Shitenno-ji Flea Market

In Japan, many temples and shrine are holding flea markets and antique market, respectively called nominoichi et kottoichi, every month in their outer enclosures. They are usually scheduled on "celebration" days for the deities enshrined in their pavilions.

In the south of Osaka city-center, Shitenno-ji is one of the oldest temples in Japan, founded in the 6th century by prince Shotoku Taishi (574 – 622), a fervent promoter of Buddhism in the archipelago. Later, Kobo Daishi (774 - 835), founder monk of the Shingon school and great admirer of the prince, came to this temple to pray. To celebrate the memory of these 2 major personalities, the temple organizes a great monthly antique market named in English Shitennoji Flea Market that is held:

• On the 21th, the monthly commemorative day of Kobo Daishi (大師会, Daishi-kai); and,
• On the 22th, for the anniversary date of the passing of prince Shotoku (太子会, Taishi-kai).

Both days provide occasions to enliven Shitenno-ji’s grounds with:

• Several ceremonies performed during the day, some of which are also dedicated to ancillary deities such as Benzaiten;
• Free visits of specific buildings in the central enclosure, such as the Gojunoto 5-stories pagoda; and,
• Hundreds of stalls set up along the outer alleys of the temple.

Tourists mingle with locals, looking for bargains as well as typical souvenirs from Japan, preferably bought second hand rather than new.

Traditional and vintage shopping

The choice is wide and one can easily find:

• Traditional Japanese clothing: kimono, yukata, obi sashes, haori vests, usually under ¥1,000¥ (~US$6.72);
• Traditional pottery and tableware: bowls, vases, small plates, jugs and glasses to serve nihonshu sake, tea sets, etc. Some regional ceramics from renowned artisan workshops can also be found such as Kutani-yaki, Arita-yaki, Imari-yaki, etc.
• Cooking utensils: chopsticks for example;
• Vintage hair accessories, especially tortoise-shell combs;
• Kakejiku and kakemono painted scrolls;
• Kokeshi dolls of all sizes and from all regions;
• Kabuto samurai helmets and katana sword for training;
• Noh and Kabuki theater masks;
• Beads for jewelry;
• Vintage music records;
• Retro toys and soft toys of popular characters; and,
• All kinds of Japanese gadgets more or less recent.

Imported goods are also available. Locals come to buy seasonal flowers and plants too. Visitors are highly recommended to check several vendors: prices can indeed vary significantly and some vendors accept to bargain while other refuse, the latter being the most common occurrence in Japan.

Shitenno-ji Flea Market would not be complete without yatai food stalls, the visitors’ favorites. They serve various small dishes according to season, cold or hot and typical of Japan’s street food, to eat on the spot or to take away. You’ll also find loose tea, fresh mochi rice cakes and bags of crackers.

We recommend going to Shintenno-ji Flea Market early in the morning, in any case before noon, to get the best deals and avoid the crowds. In the summertime, between May and September, it can be very hot in the temple’s alleys and we recommend bringing adequate protection from the sun. Lastly, shopping aficionados should not forget to bring their tote-bag and cash for an easy payment to the vendors.