Market in Kyoto
Heian Rakuichi Handmade Market at Okazaki Park — December 4
Scheduled market dates during the featured period are November 6 and December 4, not every day. Up to around 160 stalls gather against the backdrop of Heian Jingu Shrine. Held even in rainy weather.
- Dates
- Dec 4 (Fri)
- Hours
- 10:00 – 16:00
- Venue
- Okazaki Park
- Nearest station
- Higashiyama
- Admission
- Free admission
About this event
Colourful market tents appear against the backdrop of Heian Shrine, with up to around 160 stalls at Heian Rakuichi. Held in Okazaki Park, this handmade market occupies one of Kyoto's most important cultural districts. Makers offer original craft objects and handmade refreshments, inviting visitors to shop rather than simply admire artworks from a distance. Okazaki Park itself has roots in a major exhibition held during the Meiji period. Surrounded by the shrine and cultural institutions, the market provides a natural way to combine browsing handmade goods with a walk through Kyoto's artistic neighbourhood.
Highlights
- Up to around 160 stalls with Heian Shrine in the background.
- Browse original handmade craft objects.
- Look for refreshments prepared by participating vendors.
- Discover a park with roots in a Meiji-era industrial exhibition.
- Good for
- For craft shoppers, design lovers and visitors combining museums with local markets.
Good to know before you go
- The market is held in rainy weather.
- The figure of around 160 stalls is a maximum, not a guaranteed attendance.
- Scheduled dates may change; consult the latest organiser announcements.
Pochikichi's story cornerWhat stood here before Okazaki Park and Heian Shrine?
Okazaki Park is now famous for its concentration of cultural institutions, but its story begins with a major Meiji-era exhibition. The Fourth National Industrial Exhibition took place here in 1895. Afterward, roads were developed and part of the land was donated to Heian Shrine, while the remainder was planted and designated as a park.
Okazaki Park officially opened on July 8, 1904. According to Kyoto City, it covers 139,677 square metres. Heian Shrine stands to the north and Kyoto City Zoo to the east, with the Higashiyama mountains forming part of the surrounding landscape.
Today, nearby institutions include the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, ROHM Theatre Kyoto, Miyakomesse and Kyoto Prefectural Library. A site once used for showcasing industry has become a district devoted to art, performance, crafts and learning.
Heian Rakuichi introduces contemporary makers into this historic environment. Its tents stand against the shrine buildings, bringing everyday creativity into a landscape shaped by Kyoto's modern history. That is why the contemporary handmade goods and Heian Shrine beyond the stalls are best viewed together.
Sources: Kyoto City — Okazaki Park history and overview (Japanese), Kyoto City Official Travel Guide — Heian Rakuichi (Japanese)
FAQ
- What is Heian Rakuichi Handmade Market at Okazaki Park — December 4?
- Colourful market tents appear against the backdrop of Heian Shrine, with up to around 160 stalls at Heian Rakuichi. Held in Okazaki Park, this handmade market occupies one of Kyoto's most important cultural districts. Makers offer original craft objects and handmade refreshments, inviting visitors to shop rather than simply admire artworks from a distance. Okazaki Park itself has roots in a major exhibition held during the Meiji period. Surrounded by the shrine and cultural institutions, the market provides a natural way to combine browsing handmade goods with a walk through Kyoto's artistic neighbourhood.
- When is Heian Rakuichi Handmade Market at Okazaki Park — December 4?
- On Dec 4 (Fri), 2026.
- What are the opening hours?
- 10:00 – 16:00
- How much does it cost?
- Free admission
- Where is it and what is the nearest station?
- Okazaki Park. The nearest station is Higashiyama.
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