voyage solo japon

The Ultimate Solo Travel Guide To Japan: Explore Now!

Table of Contents

Solo travel has become a transformative adventure for many, providing an opportunity to explore the world on your terms. Among the diverse destinations, Japan stands out as an enchanting realm for the solo traveler. The Land of the Rising Sun blends ancient tradition and cutting-edge innovation, making it an ideal canvas for self-discovery and exploration. Embarking on a Japan solo travel is a remarkable journey filled with cultural exploration, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.

Japan offers solo travelers an unparalleled voyage with its unique blend of traditional heritage and modern innovation. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unravel the essence of Japan solo travel, covering essential tips, must-visit destinations, cultural insights, and much more.

Table of Content

Japan travel facts, is japan good for solo travel, best places to visit in japan.

• Where to stay in Japan as a solo traveler

How to get to Japan solo travel?

Best time to visit japan, japan travel itineraries, solo travel advice for japan, is japan solo travel safe, conclusion: japan solo travel.

Japan is often known for its bustling cities, but a lesser-known fact is that forests and mountains cover 70% of the country. There are over 100 active volcanoes, Mount Fuji being the highest at 3,776 feet. Japan boasts 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with 20 being of cultural significance, such as Himeji Castle, and five being natural sites, like Shiretoko National Park.

The country is not limited to Honshu’s main island; it consists of nearly 7,000 islands, making it the fourth-largest archipelago globally. You can visit Ōkunoshima for its population of rabbits or head to Hokkaido for excellent skiing and fresh powder in winter.

Japan is an excellent destination for solo travel. The country is known for its safety, efficient public transportation, and well-developed infrastructure, making it easy for solo travelers to navigate and explore. Japan offers a rich cultural experience, diverse landscapes, and a mix of modern and traditional attractions that can be thoroughly enjoyed alone.

Additionally, Japanese people are generally friendly and helpful, which adds to the positive experience of solo travel in Japan. Whether you’re interested in exploring cities, hiking in nature, enjoying culinary delights, or immersing yourself in the unique culture, Japan has something to offer every solo traveler.

In addition, the Japan National Tourism Organization operates a 24-hour English-speaking helpline, which is especially beneficial for solo travelers. This helpline is an excellent resource for tourism information and assistance, offering valuable support throughout your journey in Japan.

Japan is a fantastic destination for solo travelers, offering a mix of bustling cities, serene temples, beautiful landscapes, and a rich cultural experience. Here are some of the best places to visit for a memorable solo trip to Japan:

• Explore the diverse neighborhoods of Shibuya, Shinjuku, Akihabara, and Harajuku.
• Visit historic temples like Senso-ji and Meiji Shrine.
• Indulge in the city’s vibrant food scene and try sushi, ramen, and street snacks.
• Wander through iconic temples such as Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Fushimi Inari-taisha.
• Stroll through traditional streets in the Gion and Higashiyama districts.
• Experience a traditional tea ceremony and enjoy Kyoto’s refined cuisine.
• Sample Osaka’s famous street food at Dotonbori and try takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
• Visit Osaka Castle for a dose of history and great city views.
• Explore the bustling entertainment district of Namba.

Hiroshima :

• Explore the Peace Memorial Park and Museum to gain insights into the city’s historical background and commitment to promoting peace.
• Catch a ferry to Miyajima Island and marvel at the iconic “floating” torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.
• Interact with friendly deer at Nara Park and visit Todai-ji Temple, home to a massive Buddha statue.
• Explore the charming streets and traditional buildings of Naramachi.
• Relax in hot springs (onsen) with stunning views of Mount Fuji.
• Take a scenic boat cruise on Lake Ashi and a ride on the Hakone Ropeway.
• Discover Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful traditional gardens.
• Visit the Nagamachi samurai district and explore the Higashi Chaya district for a glimpse of conventional geisha culture.

When going to Japan, solo travel To get around fast, take advantage of Japan’s efficient and vast public transit system, which includes trains and buses. Also, consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass for convenient travel nationwide.

Where to stay in Japan as a solo traveler 

What are the accommodation options like in Japan? There’s a wide variety to choose from when traveling solo. Whether you seek a small, unique city hotel, a modern skyscraper lodging, or a quaint countryside inn, Japan has it all. You can discover centuries-old traditional ryokans with tatami-mat floors, natural hot springs (onsen), and exquisite multi-course kaiseki meals, or opt for cutting-edge hotels in Tokyo.

As a solo adventurer, you enjoy more flexibility, but making reservations well in advance is advisable. Japanese accommodations tend to fill up quickly, especially in urban areas and during peak seasons. If you join a group tour like Flash Pack, you can avoid the hassle of arranging hotels and often share a room with a fellow solo traveler, reducing the single supplement cost. If you still prefer having your space, that option is also available.

Related article: Affordable Delicious Japanese Food-Best Budget Eats in Japan

Embarking on Japan solo travel typically starts with a flight. Several airlines, such as Japan’s ANA and Nippon Airways, offer direct flights from international locations like the US, Canada, and the UK to major cities like Osaka, Tokyo, and Nagoya on Honshu island.

Alternatively, traveling by ferry is another option to reach Japan by sea. The primary ferry routes connect China and Korea to Japanese ports in Osaka and nearby Kobe. Despite Japan being an island nation, an extensive European rail network ultimately led to Shanghai, China. You can catch a ferry from Shanghai to continue your journey to Japan.

The ideal timing for Japan solo travel depends on your preferences. Spring, from March to May, offers a stunning display of cherry blossoms (sakura) and attracts many travelers despite the unpredictable weather ranging from 4-18°C. Opting for a journey in October and November lets you experience Japan’s autumn colors (koyo), witnessing maple leaves ablaze in fiery red hues with temperatures between 10-21°C.

Summers, with temperatures usually ranging from 21-32°C and high humidity, are suitable for hiking at higher altitudes in the southern Kansai region of Honshu island, where lush green trees provide refreshing shade. On the other hand, winter brings cold temperatures, often dipping below zero, leading to snowfall and turning Japan into a popular skiing destination, especially on Hokkaido.

Japan is a beautiful and diverse country with a rich cultural heritage, modern cities, stunning natural landscapes, and delicious cuisine. Here’s a sample 10-day itinerary to give you an idea of what you can see and do in Japan:

Day 1-2: Tokyo

• Arrive in Tokyo, the bustling capital of Japan.
• Visit iconic sights like Tokyo Tower, Senso-ji Temple, and the Imperial Palace.
• Explore the districts of Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Akihabara.
• Try traditional sushi and ramen for dinner.

Day 3: Nikko

• Take a day trip to Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its breathtaking temples and natural beauty.
• Visit Toshogu Shrine, a lavishly decorated shrine complex.

Day 4-5: Hakone

• Head to Hakone, famous for its hot springs and views of Mount Fuji.
• Relax in an onsen (hot spring) and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
• Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum and Hakone Shrine.

