The Heian Flea Market is a popular monthly event held in Kyoto, just outside the famous Heian Shrine. This open-air market features over 150 vendors selling a wide range of antiques, vintage goods, handcrafted items, and locally made products. It’s a great place to discover hidden treasures, unique souvenirs, and one-of-a-kind crafts while enjoying a lively, community-oriented atmosphere.
Set against the scenic backdrop of Heian Shrine and Okazaki Park, the market blends Kyoto’s traditional charm with modern creativity. Both locals and tourists gather here to explore, shop, eat, and enjoy a relaxed Sunday morning in one of the city’s most beautiful areas.
When and Where Is It Held?
The Heian Flea Market is usually held on the second Sunday of each month at Okazaki Park in Kyoto, right next to the Heian Shrine. The market typically runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, although times may vary slightly depending on the weather and vendors.
Admission is free, and no reservation is needed to attend. However, the schedule may occasionally change due to weather conditions or local events, so it’s a good idea to check the official social media accounts before your visit.
Location:
Okazaki Park, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto (next to Heian Shrine)
How to Get to the Heian Market
🚇 By Subway
Take the Kyoto Subway Tozai Line and get off at Higashiyama Station. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk north through a scenic area filled with museums and traditional buildings.
🚌 By Bus
You can also take a Kyoto City Bus and get off at either:
- “Okazaki Koen / Bijutsukan, Heian Jingu-mae”
- “Jingu-michi”
Both stops are just a few minutes’ walk from the market.
🚶 On Foot or by Bicycle
If you’re staying nearby (e.g. Gion or the Philosopher’s Path area), you can easily reach the market by walking or renting a bicycle. It’s a lovely area to explore on your way.
From Browsing to Creating Value: A More Active Way to Enjoy Flea Markets
Visiting a flea market like the Heian Flea Market is often a passive pleasure.
You wander, browse, and occasionally discover something special by chance.
For some visitors, however, the experience doesn’t end there.
After returning home, they begin to actively think about the value of what they found — how to describe it, how to present it, and how others might see it.
In Japan, platforms like Mercari turn this process into a more interactive and creative experience.
Listing an item, writing a clear description, and responding to questions from potential buyers can be surprisingly enjoyable, especially for those who like learning through action.
That said, understanding the rules and handling buyer questions in Japanese can be challenging at first.
For people who want to enjoy this active side of flea markets without unnecessary stress,
a Mercari question support service can make the process much smoother.
Heian Shrine: The Perfect Backdrop
The Heian Flea Market is set against the breathtaking backdrop of Heian Shrine (平安神宮), one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks. Built in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto (formerly Heian-kyo), the shrine is a striking example of traditional Japanese architecture, modeled after the original Imperial Palace from the Heian period.
Its massive torii gate, wide open plaza, and beautifully landscaped Japanese gardens provide a peaceful and majestic setting that enhances the charm of the flea market. Visitors often enjoy combining a morning of market browsing with a leisurely walk around the shrine grounds or a visit to the nearby art museums and canal paths.
The shrine’s cultural significance and photogenic surroundings make it more than just a backdrop — it’s part of the entire experience. Whether you’re shopping, sightseeing, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, Heian Shrine adds a layer of elegance and historical depth to your visit.
