Tsuruhashi Korea Town — Yakiniku Alley & Korean Goods

**Yakiniku quality:** Tsuruhashi claims to be yakiniku's birthplace (1945 when Korean immigrants grilled meat on charcoal). The district has 100+ yakiniku restaurants ranging from budget (¥2,000/person) to premium (¥10,000+). Mid-range recommendation: Shofuen (松風園, ¥4,000–6,000 per person, marbled beef). The yakiniku here is authentically Korean-style (sesame oil, garlic, lettuce wraps) versus Japanese-adapted yakiniku chains. **Market shopping:** The covered market sells ingredients not found in regular Japanese supermarkets: Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru), fermented sauces, frozen dumplings, and fresh kimchi. The kimchi shops offer 20+ varieties (napa cabbage, radish, cucumber, etc.) sold by weight (¥600–1,200/kg). Haggling is not customary despite market atmosphere; prices are fixed but fair.