Kyoto Yoichi (京都夜市), a night market that has welcomed a cumulative 100,000 visitors and is one of the largest of its kind in Kyoto, is making its first-ever appearance at Fujii Daimaru — a long-established department store preparing for a renovation closure in May 2026. The venue is the basement level 1 special event space, ordinarily used as the store's food hall, where the energy of Kyoto's night market culture will be brought indoors as "Depa-Chika no Ennichi" (Department Store Basement Festival).
The event is produced by Kyoto Yoichi, which has been cultivating a new nighttime landmark in front of Higashi Hongan-ji Temple at Otosan Plaza. Its open-air energy is condensed and curated for an indoor setting, featuring food, sweets, crafts, and workshops, alongside street performances including street shows and sarumawashi (monkey entertainment). The everyday shopping space will be transformed into a festive experience for visitors of all generations.
Kyoto Yoichi has also been gaining wide attention on social media — primarily Instagram and Threads — recording over 800,000 monthly views. It has been drawing visitors, including younger audiences and tourists, as a fresh form of nighttime culture in Kyoto.
4 Highlights of the Event
1. A Twist: The Night Market Comes Underground
The open-air energy of the night market in front of Higashi Hongan-ji is brought into the basement of a department store. With a Showa and Heisei retro culture theme, everyday shopping space is transformed into a festive, celebratory atmosphere.
2. Sarumawashi Inside a Department Store — Traditional Meets Modern
The special stage on the basement level will feature sarumawashi (monkey entertainment), a traditional performance rarely seen inside department stores. Combined with street shows and magic acts, the space becomes a place for entertainment across all generations.
3. A Fujii Daimaru-Style Festival Where Fashion and the Marketplace Meet
Building on Fujii Daimaru's strengths in fashion and culture, a market zone featuring young chefs and creators will be set up. Neo-retro items and experiences with appeal to younger visitors will be on offer.
4. A Kyoto Project with High Social Media Reach
Kyoto Yoichi has consistently generated buzz on Instagram, Threads, and other platforms, recording over 800,000 views per month. It continues to grow as a new way to enjoy Kyoto's nighttime, particularly among younger audiences.
Event Details
Event Name: Kyoto Yoichi in Fujii Daimaru – Depa-Chika no Ennichi
Venue: Fujii Daimaru, Basement Level 1, Special Event Space
(605 Sadayasumaenocho, Teramachi-dori Shijo Sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto)
Admission: Free
Round 1
Dates: Thursday, March 19 – Sunday, March 22, 2026
Hours: 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM
Round 2
Dates: Wednesday, April 29 (holiday) – Sunday, May 3 (holiday), 2026
Hours: 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM
