Visiting the Kuromon Market (Kuromon Ichiba) is one of the best things to do in Osaka, and one of the oldest markets in Japan. Osaka is renowned for being one of the most food-obsessed cities in Japan, so the Kuromon Market is one of the best places to embrace the city’s dynamic and mouthwatering food scene. The Kuromon Market was truly one of the highlights of our 2 days in Osaka!

In this short guide to the Kuromon Market, I’ve shared the best things to eat in the Kuromon Market, and when to visit.

History of the Kuromon Market

Kuromon Market is said to date back nearly 200 years, to the Edo Period (1603-1868), which makes it the oldest surviving market in Japan. The market in its current form dates back to 1902. Also known as Kuromon Ichiba, which translates to “Black Gate Market”, named for the black gates of Emyoji Temple, a temple which was near the market until it burned down in 1912.

What to Eat at the Kuromon Market

Sushi at the Kuromon Market

The best sushi and sashimi at Kuromon Market is at Entoki Maguro, which specialises in tuna sashimi. Entoki has been at Kurmon Market since 1927 – nearly 100 years! It has stood the test of time, and serves the freshest sashimi I’ve ever tasted. The woman managing Entoki was so warm and friendly, and made such an effort to explain the sashimi available despite the language barrier. 

They have a diagram hanging above the sashimi cabinet, which explains the several cuts of tuna, which all offer a different flavour and texture. We chose a selection of 3 cuts of tuna, and one piece of salmon, which was heaven!

There is a small dining area at the back of Entoki, so you can eat in.

Takoyaki

Osaka is famous for takoyaki, which was invented in Osaka in the 1930s. Takoyaki is a ball of batter & dice octopus, with pickled ginger and green onion. Served in trays of 6-8 takoyaki, they’re brushed with takoyaki sauce and mayonnaise, and piled high with shavings of dried bonito. T

akoyaki is a quintessential Japanese street food, and you’ll find it throughout the Kuromon Market. Be warned, fresh takoyaki come boiling hot!

Kobe Beef Skewers

Kobe beef is some of the best beef in the world, and comes from the Japanese city of Kobe which is a short distance from Osaka. Kobe beef comes with a hefty price tag, especially if you want to try it at a restaurant in Osaka. At the Kuromon Market, there is a stall that offers Kobe Beef skewers – they’re expensive at 4000 yen ($40 AUD / $25 USD / 20 GBP), but if you think of it as one of the most affordable ways to try Kobe beef (without cooking it yourself), it’s a bit of a steal!

Cinderella Croissant

I haven’t been able to find a name for this store, but it’s on the corner of an intersection within the Kuromon Market, so if you walk the length of the market you’ll find it. They serve coffee, pastries, and a Cinderella Croissant, filled with fresh Hokkaido cream. Look for the signs for the Cinderella croissant, and a plastic cow outside the cafe. The croissant itself is decent but not remarkable (if you’ve had excellent croissants before), but the Hokkaido cream filling is just about worth flying to Osaka for. Divine!

Mochi

Mochi is one of the most popular sweet treats in Japan, and you can get your hands on a variety of mochi at the Kuromon Market. Mochi is a sweet, glutinous rice cake, often filled with fruit, red bean paste or other sweet fillings. Mochi comes in all shapes and sizes, and you’ll find a variety of mochi treats at the Kuromon Market!

A Market inside a Market

One of the best places to eat in the Kuromon Market if you’re really hungry is a collection of street food stalls, which are grouped together in a large restaurant space, off the main hall of the market – like a market within a market. You’ll be able to spot the brightly coloured lanterns hanging from the ceiling. Inside, you’ll find around a dozen street food stalls, serving a range of delicious Japanese dishes, such as tuna sashimi, gyoza, Wagyu croquettes, yakitori (skewers), and so much more! This was one of my favourite stops in the market.

Seafood

Around a quarter of the stalls in Kuromon Market sell fresh seafood, which is a staple in Japanese cuisine. From squid to sashimi, to crab sticks, oysters and scallops, you’ll find so much delicious seafood at the Kuromon Market.

During winter, you’ll also find fugu, which is puffer fish. Puffer fish is a delicacy in Japan, but is illegal to serve everywhere else in the world because it is deadly, if not cooked perfectly. Personally, I avoided puffer fish because it seemed too risky to be worthwhile!

Tempura

Tempura prawns, scallops and vegetables are a popular Japanese starter & street food, and make for a great snack at the Kuromon Market. You’ll find tempura snacks and skewers all over the market. Tempura was influenced by Portuguese sailors, who brought the battering technique to Japan.

Kuromon Market Opening Hours

The Kuromon Market Opening hours vary by store, but many are open between 8am-4pm. Some are open as late as 6pm, but I find markets are best visited before 2 or 3pm each day.

How to get to Kuromon Market Osaka

The closest subway station to Kuromon Market is Nippombashi Station.

Is Kuromon Market worth visiting?

Yes! Kuromon Market is one of the best things to do in Osaka, especially if you love Japanese food or exploring international cuisines.

Summary

In summary, the Kuromon Market is worth visiting in Osaka because it’s one of the oldest markets in Japan and has some of the best street food in the city. Try the cinderella croissant, takoyaki, sashimi, mochi and tempura – and come hungry! Get the subway to Nippombashi Station, which is a very short walk from Kuromon Market.

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