The Best Markets in Osaka
Osaka is a city filled with marketplaces – from bustling shopping arcades to outdoor flea markets. Most are open year round, giving you the chance to explore unique finds, fresh foods, and a range of quirky souvenirs whenever you visit. Be sure to browse some of our favorite Osaka markets, from must-see tourist attractions to hidden local gems, during your trip.
Shintennoji Flea Market
Buddhist Temple, Market
Ashiharabashi Upmarket
Market
Upmarket is an energetic food and craft market that happens monthly near JR Ashiharabashi Station on the Osaka Loop Line. This lively event features performances as well as vendors and takes place at three adjacent locations: the JR station plaza, Salt Valley, and a large open-air parking lot. With over 80 unique sellers offering goods like fresh farmed vegetables, handmade clothing and accessories, craft beer, and vegan food, this hip community event will make you feel at home no matter where you’re from. Upmarket takes place on the third Sunday of every month from 10:30am to 4pm (except in the summer months, which are too hot for a day market, during which the Night UP takes place from 4pm to 9pm instead).
Nakanoshima Food Lover’s Market
Market
This monthly celebration of fresh, local food happens at the Nakanoshima fishing port, located along one of the city’s many interconnected waterways. The Food Lover’s Market provides the chance to shop for locally grown food sold by people who are truly passionate about their craft. As part of an effort to encourage buying local, this market can be a fun and educational look into an ethical food scene that is only recently becoming popular in Japan. Both raw foods and hot meals are sold. Usually held from 11am to 4pm on the first Saturday of each month, this market takes place in the evenings from 4pm to 9pm during the summer.
Kuromon Ichiba Market
Market, Japanese
Ikuno Korea Town
Market
Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shotengai
Market
Shinsaibashisuji Shopping Street
Market
Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street
Market
This is the longest shotengai, or covered shopping arcade, in Japan. Spanning multiple kilometers and neighborhoods, Tenjinbashisuji is a wealth of shops, restaurants, cafés, bookstores, and – best of all – a fascinating insight into the daily hustle and bustle of Japanese business owners and patrons. Stroll along the shopping street no matter what the weather and enjoy all the delicious food, souvenirs, and other goods that Osaka has to offer.
Prema Chablani also contributed to this piece.
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