Day 6-7: Kyoto

• Travel to Kyoto, a city rich in history and traditional culture.
• Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
• Explore the historic Gion district and experience a traditional tea ceremony.

Day 8: Nara

• Take a day trip to Nara, home to friendly deer and beautiful temples.
• Visit Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park.

Day 9: Hiroshima

• Head to Hiroshima and tour the Peace Memorial Park and Museum to explore the city’s history.
• Take a ferry to Miyajima Island to see the famous “floating” Itsukushima Shrine.

Day 10: Osaka

• Explore Osaka, known for its modern architecture and vibrant nightlife.
• Visit Osaka Castle and try street food in Dotonbori.
• Depart from Osaka or extend your trip to explore more of Japan.

Remember to adapt this itinerary based on your interests, travel pace, and the time of year you visit. Japan has much more to offer, so feel free to modify this itinerary to suit your preferences and discover the unique experiences that appeal to you.

Japan is a haven for solo travelers searching for peace and reflection, surrounded by spiritual sites and calming nature trails. You’ll find beautiful traditional gardens in every city once the retreats for Japan’s historical figures.

When ready to escape the hustle and bustle, head to tranquil temples, forested mountains, or islands with charming rivers and castles. Japan offers enchanting waterfalls, vast flower-filled parks, and stunning alpine exploration routes. And take advantage of Japan’s beloved onsen hot springs, a peaceful experience often found in cozy Japanese inns.

You may interested in: Travel Essentials for Women: Packing Made Easy

Numerous travelers embark on solo journeys to Japan yearly, and most enjoy a trouble-free experience. Nevertheless, it’s wise to consult the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (UK), the Department of State Travel Advisories (US), or your local government’s guidelines for the most up-to-date advice before your trip. After arriving in Japan:

• Pay attention to local advice.
• Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Ensure you’re mindful of your belongings.

Japan solo travel is more appealing due to its remarkable safety track record and low crime rates. Traveling solo is normalized and well-supported, with provisions like women-only spaces in spas or train carriages. Consider joining a group of fellow solo travelers for added peace of mind.

In summary, Japan solo travel offers a distinctive journey blending tradition and innovation, providing a transformative experience. Discover the safety, efficiency, and warm hospitality that make exploring Japan alone a fulfilling adventure. The Land of the Rising Sun beckons with its rich culture, diverse landscapes, and a seamless blend of old and new. Whether delving into city life, immersing in nature, savoring local delicacies, or diving into the unique culture, Japan solo travel promises an unforgettable venture catering to all preferences. It’s an exceptional destination inviting solo travelers to uncover its unique tapestry of experiences and embark on a self-discovery odyssey.

Similar Posts

Singapore in Winter Travel Tips – Weather, Activities & More

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into all the essential information you need to enjoy the winter season in the tropical paradise of Singapore in Winter. Discover how this vibrant city-state transforms during the cooler…

Thailand’s Unique Tourist Attractions: 7 Amazing Places

Thailand, often called the “Land of Smiles,” is a mesmerizing Southeast Asian paradise famous for its breathtaking scenery, abundant cultural legacy, and welcoming hospitality. While popular destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai draw millions…

Cyprus Travel Tips: Your Guide to Exploring Cyprus

Explore all Cyprus offers through activities and sights that showcase culture, history, and natural splendor – find out “what there is to do in Cyprus” with this comprehensive guide! Welcome to Cyprus, an idyllic island…

Best Places to Visit in Bangkok for First Timers-Explore Now

Bangkok: A City of Contrasts Bangkok, often referred to as the “City of Angels,” is Thailand’s capital and largest city. Located in the central part of the country, it serves as Thailand’s political, economic, cultural,…

One Comment

• Pingback: Mexico Travel Tips: Your Guide to a Memorable Trip

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Solo Trip in Japan: Complete Guide to Itinerary, Attractions, Cost and More

快速導覽

How to start a person traveling to Japan for the first time?

How did you travel to japan alone for the first time.

There are many things in daily life that always experience the first time, such as traveling to Japan with friends for the first time, going to Tokyo for the first time, going to Kyoto for the first time, taking the JR train for the first time, and taking the Shinkansen for the first time Trains, learning to ski in Japan for the first time...

Then suddenly, for some reason, it became the first time to travel to Japan alone, and suddenly there was only one person to deal with all the issues such as air tickets, accommodation, itinerary planning and so on. At this time, you will unconsciously ask, is it safe to go to Japan alone? How should a person go to Japan to arrange accommodation, attractions, and itinerary planning? What should I pay attention to when traveling to Japan alone? Also, who else would choose to go to Japan alone?

Perhaps for you who will go to Japan alone for the first time, this trip may be a major test in your life. Because you need to face a language barrier environment alone, and you have to solve all the things that will happen during the entire trip alone.

Difficulty of traveling alone in Japan

However, according to my many travel experiences in Japan in the past, traveling alone in Japan is not as difficult as I imagined. As long as I can overcome the first time I go to Japan alone, I will learn how to arrange the second and third trips . Just like I have been to the top of Mount Fuji, Hokkaido, Tokyo, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, etc. in the past, basically only a small part of Japan has not been visited

At the same time, I also tried to live in Japan alone, deal with different problems in daily life in Japan alone, and so on. In fact, traveling alone to Japan is not a terrible thing, but something that you will fall in love with unconsciously.

As I said at the beginning, there is a first time for everything. So whether you are "the first time to travel to Japan" or "the first time to travel to Japan alone", as long as you have not been to Japan many times, today's article will sort out one for you Japan itinerary planning. First of all, it will start from the most basic itinerary planning, and then to accommodation arrangements, scenic spot selection, and then to Japanese culture, what needs to be paid attention to when traveling in Japan, etc., will share past experience with you.

I hope that after reading this article, you can plan a Japanese travel itinerary that belongs to you. Whether it's your first trip to Japan alone, or your first trip to Japan with your family or friends, you can complete the entire itinerary at the end and return home safely with good memories.

One ticket, unlimited travel throughout Japan! [Best Deal] JR Pass All Japan Rail Pass A must-have ticket for a long-distance trip to Japan!

Is it safe to travel in Japan?

People often ask: Is Japan a safe and tourist-friendly country?

This is a question that many people who plan to travel to Japan for the first time will ask. To put it simply, Japan is different from other countries. Japan is a country that attaches great importance to tourism, and crimes against overseas tourists are very rare. If some unavoidable natural disasters and accidents are excluded, Japan is a very safe country on the whole.

In addition, the Japanese are a nation that attaches great importance to laws and regulations and the feelings of others, so even if you lose your wallet, mobile phone, or a coin, you can find it back with the assistance of the police and station staff thing.

More in-depth, as long as you concentrate on activities in popular tourist attractions and shopping areas, and do not walk into some residential areas or private land, the chances of accidents are basically very low. At the same time, try to avoid going to some unknown restaurants, izakayas, and places suspected of being pornographic places and gambling places, so that you can minimize the chance of accidents.

