Japan has been attracting solo travelers for ages, but the country has recently experienced a surge in popularity. Many people are intrigued by this country known for order and innovation. Everyone knows about Tokyo, but are you ready to embark on your Osaka solo trip?

Osaka is like Tokyo’s cooler, more vibrant younger sibling. Tokyo has plenty of reasons to visit, but some people claim that Osaka is more exciting and that there is more to do in this metropolis. If you enjoy lively nightlife, world-famous attractions, and castles, then consider taking a solo trip to Osaka. 

Visiting Tokyo too? Read 18 Things to Do Alone in Tokyo | Tokyo Solo Travel Guide

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Why Should You Take a Solo Trip to Osaka?

Osaka is an amazing city, so of course, you should take a solo trip to Osaka. Furthermore, Osaka has an epic tourist pass that makes traveling to the city easy and cheap. You should take an Osaka solo trip so you can enjoy the Osaka Amazing Pass. This digital travel pass allows you to visit around 40 sites in Osaka for free. If you are a solo traveler who wants to enjoy a wide variety of activities in the city, you will love the Osaka Amazing Pass.

I purchased the Osaka Amazing Pass for two days and managed to save over 10,000 yen (around $75 USD). You can watch this video to see the savings breakdown. Honestly, I was constantly moving, trying to hit as many attractions as possible. However, even if you don’t hit as many attractions as I did, you will definitely save money with this pass because you can ride the Osaka Metro and city buses for free with this pass!

A majority of the things to do alone in Osaka listed below are attractions included in the Osaka Amazing Pass. I recommended buying the pass for 2 days (5,000 yen), but there is also a one-day option (3,500 yen). It is important to check the online schedule for each attraction because sometimes they are closed on certain days or have very specific hours. 

Is It Safe To Travel to Osaka?

Japan is one of the safest destinations in the world, Osaka included. The streets around Dotonbori can be very crowded and a little rowdy at night. Make sure to be aware of your surroundings in these lively districts. Petty crimes are not likely, but they can happen in the midst of the bustle of the nightlife. 

I always recommend that solo travelers purchase travel insurance before going on their trip. You never know when you will need it! (You could get food poisoning in Japan, as I did). Use the widget below to find the plan that best suits your needs. 

Where Should You Stay During Your Osaka Solo Trip?

When I visited Osaka, I stayed at Hostel OGK, only a 10-minute walk from Osaka Station. This quiet hostel offers plenty of privacy because of its capsule-style beds. I enjoyed my stay here because it was a place to meet fellow travelers, yet still provided an environment for a good night’s rest. 

How Do You Get Around Osaka?

With the Osaka Amazing Pass, you can take the Osaka Metro for free. You can also take city buses for free, but I used the subway most of the time to get around. On your phone, you will need to scan your QR code for the metro to enter the tracks for free. 

The Osaka Metro is easy to use, and you can use Google Maps to plan your journey. The most important thing is not to try to use your pass on a JR train. These train lines are not included with your pass, so make sure you take a Metro line and not a JR line as you travel around the city. On Google Maps, the Osaka Metro lines and stations will be indicated with a tiny blue “M”.

When Should You Take Your Osaka Solo Trip?

If you want to save money and escape some of the crowds, visit Osaka during the winter. November to February is an ideal time to take your Osaka solo trip because it is the least busy season. There are fewer foreign tourists in the winter, and you won’t be covered in sweat. However, you should wear warm layers since the average temperatures are between 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit. 

You can also visit Osaka during the shoulder seasons (fall and spring). I don’t think spring (cherry blossom season) is especially exciting for Osaka, so you do not really need to visit during this popular time. 

I recommend avoiding Japan in the Summer (July and August) because it can be very uncomfortable and humid. Also, make sure not to visit Osaka around Japan’s national holiday weeks: Obon (Aug. 13 to Aug. 16) and Golden Week (April 29 to May 6). Everything will be extremely busy because most locals travel around this time. 

Want to learn about my favorite hidden gems in Japan? Read Ultimate Japan Bucket List: The Best Thing to Do in Every Prefecture

1. Reach New Heights at the Umeda Sky Building 

Osaka has many observatories. One of the coolest is the Umeda Sky Building. This skyscraper’s claim to fame is its skybridge that connects two glass towers. You can walk this open-air bridge (caution, it gets windy) and marvel at an incredible city view.

The views are incredible, and you can also explore a garden in the observatory. The Umeda Sky Building is included in the Osaka Amazing Pass from 9:30 to 15:00 each day. If you visit after 15:00, you will have to pay a fee of 2,000 yen. 

2. Go up the Tsutenkaku Tower

Near the Tennoji Zoo is another observation deck. This was my least favorite tower on the list because it is the smallest and gets really busy. However, it is also included on the Osaka Amazing Pass, so if you are in the area. It is worth visiting. 

