Kawagoe Shrine Sale

the main aisle of the market

On the second day of our family's visit, I take them to the Kawagoe Shrine Sale.  This takes place on the grounds of Narita-san Kawagoe Betsu-in and occurs on the 28th of each month, no matter what day of the week it falls on.  This is about 40 km north of Tokyo, so it takes over an hour to get there, but it's considered one of the better flea/antique markets with unusual and high quality dealers.  It's worth it!

It takes about 25 minutes to walk from Kawagoe Station, so you might want use a bus or a taxi to get there.  There are the normal city buses along with a red tourist bus.  The red bus is cheaper, but it's small and very crowded.  The taxi takes around 12 minutes, so it's not too expensive - less than $10.  When we go we have to take two taxis because there are more than four of us.  To make sure we end up at the same spot, I have this to show the taxi drivers: 

蚤の市に行きますので、成田山別院の正門（山門）までお願いします。

住所：川越市久保町９－２

It works!  We arrive at the same place.  I haven't lost anyone yet!

Depending on your level of interest, you could spend 1-2 hours exploring the different booths.  We break apart and go our separate ways, with plans to meet up after an hour (then we decide to stay another 45 minutes after that).  There are a variety of items for sale and everyone in my family ends up buying something.

Need a new dish?

Facing one of the side entrances

Looking for a fur?

Jewelry, anyone?

As usual at a Japanese shrine, there are interesting statues around...

I don't actually know what this is...

One of the obi/kimono vendors

Of course, my favorite vendors are the ones with used obis and kimonos - and there are numerous sellers here.  The prices range from around $5 - $120 for an obi and similar prices for the kimonos.  You can find many at the lower price range ($5-10 for an obi). You can also find rolls of chirimen fabric.

More obis and kimonos

My favorite section is under the main shrine building.  I always seem to find good things down here!  Even the stairs leading down to the "basement" are lined with piles of obis.
 

Treasures to be found down here!

Lots of obis to look through!

Back at street level, if you walk around the right side of the main building and towards the back exit, you'll see a vendor selling many obis for $5 each. 

One of the piles of $5 obis!

Unfortunately, I don't think to take a picture of everyone with their purchased goodies!  I can tell this is our fifth set of guests - we're not as good about taking photos. 

the shrine sale from the stairs of the main building

Afterwards we walk three minutes down the main street to Spice Kitchen, an Indian restaurant.  It takes awhile to get our food, but it's good.  We then ask the restaurant to call two taxis for us, because they're not as prevalent on the streets of Kawagoe like they are in downtown Tokyo.  Luckily I've brought my little shopping cart, so we're easily able to carry all our bounty home!