Toji Hatsu-Kobo: First Kobo-ichi Market of the Year

On the 21st of every month, Toji holds the Mieku memorial service in thanks to Kobo Daishi (Kukai), and its grounds fill with close to 1,000 stalls for the market known as Kobo-ichi. January 21 brings Hatsu-Kobo, the first market of the year, with the Mieku service held in the Miedo hall from 10:00. Walking between the stalls with the National Treasure five-story pagoda overhead is something you can only do on market days at this World Heritage temple. It is within walking distance of Kyoto Station, so it fits easily into half a day of New Year sightseeing.

Kukai, the monk known as Kobo Daishi, entered eternal meditation on the 21st day of the third month of the old calendar. In thanks to him, Toji holds the Mieku memorial service in the Miedo hall every 21st, and the date came to be called "Kobo-san's day". On that day close to 1,000 stalls fill the temple grounds, which is how the Kobo-ichi market became a fixture. The Miedo hall where the service takes place is free to enter, and anyone can walk the market.