Kuromon Ichiba

Kuromon Ichiba is a lively market that is typical of Osaka, known as the “kitchen of Osaka” and bustling with many people.

The market is lined with a wide variety of stores, including fresh fish stores and fruit and vegetable stores, and about 180 stores are lined up in a 580-meter-long “Ki-ji” shape.

The area offers a wide range of fresh food products and is known as a treasure trove of food in Osaka City. The number of fresh fish stores is as large today as it has ever been, with some specializing in salmon, tuna, puffer fish, and suppon (soft-shelled turtle).

Along with Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market, this market is a popular tourist attraction for foreigners, and events such as an appreciation festival and raffles with foodstuffs and gift certificates are held here.

The history of this market dates back to the Edo period (1603-1867), when the temple Enmeiji was located here and the market was called “Enmeji Market.

After the temple was destroyed by a large fire, the current Kuromon Market was born, and the market, which had about 20 restaurants, expanded into a shopping district as new stores opened one after another.

Also, Enmei-ji Temple burned down and was relocated, but its black gate remained in front of the market, hence the market became known as “Kuromon Ichiba” (Kuromon Market).

Today, the market is famous for its hamo (yellowtail) in summer and fugu (blowfish) in winter, and is home to a wide variety of stores offering everything from eateries, vegetables, fruits, meat, pickles, dried foods, and Japanese and Western confectionery.

The market is loved by locals as a place where they can experience Osaka’s traditional food culture and enjoy a wide variety of dishes that are befitting Osaka, a city of gourmands.