from Kyoto Station
Step-by-Step Directions
- 1 From Kyoto Station: 15 minute walk south (most convenient)
- 2 From Kintetsu Toji Station: 5 minute walk
- 3 Held ONLY on the 21st of each month (rain or shine)
- 4 Arrive early (7-8 AM) for best selection, market runs until 4-5 PM
Live Municipal Bus Approach GTFS-RT
Nearest Stop: Toji Higashimon-mae (東寺東門前) • ~1 min walk
Footwear & Accessibility Radar
Shoes Allowed Throughout Flea Market (Kobo-san)
Open-air market grounds held on the 21st of each month; comfortable sneakers essential.
Level dirt and paved grounds accommodating hundreds of market stalls.
Location & Maps
🗺️ Interactive map - zoom and pan to explore
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
34.980833 135.7475 💡 Tip: "View Location" shows the temple on the map. "Get Directions" navigates from your current position.
Best Time to Visit
January 21 (first of the year, special atmosphere), December 21 (year-end bargains), any good-weather month. Arrive by 8 AM for best antique finds. The market happens rain or shine but sunny days are better.
Contact & Info
1 Kujocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto 601-8473
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Nearby Temples & Shrines
These sacred sites are closest to To-ji Flea Market (Kobo-san) and easy to combine in a single visit.
To-ji Temple
東寺
500 yen temple and garden, special exhibitions 1,000 yen · 1 hour (3+ hours on flea market day 21st)
Nishi Hongan-ji Temple
西本願寺
Free admission (special garden tours by reservation, 1,000 yen) · 45 minutes to 1 hour (2 hours with garden tour)
Higashi Hongan-ji Temple
東本願寺
Free admission · 30-45 minutes
Sanjusangendo Temple
三十三間堂
600 yen adults, 400 yen junior high/high school, 300 yen children · 45 minutes to 1 hour (allow time to appreciate each statue section)
Tofuku-ji Temple
東福寺
Temple grounds free, Tsutenkyo Bridge & Kaisando Hall 600 yen, Hojo Garden 500 yen, Combo ticket 1,000 yen (recommended) · 1-2 hours normal season, 2-3 hours in autumn due to crowds and wanting to savor views
Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine
伏見稲荷大社
Free admission (donations welcome) · 2-3 hours for full summit hike (4km), 1 hour for lower shrine area only, 45 minutes for just Senbon Torii section