If you happen to be in Kyoto on the 21st of any month, hop over to Toji Temple (東寺) to have a look at the city’s famous flea market. The temple itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its pagoda continues to be an enduring symbol of Kyoto. As I’ve already seen many of the famous temples in Kyoto in my previous trip to this city in Dec 2007, I decided not to pay to enter the temple. Instead, I preferred to linger around the perimeters of the temple where more interesting action was taking place at the flea market.

I love going to flea markets because they are often where you can see how people in the city really live. There’s art, culture, history and food all in one spot. It’s a nice casual outdoor setting, unlike some quiet museum. Flea markets are definitely my kinda place. Here are some snapshots:

Popular with locals and tourists alike

Traditional Japanese artwork printed on cloth

Traditional Japanese handicraft cloth embellishments

Sakura-shaped cloth embellishments

Purses made from Japanese print textiles

Ear pickers

There were a number of stalls selling handmade Japanese earthenware. I love these types of crockery but knew I wouldn’t have much use for them because I hardly cook these days. Yes, I’ve been lazy.

Take your pick of beans

Preserved fruits

Japanese kids choosing some fish to bring home as a pet

Another interpretation of doggy-bagging

You can also have your fortune told

The temple’s famous pagoda in the distance

Toji temple is a 15-minute walk southwest from Kyoto Station (take the West Gate exit).  From Toji Station along the Kintetsu Kyoto Line, it takes five minutes to walk there.