In October 2023, I packed up the last two years of my life and visited Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo for my first official solo trip. This was a pit stop on my way home from living in South Korea as an English Teacher.
I didn’t write about it in the past because I thought it had been a failed trip. I was shy and anxious. I was all alone and kept thinking how much better a friend would make it.
Looking back, that was, exactly what I needed to make the trip transformative. It gave me a lot of confidence and helped me become a more independent person. After all, we can’t grow in comfort.
Night One
I flew from Busan to Osaka and landed late in the evening at a bustling airport lined with overwhelmingly colorful and bold posters.
I tried to seem nonchalant, but inside, I was so scared to get something wrong. I told myself, “Everything is going to be easy to navigate. It’s just common sense.”
I went up to the counter, bought a train ticket, and practiced saying “Thank You” in Japanese for the first time. With minimal(ish) difficulty, I found myself in front of my hostel, down small winding streets, just a few streets away from the city’s commotion.
Tip: I studied the route quite a few times while waiting for my flight. I like to know what I am in store for.
Where I Stayed: Cocoroom
While in Osaka, I stayed at the Cocoroom Guest House and Garden.
I had a tiny, private room that left just enough floor space to fully open my carry-on. There was a thrift shop in the entrance that allowed people to work and live there.
I was already overwhelmed by the number of people, lights, and navigation, and the Indian place nearby looked inviting and smelled amazing.
Tip: If you’re not comfortable eating alone, it can be difficult to walk into any nearby place, especially if there aren’t many solo diners, so I think fast food is a great option! I love to try the different takes on the “classics.“
They had a million menu items, and I ordered a small feast. I was the only one in the restaurant; I felt like a guest in a home, and I went to sleep with a full belly!
Day 1
Morning Wander: Hozen-ji Temple (Optional) and Namba Yaska Shrine
I usually leave a few optional sections in my itinerary in case I want to sleep in a bit, but I was excited to see the city.
I love to walk, so I strolled over from Cocoroom. The path transported me to other eras, both in the past and future.
Pit stop for fluffy Japanese pancakes at Mog!
I took it slow, walked down streets that looked interesting, and stumbled upon beautiful sites and famous landmarks that I wasn’t aware were even on the way (mainly because I left time to discover them on my own).
When I simply follow my heart, I always find the best hidden gems!!
The Hozen-Ji Temple was a quick walk from the pancake shop. I left it as optional because it is small, but it was serene. I’d recommend popping in!
The Namba Yaska Shrine is a must-see! It was so beautiful, and it was a short walk away. Bonus: You can write a prayer down, along with a donation, and they will hang it up for you. There are cute knick-knacks for sale, too.
In the afternoon and evening, I left time to wander around the Nishinari neighborhood, visit the shopping district, and solo dine at a couple restaurants, allowing me to try two options for one meal!
Thoughts and Struggles
This first day was really challenging. It was a busy day, and I felt out of place and a bit embarrassed to be all alone. On the way home, I had plans to eat a nice meal, but I was too overwhelmed by the crowds and lights.
On top of this, my phone battery was running low. I could not find my hotel. I was a bit panicked. However, I found my way back. I learned to rely on my memory, instead of only maps. I never forgot a portable charger after that day either.
Most importantly, I felt accomplished! I did it. I saw what I wanted to see, and I didn’t have to wait for anyone to book the trip with me, find the right time off of work, etc. I was going to see the world, and that didn’t depend on anything except me!!
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