A Detailed Explanation of Tsuruhashi's History and Overview

 

　Table of Contents

1. Overview of Tsuruhashi
2. History of Tsuruhashi
3. Recommended Spots in Tsuruhashi
   

Introduction

Tsuruhashi, located in Osaka's Higashinari and Ikuno wards, is especially known for its Koreatown area. This region originated from a "black market" that naturally formed after World War II with the arrival of many immigrants from Korea. Tsuruhashi has become a popular tourist spot, attracting many visitors with its unique blend of historical background and culture.

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of Tsuruhashi, delve into its history, and introduce some recommended tourist spots. Experience the charm of Tsuruhashi by immersing yourself in Korean culture while catching a glimpse of the daily lives of the local residents.

1. Overview of Tsuruhashi 

Tsuruhashi, located in Osaka's Higashinari and Ikuno wards, is particularly known for its Koreatown area. This region originated from a "black market" that naturally formed after World War II with the arrival of many immigrants from Korea.

Tsuruhashi Shopping Street is characterized by its maze-like, narrow streets lined with shops selling Korean ingredients and seasonings, creating a unique, old-town atmosphere. Visitors can get a glimpse of the daily lives of the locals, making it an attractive spot for tourists.

Tsuruhashi Market is a bustling market that includes yakiniku restaurants, Korean food stores, and specialty shops selling dried goods, daily necessities, and fruits. It gets lively from early morning, attracting chefs from Osaka and Kyoto who come to buy ingredients. The market's history dates back to the black market formed right after the war, and it has now grown to about 800 shops, becoming a lively place visited by tourists from all over the country.

Miyuki-dori Shopping Street. This area is heavily influenced by Korean culture, with numerous shops offering Korean ingredients, daily necessities, and Korean restaurants. Visitors can fully enjoy Korean culture, and it is also a popular spot to purchase Korean wave goods and cosmetics. Currently, there are over 180 shops in this area.

Tsuruhashi is easily accessible via the JR Osaka Loop Line, Kintetsu Line, and Osaka Metro Sennichimae Line, with Tsuruhashi Station providing convenient access. Using public transportation is recommended when visiting.

2. History of Tsuruhashi 

The history of Tsuruhashi is closely linked to the historical background of Japan and Korea, and the unique culture formed in this area still thrives today. Below, we will explain the major events by era.

■ Origins and Development of Tsuruhashi
The history of Tsuruhashi began in 1914 with the opening of the Osaka Electric Railway (now Kintetsu). This transformed Tsuruhashi into a major transportation hub, leading to its development as a center for logistics and commerce.

■ Post-War Black Market Era
After World War II, Tsuruhashi restarted as a black market amid material shortages. Immediately following the end of the war in 1945, Tsuruhashi's shopping district began supplying goods in the form of a black market due to severe material shortages. This area functioned effectively as a black market because it was a key transportation and logistics hub intersected by Kintetsu and JR (formerly the national railway), and it had largely escaped air raid damage. It developed as a place for unofficial trade of goods that were not available through official distribution channels. During this time, smuggled goods and illegally traded items were also sold. It was said that "you can find anything in Tsuruhashi," indicating the wide variety of goods available.

■ Settlement of Korean and Korean-Japanese Residents

After the war, many Koreans and Korean-Japanese began residing in Japan. This trend was significantly influenced by the Jeju Uprising of 1948. Residents of Jeju Island opposed the single-party elections in South Korea (now South Korea), and in response, the South Korean National Guard, police, and U.S. military suppressed the uprising. This incident prompted many Jeju residents to flee the island in fear, traveling to Japan. Many of them settled in Tsuruhashi, naturally forming a Korean market in this area. This became the foundation of the current Tsuruhashi Koreatown, where a unique community was established.

■ Post-Normalization of Japan-Korea Relations

The signing of the Treaty on Basic Relations between Japan and the Republic of Korea in 1965 normalized diplomatic relations between Japan and Korea. This treaty confirmed the nullification of Japan-Korea annexation and aimed to resolve claims issues between the two countries. After the normalization of diplomatic relations, the legal status of Korean and Korean-Japanese residents in Japan improved, granting them permanent residency and ensuring their rights. This led to the further expansion of the Korean and Korean-Japanese community, and Tsuruhashi developed into Japan's largest Korean and Korean-Japanese residential area.

