Kuromon Market Osaka: What to Eat and Best Time to Visit

Kuromon Market Osaka: Visit for a Unique Culinary Experience

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Osaka's Kuromon Market is a vibrant and bustling street market known for its fresh produce, seafood, local delicacies, and a variety of street food.

The market offers an array of fresh seafood, including sushi and sashimi, as well as traditional Japanese dishes. Visitors can sample street food like grilled octopus, takoyaki, and wagyu beef. Beyond food, the market sells a variety of products, including fruits, vegetables, meat, and snacks. It’s an excellent spot to find unique Japanese ingredients or souvenirs.

Boasting a history of over 200 years, Kuromon Market is a great place to experience local Osaka culture. It's lively and filled with locals shopping for their daily groceries, giving visitors an authentic taste of everyday life in the city.

Moreover, due to its location near major tourist attractions in Osaka, such as Dotonbori and Namba, it’s easy to include Kuromon Market in a day of sightseeing.

Budgeting Tips: How Much Money to Bring to Kuromon Market

If you plan to dine at an eatery within Kuromon Market, you'll need about 3,000 yen for lunch per person, and around 4,000 yen for dinner. This is a rough estimate and you can surely find cheaper options.

If you stick to street food that can be enjoyed while walking, you might spend less than 2,000 yen in total. For reference, a box with 8 pieces of takoyaki (ball-shaped snacks containing squid) costs 650 yen.

Those looking for souvenirs at Kuromon Market should prepare around 10,000 yen to 20,000 yen.

Please note that restaurants and shops, including drug stores and the Daiso 100-yen shop, accept payment by credit card and other electronic payment methods such as Pay Pay and AliPay.

However, street vendors and old local shops selling fresh seafood and traditional sweets might only accept cash. We recommend having at least 10,000 yen in cash with you when going to the Kuromon Market.

Visit Kuromon Market by 16:00 for the Best Experience! Opening Hours

The Kuromon Market is a public space that stays open at any time of the day; you can enter the precincts at any hour.

However, to enjoy the vibrant culinary experience it offers, try to visit between 9:00 and 16:00.

Many seafood and grocery shops open as early as 8:00 and close at 16:30. Kuromon Nakagawa is a rare case of a supermarket that stays open 24 hours.

Restaurants and cafes tend to open around 11:00 before lunch and close by 20:00. Some eateries like Kuromon Sake Sushi or the wagyu beef restaurant Meat Shop Kobeya operate until 23:00.

If you have a certain shop you want to visit or a certain dish you want to try at Kuromon Market, check the business hours of that shop on the official website of Kuromon Market.

For Lunch: Arrive at 11:00 to Avoid the Crowds

The Kuromon Market tends to get very crowded around noon. If you plan to have lunch here, we suggest coming early, at around 11:00 to secure your seat at the restaurant where you want to eat.

How Much Time to Spend at Kuromon Market?

We suggest saving at least 2 hours to explore Kuromon Market and marvel at its offerings.

Having lunch or dinner will take around an hour while exploring and shopping for souvenirs might also take about one hour or more, depending on your shopping needs.

Please note that Kuromon Market tends to get very crowded around noon, with peak crowd times from 12:00 to 13:30. For a smooth dining and shopping experience we suggest avoiding this time interval.

Best Food to Eat at Kuromon Market

Kuromon Market is a great place to try Osaka local specialty foods such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, fresh seafood, and fruit desserts. Read on to learn some of our recommendations.

1. Takoyaki

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Takoyaki are grilled dough balls containing pieces of squid and ginger. These treats are the iconic Osaka soul food.

You can try them at Takoyaki Doraku WANAKA Kuromon Branch, which takes pride in offering takoyaki that are crispy on the outside, and juicy and chewy inside. You can choose from a variety of toppings and seasonings.

A box of takoyaki costs 500 yen at this shop. They also offer okonomiyaki (800 yen), grilled scallops (600 yen), and other delights.

2. Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki is a grilled dish made of noodles, vegetables, and meat or seafood mixed with dough. This is another Osaka specialty that you should definitely try.

Our recommendation is Mitsuki, a teppanyaki (grilled food) restaurants located in Kuromon Market. They also offer grilled meat dishes besides their impressive variety of okonomiyaki.

An okonomiyaki at Mitsuki is pretty large and can be enjoyed by two people. Prices range between 1,000 and 2,000 yen. The shop accepts payment by credit card.

Mitsuki
Location: Map
Business hours: 11:11 - 22:00 (last order at 21:00) *Closed on Wednesdays

For smaller-sized okonomiyaki that can be enjoyed on the go, try the ones offered at Wanaka (800 yen/piece).

