Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street | Review by Linda Liao

If you're bringing older family members to Osaka, I highly recommend adding Kuromon Market to your itinerary. For Taiwanese visitors who are used to traditional markets, it feels both familiar and new. Older visitors in particular often can't help stopping to take a closer look at the dazzling array of fruits, seafood, meat, and dried goods, compare prices, and search for ingredients that are less common in Taiwan.

Kuromon Market is located in central Osaka and has a long history. It gradually developed into a market during the Edo period, initially selling everyday necessities such as fish and vegetables. Because it has long supplied Osaka residents with their daily needs, it later earned the nickname “Osaka's Kitchen.”

Today, Kuromon Market sells not only ingredients but also plenty of freshly prepared everyday snacks, making it easy to eat as you walk around. If you don't want to eat too much, you can also buy some fruit or sweets to enjoy later at your hotel. The most interesting thing about Kuromon Market is how approachable it feels. Here, you can experience the charm of everyday life in Osaka.

I especially recommend riding the Ferris wheel at night. As it slowly rises, you can look down over Dotonbori, taking in the brightly lit city, flashing neon signs, lively streets, and dazzling nightscape of Osaka.

Ryukakusan is a well-known Japanese throat care product, suitable for everyday use when your throat feels dry or itchy or your voice is hoarse. Many drugstores in Taiwan also carry imported versions, so it's easy to buy. I usually keep some at the office and take a small spoonful to soothe my throat after talking too much.