To-ji Temple Shimai Kobo (Final Kobo Market of the Year)

About this event

Held every year on December 21 at To-ji Temple (Kyo-o-gokokuji), "Shimai Kobo" is the temple market that wraps up the year. It is the largest among the monthly Kobo-ichi markets held on the 21st, with more than 1,000 open-air stalls lining the temple grounds selling antiques, vintage clothing, foods, plants, and more. It is particularly crowded with people shopping for New Year preparations, with items like kadomatsu (pine decorations), shimenawa (sacred straw ropes), and zodiac ornaments on sale. A wide variety of goods such as old tools, antique kimonos, ceramics, and food items are available, making treasure-hunting a delight. Crowds gather from early morning, with both variety and energy reaching their peak before noon. The spectacle of street stalls arranged against the backdrop of the five-story pagoda has become a classic winter scene in Kyoto, offering visitors a chance to experience the living local culture deeply when visiting alongside year-end Kyoto sightseeing.

Venue

To-ji Temple

1 Kujōchō, Minami-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto 601-8473