Source: Chris Dickey
Osaka Fish Market is known for the fresh products like fish, seafood, fruits, and vegetables. It began in the 16th century when Osaka Castle was built. Since then, the market has been so prosperous and was even regarded as “The Country’s Kitchen.” Early in the morning, tons of foodstuffs from Japan and around the globe are brought to the market. Many visitors would not mind getting up early for them to buy the freshest food and even have a tour in the market.
Information
- Name: Osaka Central Fish Market
- Address: 1 Chome Noda, Fukushima Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Japan
- Access: 15-minute walk from JR Noda Station
1. Tuna Auction
The first thing that you need to visit when you go to Osaka Fish Market is their tuna section. It is a huge place, about the size of a gymnasium where fresh and frozen tuna can be bought. These tuna came all the way from Taiwan, Spain, Australia, South Africa and other parts of the world. Although there are a lot of supply, these tuna are sold out in only 30 minutes. Tuna auction starts at 4:15 in the morning so be ready to get up early.
2. Endo Sushi Restaurant
Having tons if tuna supply every day, there’s no surprise that the best Sushi Restaurant is also located within Osaka Fish Market. Endo Sushi offers the best sushi at an affordable price. It is relatively small, with only 5 tables and a bar. For more than a century, the restaurant has been serving what many consider as “Osaka’s best.” There are only limited choices and for sushi, you have four sets to choose from and each set has five pieces of the best sushi in town.
3. Sushi Making
Tourists can also have a tour at Osaka Fish Market with one of the government-licensed guides to assist them. After buying tuna and other ingredients, participants of the tour will visit a private residence. The tour guide will be five them information about Japanese culture and their everyday life in Osaka. They will also be taught how to make sushi. Tourists will learn how to prepare maki sushi or rolled sushi, gunkan maki or sushi rice wrapped in seaweeds topped with soft ingredients and nigiri sushi or sushi rice topped with a sliced of raw fish.
4. Vegetable Wholesale Market
Vegetables can be found on the third floor of Osaka Fish Market. This is the place where people can buy vegetables for wholesale prices. This is perfect for those who are in the food business where vegetables are the main ingredients. Hundreds of boxes of fruits are sold and replenished daily. Some of the products that you can see include Chinese cabbage, carrots, and green onions.
5. Fruit Market
Source: melanie_ko
Fruit auction starts at 5:50 in the morning. Some of the products that you can buy are oranges, apples, strawberries, durians, mangoes, bananas, and melons. Some of these fruits are imported from their neighboring Asian countries. Hand signals are used to auction fruit products. Wholesale buyers will line up in the opposite seat from the auctioneers and will start making bids.
Have a good trip and travel!