Is Japan suitable for traveling alone?

If you are traveling to Japan for the first time, and there is only one person, you don’t need to worry too much in just a few days in Japan.

Because Japan is a place with very developed railway construction, you will definitely find JR stations or local railway stations near almost all scenic spots. Therefore, there is no need to worry about transportation arrangements. Traveling to Japan by yourself can actually solve transportation planning easily.

In addition, in major cities in Japan such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, etc., there are also many accommodation plans and restaurants suitable for one person, and many of them are very cheap and good quality accommodation and restaurants. So even if there is only one person going to Japan, it is not like other countries where only double rooms and double packages can be booked.

Another point is that as long as your actions don't affect other people, basically the local Japanese don't care whether you come to Japan alone or in a group. As long as you follow their instructions, whether you are in a hot spring hotel, taking JR, or going to some high-end restaurants alone, they will serve you according to the usual standards.

One device, shared by multiple people! [New] NTT Docomo Unlimited Mobile Data Sharer Service Plan Faster and more convenient to receive!

Can I travel to Japan without knowing Japanese?

The answer first: If you only go to some popular tourist spots, this is totally fine. However, if you want to go to some scenic spots suitable for in-depth travel, learning some basic Japanese is a necessary condition for setting off to these scenic spots.

If you are going to Japan with your friends

To put it simply, if you are traveling to Japan with your friends, and you only go to popular tourist attractions in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, there will be no problem even if you only speak English. Because many of the clerks who can work in tourist areas are people with certain English skills, there will be no problem in ordering food, checking out, or inquiring about scenic spots in simple English. And because you are going to Japan with a group of friends, even if there is an accident, they will help you, so if you can communicate in Japanese, it will be helpful for the itinerary, but it is not a necessary skill.

However, if you are traveling to Japan alone, or plan to go to places other than popular attractions and stay in accommodation other than major hotels, your Japanese ability will completely affect your itinerary experience.

If you go to Japan alone

For example, take the itinerary in Tokyo as an example. If you go to some independent small restaurants, izakayas, etc. in residential areas this time, basically you must understand the Japanese on the menu before you can order food. Or if you want to book some cultural experience activities, you need to have Japanese communication skills to participate.

More importantly, if you are going to Japan alone and plan to leave popular tourist areas such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, whether you can speak Japanese will determine your chances of getting help. Because Japanese people in other regions may not be able to understand complex English sentences, especially when you miss the last JR train and need help when you are injured, Japanese will be the fastest language for you to get help.

Of course, if you are on an itinerary that mainly focuses on popular attractions, you can also say "すみません-Sumimasen", "これ- kore", "ありがとうございます- arigato gozaimasu", etc., which will be better than "Excuse Me / Sorry" , "This" and "Thank You" make it easier to get help from the store staff.

What attractions can you choose when you go to Japan for the first time?

It's the first time to travel to Japan, but after opening the map of Japan, I still don't know which places are worth visiting? In fact, the whole of Japan is mainly divided into two main parts, the city and the suburbs. You can decide which place to go according to your knowledge of Japan.

major cities in japan

If you are going to Japan with your friends this time, if you have never traveled to Japan, and if you don’t speak Japanese, Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto are all very suitable places for you to go.

Because these three places are very mature tourist areas, besides there are many scenic spots that allow you to arrange a itinerary for a week, and there are also people from different countries working in these areas, so even if you only speak English and Chinese The whole journey can be completed smoothly.

And between Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, I will recommend you to go to Tokyo or Kyoto first, and save Osaka for the next time you come to Japan.

Because the attractions and characteristics of Osaka are actually similar to those of Tokyo, what can be experienced in Osaka can be experienced in Tokyo. However, what you experience in Tokyo may not necessarily be experienced in Osaka. A simple example is like sightseeing at a high-altitude observatory. Tokyo has Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, and Shibuya Sky, but Osaka only has Osaka Tsutenkaku and Umeda Sky Observatory, but they cannot compare with Tokyo Skytree in terms of height.

In addition, Tokyo and Kyoto represent both modern and traditional Japan. If you are going to Japan for the first time, you want to experience Japan’s big cities, anime, shopping, or Japan’s ancient capital, kimono wearing experience, tea ceremony experience, geisha performance, some traditional Japanese activities and so on.

To sum up, Tokyo and Kyoto are places with very complete tourism resources. Even if you don’t spend too much time researching the itinerary, basically you don’t have to worry about transportation, accommodation, attractions, etc. place to go and get bored.

Japanese regional cities

Of course, for you who will be going to Japan for the first time, you don’t necessarily have to go to places like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. If you have enough preparations before departure, in fact, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Kumamoto, Nagoya, Shikoku, Hokkaido, etc., some places with natural attractions are worth your consideration. However, because the transportation facilities in these places are not as developed as Tokyo and Kyoto, there may only be one JR train passing by every hour.

In addition, because these places are not places that some overseas students would choose to go, sometimes it may be a little difficult to communicate in English. In addition, there are many places where the explanations are only in Japanese, which is not like the habit of providing Japanese, English, and Chinese multiple languages at the same time in Tokyo.

So for you who are going to Japan for the first time, if you still choose to go to these places, you need to have a certain level of Japanese ability, and have enough time to study each day's itinerary before departure, so that you can ensure that you are in the itinerary There will be no surprises along the way.

For those who travel to Japan for the first time, unless there are other people who have been to these places who can serve as tour guides and can quickly identify some important traffic and scenic spot information, it is best to have a certain level of Japanese ability, otherwise Should save it for the next time I visit Japan.

What are the attractions to choose when traveling to Japan alone?

If you have traveled to Japan several times, but this time it happens that only one person goes to Japan, and it is the first time to go by yourself, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are some places suitable for departure at any time. The shopping malls, restaurants, and different attractions are sure to be enough for you to arrange a long-distance trip. If you want to challenge yourself, you can also consider using the JR Shinkansen train to go to Tokyo and Kyoto at the same time to experience two completely different Japans.

In addition, in summer, Mount Fuji, Hokkaido, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka are some places where you can enjoy the natural scenery. Or in Hakone and Nikko in winter, there are many hot spring hotels you can go to. As long as you book the required tickets and accommodation in advance, it is basically as simple as planning a trip to Tokyo.

However, it is not recommended to go alone for some relatively high-risk activities, such as going skiing in winter alone, climbing a mountain in Japan with only one person, or going into some suburban areas alone, all of which must be avoided.

How to arrange accommodation when going to Japan alone?

If you choose to go to areas such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, business hotels and youth hostels are some accommodation options worth considering. The characteristic is that the housing price is cheap, and the distance from the station is not very far. Even if you need to drag your suitcase, it is very convenient.

If you want to have enough private space, there are APA Hotel Both are great accommodation options. If you want to communicate more with other people, youth hostels will be a good accommodation solution, but not every city in Japan will definitely have this kind of accommodation option.

