Tsuruhashi Shopping Street

In short

A market and shopping district that spreads around Tsuruhashi Station, where the JR Osaka Loop Line, Kintetsu lines, and Osaka Metro Sennichimae Line converge. Spanning the three wards of Tennoji, Higashinari, and Ikuno over an area equivalent to two Koshien Stadiums is the "Osaka Tsuruhashi Market," which consists of six markets and shopping streets, with approximately 800 shops lining the area. The international market, formed when shops were built on the former grounds of the postwar black market, preserves the retro atmosphere of those days alongside the market's external appearance.

• ​Yakiniku and Korean Flavors​​: Around the station, yakiniku restaurants, Korean grocery stores, traditional clothing shops, and boutiques line the streets, and there are also stall-style shops selling tteokbokki and Korean-style seaweed rolls
• ​Maze-like Alleys and Wholesale Market​​: Venturing deeper into the maze of narrow alleyways reveals specialty shops offering dried goods, daily necessities, and fruit, as well as a wholesale fresh fish market. From early morning, chefs, including some from places such as Kyoto, come to buy ingredients
• ​Tsuruhashi Hondori Shopping Street​​: Located near the east exit of Kintetsu Tsuruhashi Station, this shopping street consists of three merchant associations. In 2016, it was registered as an Osaka City Urban Landscape Resource under the name "Tsuruhashi Shopping Street"

History and Highlights

​Tsuruhashi Shopping Street​ is a market and shopping district that spreads around Tsuruhashi Station, where the JR Osaka Loop Line, Kintetsu lines, and Osaka Metro Sennichimae Line converge. Spanning the three wards of Tennoji, Higashinari, and Ikuno over an area equivalent to two Koshien Stadiums, "Osaka Tsuruhashi Market" consists of six markets and shopping streets, with approximately 800 shops lining the area.

A stop was first established in Tsuruhashi in 1914 when the Osaka Electric Tramway (now Kintetsu) opened between Uehommachi and Nara. The Joto Line of Japanese National Railways (now JR) opened Tsuruhashi Station later, in 1932, as an interchange station for Kintetsu.

During World War II, between February 1944 and June 1945, buildings near Tsuruhashi Station were evacuated and dismantled multiple times to prevent fires caused by air raids from spreading. After the war, a black market emerged on these vacant lots, and it is said that around 3,000 street vendors gathered around the station. In 1947, the Tsuruhashi International Shopping Street Federation was formed in a spirit of mutual aid. Later, permanent shops were built on the former black market grounds, developing into today's international market. Many vendors have continued doing business since that time, preserving the retro atmosphere of those days alongside the market's external appearance.

Sights and Experiences

• ​Yakiniku and Korean Flavors​​: Around the station, yakiniku (barbecue) restaurants, Korean grocery stores, traditional clothing shops, and boutiques line the streets, attracting visitors from all over the country as an "international market." There are also stall-style shops selling tteokbokki and Korean-style seaweed rolls (gimbap).
• ​Maze-like Alleys and Wholesale Market​​: Venturing deeper into the maze of narrow alleyways reveals specialty shops offering dried goods, daily necessities, and fruit, as well as a wholesale fresh fish market. From early morning, chefs arrive to purchase ingredients not only from within Osaka City, but also from areas such as Kyoto.
• ​Tsuruhashi Hondori Shopping Street​​: Located near the east exit of Kintetsu Tsuruhashi Station, this shopping street consists of three merchant associations. Adjacent to the Tsuruhashi Wholesale Market dealing in fresh fish, dried foods, and produce, it features dozens of shops offering food, apparel, and accessories. In 2016, it was registered as an Osaka City Urban Landscape Resource under the name "Tsuruhashi Shopping Street."

Travel Tips

The shopping area extends right outside Tsuruhashi Station. Many streets have covered arcades, and in summer, visitors can enjoy strolling and snacking through the market from morning until before noon. Osaka Korea Town is located approximately 790 meters to the southeast, and Miyukimori Tenjingu Shrine is about 680 meters to the southeast, allowing for a combined walking tour. Sanko-jinja Shrine is located approximately 830 meters to the north.