Market in Kyoto
Shimai Tenjin: Year-End Tenjin Market at Kitano Tenmangu
The market held on the 25th of every month closes the year on December 25. Known as Shimai Tenjin, it fills the shrine grounds with stalls of antiques, old tools and vintage clothing.
- Dates
- Dec 25 (Fri)
- Hours
- From 7:00 AM (closing time: please check with the organizer)
- Venue
- Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
- Nearest station
- Kitano-Hakubaicho
- Admission
- See the official website for prices
About this event
A shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, revered as the deity of learning, becomes one of Kyoto's great traditional marketplaces at the end of the year. The Tenjin Market takes place on the 25th of every month, with the final gathering known as Shimai Tenjin. Stalls offer antiques, secondhand tools, vintage clothing and other goods. Alongside the Kobo Market at Toji, it is regarded as one of Kyoto's two major traditional temple and shrine markets. The date is connected with Michizane's birthday on June 25 and his death on February 25. The market offers a vivid example of how worship, commerce and everyday life have long shared the same sacred grounds.
Highlights
- A market associated with Sugawara no Michizane
- Antique tools, vintage clothing and traditional market stalls
- One of Kyoto's two major traditional temple and shrine markets
- A chance to explore the shrine dedicated to the deity of learning
- Good for
- Antique and vintage enthusiasts, and travelers interested in Kyoto's traditional year-end culture.
Good to know before you go
- The market normally continues until sunset.
- Check the shrine's official announcements for changes to the event.
Pochikichi's story cornerWhy is Kitano Tenmangu known as the shrine of learning?
Kitano Tenmangu enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, a scholar and statesman of the Heian period. Today, students and families visit to pray for academic success and examination results. It is also regarded as the head shrine of Japan's Tenmangu and Tenjin shrine traditions.
According to the shrine's history, it was founded in 947 during the reign of Emperor Murakami. Following divine revelations, Michizane was enshrined in Kitano, northwest of the ancient capital.
In 987, Emperor Ichijo sent an imperial messenger to pray for the peace of the nation, and the shrine received the divine title Kitano Tenman Daijizai Tenjin. The emperor himself visited in 1004, strengthening the shrine's connection with the imperial court.
This tradition of devotion continues today, alongside the market held every month on the 25th. So when visiting Kitano Tenmangu, look beyond the market stalls toward the main sanctuary dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane.
Sources: Kitano Tenmangu Official Website: About the Shrine (Japanese), Kyoto City Official Tourism Guide: Tenjin Market (Japanese)
Long ago, around hereWhat was Kitano like in the age of Heian-kyo?
Kitano lay northwest of Heian-kyo, the ancient Japanese capital. In 947, a shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane was established here following divine revelations, and the area became a center of Tenjin worship.
In 987, Emperor Ichijo sent an imperial messenger to pray for national peace. In 1004, the emperor himself visited, showing the importance of the shrine to the imperial court.
Over the centuries, market gatherings also became part of the shrine's religious tradition. Today, stalls selling antiques and vintage clothing fill the grounds on the 25th of each month. So when walking through Kitano, look at how a religious tradition dating back to the Heian period still shapes the neighborhood's market culture.
Sources: Kitano Tenmangu Official Website: Shrine History (Japanese), Kyoto City Official Tourism Guide: Tenjin Market (Japanese)
FAQ
- What is Shimai Tenjin: Year-End Tenjin Market at Kitano Tenmangu?
- A shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, revered as the deity of learning, becomes one of Kyoto's great traditional marketplaces at the end of the year. The Tenjin Market takes place on the 25th of every month, with the final gathering known as Shimai Tenjin. Stalls offer antiques, secondhand tools, vintage clothing and other goods. Alongside the Kobo Market at Toji, it is regarded as one of Kyoto's two major traditional temple and shrine markets. The date is connected with Michizane's birthday on June 25 and his death on February 25. The market offers a vivid example of how worship, commerce and everyday life have long shared the same sacred grounds.
- When is Shimai Tenjin: Year-End Tenjin Market at Kitano Tenmangu?
- On Dec 25 (Fri), 2026.
- What are the opening hours?
- From 7:00 AM (closing time: please check with the organizer)
- How much does it cost?
- See the official website for prices
- Where is it and what is the nearest station?
- Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. The nearest station is Kitano-Hakubaicho.
More in Kyoto
Festival & seasonal event
Maple Garden at the Historic Odoi Earthworks: Autumn Illumination at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Odoi Maple Garden (Kitano-Hakubaicho Sta.)
Nov 13 (Fri) – Dec 6 (Sun) Sunset–8:00 PM (last admission 7:40 PM)
Around 350 maple trees color the historic Odoi earthworks built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Illumination runs from sunset until 8:00 PM, with last admission at 7:40 PM. Admission includes a sweet inspired by the historic Kitano Grand Tea Gathering.
Details →Art exhibition
60th Anniversary Special Exhibition II: The Muses Who Modeled for Insho Domoto
Insho Domoto Museum of Fine Arts (Kitano-Hakubaicho Sta.)
Oct 15 (Thu) – Dec 20 (Sun) 09:30 – 17:00
A special exhibition celebrating the museum's 60th anniversary, exploring depictions of women that artist Insho Domoto pursued throughout his career.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
LOTUS WEEKEND 2026 at Shojokein Temple
Shojokein Temple, Head Temple of Jodo Buddhism (Demachiyanagi Sta.)
Nov 14 (Sat) – Nov 15 (Sun) 10:00 – 16:00
Held rain or shine. Check the fees and participation requirements for individual activities.
Details →Market
Sweet Treats Fair Honoring Buddhist Monk Ganjin at Mibu-dera Temple Grounds
Mibu-dera Temple Grounds (Omiya Sta.)
Nov 7 (Sat) – Nov 8 (Sun) 10:00 – 16:00
Held rain or shine, with approximately 25 vendors taking part on both days.
Details →Art exhibition
Special Exhibition: Kan'ei — Beauty Nurtured by an Age of Peace at The Museum of Kyoto
The Museum of Kyoto (Karasuma Oike Sta.)
Sep 19 (Sat) – Nov 15 (Sun) 10:00 – 18:00
Commemorating 400 years since the imperial visit of 1626 during the Kan'ei era, this exhibition explores Kyoto's culture in the early Edo period. Open until 7:30 PM on Fridays.
Details →Art exhibition
63rd Buddhist Art Exhibition at The Museum of Kyoto
The Museum of Kyoto (Karasuma Oike Sta.)
Nov 6 (Fri) – Nov 8 (Sun) 10:00 – 17:00
Discover around 300 works of Buddhist art, including Buddhist sculptures, paintings, and intricate cut-gold decoration, created by artists from across Japan.
Details →