Perhaps more exciting than the tower is the Shinsekai district, which is home to the famous site. Here, you will find winding streets and food vendors that invoke the vibrant energy of Osaka. 

3. Enjoy a Sweeping View of Osaka Bay at Sakishima Cosmo Tower 

Along with the Umeda Sky Building, I recommend visiting the Sakishima Cosmo Tower. This observatory is less popular and not open-air, but I actually enjoyed it even more. I enjoyed it so much that it made my list of the best things to do in Japan! The tower is included in the Osaka Amazing Pass with no restrictions. It is open from 11:00 to 22:00, the last entry is 21:30, and it is closed on Mondays that follow a holiday. 

Cosmo Tower sits right on Osaka Bay, making it a perfect spot for sunset. On one side, you can watch boats dock under golden light; on the other, you can watch the city lights illuminate the sprawling urban landscape. From the Cosmo Tower’s 55th-floor observatory, you will also enjoy views of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Kansai International Airport.

When compared to Tsutenkaku Tower and the Umeda Sky Building, other popular observatories in Osaka, the Sakishima Cosmo Tower is the clear winner. Cosmo Tower is not as sleek and fancy as Umeda or in a lively district like Tsutenkaku, but the view is the best. You might also be lucky like I was and nearly have the entire observatory to yourself. 

4. See Osaka From the HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel

When on a solo trip to Osaka, you should go up a Ferris Wheel! This is not a typical thing I do alone when traveling, but remember, Osaka is a whimsical city full of attractions. It might not seem like the most fun to do alone, but actually, it can be! Plus, it is included with the Osaka Amazing Pass. 

On this Ferris wheel, I got my own cabin and enjoyed watching the sweeping views of the city. Sure, it is a random solo activity, but it is definitely memorable. I recommend going up the wheel at night. It is a more exciting experience, in my opinion.

This attraction is closed for renovation until Late April 2026. However, the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel is another Ferris Wheel that is included with the Osaka Amazing Pass. I prefer the HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel because the views are cooler, but you should also try to go up the Tempozan Wheel during your Osaka solo trip, especially now since HEP FIVE is closed. 

5. Relax at Nagai Park

In the midst of all the exciting attractions, you can unwind in Nagai Park. It is home to many sports facilities, grassy fields, and walking paths. Depending on what season you visit, you can tour the Nagai Botanical Garden. It is included in the Osaka Amazing Pass, of course!

6. Walk the Grounds of the Shitennoji Temple

Although the Osaka Amazing Pass grants access to many commercialized attractions, you can visit some important cultural institutions for free, too. The Shitennoji temple is not as impressive as popular temples in Kyoto, but it is an easy place to visit because it is located in the heart of Osaka.

You won’t regret walking through the complex, photographing the pagoda and manicured gardens. You can also visit the Tennoji Zoo when you tour this temple because both are very close to each other. The Zoo is also included in the Osaka Amazing Pass. Near the Zoo is the Keitakuen Garden, another site included with the Pass. I didn’t visit the garden because it wasn’t open when I went, but it looks like a nice place to relax in nature. 

7. Tour the Iconic Osaka Castle 

One of the most popular places in Osaka is its castle. The Osaka Amazing Pass also includes admission to the castle’s museum and main tower. The fee without the pass is 1,200 yen. The castle is open from 9:00 to 18:00 (last entry is 17:30). However, it is closed from December 28 to January 1.

This castle has been completely renovated inside and features a large exhibit hall highlighting the castle’s rich history. Plus, you can climb up the tower for an impressive view of Osaka. No trip to Osaka is complete without visiting one of the most famous castles in Japan. 

8. Eat a Cheese Coin

Perhaps eating a pancake-shaped coin filled with cheese is not the first thing you think about doing when planning your Osaka solo trip. However, it is a fun thing tourists do in the city. You will find stands selling this snack in Dotonbori. 

It is by no means a must-try food when visiting Japan, but it is another whimsical thing to indulge in when exploring Osaka. The lines to buy this novel treat can actually get really long. You can decide if it’s worth the wait. 

9. Board a Ship and Sail Around the Bay

With the Osaka Amazing Pass, the attractions never stop. Although typically, I stray away from cruises in the States since they are pretty awkward things to do alone, Japan has a much different culture. 

There is virtually no shame in exploring alone, and people are very respectful of your space. So, why not take a cruise on the Santa Maria? This cruise is peaceful and perfect for a photographer wanting to snap shots of the Osaka Port. 

The point of this excursion is to stand on the ship deck and watch the waves ebb and flow for about an hour. There is no audio guide or explanation on the sites you pass during the cruise. Still, it is definitely a worthwhile thing to do alone in Osaka. The ship departs every hour from 11:00 to 16:00. It is recommended to be at the boarding area 15 minutes before departure. It is closed Dec. 31, 2025, and from Jan. 13 to Feb. 6, 2026.

