Feature
Five of Kansai’s Best Outdoor Markets
Get outside and explore the handicrafts, fresh produce, and bric-a-brac on offer at these superb local markets.
Kamigamo Tezukuri-ichi
Kyoto is generally viewed as the hub of beautiful handmade goods, so it’s no wonder that this traditional town is home to bustling markets of all kinds. There are tons of great ones in the city, yet some of the best are off the beaten path. One of the most unique is the Kamigamo Tezukuri-ichi (or “Kamigamo Handicraft Market”), an outdoor market located on the grounds of Kamigamo Shrine, a World Heritage Site. This market features mainly craft vendors – {tezukuri} means “handmade” after all – selling all kinds of things. It’s located near the Kamo River in a very natural environment that feels miles away from the city. There is grass, trees, and a creek that runs straight through the grounds. People often bring tarps and blankets and set up picnics alongside it where they relax after browsing the 250 plus vendors’ stalls. This is truly one of the more pleasant market experiences, the likes of which only a place as historic and tranquil as Kyoto could offer.
When: Monthly on the 4th Sunday from 9:00~16:00 (weather permitting)
Where: Kamigamo Shrine, 3-3-9 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita-ku, Kyoto
kamigamo-tedukuriichi.com
