Established in 796, To-ji Temple has the oldest remaining Esoteric sculptures, and the highest pagoda, a 55 meters high five storied pagoda, in Japan. The temple is registered as one of the 17 world heritage sites in Kyoto.

At this historic site opens the Garakuta Antique & Handicraft Market for antique fans. The market is not too crowded with a relaxing atmosphere. Here, one can find expensive antiques that cost millions, to nostalgic things, and some odd ends in reasonable prices.

This park locates between Heian Jingu Shrine and its enormous Torii Gate. The shrine was built in 1895, designed after the Imperial Court Palace in Heian Period (794 to 1185). Okazaki area is a well known cultural zone by locals, having museums, galleries, a library, a zoo, and event halls.

Being held in this cultural area, each work at this market has a characteristic and creative sense. Touch the Japanese culture and spirit by communicating at stalls, workshops, or at the handwork boothes.

The name Hyakumanben came from the 8th chief monk, Zenakuen-shonin who chanted prayers 1000,000 times (Hyakumanben in Japanese) when an epidemic broke out in Kyoto during 14th century. Today, people call not only the temple, but the whole area Hyakumanben.

Hyakumanben-san Handicraft Market started in 1987, as a place for amateur artists to show their handmade works. Today, the most historical and famous handicraft market in Kyoto delivers all sorts of unique and heartwarming handmade works.

Established in 796, To-ji Temple was handed to Kobo-daishi (Kukai) in 823. Flourished as the main Dojo seminary of Esoteric Buddhism, the temple has the oldest remaining Esoteric sculptures, and the highest pagoda in Japan; the 55 meters high five storied pagoda.

The largest and historical market in Kyoto started from visiting the temple to pray for Kobo-daishi every 21st, in anniversary of his death. As the visiting became popular, green tea was served to visitors. More stalls started to open from Edo Period (1603 to 1868), and today, the market sells everything related to daily living, where 200,000 people visit from all over the world.

This shrine was established in 947 as the head shrine of Tenmangu shrines, dedicated to a Heian Period (794 to 1185) scholar and statesman, Sugawara-no-Michizane (845 to 903). He is known as the god of academics, where students visit to make prayers of success in school.

Many people started to visit the shrine every 25th, in anniversary of Michizane’s day of birth and death. Entertainment shows such as Sumo wrestling and Rakugo comic storytelling are said to be held during the Genroku Years (1688 to 1704), and became more like a market in the early 20th century. The market today handles daily goods, antiques, handicrafts, food, and many more.

This shrine is one of the 17 world heritage sites, and one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto established in 678. There are 2 National Treasures and dozens of Important Cultural Properties in the ground. Cherry blossoms bloom in Spring, and Autumn leaves redden in Fall.

At this historic site opens Kamigamo Handicraft Market, starting from 2006. Stalls line beside the stream selling bakery, sweets, traditional handicrafts, and modern artworks. Feel the spirit of Japanese handicraft at the market.