For example, I often Agoda The advantage of booking APA hotels in different areas above is that you can apply for free cancellation when you need to change your itinerary. In addition, you will also recommend other hotels, youth hostels, and even capsule hotels in the same area. When the APA hotel has no rooms available, I can immediately book other hotels instead of spending time calling each hotel to check availability.

However, you should pay more attention when you book some high-end hot spring hotels, because most of the hot spring hotel rooms are sold as double rooms, and the meals are mainly set meals for two people. In other words, no matter if you are alone, you still have to pay the cost of a double room before you can stay in those high-end hot spring hotel rooms.

Check Prices and Discount Offer: Book hotel accommodation in Japan

What should I pay attention to when traveling to Japan?

Since Japan is said to be a very safe country, why do we need to pay more attention during the tour?

The reason is simple, because the language and culture of each country are different, which may cause misunderstandings due to some cultural conflicts. Moreover, many people will overestimate their abilities during the trip, or lack of planning, and finally encounter some accidents that could have been avoided.

Therefore, whether you are going to Japan with friends or by yourself, you should pay attention to the following points when you go to Japan for the first time.

Knowing basic Japanese will enhance your travel experience

Since Japanese is the common language in Japan, if you want to get help from the shop staff quickly, the effect of asking questions in Japanese will be much better than English. In addition, making good use of translation software can help you break the language barrier, and the efficiency will be much better than simply using English to inquire with the clerk.

Avoid eating while walking in Japan

Japan is not a country that is used to shopping and eating at the same time, but is used to eating near restaurants and small shops before continuing to go shopping and shopping. If you're used to walking into different shops with your drink in hand, definitely avoid it when you're in Japan. Otherwise, you may need to pay before you can leave when the goods are wet.

Pay attention to the departure time of the last railway train

Regardless of whether you are traveling to any part of Japan, you must pay attention to the departure time of the last train on the railway. Because JR railways in different regions will have different last train times. For example, for JR trains in some remote areas, it is not impossible for the last train to leave at 18:00 in the afternoon.

Although the last JR train in Tokyo will end around 00:10 in the middle of the night, the distance between different stations in Tokyo is actually very far. If you don’t want to spend money to take a taxi, it will take a lot of time to walk there. So before you plan to arrange some night activities, it is better to check the departure time of the last bus of the day.

Avoid being alone on the street late at night

Although Japan is a country with very good law and order, it does not mean that there will be no crimes at all. Especially in some bar areas and nightlife-based areas late at night, if you are not familiar with Japanese culture, you must try to avoid going there late at night. This is the best way to ensure your own safety.

In addition, if you go to Japan alone, when you go to some remote places, try to stay in some main shopping streets after nightfall, so that even if you encounter an accident, you can get help immediately.

Avoid going into residential areas, private land, farmland

The Japanese attach great importance to private land, so even if you see a lot of sunflowers planted in some farmland, it is not recommended to go to touch or take pictures. Just like the Christmas tree in Biei, Hokkaido, you can't actually go in and take pictures, because the location of the Christmas tree is within the scope of private land.

Avoid going into some unknown restaurants

If you go to places where izakaya are concentrated in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, and you meet some people who entertain you warmly on the street, or tell you that you don’t need to spend time queuing up, hoping that you will go to some specific restaurants, then you must careful. Because those restaurants are likely to be some restaurants that charge high fees. Seats, ice cubes, drinking water, snacks, service fees, etc. will be calculated independently, and they will also give you a high bill.

So if you are traveling to Japan for the first time, or if you are only traveling to Japan alone, it is recommended that you go to some restaurants in department stores, which will be safer and more convenient.

Avoid taking pictures of other people's faces

The Japanese are not a very enthusiastic nation, so when taking pictures in Japan, you must avoid taking pictures of other people. And according to Japanese law, they have the right to refuse to let you take pictures, and they can also ask you to delete photos that include their appearance, which must be paid attention to.

don't force yourself to go to any itinerary

For you who are traveling to Japan for the first time, sometimes you will want to visit several different attractions in one day. But it is often easy to underestimate the travel time required in the middle and whether your physical strength can handle it.

In fact, Japan is a country that is suitable for visiting again and again. Whether you go to a certain scenic spot today or next year, there will still be no big difference in this scenic spot. So when you really have no way to go to a certain scenic spot, it is actually the most appropriate choice to give up decisively.

cheap dining options

Although prices in Japan are not cheap, there are also delicious and cheap bentos sold in convenience stores and supermarkets. For example, there are many branches in Tokyo Kitchen Origin , provides a lot of bento options around ¥500, which is cheaper than lunch and dinner in many restaurants.

In addition, some beef rice restaurants, ramen restaurants, Chinese cuisine restaurants, etc., are all places where you can eat for less than 1,000 yen. If you don't have a lot of travel budget, restaurants like Matsuya, Otoya, Hidakaya, etc. will be your best restaurant choices during your travels in Japan.

Tickets and internet devices required in Japan

If you have never traveled to Japan, you can go first klook.com Book the required Internet devices, tickets, and then depart for Japan. The feature is that it can save the time of queuing up to buy tickets, and sometimes you can get additional discounts, which are basically cheaper than buying tickets on the spot.

and klook.com Basically, it contains most of the packages you need to use during your travel in Japan, from theme park tickets, JR train passes, to different one-day tour guide groups. As long as you plan your itinerary, you can start immediately with these packages.

Japan is a country suitable for traveling in any season and at any time. No matter whether you are going to Japan for the first time or whether you are going to Japan alone, you will always find a way that suits you best to experience different aspects of Japan. local culture.

If you are planning your next trip to Japan, you must check out more travel information articles on this website. Maybe you can get a new experience in this Japan travel itinerary!

More Japanese fun tips

communication, transportation

How to Use Suica Card with Apple Pay on iPhone? Low-cost method to call to Japan by Skype: Step-by-Step Guide  Japan Internet SIM Card Recommendation "Which phone card is the best among plans with unlimited data and unlimited speed? Which Side Should You Stand? Rules in Escalator in Japan Best Japan Travel Apps: Public Transport App, Rail Route App , Weather Forecast App and More

Shopping Advice, Offers

Where to Buy Japanese Sake? Complete Guide to Buy Sake in Japan Best Sake for Beginners: Complete Guide to Pick the Best Sake for Yourself

Itinerary suggestion

Itinerary suggestions for visiting Japan for the first time and traveling alone 5 Cat Islands in Japan: Meeting Cats in Tokyo, Shikoku and Fukuoka

More Japan Travel Information: Tokyo | Kyoto | Hokkaido | Climbing Mt.Fuji | Hakone | Lake Kawaguchi Tips for Traveling in Japan | Japan Hotel Deals | Klook Latest Promo Code

Ryu_C@RakuRakuJP

RakuRaku, which is 楽々 in Japanese. This site is committed to providing the most authentic travel information in Japan, bringing you a different Japan travel experience!

