Kuromon Market in Osaka: Access, Culinary Delights, and Shopping Tips

Visit Osaka's Kuromon Market

Osaka's Kuromon Market boasts a history of over 200 years. In its early days, it was known as Engyoji Market because it was located near Engyoji Temple. Later, the temple's main gate was painted black, leading to its current name, Kuromon ("black gate").

Kuromon Market once experienced a decline. To revive business opportunities, it transformed into a popular sightseeing spot suitable for walking and eating, attracting many visitors.

Kuromon Market Guide

1. How to Get to Kuromon Market
2. Affordable Foods and Convenient Facilities at Kuromon Market
3. Shopping and Drugstores at Kuromon Market
4. Osaka Landmarks near Kuromon Market

How to Get to Kuromon Market

Kuromon Market is located in Osaka's Namba area, with several different transportation routes available:

The quickest and most convenient way is using the Sennichimae Line, Sakaisuji Line, or Kintetsu Line to get off at Nippombashi Station and walk out from Exit 10, which takes less than 5 minutes on foot.

If you come from Namba, start from Takashimaya and head toward Shinsaibashi, passing through the entire shopping street of Namba Nankai-dori. If you see the Napa Plaza Hotel on your right, your destination is getting closer, and the entire trip takes about over 10 minutes.

Kuromon Market Map

Photo by Kuromon Market Official Website
The official website of Kuromon Market has thoughtfully created a Kuromon Market Map (Japanese).

In addition to the relative locations of the shops within the market, the locations of restrooms and first aid facilities are also marked. Remember to save it on your phone before you head out so you won't panic and get lost when you arrive.

Popular Foods and Helpful Facilities at Kuromon Market

Photo by Mina-Mi Store
As mentioned, locals in Osaka usually don't head to Kuromon Market to go grocery shopping due to the large crowds.

However, in winter, the most famous pufferfish at Kuromon Market continues to attract Osaka residents. About 60% of the country's pufferfish consumption is concentrated in Osaka!

In addition to pufferfish, twe have compiled a few budget-friendly food options at Kuromon Market.

Maru: Instagram Popular Melon Soft Serve Ice Cream

Although the number of locals from Osaka visiting Kuromon Market has decreased, the interest of visitors from other parts of Japan in the market remains strong.

This large, generous melon halved and topped with soft serve ice cream has become a recent popular photo-worthy treat at Kuromon Market. Delicious and photogenic, it’s not to be missed!

Moreover, the shop has seating, so you can sit down and enjoy without worrying about eating messily. If you can't finish half a melon, a 1/4 size option is also available.

Maru
Address: 2-11-8 Nihonbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
Business Hours: 10:00 - 17:00
Holidays: Irregular

Kuromon Sanpei: Savor Fresh Sashimi

Locals highly affirm Sanpei's sashimi quality. Although it attracts crowds, this shop offers excellent value for money. It has even been awarded the Osaka Prefecture Food Safety and Assurance Certification, guaranteeing you can enjoy fresh and safe seafood here.

Interestingly, Japanese netizens highly recommend not the tuna but the melt-in-your-mouth salmon sashimi.

Kuromon Sanpei
Address: 1-22-25 Nihonbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka City
Business Hours: 9:00 - 18:30 (dine-in until 18:00, no reservations, open year-round)

Maguroya Kurogin: Order the Hit Tuna Seafood Bowls

For fresh tuna dishes, we recommend visiting the Specialty Tuna Store Maguroya Kurogin to try their most popular three-color seafood bowl, which is packed with seafood and only costs 1,500 yen.

If you want to taste the seafood offerings at Kuromon Market but don't have a big appetite, you can also order a half-bowl portion!

Maguroya Kurogin
Address: 2-11-1 Nihonbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka City
Business Hours: 8:00 - 17:00 (until sold out, dine-in until 15:00)
Holidays: Irregular and January 1 - 4

Maguro no Entoki

If both of the above places are crowded, we recommend Maguro no Entoki, which has branches in both Shinsaibashi and Kuromon Market. The Kuromon Market branch is located in a less conspicuous spot, reducing the chances of overcrowding.

