Kitano Tenjin

Kitano Tenjin is a Shinto shrine that hosts one of the city's three major flee markets. On the 25th of every month throngs of local bargain hunters and tourists descend upon the shrine. The flea mareet has expanded exponentially since I first knew it and now includes the trappings of a traditional summer festival, with food and games for little kids

Antique traders now circle the shrine selling a lot of old junk. The vintage silk kimonos have been replaced by suspiciously new garments selling fort as low as around $6.   "They're not all made in China," said Kaori, one of the vendors.

Mr. Tamaka describes himself as a bonsai master and has been working Kyoto's flea markets for the last 27 years

This guy is selling tako yaki (octopus balls), an indispensable feature in neighborhood festivals