I recently popped my Japanese cherry (blossom), spending a week in the Land of the Rising Sun – and I can confirm that what everyone says is, in fact, true. Japan is epic. Home to super-speedy bullet trains and ancient temples, cool streets dotted with vending machines, thrift stores, izakayas and life-altering 7-Elevens – as well as the kindest, most respectful people I’ve come across – Japan is not only beautiful and mind-blowing, it’s safe, clean and, my favourite part: delicious.
I was there to check out the brand-new Time Out Market Osaka – the first Time Out Market to open in Asia Pacific – which started welcoming locals and holiday-goers from March 21, 2025. It joins already established and beloved Markets across the globe, including Lisbon, New York, Barcelona and Cape Town. If you’ve never been to a Time Out Market, it’s basically a massive food lover’s paradise – a food and cultural hub that brings together the best of the city under one roof.
Here’s everything you need to know about Time Out Market Osaka – and why I reckon you need to add it to your hit list...
What is Time Out Market Osaka?
Time Out Market Osaka is a food haven featuring the best of Osaka under one roof. Think of it as the best food market you’ve ever been to, featuring dishes from first-class local chefs, the city’s top restaurants, bars and cultural experiences, based on Time Out’s editorial curation.
There are 17 vendors to choose from, showcasing a variety of cuisines including Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Korean and, of course, Japanese. And if you’re craving a really good burger, you can get that here, too. Plus, there are two bars (hello, sake and cocktails) and three dessert stalls.
Spanning more than 3,000 square metres and seating up to 800 guests, Time Out Market is huge. There aren’t many venues in Osaka big enough to cater for large groups with no reservation, so it’s perfect for team lunches, birthday dinners and lunch and dinner when you're on holidays with friends.
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Where is Time Out Market Osaka?
Time Out Market Osaka is in the heart of Osaka, within the architecturally striking Grand Green Osaka South Building. It’s a six-minute walk from Osaka Station, making it an easy, convenient and central destination to catch up with friends and family – or check it out solo (and eat as much as you can) like I did.
Where to eat and drink at Time Out Market Osaka?
I’m so glad you asked. As I mentioned, there are 17 food stalls to choose from, featuring cuisines from all around the world. Of course, you’ll find excellent Japanese fare, spanning traditional must-try street food snacks like takoyaki (balls filled with octopus), and okonomiyaki, a savoury Japanese-style cabbage pancake. And there’s brilliant ramen – the one I ordered had an incredible frothy beef bone broth with soft and chewy noodles.
But there are also banging tacos by chef Willy Monroy, who owns Milpa – the first and only Michelin-starred Mexican restaurant in Japan. You’ll find handmade udon noodles and Korean hot pots, Napoli-style pizza with a Japanese twist, and a rocking Wagyu cheeseburger for when you’re craving a taste of home. Feel like something sweet? My pick is the bowling-ball-sized shaved matcha ice, which had whimsy in spades.
“There’s something for everyone” is a cliché, but it absolutely stands here.
What are the opening hours of Time Out Market Osaka?
Time Out Market Osaka is open seven days a week, from 11am through to 11pm, though last orders are taken at 10.30pm.
Why should I visit Time Out Market Osaka?
There are so many things I loved about Time Out Market Osaka. Walking in, I was truly blown away by how sleek and chic the space looked – with its warm lighting, natural wooden furniture and polished black splashback. So if you’re after a cool hangout, this is it.
I loved the communal tables and how it’s great for big groups but also solo diners. And because all the food stalls have been curated by the Time Out team – AKA people who know what's up when it comes to food and drink – you can count on the dishes to deliver on quality and flavour. Osaka is an incredible food destination with so many top restaurants, and the Market brings the best of the city together under one roof. If you’re after a taste of home, you’ll find that here, too. Plus, there are DJs spinning tunes on the weekends with lots of fun things in the pipeline.
Time Out tip:
Time Out Market is card-only and does not accept cash. And I think it goes without saying but I will anyway: come hungry.
I hope you love it as much as I did – I have a feeling you will.