Every 25th of the month, there is a local flea market held at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, a shrine in the central part of the city. The shrine is located quite near to Satsuki Dormitory, so it’s reachable by bike. I and Wina went there early in the morning, around 8 am, because rumor said it will be full of people in the afternoon. So we arrived very early – at the time of the seller preparing their goods.
Waiting for the shops to open, we decided to explore the shrine first. Kitano Tenmangu is one of the most important shrines in Japan. Being related to the education god, it is said that lots of students come here to pray for a good luck during their exam.
Waiting for the shops to open, we decided to explore the shrine first. Kitano Tenmangu is one of the most important shrines in Japan. Being related to the education god, it is said that lots of students come here to pray for a good luck during their exam.
As for the flea market, the shops were open in the front area of the shrine. Here, you can find various things – from second-hand kimonos, action figure, or a snack to buy. I and Wina didn’t really look for any particular goods, actually. But Wina did window shopping for second-hand kimono and we also found a fine quality leather bag sold by an English man.
After walking around, we ended up buying snacks. I have always love Japanese matsuri snacks! (I called them so just because they are the one who served at matsuri) Takoyaki, apple candy, taiyaki, frozen banana, and much more! And we also got some free sweet orange (which is pretty rare here) from an old man who happened to visit Indonesia or something like that.
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| Takoyaki!
My Indonesian friend later told me that usually there is an Indonesian who open a shop for secondhand clothes with a very cheap price. Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to meet the seller – because I came to early. Shall you want to buy something other than food, coming around 11am will be perfect since some shops are not open yet in the morning. But if you are late, probably it will be crowded with people. Have a good hunting at the market! |