10. See Osaka on the Suijyo Bus Aqua-Liner

A defining feature of Osaka is its canals that cut through the city and enhance its beauty and bravado. You can explore the canals for free via an aqua bus with the Osaka Amazing Pass. There are different tours that take you down the canals, but the Aqua-Liner is unique because it is not open-air, so it is a good thing to do alone, even if it is raining. 

Refer to the Osaka Amazing Pass website for the boat’s schedule. This is a tour to do in the daytime. There are other river cruises that specialize in night tours where you can see the famous neon signs of Dotonbori light up. 

11. Photograph the Glico Man

In Dotonbori, amidst the chaotic streets and enticing street foods, stands one of the most famous symbols of Osaka, the Glico Man. This large billboard dates back to the 1930s and advertises “The Running Man,” a mascot of the Glico Company. 

You need to see this figure during your Osaka solo trip. One of the best ways to see the sign is by taking a night river cruise through Dotonbori. I recommend taking the Wonder Cruise to see the sights in all their glory.

Although the tour is included with the Osaka Amazing Pass, it is recommended that you make an online reservation to ensure entry. You can make your reservation here. The Wonder Cruise runs from 17:00 to 21:30. It is best to take the cruise at night so you can see “The Running Man” all lit up. 

12. Shop at Kuromon Market

If you are looking for a place to eat a wide variety of food, head to the Kuromon Market. You will find fresh seafood, Kobe beef, and okonomiyaki here. It can get busy here, though, making it less ideal if you are solo traveling in Osaka.

To beat the crowds, come in the morning and try to avoid weekends. You will also find vendors here eager to sell Osaka-specific souvenirs. In Japan, it is customary to buy souvenirs to give to family and friends once you return from a trip. This is a great place to stock up on those items!

13. Take a Trip to Kyoto

When you visit Osaka, you can easily visit Kyoto. Although you can do this on a day trip, Kyoto has so much to see. You should stay at least three nights there. Kyoto is one of the most famous spots to visit in Japan because of its historical charm and picturesque temples.

It is very easy to travel from Osaka to Kyoto. There are local lines and Shinkansen lines that connect the two cities. You can purchase a JR Pass to allow unlimited travel between the cities, but only do this if you are visiting other Japanese cities like Tokyo, Nagano, or Kanazawa. 

To learn more about what to do in Kyoto, read 16 Things to Do Alone in Kyoto | Kyoto Solo Trip Guide.

14. Head to Kobe for the Day

One of the best perks of Osaka is that it is in a great location, near other exciting cities. You can easily visit Kobe from Kyoto if you have the JR Kansai Wide Area Pass. Simply, take a quick 20-minute ride on the Tokaido Sanyo Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Shin-Kobe Station. 

Kobe is home to a picturesque port, a lively Chinatown, and a historic shrine. However, the best part about this ultra-modern city is that you can hike from the city center to an incredible night view, Kikuseidai, one of the country’s three top night views. 

The 3.6-mile trail starts at Shin-Kobe Station and leads you to Nunobiki Falls before a steep climb up to Mt. Maya, where you will find the iconic night view. I recommend hiking the trail in the late afternoon to reach the summit around sunset. Once you watch the bay light up amid the darkness, you can take the Maya Ropeway and Maya Cable Car back down the mountain to Hoshi no Eki Station for 900 yen.

15. Head to Nara and Feed the Deer 

When you are visiting Osaka, you should also make time to visit Nara. Although this is a more popular side trip from Kyoto, since Kyoto and Osaka are so close to each other. You can easily do it from Osaka, too.

To reach Nara, it is easiest to first head to Kyoto Station and then take the Local Nara Train to Nara Station. Nara is one of the most popular side trips to take when visiting Kyoto. From Kyoto Station, take the Local Nara to Nara Station. This route is covered on the JR Kansai Wide Area Pass.

Nara is known for its friendly deer that roam freely in Nara Park. Getting followed and stalked by these docile mammals is fun and makes for hilarious videos, but touring Todai-ji is the true highlight when visiting Nara. You can read more about visiting Nara in my Japan bucket list guide. 

Take an Osaka Solo Trip

Osaka has a unique flavor that can’t be replicated. Thanks to the Amazing Osaka Pass, it is easy to explore this city, and there is plenty to do when you are traveling alone in this sprawling metropolis. It is time to take your solo trip to Osaka.

Read more of my Japan posts:

• My Japan Travel Photos: 100 Images From a Year of Living in Japan
• 10 Places to See Beautiful Fall Colors in Japan
• The 5 Best Hostels in Japan for Solo Travelers
• 8 Underrated Places To See Cherry Blossoms in Japan (2024)
• How to Hike Mt. Asama: One of Japan’s Most Active Volcanoes
• 18 Things to Do Alone in Tokyo | Tokyo Solo Trip Guide
• 16 Things to Do Alone in Kyoto | Kyoto Solo Trip Guide