60 Things to Do in Tokyo: Complete Guide for Beginners in Tokyo

Shinjuku gyoen national garden: review, garden map and more, more different travel information, 5 cat islands in japan: meeting cats in tokyo, shikoku and fukuoka, best sim for japan: complete review on esim, unlimited data sim for japan, 7 steps to add suica card into apple wallet, low-cost method to call to japan by skype: step-by-step guide , which side should you stand rules in escalator in japan, where to buy japanese sake complete guide to buy sake in japan, best sake for beginners: complete guide to pick the best sake for yourself, 7 apps for traveling in japan: get this weather/transportation/map apps before you go.

RakuRakuJP , is a website dedicated to sharing articles about in-depth travel experiences in Japan.

I believe that before you travel to Japan every time, you will hope to get the most comprehensive travel information, and then be able to successfully complete the entire travel itinerary.

And our goal is to gather all practical itinerary information, discounted accommodation, and tickets, so that you can plan the entire Japan travel itinerary in the most convenient way.

useful link

• About RakuRakuJP
• RakuRakuJP All Articles
• Privacy Policy
• Website Terms of Use
• Agoda booking offers
• Klook Booking Offer

Editor's Picks

Latest useful travel articles.

©2017- 2024 RakuRakuJP. All Right Reserved. 

• Contact us to advertise

cassiethehag

Solo Travel in Japan tips + best places to go alone in Japan

If you’re looking for tips on solo travel in Japan? Great, because this post has you covered.

Please note that this blog post most likely contains affiliate links to products or services I use and love! If you click on the links, it means I get a little extra pocket money at no additional cost to you. This is what keeps my website ticking over – thank you!

Not only did I spend one month travelling in Japan alone (and have been a solo female traveller for over 5 years!) but I’ve also invited other Japanese experts to share their thoughts on the best places to travel alone in Japan.

Whether you’re looking for hidden gems or the best way around major tourist sights in Japan solo, we’ll recommend awesome things to do that will guarantee a memorable solo trip.

Table of Contents

Is Japan good for solo travellers?

Pros of solo travel to Japan:

• Safety: this is the main reason Japan tends to end up in so many ‘solo travel destination’ lists, I swear. Is it deserving of that title? Honestly… I think there are easier places to solo travel! However, it’s completely accurate that you’ll feel safe here as a solo female traveller.
• Ease of getting around: the train and bus system is pretty easy to navigate, especially in Tokyo and on bullet trains. That said, I used to live in London, so I was used to using the metro… it might feel challenging if you’re not used to it!
• Easy to stay connected: Most hostels had great WiFi, as did many major stores and most transport!
• Variety of activities – whether you’re into city sights, stunning beaches, historic temples, mountain hiking, or gentle nature, Japan has everything.
• Hostels are (usually) pretty good quality in Japan, with many including capsule beds with your own shelf, curtain, light, and plugs tucked inside. Read my post on surviving hostels as an introvert if you’re still nervous!
• Japan is introvert-friendly! Locals won’t be fussed by seeing people eating alone, since that’s a common practice! So that’s good news if you want to try all the tasty treats but feel self-conscious.
• Vegan options: On that note, if you’re a vegan traveller , you won’t bother your mates when you want to eat in all the amazing vegetarian Buddhist restaurants!

Cons of solo travel to Japan:

• Loneliness: I found it harder to meet people in Japan than in any other place I’ve visited. This is likely since ‘backpacker-style’ travellers are over the sea in Southeast Asia! Also, as it’s such an introverted society, I often found it INCREDIBLY hard to find someone to help me if I needed help. The country is known for being very polite, but not friendly, per se. (And no judgment from me, it was probably particularly tricky as I’m an introvert too!)
• Cost: Solo travel can be expensive , so for budget travellers, Japan won’t be as friendly for your wallet as other destinations such as Southeast Asia or The Balkans. Private rooms, taxis, and many tours are unfortunately more expensive for solo travellers, and I felt the sting much more in Japan than I have in other destinations.
• Some tours and traditional accommodations don’t accept solo travellers. I stayed at a Minshuku during a hike along the Kumano Kodo trail, but I wasn’t able to find a budget-friendly way to stay in a Ryokan during my trip.

Tips for solo female travel in Japan

Solo travelling to Japan is a bold choice for first-time travellers, speaking from my own experience! So I’d recommend it for more experienced travellers (whether or not it’s your first solo destination). 

On the one hand, it’s very very safe, and the public transportation is great. I always felt safe as a female travelling alone in Japan. On the other hand, there’s less of a solo travel scene than in other countries I’ve been to, so it’s harder to meet people – whether you’re looking to socialise or just need some friendly advice.

• Learn a little about local customs if you want to blend in. For example, it’s not polite to eat on public transport.
• You don’t need to speak Japanese (especially in Tokyo and Kyoto) but that doesn’t mean it’s easy in small towns. I found not speaking the language harder in Japan than in other places I’ve visited. I recommend having Google Translate handy, and learning the words for basic phrases like Thank You, Excuse Me, and Your Cat/Dog is very cute is always appreciated by locals.
• If you want to meet people, staying in hostels is the easiest option. Or if you’re staying in a hotel, you can still often join tours aimed at backpackers, or head for a drink in a hostel bar where people are usually looking to socialise.
• Don’t be afraid to venture outside of Tokyo, Kyoto, and the main hotspots and discover some epic Japan hidden gems ! Although travelling outside of the norms can be more intimidating if you’re a first-time solo traveller (like I was during my Japan trip!), my favourite places to visit solo in Japan were all off the main route!

Best places for solo travel in Japan

Looking for a solo travel destination in the countryside of Japan? Then Hokkaido, especially its eastern part, is a perfect place to go if you want to immerse yourself in untouched nature by yourself.

My favourite spot is Shiretoko, which is just a 1.5-hour drive away from Memanbetsu Airport. The Shiretoko Peninsula, mostly covered by a national park, offers several outdoor activities that can be enjoyed solo in every season; five-lake hiking, snowshoeing to a waterfall and ocean cliffs, natural hot springs, and many more.

It’s best to visit during the summertime (June to September) with a rental car, but totally doable to travel by public transportation as well. Just check the timetable beforehand and plan your connections well. Things don’t run too often in the countryside!

For accommodation, I recommend Yuhi no Ataruie – a modern, cozy hostel with a hot spring, a spacious shared kitchen, and a breathtaking sunset view. Shiretoko is also known for its fresh seafood, so make sure to enjoy the delicious local food!  

by Yuuka from  My Eastern Hokkaido

No solo trip to Japan would be complete without the almighty Tokyo, especially if this is your only time visiting Japan. And if you don’t have long to explore, you can still see the iconic suburbs of Harajuku, Shibuya, and Shinjuku in one day in Tokyo .

Kamakura is a fab day trip, and well worth adding to your solo Japan trip itinerary even if you just have 3 or 4 days in Tokyo . If you don’t have long in Japan, it’s a nice and easy way to see a different side of the country without being much trouble to get to from the capital.

