This market has been derived from a small fish market standing in front of the black gate of the local Buddhist temple, called Enmyo-ji, in the first half of the 19th century. Black gate literally means kuromon in Japanese. The market, along with the surrounding area, was reduced to ashes in an air raid in 1945. It rose from the ashes quickly, however, the construction works of the steel-frame arcades began in 1960-1965, and the present architectural aspect of the market was completed at that time. Like Tsukiji outer fish market (retail market), the shoppers of the market had been the locals till the 1990’s. However, in the 2000’s, the number of foreign visitors to Japan began to increase, and in recent years, 70% of the visitors to this market are foreigners. In response to this situation, many restaurants are serving Osaka’s famous fugu (puffer fish) dishes, okonomiyaki and takoyaki.
This is a different aspect from Tsukiji outer market in Tokyo.
Licensed tour guide, travel consultant,
Masahisa Takaki.
全国通訳案内士 高木聖久。
