Osaka, Japan isn’t the country’s largest city but I think it’s a great destination for solo travelers. The city has a great mix of modern life and traditional Japanese culture and lacks the overwhelming intensity I find in Tokyo.
Getting there
U.S. citizens only need a valid passport for travel to Japan and the country and city are both well served by numerous carriers. The country is very safe for single travelers, both male and female.
Getting around
Do not rent a car, the city’s subway and train system are excellent and will take you everywhere you want to go. Late night party people should confirm the time of the last train to avoid finding themselves stranded after a night of fun. The subway system offers a one-day pass for $12 and has a great website in English offering schedules and maps.
What to do
Instant ramen, the pre-packaged noodles you add boiling water to, is a staple of Japanese families and broke American college students. Instant ramen was invented in 1958 in Osaka and there is a whole instant ramen museum. The Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum is an amazing place. You can create your own ramen mixture or take a course in how to create instant ramen recipes.
Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum
563-0041 8-25 Masumi-cho, Ikeda-shi
osaka-info.jp
The Aqua Bus Aqua-Liner is a tourist boat that sails the Okawa River. Since Osaka is a river-based city, taking a river tour allows for some great sightseeing, especially Osaka Castle. Osaka Castle is an ancient castle and fortress that is a symbol of the city. The site has a museum and is a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s feudal past.
Where to stay
I like the New Otani Hotel Osaka. It’s a clean, modern place with all the bells and whistles to ensure a wonderful stay. The hotel’s bar and restaurant are popular hang-outs for locals and solo travelers can venture in and meet some new friends. The hotel is about an hour from the airport and in a business development. It’s also within easy walking distance of Osaka Castle.
New Otani Hotel Osaka
1-4-1 Shiromi, Chuo-Ku
Osaka, Japan 540-8578
hotelnewotaniosaka.jp
What to eat
I think Osaka has the best food in Japan. While Tokyo may have more fancy Western-style restaurants, Osaka has more authentic Japanese cuisine, along with Asian-influenced flavors. For a great meal, wander around the Dotonbori restaurant district and find the place most packed. For the best meal of your trip, possibly your life, even solo travelers need to dine at Kahala. This small, reservation-only space performs magic each night, offering a range of Japanese specialties. They serve only eight people at a time, and only do two servings per night. It’s a great place for solo travelers and by the end of the evening you will be friends with the other seven diners.
Kahala
Kishimoto-Bldg 2F 1-9-2
Sonezaki-shinchi Kitaku
Osaka City, Japan 530-0002
Tel: 06 6345 6778