The main product is black tuna from Nagasaki, with the "otoro sushi" (fatty tuna sushi) being the most popular. Depending on market fluctuations, the price ranges from 2,000 to 2,900 yen. While it’s not cheap, given the premium quality of the tuna belly, it can be considered reasonable.

Maguro no Entoki
Address: 1-21-7 Nihonbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka City
Business Hours: 8:00 - 16:00
Holidays: Sundays and public holidays, irregular holidays on Wednesdays

Uofuku Charcoal Grilled Seafood

Those hesitant to eat sashimi or are traveling with children should head to Uofuku, directly across from the Specialty Tuna Store Maguroya Kurogin.

Uofuku specializes in charcoal-grilled seafood. You can simply point to what you want, and the owner will grill it for you.

Watching the juices sizzle and burst out provides an exquisite sense of happiness and an irresistible aroma. However, it is also recognized as a high-priced option by the locals. It's up to travelers to decide whether they are willing to pay this price to satisfy their cravings.

Uofuku
Address: 2-3-7 Nihonbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka City
Business Hours: 9:00 - 16:00
Holidays: Irregular and January 1

Nishikawa Fresh Fish Shop

If you love oysters, Nishikawa Fresh Fish Shop is a place locals rave about. You can pick and choose from fresh oysters or place freshly delivered seafood from the stall into a basket. Then, you can have staff prepare or cook the food on-site.

Oysters can be enjoyed raw or grilled, and prices vary depending on the variety. All are marked for your peace of mind. The plump, fresh oysters burst with juice when you take a big bite, and the staff is very friendly towards customers. English communication is available, too!

Nishikawa Fresh Fish Shop
Address: 2-3-4 Nihonbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka City
Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Holidays: Irregular

Yamada's Shop: Order a Pipping Bowl of Offal

Friends who love offal won't be able to resist the enticing aroma of stir-fried dishes, especially the Bakudan Hormone (600 yen). This dish can only be found in Osaka, a renowned city of cuisine!

Yamada's Shop
Address: 2-3-2 Nihonbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka City
Business Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 (open year-round)

Ishibashi Shokuhin

Even cheaper than convenience stores, Ishibashi Shokuhin offers delicious oden dishes.

Especially after enjoying sashimi, a hot cup of oden is perfect for warming the stomach, with flavorful, juicy white radish and other fish cake ingredients that make it ideal for breakfast.

Ishibashi Shokuhin
Address: 2-2-20 Nihonbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka City
Business Hours: 9:00 - 18:00
Holidays: Sundays and public holidays

Daiwa Kaen

Although Kuromon Market is a food market, travelers looking for inexpensive fruits may be slightly disappointed. Now, we'll introduce a fruit shop that, while not the cheapest, has been in business for over 70 years: Daiwa Kaen Round.

You can find their counters in train stations and department stores like Takashimaya. A cup of their fruit juice costs about 380 yen but comes with quality assurance from an established shop. Travelers can easily enjoy the deliciousness of this renowned brand.

Daiwa Kaen Round
Address: 1-22-20 Nihonbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka City
Business Hours: 9:00 - 18:00
Holidays: Sundays and New Year's Day from January 1 - 4

Niku no Maruzen (Maruzen Butcher Shop) - Kuromon Market Branch

Kuromon Market's Niku no Maruzen (Maruzen Butcher Shop) is listed as a must-try spot for visitors. The shop purchases whole female beef directly from the Kobe wholesale market, ensuring you can savor the best quality Wagyu or Kobe beef here.

They offer on-site cooking services, and you can dine inside the shop. After your meal, you'll even receive a complimentary "certificate" to prove that you've genuinely enjoyed delicious wagyu rather than just taking photos!

Niku no Maruzen
Address: 2-11-2 Nihonbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka City
Business Hours: 7:30 - 19:00

Noodle House 7.5Hz: Taste the Delicious Soy Sauce Ramen

Many people visiting Japan want to try different styles of ramen from various regions. In the Osaka area, the chain Noodle House 7.5Hz serves the representative style of Takaida Ramen.

Made from chicken bones and kelp, the soy sauce broth is rich yet not greasy. The savory broth paired with their uniquely thick, straight noodles provides a chewy texture that is satisfying with every bite.

