“Sushi,” I heard someone whisper. This single word is the reason we are here at the Osaka Central Fish Market.
The Osaka Central Fish Market first opened in 1931. It debuted as the largest wholesale market in Asia. Most of the fame for fish markets goes to Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market. However, Osaka Central Fish Market remains one of the largest in Japan.
Here, before dawn breaks, the action is already underway. Imagine a warehouse, cold and vast, about the size of a high school gymnasium. It is still dark outside. Enormous tuna lie in rows in the middle. They are whole but missing their heads. A small slice of flesh has been cut from the tail of each. It has been placed beside it. Signs in Japanese indicate the origin of each fish. One is from Taiwan, another from China, and another from Myanmar.
All eyes focus on the auctioneer. He sways rhythmically as he shouts. His calls are half grunt, half growl, an atavistic shriek that has echoed here for centuries. Merchants raise their hands to claim their catch.
The tuna auction at the Osaka Central Fish Market begins at 4:15 am. Following the tuna, other prized fish are auctioned off. This market is all business. There are no helpful signs or information points. Trucks and forklifts whiz by. You must be mindful to keep out of everyone’s way. People here have jobs to do.
Giant tuna carcasses fly past on wheelbarrows. Skilled fishmongers portion them out with ease. Buckets of discarded heads and slurry surround you. The tuna almost looks like film props.
The Osaka Central Fish Market also offers other goods. You can purchase wholesale-priced fruits and vegetables at the Osaka Municipal Central Wholesale Markets. Most of the produce is sold in early morning auctions.
Don’t miss Endo Sushi next to the Osaka Central Fish Market. It is one of the city’s most famous sushi shops. Endo Sushi opened in 1907 before the Central Fish Market existed. The morning sushi shop serves omakase. It is also called jyo-maze. It includes five pieces of chef-selected sushi for 1,050 yen. You can choose from four different plates or create your own plate.
Many visitors compare the experience to the old Tsukiji market in Tokyo. The chance to stand next to auctioneers is amazing. The auction goes fast so don’t miss it.
Leaving the Osaka Central Fish Market, you carry with you more than just the scent of the sea. You now have a glimpse into a world where the freshest catches become culinary art. A place where tradition and commerce blend into the vibrant heart of Osaka.