The Tennoji Market

Every 21st and 22nd of every month the Tennoji Market comes to life.

Shin Tennoji Temple is the oldest temple in all of Japan. It was created by Prince Shotoku who brought Buddhism over from China to Japan. Also, it just happens to be conveniently located just twenty minutes from my apartment.

On market days, hundreds of venders line the temple grounds. Anything from antique silk kimonos to dried fruits and okonomiyaki (a famous Osaka specialty) are sold in volumes.

Expect to find the deal of a lifetime. An ignorant shopper need not worry so much about getting hustled or conned because it is considered extremely bad to lie, cheat, or steel on temple grounds.

Personally, I enjoyed the kimono stands and antiques the most. They had rows and rows of silk kimonos from Kyoto. Because some of them were stained or slightly damaged I was able to purchase a full set, that is a kimono, and obi, and the ties for only 500 yen. That's less than ten dollars US for SILK!!!

Japan is also well known for its beautiful lacquer-ware. Artistic boxes and treys that have been painted with a design and covered in lacquer. I was able to find a beautiful music box still in working condition. The inside panel was slightly damaged but that's nothing a fresh lining can't fix. Total cost for the music box, 300 yen or about five dollars US.

The stands also carried modern brands such as coach, Louis Vetton, and even Tiffany's.

Food. There were all kinds of Japanese snacks and meals. Yaki soba, okonomiyaki, yaki niku, home made rice crackers, Japanese tea cakes, fresh sweet bread filled with custard and or red bean, and of course takoyaki.

There was also a man who lives out in the country and roasts his own coffee. He had a fascinating roasting process, however his free sample left much to be desired. I admire his fervor though.

The last thing worth mentioning is that on these two days access to the temple is free. So you can get a lot of culture and souvenirs for a low price.

What a great day, I think I will return next month as well.