Noodle House 7.5Hz
Address: 1-16-8 Nihonbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka City
Business Hours: 10:00 - 20:30
Holidays: Thursdays

Menya Joroku Ramen

Menya Joroku Ramen, a chain ramen shop in Osaka, has high ratings on Japanese food review websites. It features a perfect combination of rich pork bone, and dried fish broth simmered for 12 hours.

The slightly robust flavor of the broth pairs well with medium-thick noodles, and the locals greatly appreciate its smooth texture.

The handmade gyoza (fried dumplings), each carefully wrapped, have chewy skin and a juicy filling, making them a highly popular side dish choice!

Menya Joroku Ramen
Address: 2-4-1 Nihonbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka City
Business Hours: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Holidays: Sundays

Kuromon Market Service Center

The service center in Kuromon Market allows for direct currency exchange and baggage storage (for a fee) and provides a resting area with tables and chairs. It's a great spot to relax when you're tired. There’s even free Wi-Fi and capsule toys, which is very considerate.

Shopping and Drugstores at Kuromon Market

Four drugstores are inside Kuromon Market: Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Daikoku, Kokumin, and OS DRUG.

OS DRUG has always been the most recommended drugstore online. Although it does not offer tax refunds and only accepts cash, it still displays attractive prices, making it easy for shoppers to add items directly to their baskets without comparing prices.

Address: 1-21-3 Nihonbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka City
Business Hours: 9:00 - 18:50
Holidays: Open year-round

24-Hour Supermarket Kuromon Nakagawa

In recent years, Kuromon Market has adapted to the needs of visitors by promoting dine-in services.

However, local supermarkets like Kuromon Nakagawa continue to support the daily lives of Osaka residents. This supermarket offers almost everything, serving as a miniature version of Kuromon Market itself.

Fresh seafood is restocked, and dine-in seating options are available even late at night. Even if you miss the operating hours of other shops, the presence of Kuromon Nakagawa provides reassurance.

Address: 1-21-5 Nihonbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka City
Business Hours: 24 hours
Holidays: Only during the New Year period

Osaka Highlights near Kuromon Market

Kuromon Market is close to popular shopping districts like Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori, making it a golden route that travelers who enjoy exploring local shops won’t want to miss.

If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed while shopping, there are also some tourist attractions near Kuromon Market.

Ikutama Shrine

Photo Source by Pixta
The origin of Ikutama Shrine is said to date back about 2,700 years, starting with the enshrinement of the deities Ikushima no Okami and Tarushima-no-okami by the first emperor, Emperor Jimmu. It is thus regarded as the oldest shrine in Osaka.

Within the grounds, Yodohime Shrine is known for prayers related to love and relationships. It is said that Chacha, a concubine of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, visited here during her lifetime and was worshipped after her death.

In addition to seeking connections here, the cherry blossoms, maple leaves, and the scenery of the Japanese garden within the shrine offer a rare tranquil spot amidst Osaka's bustling urban area.

Namba Yasaka Shrine

With a history of over 900 years, the Namba Yasaka Shrine features a striking torii gate that immediately captures attention upon arrival.

Although it takes about 10 minutes to walk from Kuromon Market, you'll reach it before you know it while enjoying the sights along the way!

Kizu Wholesale Market

Photo by Pixta
If you enjoy exploring markets, about a 20-minute walk from Kuromon Market takes you to the beloved Kizu Wholesale Market. This market is popular among locals in Osaka. With over 300 years of history, it has undergone numerous renovations and expansions. In 1973, it became the largest privately operated wholesale market in Japan.

You can experience the lively atmosphere of a local morning market, and at the market’s food stalls, you can enjoy delicious dishes like large bowls of seafood bowls! Traditional markets usually open very early and start preparing to close before noon. It’s best to get up early if you plan to visit!

Explore Kuromon Market

With its early opening hours and proximity to places like Shinsaibashi, Dotonbori, and Nihonbashi, along with marked prices and multilingual support, Kuromon Market offers a vibrant local experience for first-time visitors to Osaka.

Kuromon Market

542-0073 2-chome Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture

Kuromon Market is a shopping street with over 150 stores. It is also called "Osaka's Kitchen".