Antique fair

1. Koboichi is an en-nichi held at the To-ji temple of Kyoto on the 21st of every month. En-nichi now means a fair where many stalls are put up for business. But originally en-nichi meant a day when the gods come down to “contact” the world, so it is said to be a good day for worshipping.

2. There are about 1,200 to 1,300 stalls at Koboichi and 200,000 visitors every month. You can find various goods from antiques and used clothes to apparently useless junk. Unlike common flea markets, shop proprietors here are mostly professionals.

3. No written hours are posted, but the fair is open from early morning through late afternoon, rain or shine.

4. Because many international visitors come to the fair, many shops display English signs. Koboichi is a place of treasures where people of any age and taste can discover something delightful.