Travelling to Tokyo alone can be a wild ride, but that’s part of the fun! And despite the massive scale of the city, it’s one of the capitals I’ve felt safest in.

Nestled in Japan’s beautiful mountains, Hakone is the perfect destination for solo travellers looking to explore a different side of this incredible country. The Hakone area is known for its relaxing Onsen (hot springs), unspoiled nature and breathtaking views of the iconic Mount Fuji which looms over the area. 

Hakone is full of exciting things to see and do. From the volcanic valley of Owakudani to the Pirate Ship Cruise across Lake Ashi, Hakone is a great spot to escape the chaos of the cities and experience traditional countryside life. The area is well-connected and easy to get around, making it a great destination for solo travellers. 

Most visitors to Hakone follow the famous Hakone Loop which includes the Owakudani Valley, the Hakone Shrine and the Sightseeing Lake Cruise. If spending longer than one day in Hakone, consider exploring further afield and taking on the Mount Kintoki hike or visiting the Mishima Skywalk.  

Hakone can be done as a day trip from Tokyo by taking the Odakyu Romance Car from Shinjuku Station. Hakone is also the perfect spot to slow down for a few days and immerse yourself in traditional Japanese life. Consider purchasing the Hakone Free Pass to save money. This includes transport to and from Hakone as well as transport between Hakone’s main attractions. 

One of the best hostels in Hakone is Guesthouse Azito. The hostel has private and spacious capsules as well as a social bar area. 

by Emily from Journey by Backpack 

Naoshima (the art Island)

Located in the Seto Inland Sea between the main island of Honshu and Shikoku, Naoshima is a small island known for its art museums, outdoor sculptures, and friendly vibe. Naoshima’s small size and friendly locals make it a perfect destination for solo travellers. I was able to get around by public bus and electric bicycle. 

While it’s possible to do Naoshima on a day trip from Okayama, an overnight stay provides more time. To reach the island, take a bus from Okayama station to Uno Port, then take the ferry across to Miyanoura, which runs approximately once an hour. I booked a hotel that was walkable to the Miyanoura ferry port, so I didn’t have to walk far with my bags. There are also tons of luggage lockers by the port. 

Naoshima has become very popular in recent years, due to its two large pumpkin sculptures by Japanese contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama. So it’s wise to book ahead for the Chichu Art Museum and Art House Project. Both have James Turrell art installations that play with light in unexpected ways. For me, Turrell’s work was a highlight of visiting Naoshima! 

There are only a handful of restaurants on the island and they get crowded during meal time. I recommend Naoshima YADO FOOD, a sweet pub restaurant run by a local couple that serves spicy chicken or tofu curry with the best carrots I’ve ever eaten. YADO FOOD is also right near the I Love You bathhouse, an artsy version of a traditional onsen, so you can soak before or after your meal. 

by Lindsey from Queer Adventurers

As a first-time ever solo traveller, I admittedly found solo travel in Kyoto quite tricky. But that’s likely just because I wasn’t used to eating alone yet, and the vegan spots I was eating in were way more foreign couple-dominated than other places I went to in Japan, which had other solo diners.

That said, Kyoto is a once-in-a-lifetime destination for so many people, so it shouldn’t be skipped. It’s safe and packed with many of the country’s most photographed destinations, and truth be told, it’s every bit as picturesque as you expect it to be. Many of the key attractions are easy to navigate on foot, and a fun way to meet other travellers here is to take a walking or bicycle tour of the city.

Don’t miss Kiyozimu-dera Temple, Gion, the Fushimi Inari Shrine (I highly recommend hiking to the top of the shrine – this was my favourite part of the city and a great way to avoid the crowds gathering around the front of the temple), and the golden Kinkakuji Temple. The Bamboo Forest is also worthy of a visit but go early if you want to avoid the masses.

If you’re a fan of quiet walks and want to connect to Kyoto’s history, I highly recommend template spotting walking along the Philosoper’s Path. Walking from Kiyomizu-dera, Maruyama Park, and then crossing through Gion before walking along the canal side path felt very peaceful, and Ginkakuju Temple at the end of the route took my breath away.

Travelling to Osaka is a must for solo travellers due to its rich culture, lively nightlife, and renowned food centres. Getting to Osaka is relatively simple via a train from Tokyo or Kyoto, and you can also fly in by landing in the nearby Kansai airport. 

When choosing a place to stay, you will want to consider proximity to public transportation as it’s the best transportation method for travelling across the city. I decided to stay near the Osaka station because, as a  first-time visitor to Osaka , I wanted to be close to a main public transport hub.

However, for solo travellers looking to make the most of their nightlife excursions, I would recommend staying near Dotonbori because it’s such a fun neighbourhood to be in and has great public transportation. Dontonbori is an energetic entertainment area known for its flashy neon signs, giant shop signs, and tasty restaurants. It’s also relatively busy and well-lit, which I prefer for travelling alone or with a small group. 

You can easily spend your night in this district by collecting toys from various Gachapon machines as I did and eating to your heart’s content at the multiple restaurants that line the street and canal. The most notable dishes here are Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, and jiggly cheesecakes. 

 Osaka Is also an excellent spot for those who appreciate the historical significance of Osaka in Japan’s history and want to learn more about its rich culture. During the day, make it a goal to visit the beautiful Osaka Castle to learn more about Osaka’s history. There is a small entrance fee of roughly 600 yen and an additional 200 yen if you want to explore the castle garden. 

by Yesenia from The Sisters Who Voyage

If you’re a fan of majestic castles, tranquil temples, or military history, then Himeji is the place to go.

Himeji is located in the Hyogo prefecture between the cities of Osaka and Hiroshima, and it is easily accessed by both the Shinkansen (bullet train) and the Rapid Lines. While Himeji holds a population of around half a million people, it has a small-town vibe, with little crowds and a more peaceful atmosphere. This makes it the perfect Japan solo travel destination.

I spent an entire year jumping around cities in Japan by myself, and one of my favourite and most frequent day trips was Himeji. This was due to its two most spectacular sights: Himeji Castle and Mount Shosha.

Himeji Castle was built in the 16th century and is considered one of the most beautiful castles in all of Japan. Mount Shosha is an idyllic temple complex outside of Himeji’s main city centre. Located at the top of a mountain, it is accessible through a small, 30-minute hike or by ropeway.

I was never concerned for my safety while solo travelling in Himeji, even when I was hiking on my own. With its friendly locals, serene streets, and low crime statistics, Himeji is a very welcoming and safe destination. It’s also an easy trip to make, as there’s not much you need to book in advance (unless you plan to stay the night!).

by Mia from Walk a While with Me

If you’re travelling to Japan alone, there are so many great things to do in Fukuoka for solo travellers. I really enjoyed visiting Fukuoka as it felt less tourism-dominated than other Japanese cities I visited, and more like a genuine working city. I felt very comfortable solo dining here and the hostels were super affordable.

