Kuromon Market in Minami, the heart of Osaka, is said to have started around 1822 and was approved as an official market by Osaka Prefecture in 1902. The market got the name “Kuromon Market (Black gate market)” because the gate to Enmyoji Temple near the market was black. Since then, it has been loved as Osaka’s favorite kitchen, and it has become a popular tourist attraction these days.
There are so many seafood stores that people associate Kuromon Market with pike conger and puffer fish, and about 10% of the stores are specialized in puffer fish. One of the seven Kuromon giant seafood monuments, shaped like a longtooth grouper, a red snapper, a tuna, a lobster, a crab, a puffer fish, and an octopus, is hung in each area.
The roofed market is about 580m long and has about 150 stores in a wide variety, such as specialty seafood stores for puffer fish or spotted turtles, vegetables, fruits, meat, Japanese sweets, Western sweets, and restaurants. You can feel Japan's four seasons and food culture from the seasonal produce displayed in front of the stores. They also offer a wide range of food to eat, such as grilled seafood skewers, fresh fruit juice, and soft-serve ice cream, so you can enjoy your food while strolling. A special Saturday market is held every Saturday, where you can find items at bargain prices. (as of June 2021)
Highlights
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A market in Minami, the center of Osaka.
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Seasonal ingredients such as fresh seafood, vegetables, and fruits are available.
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Some stores offer foods to eat while strolling.
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Seafood monuments such as pufferfish and octopus are displayed in the market.
