Black Gate Market

The Black Gate market

The Osaka audio-guided tour has you discover the Kuromon Market, also called Kuromon Ichiba, one of the most emblematic places of the city, nicknamed for more than two centuries "the kitchen of Osaka".

Two centuries of gourmet tradition

Under this long covered gallery of about six hundred metres, one enters a market born at the beginning of the nineteenth century, at the end of the Edo period, when fish merchants gathered near the large black gate of the Enmyōji temple, now disappeared, which gave its name to the place. Remaining an essential supply place for the chefs of Osaka, Kuromon today lines up nearly one hundred and fifty stalls: fishmongers, butchers, fruit and vegetable stalls, small restaurants and street food stands.

What there is to see

Seafood occupies a central place there: tunas cut on the spot, crabs, sea urchins and sashimi prepared to order. One also tastes there the great specialities of Osaka, such as takoyaki, balls of dough filled with octopus, okonomiyaki, a kind of thick pancake, or kushikatsu, breaded and fried skewers. One eats on the go there, in small portions; it is customary to stop near the stall rather than to walk while eating, and to take care not to block the passage.

Practical information

The Kuromon Market is in the Nipponbashi district, in Osaka, under a covered gallery. The stalls generally open during the day, according to their own hours; the market is particularly lively in the middle of the day and at the weekend. Access is on the level. It is appropriate to respect local customs and the cleanliness of the place.

Where does the name of the Kuromon Market come from?

From the large black gate of the Enmyōji temple, now disappeared, near which fish merchants once gathered.

What specialities to taste at the Kuromon Market?

Ultra-fresh seafood, but also takoyaki, okonomiyaki and kushikatsu, great popular specialities of Osaka.