■ Present-Day Tsuruhashi

Today, Tsuruhashi is loved by many as a tourist destination lined with yakiniku restaurants and Korean food stores, offering a full experience of Korean culture. It is a highly attractive tourist spot that provides various experiences of Korean culture. Visitors can rent traditional Korean costumes, try Korean-style makeup, and purchase K-POP merchandise, allowing them to enjoy the atmosphere of Korea without leaving Japan.

3. Recommended Spots in Tsuruhashi 

Tsuruhashi boasts many attractive spots, especially known for its distinctive Koreatown characteristics. Here are some of the most notable places to visit in Tsuruhashi.

■ Ikuno Koreatown

Ikuno Koreatown, located in Osaka's Ikuno Ward, is the largest Koreatown in western Japan. It is about a 10-minute walk from Tsuruhashi Station and features around 150 shops centered around Miyuki-dori Shopping Street. With its narrow alleys and maze-like layout, it is bustling and lively, giving visitors the illusion of being in Korea with the sound of Korean language all around.

　・Korean Culture

Ikuno Koreatown, centered around Miyuki-dori Shopping Street, offers a rich variety of Korean cuisine, Korean wave goods, and Korean cosmetics. You can enjoy Korean delicacies like cheese hot dogs and pajeon (Korean pancakes), making it a popular spot for food enthusiasts. The shopping street is also home to many stores selling Korean ingredients and kimchi, allowing visitors to fully experience Korean food culture.

　・Yakiniku Hotspot

Ikuno Koreatown is especially famous for its yakiniku (grilled meat). Many yakiniku restaurants line the area around Tsuruhashi Station, establishing a unique yakiniku culture. You can enjoy a variety of meats, including fresh offal, kalbi, and samgyeopsal. The enticing aroma of grilled meat wafts through the area, stimulating visitors' appetites and contributing to the area's lively atmosphere.

　・Access
It is about a 10-minute walk from Tsuruhashi Station and also within walking distance from Motodani Station. The shopping street is closed to vehicles from 10 AM to 6 PM, ensuring safe and pleasant strolling for visitors.

■ Tsuruhashi Shopping Street

Tsuruhashi Shopping Street, located in Osaka's Higashinari Ward, is a historic area that evolved from the post-war black market. Today, it features many shops selling Korean ingredients and seasonings, with its maze-like streets being a defining characteristic. This area offers a nostalgic old-town feel and a strong sense of Korean culture.

　・Features of the Shopping Street

Tsuruhashi Shopping Street is known for its diverse range of stores, particularly those selling Korean ingredients and seasonings. Popular stores like "Kimchi Land" offer a wide selection of Korean seasonings and kimchi, attracting many tourists. The street is also known for selling fresh kimchi and Korean foods, with some items sourced from across Japan.

　・Access
It is located just a few minutes' walk from Tsuruhashi Station. Additionally, there are several parking lots around the shopping street, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.

■ Tsuruhashi Fresh Fish Market

Tsuruhashi Fresh Fish Market, located in Higashinari Ward, is a renowned fish market where fresh seafood is available every morning. The market is cherished by locals as "Osaka's Kitchen," and its vibrant atmosphere can be enjoyed by visitors. While primarily serving wholesalers, the market is also open to the general public.

　・Market Features

The market houses 18 stores that sell fresh seafood and marine products. Each store operates differently, with many open to the general public. Visitors can purchase fresh seafood on-site, making it a popular spot for local chefs and home cooks seeking fresh ingredients.​

　・Hours and Access
The market typically operates from 6 AM to around 12 PM, closing on Sundays and holidays. It is a short walk from Tsuruhashi Station on the Osaka Metro Sennichimae Line. It is also easily accessible from Kansai International Airport and Osaka International Airport.​

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 Conclusion 

Tsuruhashi, located in the heart of Osaka, attracts many tourists with its unique history and culture. Known as Koreatown, Tsuruhashi evolved from a post-war black market into a bustling shopping street lined with various Korean food stores, seasoning shops, and yakiniku restaurants. Additionally, Tsuruhashi Fresh Fish Market offers fresh seafood every morning, serving as Osaka's kitchen.

We hope this article has successfully conveyed the charm of Tsuruhashi. When you visit, be sure to experience the atmosphere firsthand and enjoy the diverse attractions Tsuruhashi has to offer.