Get to know more about "Osaka's Kitchen"
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Kuromon Market (黒門市場), or “Kuromon Ichiba”, is a 580m-long market street located in Osaka’s Chuo ward.
Also known as “Naniwa no Daidokoro”(浪速の台所), which means “Osaka’s Kitchen”, this market has a history of over 190 years and has survived large fires and war attacks.
Kuromon Market is one of the largest markets in western Japan, having over 180 shops, stores, and restaurants.
Nowadays, it has become one of the “must-visit” places in the area for foreign visitors, so much so that you will find more foreign visitors than Japanese visitors.
I will show you in this article about this popular market, including its history, recommended tours, how to get there, and interesting spots around the venue.
*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.
What is Kuromon Market
As I previously stated, Kuromon Market has a long history that dates back to the mid-Edo period.
The market was first called “Enmyoji Market” because there was a nearby Buddhist Temple called “Enmyoji”(圓明寺). Fishermen and merchants would gather in front of this temple, and that’s the origin of this market.
This temple had a big black gate and that is why the market came to be known as “Kuromon Market” (“Kuromon” literally means “Black gate”). Enmyoji was destroyed by a huge fire back in 1912 so it is not there anymore, but the name of the market stuck.
The market also was half-destroyed during WWII but was rebuilt by the community.
The market used to be composed of shops selling mainly fresh fish, vegetables, fruits, and sweets. At the beginning of the 2010s, more restaurants, Izakaya, and cafes started to open and it is said that this boosted the popularity of the market for foreign visitors.
What to do & see at Kuromon Market
Kuromon Market has many different types of shops and restaurants, but the main attraction is still the fresh fish shops. About a quarter of the shops in the market are specialized in this. Restaurant chefs and homeowners come to get their supplies here because of the high quality and freshness of the seafood that you can find here. Hence the nickname “Osaka’s Kitchen”.
Other than Fresh fish, you can also find shops for fresh vegetables and fruits as well as various kinds of sweets. One of the things that make this market popular is the fact that most of these shops will prepare and serve you their food for you to try right on the spot!
The market also has several clothes and shoe shops as well as many restaurants, cafes, and Izakaya. In other words, you can spend an entire day here if you want to.
How to get to Kuromon Market
Map
Access
To Get to Kuromon Market, the simplest way is to use the Osaka Metro. The market is located just 5 minutes walking distance from Nippombashi Station (日本橋駅) Exit number 10.
It is also within walking distance from Namba Station (なんば駅) of the Nankai Line (南海本線).
Address
2 Chome Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0073
Business Hours
Business hours vary with each establishment. Many shops open typically between 8:30 and 9:00 and close between 17:00 and 18:00 but some shops or eateries may close a little later. For specific businesses, check the market’s official website.
Official Website
Tourist Reviews of Kuromon Ichiba Market
Kuromon Ichiba Market, often called “Osaka’s Kitchen,” is a paradise for food lovers, offering a vibrant mix of fresh seafood, meats, and local delicacies. With a Google rating of 4.1 from 17,887 reviews, a TripAdvisor score of 4.0 from 3,293 reviews (ranking it #1 among 7 things to do in Nippombashi), and a Yelp rating of 4.4 from 121 reviews, the market is celebrated for its rich flavors and dynamic atmosphere.
A TripAdvisor reviewer emphasized the variety and experience:
This is a must-go attraction in Osaka. There are many stalls selling different varieties of seafood. Go with an empty tummy for your breakfast there. You need to go early in order to avoid the crowd. You can also order it and eat it inside the shop for some of them. Most of them do accept Visa/Mastercard payments, though some still accept cash only.
—from TripAdvisor
Yelp reviewers often rave about the abundance of options, like this one who explored both common and rare delights:
If you are a seafood or meat lover, this place is a paradise: it’s just hard to know what to eat first and where to choose to eat it from. We sampled sushi, uni, grilled giant prawns, tempura, strawberries, and of course, fugu, since that’s one of the things Kuromon is known for. Unfortunately, we were not here in prime fugu season so the sit-down restaurants that are famous for their fugu were all closed, but we found a tiny stall that had a few fugu live in a tank that was serving fugu sashimi, pre-cut and pre-plated, so we had to try it. A bit chewy and flavorless—not sure if it makes any difference if it’s cut immediately before eating. Sadly we were too full to try the okonomiyaki and the cream-filled croissants.
—from Yelp
The market’s lively energy, diverse food offerings, and opportunities to taste freshly prepared dishes make it a must-visit destination in Osaka. Whether you’re indulging in sushi and grilled seafood or hunting for unique seasonal specialties, Kuromon Ichiba Market delivers an unforgettable culinary experience.
Tourist attractions near Kuromon Market
Kuromon Market is located in a very central area which means access to many different popular spots is relatively easy. Here are some of the popular spots located near Kuromon Market.
-1st. Kaiyukan Aquarium: One of the world’s largest public aquariums. From the smallest of sea creatures to whale sharks. If you like the sea life, then this place is a MUST!
-2nd. Osaka Castle: Arguably the most significant structure of all of Osaka. It is not only famous for its aesthetic beauty, but also because of its historic significance.
-3rd. Dotonbori: One of the most visited tourist areas in all of Osaka. Famous shop displays and flashy neon lights at night attract millions of visitors every year.
-4th. Shitennoji Temple: Said to be one of the oldest temples existing in all of Japan. You will find a beautiful Japanese garden as well as several national treasures.
-5th. Shinsaibashi: Popular shopping district with a long history. You will find here all the popular brands, both Japanese and international.
Hotels & Restaurants near Kuromon Market
Sotetsu Grand Fresa Osaka Namba (相鉄 グランドフレッサ 大阪なんば) is a hotel located within walking distance from Kuromon Market.
Although being a mid-range priced hotel, you will be surprised how complete its service is. Besides having great accessibility, this hotel offers spacious rooms, high-tech/high-security, and all the essential amenities.
You can make reservations from the following link!
<<Book “Sotetsu Grand Fresa Osaka Namba” at the best price!!>>
Here are also some articles you may find helpful when you’re looking for a place to stay in Osaka!
▶5 Best Cool and Chic Airbnb in Osaka!
When it comes to restaurants in Osaka, here are some articles you can check out to find good options during your Osaka trip!
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Written by
Born and raised in Costa Rica, I started living in Tokyo from college. I love traveling within Japan & around the world. Since I wasn’t born in Japan, I know the cultural impact that you can get when visiting Japan for the first time and what you might be worried about before your trip. And I’ve lived long enough to somewhat understand the nuances of the Japanese culture that make this country such an attractive place to visit. Hopefully I can provide to you both the information you’re looking for and the information you didn’t know you needed to know.
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