Prices are kind of tourist-area pricing—not cheap. But I still end up buying sometimes. The wagyu, uni, and grilled scallops are seriously irresistible, and my self-control goes out the window fast.
Kuromon Market | Review by Nelson Char
Other Reviews by Nelson Char
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Osaka Kizu Wholesale Market
One of the largest privately-operated regional wholesale markets in Japan, Osaka Kizu Wholesale Market draws droves of professional chefs seeking top-quality ingredients. With a history spanning nearly 300 years, the market originated in the Edo period as a “nodachi-uri” (open-air trade market) where people brought their goods to sell.
Coming early in the morning really makes a difference. The seafood all looked super fresh, and the sashimi colors were insanely beautiful.
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Tsutenkaku Tower
A steel tower which looks like the Eiffel Tower and 75 meters high was built In 1912, on top of a building which was the motif of the Arc de Triomphe, and named “Tsutenkaku” meaning “A building reaching the heaven'' by Nangaku Fujisawa, a Confucian in the early Meiji period. After being broken down due to a fire, citizens lobbied for rebuilding and the current 2nd Tsutenkaku was built in 1956.
As soon as you get to Shinsekai, you’ll spot Tsutenkaku right away—it’s so easy to recognize. Going up to the observation deck was decent, but honestly the main thing is shopping and wandering around down below.
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Tower of Osaka Castle
Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who unified the country during the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568-1600), began construction of the tower of Osaka Castle in 1583 and completed it in 1585. The castle was later destroyed during the Osaka Natsu no Jin（summer campaign of Osaka） in 1615, but was rebuilt by the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1626. However, the castle keep was destroyed by lightning in 1665. In 1931, the castle tower of the Toyotomi period was reconstructed with donations from Osaka citizens.
The castle keep really stands out—you can spot it from far away. It totally has that “yep, I’ve been to Osaka” vibe.
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