Toji temple | Flea Market on 21st | Holy day

Toji temple东寺, which literally mean East temple was the sister temple

to Saiji temple (west temple).

Toji temple was the capital's guardian temple which was founded at beginning of

Heian period and now registered as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Toji temple became Shingon temple after the Japanese Buddhism's founder,

Kobo Daishi appointed as the head proes of Toji.

This is then all the large wooden buildings introduced 

into this site.

There will be flea market happening in the temple on the 21st day of each month

which adding another interesting socio culture aspect to Kyoto.
Toji market was well known with this tradition and cuture where

there will be thousands of vendors selling their own product

range from the uniquely Japanese clothes to electronic product.

  From the entrance, the stalls begin to spread from outside to inside.

In between the market, there is still some area that is still maintained as
praying area for the visitor to pray.

The market area can be divided into a few category according to the zone.

The activity spread from the temple's gate until the other gateway where

there is approximately 1200 vendors in total.

The vendors range from pottery, imperial Army uniforms to snacks and food.

In between you can find some other special collection of

traditional Japanese culture and clothes like kimono, yukata and their crafts.

Almost everything is free to try which attract more 

people to come along this market and shopping.

Toji temple was amplified by the Landscape design and the timber architecture.
The traditional Japanese garden filled with Lotus Flower, greenary and carps which then
adds another beautiful scenary and atmosphere to the flea market.
The visitor can enjoy strolling in the garden,
giving a break from the market by watching and relaxing around the garden.

The hierarchy- five stories pagoda.

Meanwhile, we are able to bound to run into some Buddhist pries with clad in ochre robes

around the temple area.

The visitor can pray and also observe the priest performing their prayers

at one of the many sub temples which is just besides the bustle of the market.