I recommend walking around the city to see the Canal City Shopping Centre and its free anime water show and Tocho-ji Temple, which has a 5-tier read pagoda and 10 10-metre high wooden Buddha Statue.

I also enjoyed taking a tube to Fukuoka Tower (a 234m high tower with an observation deck at 134m) and Seaside Momochi. However, my favourite spot was walking around the Hakata Castle ruins (dating back to 1601) in Maizuru Park.

If you don’t have long in Kyushu but want to discover more of its magic natural attractions, I recommend this Kyushu travel itinerary . It’s the route I took as a solo traveller, and it took me through Beppu’s multicoloured hot springs and two active volcanoes – Aso and Kagoshima.

Okinawa is the perfect destination for solo travellers to Japan. This tropical island is located about 400 miles south of mainland Japan and is most easily accessible via Naha International Airport.

There are plenty of  reasons to visit Okinawa , including visiting historical sites, trying the local cuisine, and watching cultural performances. But the best reason to visit is for its beaches! The island of Okinawa has some of the most beautiful beaches that I have ever seen. In addition, there are plenty of snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities on the island. I recommend checking out Cape Maeda on the west coast of the island due to the diversity of marine life there.

Unfortunately, getting around Okinawa is tricky due to a lack of public transportation. I recommend that travellers rent a car to fully be able to explore the island. There are so many small villages around the island that are worth visiting that are only accessible with a private car.

by Andy from Explore with Finesse

Zamimi Island

Zamami Island is an excellent beach and adventure destination, perfect for families and solo travellers. The island is a perfect day trip from Okinawa, as it is located 50 minutes by high-speed boat, and provides world-class beaches, water activities and hiking. 

One of the most enjoyable things to do while on a  day trip to Zamami  is to partake in the many water activities, such as snorkelling the blue calm waters or kayaking around the little island. Two of the most popular beaches are within walking distance from the main port, making it very accessible for solo travellers. 

If water activities are not your forte, you can easily hike around the island or rent a scooter to view some breathtaking viewpoints. My recommendation would be to hike to the Takatsukiyama Observation deck, as it’s within walking distance of all the popular spots on the island. 

I’d encourage travellers to book high-speed boat tickets online (1-2 months in advance) as they tend to sell out, especially during peak season. Alternatively, there is a slower ferry (2 hours) that services the island, but it is more suitable for those intending to stay longer.

by Deirdre from Build & Board Travel

Experiences for solo travellers in Japan

See the snow monkeys in jigokudani.

In as little as an hour you can get the train from Nagano to the Snow Monkey Park, Jigokydani Yean Koen. The train station is in a small village called Yudanaka. Since the train from Nagano to Yudanaka is a private line you cannot use your Japan Rail Pass for this journey. However, the private train company sells a Snow Monkey Pass which is valid for two days. It gives you unlimited use of trains and buses between Nagano and Yudanaka plus entry to the Snow Monkey Park.

Seeing the monkeys bathing in the onsen (hot spring) is what people come for. You are most likely to see this during the colder months. Since Yudanaka is in the mountains it remains cold for longer than lower areas. I visited in April and enjoyed the cherry blossom in Kyoto whilst it was still cold enough in Yudanaka for the monkeys to use the onsen. However, the monkeys are in the area year-round so this is also an interesting destination in summer.

Although you can visit the snow monkeys on a day trip , I recommend staying overnight in one of the many traditional hotels in Yudanaka called Ryokans. You can sleep on a futon in a tatami room and enjoy a Japanese breakfast. Another reason to stay overnight is because Yudanaka is a historic onsen town. Anyone spending the night can borrow a key to the local hot springs dotted around town. Most ryokans will lend you a yukata (bathrobe) and getas (slippers) to walk from one onsen to the next through the narrow streets of the old town. Having lived and travelled extensively in Japan this is the most authentic onsen experience I have had. 

by Kristin from ScotlandLessExplored

Universal Studios Japan

Why do I suggest that Universal Studios Japan is the perfect place for a solo traveller in Japan? Single rider lines that’s why! USJ is one of the busiest theme parks in the world and the queues can be immense. Yes, you can jump them by paying for an Express Pass, but, Osaka’s Universal Studios also has 10 rides with the potential for a single-rider queue and, unless it’s a very busy day in the park, using one means you’ll queue for about half the time you’d spend in the normal queue – sometimes less; I walked straight onto both Jaws and Spiderman one rainy Sunday afternoon.

The one thing being solo won’t help you with is entry to the newest area, Super Nintendo World, as you need a special timed entry ticket to this ( see more on those here ) but, once you do get in there – the Mario Kart ride does have a single rider line for you to hop right on. And the other benefit of being solo here is that there’s no one there to see how badly you score on the VR part of the ride!

You need to book Universal Studios tickets in advance, Studio Passes and Express Passes go on sale two months before the entry date. If you do decide to buy an Express Pass, you’ll need to snap those up fast as they do sell out.

USJ is a short train ride away from central Osaka, so you don’t need to stay by the park. It’s an easy commute – I stayed at the Hen na Hotel Namba where you get checked in by robot dinosaurs. Rooms here are perfect for one – you can even book ones with a tiny robot companion.

by Helen from Japlanease.

Disneyland Japan

The best thing about visiting Tokyo Disneyland solo – no one saw that the Beauty and the Beast ride made me cry! The downside, there’s no one to chat with as you stand in the, potentially extremely long, queues, so I suggest adding enough to your budget to pay for the line-skipping Premier Access passes, particularly for Beauty and the Beast at Disneyland and Soaring: Fantastic Flight at Tokyo DisneySea the rides with the two longest queues in the park.

It might seem strange going to Disney as a solo adult, but forget that in Tokyo. There are so many Japanese adults there with friends or partners, you don’t feel odd walking around as a grown-up without kids, and you certainly don’t feel out of place as a solo one. Plus, because the majority of the park guests are Japanese, when you do meet another tourist, especially another solo one, chances are you’ll strike up a chat.

The staff will happily take your photo for character interactions, and, pleasing your stomach means you can avoid the busiest times for meals – by waiting a little bit later, I managed to snag a solo seat for the adorable Baymax-shaped curry with no forward planning. And, if your feet start to hurt, which they will, and you decide you’re done for the day, you can head home knowing everyone is happy! Fewer blisters, few arguments – why wouldn’t you go on your own?

There are two Tokyo Disney parks, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea , and you’ll need to buy tickets for both in advance. The parks are a 40-60 minute train ride from Central Tokyo, or, if you’re not watching your budget, at least ten hotels surround the resort.

by Helen from  Differentville

More experiences for solo travellers in Japan:

• Solo hiking the Kumano Kodo – an ancient pilgrimage trail that winds through mountain forests, across rivers, and past hidden shrines.
• Take part in a food tour or cooking class: – although solo dining is normal in Japan, that doesn’t mean it never gets lonely. But there’s an easy way to enjoy the amazing Japanese cuisine with others – join a cooking class or food tour!
• If there’s somewhere on your wishlist that you feel too intimidated to do alone, I advise looking for a tour that will allow you to go as a group. Ask your hostel for budget-friendly suggestions or check out GetYourGuide if you like to plan in advance.

