Two areas were officially set aside for markets in Heian, one in either half of the city. They were accordingly called the East and West Markets. In the early years the East market would be open for the first fifteen days of each month, on an alternating schedule with the West Market. Gates were opened at noon, and closed at sunset after a large drum was struck three times. Criminals were subject to public flogging there as a means of deterring crime. With the decline of the Ukyo district in the southwestern part of the city, the West Market soon ceased to be used. Efforts to revive it included limiting the sale of certain goods to the West Market and the establishment of public financial institution there, but it eventually closed in the middle of the ninth century. Over time, the East Market also changed in character, developing from a place of commerce to a location for festivals. Trade expanded into the city itself and centered at the intersections of various thoroughfares.

Back to Kyoto History and Background

Back to the main Kyoto page