3. Melon Soft Serve Ice Cream at MARU

This large, generous melon halved and topped with soft serve ice cream offered by MARU has become a popular 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

4. Fresh Sashimi at Kuromon Sanpei

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)

5. Tuna Seafood Bowls at Maguroya Kurogin

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

6. Seafood at Maguro no Entoki

If 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

7. Charcoal Grilled Seafood at Uofuku

Those hesitant to eat sashimi or are traveling with children should head to Uofuku, directly across from 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

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

8. Fresh Fruit Juice and Sweets at 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.

A cup of fruit juice at Daiwa Kaen costs about 380 yen. They also offer fruit cakes and short cakes made with generous amounts of fruit.

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

9. Soy Sauce Ramen at Menya 7.5Hz Kuromon Market Store

Many people visiting Japan want to try different styles of ramen from various regions. In the Osaka area, the chain Menya 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.

Menya 7.5Hz Kuromon Market Store
Address: 1-16-8 Nihonbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka City
Business Hours: 10:00 - 20:30
Holidays: Thursdays

10. Kushikatsu at Onabeya – Kuromon

Kushikatsu is a type of skewered and deep-fried dish consisting of vegetables, seafood, and meat. You can try it at Onabeya – Kuromon, an eatery that operates until 23:00 on weekdays and 22:00 on weekends.

They also offer oden, udon noodles, and other dishes.

Onabeya – Kuromon
Location: Map
Hours: Weekdays 11:00 - 23:00, Weekends 11:00 - 22:00. *Closed on Mondays

For Vegan and Vegetarian Food at Kuromon Market: TAIZEN ORGANIC Supermarket

While there are not many vegan and vegetarian dining options at Kuromon Market, we recommend visiting the TAIZEN ORGANIC Supermarket, which specializes in organic food products. Besides organic bento (lunch boxes), they also offer vegan foods.

TAIZEN ORGANIC Supermarket
Location: Map
Hours: 10:00 - 19:00 *Closed on Monday

Halal Food at Kuromon Market: Burger Revolution Osaka Kuromon Ichiba

The Halal dining options at Kuromon Market are quite limited but we recommend Burger Revolution. This shop uses Halal-certified premium Wagyu beef.

Burger Revolution Osaka Kuromon Ichiba
Location: Map
Hours: 9:00 - 17:30
Credit card payment: accepted

Food Tour at Kuromon Market

One of the best ways to enjoy your visit to Kuromon Market is by joining a guided street food tour.

Not only will you get to taste a selection of the best treats at Osaka's famous market, but you'll also learn about the historical role that Kuromon Market played in Osaka's development.

The market is very vibrant and dynamic and it may be intimidating to enter some of the eateries alone, especially if you're not confident in ordering in Japanese. This is the best reason why we recommend joining a food tour like this one offered by GetYourGuide.

Souvenir Shopping at Kuromon Market

In addition to eateries, Kuromon Market features many small souvenir shops selling unique items to remind you of your trip to Osaka. Popular items include octopus-shaped plushies and keychains, Hello Kitty merchandise, and more.

For Japanese fans and other high-quality items, visit Hayashiya Mi no Zen.

For cosmetics and edible souvenirs like Japanese chocolate and KitKats, check the four drugstores within 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.

There is also a Daiso 100-yen shop near one of the entrances to KuromonMarket. This is a great place to find inexpensive and cute Japanese items.

A Helpful Rest Area: 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.

There’s even free Wi-Fi and capsule toys, making a great spot to take a rest during your explorations.

Kuromon Market Map

The official website provides a helpful official map of Kuromon Market that you can use for orientation.

In addition to the relative locations of the shops within the market, the locations of two public 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.

Access: Nearest Station and How to Get to Kuromon Market

Kuromon Market is located in Osaka's Namba area and the nearest station is Nippombashi Station, which is served by
the Sennichimae Line, Sakaisuji Line, and Kintetsu Line.

Use Exit 10 to walk out of Nippombashi Station. Kuromon Market can be reached in less than 5 minutes on foot from here.

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.

From Osaka Station to Kuromon Market

To travel from Osaka Station to Kuromon Market, take the Midosuji Line of the Osaka Municipal Subway towards Tennoji and get off at Namba Station.

From there, transfer to the Sennichimae Line and ride to Ebisucho Station. After exiting Ebisucho, it's a 5 to 10-minute walk to Kuromon Market.

From Osaka Castle to Kuromon Market

To get to Kuromon Market from Osaka Castle, start at Tanimachi 4-chome Station, located near the castle.

Take the Tanimachi Line towards Taisho and transfer to the Osaka Loop Line at Morinomiya Station, heading to Namba Station. From Namba, it’s a short 10-minute walk to Kuromon Market.

From Dotonbori to Kuromon Market

Kuromon Market is within walking distance from Dotonbori. Head northeast from Dotonbori; it takes about 10-15 minutes on foot. You can follow signs or use a map app for guidance.

Things to Do Near Kuromon Market Osaka

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

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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

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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!

Enjoy Exploring 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".

Main image by Pixta