Machida Tenmangu Antique Fair – 町田天満宮がらくた

A fairly large open-air antique market with over 120 sellers operating from dawn to dusk inside the compound of the shrine, the Machida Tenmangu Antique Fair ((Machida Tenmangu Garakuta Kotto-ichi) is also a hearty bunch since the Fair is held rains or shines! 

Held every month (except in January), the fair hosts dealers from Tokyo’s nearby suburbs, who come to Machida Tenmangu to sell a nice selection of traditional Japanese antiques. From vintage Kimonos to porcelain tableware, 1940s furniture and traditional decor items, the Machida Tenmangu Antique Fair is another great venue to go antiques shopping in Tokyo.

In addition to its antiques fair, Machida Tenmangu is a venue of interest, mainly because of its temple. As a matter of facts, the main building composing the shrine is a true piece of art in itself, featuring two ox statues (Tenmangu shrines usually only have one ox statue). Many Tokyo resident visit the Machida Tenmangu shrine throughout the day to pray there, especially before exam time, since Tenmangu shrines are believed to be efficient in helping student pass their exams…