Come and explore the famous Kuromon Ichiba Market in Osaka
2 Chome Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0073, Japan
This covered market has a bit of everything with 150 stalls there is bound to be something here that tickles your fancy. Most of the stores are open everyday from around 8am-6pm with a few closing their doors on Sundays. During the week is a perfect time to visit, either before or after lunch is usually best to avoid the rush.
First snack of the day: Ichigo daifuku (strawberry mocha) served with either chocolate, custard or smooth red bean paste. I got the smooth red bean paste and it was such a delicioso snack. Fresh, sweet and chewy. I also picked up the real life emoji Hanami Dango, sweet rice balls. This special three coloured dango is especially popular during spring for cherry blossom viewing. The name Hanami literally translates to ‘Flower Looking’. The green is usually flavoured with matcha, pink with sakura or strawberry powder and white, which tastes similar to the pink but is different coloured.
Gachapon capsule toy vending machines are everywhere you turn its the best. A lot of these ones were food themed like this cute little rice cooker keychain,
There is nothing that hits the same as hot and cold can vending machines. Really miss getting hot royal milk teas from these.
Just a gorgeous flower stall at the markets that I had to get some photos with.
Top: Seed Heritage
Skirt: Levi’s
Socks: Anti Social Club
Bag: Sol Sana
Shoes: Windsor Smith (even though you can’t see them)
These markets are hard to put into words as there is just so much to look at, to eat, to drink, it is just a foodie’s paradise. These are just some of the shots I took to try and capture the overall vibes of this place. You truly need to visit and taste these foods for yourself. I will never get over how good seafood tastes in Japan, it is just on a whole other level.
Throughout the markets there are a number of eateries that you can go into, order and sit and eat. Each specialise in their own unique type of cuisine. They are also great because you can sit inside and take a moment with the food. There are some seats in the main area of the markets but most of the food you will most likely find yourself eating while standing. So if you want to try the market food but need a rest, check out one of these side stores.
I will eat it all please and thank you.
There were so many of these style markets where you could buy a basket of mixed seafood and skewers and they would cook it up for you. It wasn’t super expensive but knowing my taste in seafood I would have probably ended up with a 60,000 Yen Lobster tail or something in that price range.
One of the best parts about this market is watching all the talented chefs cooking right in front of you. This stall specialised in fresh Takoyaki (octopus balls) and they also had red bean waffles.
I also really love how they package the wagyu and Kobe beef cuts similar to how the sushi and sashimi are presented. The stalls will also cook these for you or you can take them home and cook it yourself.
My mouth is literally watering just recapping these meals and foods I witnessed. I can so vividly remember the smell of the air, close enough to trying every piece of food there.
I did indulge in a stick of Unagi, how could I not? Look at that juicy delicious stick of eel meat. This is my mum and my absolute favourite traditional Japanese food. The sauce on this eel and the way it was cooked made the meat melt in your mouth. This was my nirvana.
It was around 800-1000 YEN, which is about $10 AUD converted and honestly worth every YEN. I am also really glad I didn’t buy the Unagi I saw earlier and held out until I found a stall that specialised in just unagi.
If you are wanting to try a particular meat, for example crab. Wait until you come across a stall like this that specialised in just that one meat. You know it will be good. I can guarantee you that.
Look at how delicious that unagi looks!
I love this photo
I love octopus but eating it like this feels wrong, it’s too cute.
I did buy a big pink pickled radish and it was such a delish snack.
This sauce was so good, my mouth is proper watering remembering it. The wagyu and eel in Japan is just out of this world tasty.
At these places you could pick your own oysters and other seafood items and they would shuck and prepare it all for you.
That pink radish in the packet is the one I bought. Look at all the different types you can try.
Refreshment stop, tried a fresh melon juice for 500YEN.
How cute are these little sushi burgers
I eventually made my way out of the markets and into the surrounding streets. There are still so many food stalls and eateries nearby. It’s such a cool area to explore.
I really love visiting markets when I travel, especially food ones. It gives you such a unique window into other cultures through the lens of food. I am a big believer in trying everything new especially when you are travelling and getting out of your comfort zone with different foods you may not usually experience.
One thing that was a but upsetting to see was how many stalls had whale meat. This one was even describing where each part is from. It’s hard to see whale and shark on the menu but I have travelled to places where there is horse steak and other foods that I don’t vibe with. I just avoid these foods when I see them. There was also a lot of raw fish meat not being refrigerated or cooled in any way which was a bit concerning, like below. These were just sitting out in the heat wrapped in paper..
Another food I won’t ever try is fugu, the pufferfish. Being raised on the Simpsons I know not to mess with poisonous fish.
Another refreshment stop, this time we went for a strawberry juice.
I will never not share my discontent with these pet shops. The dogs are specifically mixed with chihuahuas to make a ‘mini’ version of their breed. But they just end up looking wrong. Plus they keep the puppies in these tiny glass containers with barely any room at all. In Australia we have banned pet shops with live dogs and cats to discourage backyard breeding and because we see this as cruel. I don’t think these pet shops are giving these puppies enough space at all and it really broke my heart seeing them like this.
After my market adventures I went for a wander around Osaka before checking into this really cool accommodation. Can’t wait to show you the new hostel I moved to, stay tuned.
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