What other travelers are saying about Toji Temple Flea Market
You can see the To-ji Temple from a distance. Has a beautiful view from all the angles you look at it.
Since it has a calm and open atmosphere, especially compared to more crowded temples, I recommend taking your time to really look around without feeling rushed. There are so many cute spots to look at the temple. Close by you can see the contrast between the wide grounds and the simple structures of Kyoto’s traditional landmarks.
The market is held on the 21st of every month in honor of Kobo Daishi (Kukai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism, who is enshrined at To-ji Temple.
Visitors can find a vast array of items, including Japanese antiques, kimonos, pottery, jewelry, toys, tools, and plants. There are also numerous food stalls offering local Kyoto cuisine and other Japanese snacks.
To-ji Temple is located in the Minami ward of Kyoto, a short walk from To-ji Station on the Kintetsu Kyoto Line or a 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station.
While bargaining is not as common in Japan as in some other countries, some vendors may be open to negotiation, especially for antiques or larger purchases. However, it's important to be respectful and not too aggressive in bargaining.
Most vendors at the flea market accept only cash, so it's advisable to bring enough cash for your purchases. There are ATMs nearby in case you need to withdraw money.
To-ji Temple leaves a strong and steady impression without feeling overwhelming. The spacious grounds make it easy to walk around at a relaxed pace, and the five-story pagoda stands out clearly as the focal point. Even from a distance, its presence gives the area a distinct sense of history.
The atmosphere is calm and open, especially compared to more crowded temples. You can take your time looking around without feeling rushed, and the layout feels straightforward. The contrast between the wide grounds and the simple structures creates a quiet balance that suits the temple well.
Overall, To-ji feels grounded and dignified rather than dramatic. It’s a place where the scale and history speak for themselves, making it a solid stop for anyone interested in Kyoto’s traditional landmarks.
The oldest wooden pagoda in Japan is a must see. I went there during daytime and at night on one of the nighttime sessions during momiji season. The sight is breathtaking. The temple buildings with the massive golden Buddhas are also a sight to behold. Crowds flock here so be aware of that. You won’t regret coming here.
Sadly there's no pictures inside, and the inside is what's worth visiting. The grounds feature a nice small japanese garden, well made and beautiful, yet the statues inside the main building are stunning! It's a bigger complex, but the main buildings have entry tickets. You can buy a combined ticket, which I recommend not for the museum, but for the Kanchi-in. Definitely enter the "kondo". Tree-sized Buddhas are awesome
One of the best temples we have been too. Won't bore you with temple part, but the best thing was, the sunday we went, they had a huge flea market. It was just awesome. All this great 2nd hand stuff within the grounds. Just blown away with happiness.
I got a way cool wind up small clock and Mrs got some strange dolls lol
