ENGLISH CONTENTS

2019.11.08
ENGLISH CONTENTS

A plunge into the charm of Osaka’s streets
Karahori shopping arcade

  • TEXT
  • Akiko Uwatoko
  • PHOTO
  • Natsumi Kinugasa
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  • We visited the Karahori shopping arcade in Tanimachi’s 6-chome area, commonly referred to as “Taniroku,” an Osaka district known for its dense collection of older homes. Karahori is held as an example of the rapidly changing nature of traditional Japanese outdoor shopping streets.
  • We arrived at the shopping arcade entrance after just a one-minute walk from the Tanimachi Roku-chome train station, dodging the rapidly travelling bicycles that Osaka is famous for. This arcade, one of the few in the city situated on a hill, is known as the birthplace of konbu soup stock, so at one point there were at least ten stores specializing in konbu. Today, however, “Konbu Doi” is the only remaining konbu shop.
  • Walking down the hill, one passes many of the stores one might expect—seafood and poultry shops, fruit and vegetable stands, boutiques, electronics shops, stationary vendors, and stores that seem to sell pretty much anything—but mixed in among them are stores giving the arcade a new flair: shops selling spicy curry meals, home goods stores, galleries, bookstore cafes, and young butchers.
  • These stores emit an individuality that shows work well matched to lifestyles, evidencing the youthful energy that is poised to carry the Karahori shopping arcade into this new Reiwa era.

Kyu yam-tei Karahori

  • A spicy curry shop built in a converted old home. Provides a different lunch menu every day. Features unique curry combinations, including traditionally Japanese ingredients.
    Address:6-4-23 Tanimachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi
    Tel:06-6762-8619
    Hours:11:30-L.O.14:00, 18:00-L.O.21:00*-L.O.20:00(Sun.)
    Closed:Mon.
    kyuyamutei.web.fc2.com

Kamisho Emoji

  • A stationary store featuring original paper products such as stationary, envelopes, and Japanese paper. Allows patrons to make custom notepads, selecting their own cover, inner paper, and fixtures.
    Address:6-4-24 Tanimachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi
    Tel:06-4392-7972
    Hours:12:00-19:00
    Closed:Mon., Tue.
    kami-emoji.com

Dorayaki Fumi

  • Offers three types of dorayaki sweet bean cakes with a spongy texture. In addition to the traditional sweet beans, seasonal offerings such as pumpkin and sweet potato are will also available in the fall.
    Address:6-14-16 Tanimachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi
    Tel:090-5449-9437
    Hours:11:00-17:00
    Closed:Mon.

Konbu Doi

  • A konbu shop established over a century ago. Offerings include konbu taken from Kakkumihama in Hokkaido, prepared tsukudani, and konbu candies, making for ideal souvenirs.
    Address:7-6-38 Tanimachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi
    Tel:06-6761-3914
    Hours:9:00-18:00
    Closed:Sun., public holiday
    www.konbudoi.info/

Karahori Kinugawa

  • Inspired by Konbu Doi, this shop offers delicious handmade udon noodles with a firm, resilient texture. Serves saké at night, along with side dishes rich in dashi stock.
    Address:7-6-35 Tanimachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi
    Tel:06-6761-7744
    Hours:11:20-14:00, 17:30-20:30(Mon.-Fri.)11:20-14:30, 17:30-20:30(Sat., Sun.)
    Closed:Tue., Monday night
    ameblo.jp/k-kinugawa

Syuca

  • Offers a selection of tableware and glass products created by young craftspersons. Check in periodically to catch one of the frequent exhibitions and showcases by the artists.
    Address:6-15-22 Tanimachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi
    Tel:06-7503-2508
    Hours:11:00-18:00
    Closed:Thu.
    syuca.jp/

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