Saving money as a solo traveller in Japan

If you’re truly on a budget, don’t get the JR rail pass. Seriously. Use a mix of bullet trains (so you get the experience!), night buses, and regular trains. I got the night bus from Tokyo to Kyoto and felt very safe! I recommend staying in each place for longer to get a real feel for it so you’re not spending as much on transportation, as that’s a huge part of a budget.

If you’re on a mid-range budget, then the 7, 14, or 21-day JR rail pass is likely right for you, as it’s certainly cheaper than buying all the train tickets separately and you’ll have the freedom to go wherever you want.

For flights, use Skyscanner or WayAway to find the cheapest flights for the month you want to travel.

Hostels are the way to go for budget solo travel in Japan, though if you’re on a mid-range budget you can switch things up with private rooms and get a Ryokan once or twice. Search for cheap accommodation on either Hostelworld (for hostels) or Booking.com (for a mix of everything).

If you’re a long-term traveller who’s happy to solo travel, you could also check out sitting opportunities (I’ve now had free accommodation on four continents with TrustedHousesitters ) or do a WorkAway (I volunteered at an animal sanctuary in New Zealand and it was the best experience ever).

Click to join Trustedhousesitters – free homestays in exchange for pet care . Use code CASSIE25 to get 25% off TrustedHousesitters memberships

Food-wise cut costs by cooking in your hostel or by picking up a packed lunch from a convenience store. This way, you’ll just be paying out for a big meal at dinner.

And, of course, take advantage of free activities (everything I did in my first day in Tokyo was free)

Is solo travel in Japan safe?

Yeah, I definitely felt safe solo travelling in Japan. As with any country, stay cautious walking around at night and trust your gut if anything feels off.

The only time I felt uneasy was the few times I got lost in the winding streets of Kyoto or smaller towns. Looking back, I wish I’d bought a Japan e-sim card or pocket WiFi so I’d always have had access to the internet. But hey, you live and you learn, and six years into solo travel, I’m still getting sim cards these days!

But, other than that, I honestly felt safe everywhere I went… even hiking alone in the mountains!

If there’s anything I missed, feel free to drop me a comment. Safe travels, and I hope you have a fantastic trip to Japan!

Share this:

Hi, I'm Cassie, and I've been solo travelling the globe since May 2018. In this time, I've backpacked around Southeast Asia, Japan and The Balkans, alongside living in New Zealand and Australia. Current location? Mexico

What to read next

Solo Travel in Kyoto and my Search to find Magic in Japan + itinerary

3-4 day Tokyo itinerary for solo travellers

Best hidden gems in Japan – an Off-the-beaten-track Japan bucket list!

14 comments.

p.s. This was your first big trip!? I know people that lived in Japan for years that didn’t make it to all these spots. It just shows you are a great travel planner! ❤

Lol that is amaaaazing! “Inu ga kawaii desu ne!?” I can see why that would get some smiles.

You are so right! Japan was my first ever solo trip (and big holiday in general) and although I tried to learn a little Japanese before hand, I didn’t get much further than hello/thank you/your dog is very cute. The latter definitely put a smile on a few people’s faces and I learn this phrase everywhere I go now. 😉

Thank you Holly, I hope you have a fantastic trip to Japan!

I hope you have a fantastic summer trip to Japan, and that my Japan blogs can still be helpful to you! 🙂

In my first few months of solo travelling I skipped this step (I was trying to be super budget…) but it ended up being so much harder! I find solo travelling with a local sim card so much easier now.

Ohh perfect, I’ve lots of Japan posts that I hope can come in handy for you! I’m sure you and your partner will have a fantastic trip. x

thank you Marga! I hope my Japan posts can help you plan your trip. There are so many amazing and unique things to see and do, solo or otherwise 🙂

Honestly, if you speak a little Japanese you will find it so, so different. Each time I travelled in Japan I had people be incredibly kind (inviting me to their homes or to eat with them…) They were always a little freaked out that a white girl could speak to them, but then wouldn’t stop chatting!

I hope you can learn a teeny bit then try again. 😀

I’ve solo travelled all over the world so I love your post! But actually planning my honeymoon to Japan so I’ll adapt these great tips a little bit. Can’t wait to visit again!

I haven’t experienced solo travel yet, but Japan is on mine & my partners travel bucket list! Saving this for hopefully 2025!

Thanks for these tips. We’re planning on going to Japan over the Summer, it might not be solo, but this list is also super helpful for families with a teen who want to visit Japan.

Your idea of getting a SIM card or pocket wifi are great ones, especially for solo travelers.

It’s SO helpful that you included both pros and cons of solo travel in Japan! So good to know about getting around the city safely, making sure to save this for my trip to Japan! Thanks!

Join the discussion Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Asia » Japan » ULTIMATE Guide to Solo Travel in Japan | Destinations & Tips for 2023

ULTIMATE Guide to Solo Travel in Japan | Destinations & Tips for 2023

Japan is the DREAM for many curious travelers. Manga, anime, sushi, cherry blossoms, Nintendo, Toyota, hot spring pools, Buddhist temples; the thought of these lit a fire in me! But with no one willing to tag along for the ride, I had to start planning a Japan solo travel trip.

There’s nothing like relaxing in hot spring pools, listening to Japanese patrons, eating real Japanese sushi under Tokyo Tower. And believe me, visiting Japan is even better solo .

You can take your time. You’ll get to know the locals and test your language skills. Japan is also extremely friendly and safe.

It’s perfect for lone wolf adventures through her many islands. You can experience it all by taking in the beauty of her rural landscapes or venturing into her busy cities at the forefront of high tech.

With all the excitement of traveling to Japan, I’m here to jump-start this new endeavor as you plan this journey to experience the beauty of Nihon and Nippon for yourself. So, let’s start with how to make the most of your solo traveling in Japan, the best places to stay, where to go, and how to survive in this unique country.

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

7 Things to Do in Japan When Traveling Solo

5 best solo destinations in japan, the best travel apps for solo travel in japan, safety tips for solo travelers in japan, tips for solo traveling in japan, how to meet people when solo traveling in japan, final words for solo travelers in japan.

Backpacking Japan is EPIC. Can’t find a buddy to go with? Go alone!

I’m here to show you that traveling solo in Japan is a breeze . However, there are seven things that you should consider when traveling around the country. These can be things to do alone, taking full advantage of your solo experience, or activities you could do with your new travel friends. 

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

Hangout in Hostels

One of the best solo travel tips is to stay in one of the amazing hostels in Japan !

You can meet fellow travelers while staying in a great place on a reasonable budget. You can save money and rely only on your bedroom to sleep, with the option to socialize with others in shared lunging areas or use those extra funds to see more of Japan.  Hostels also have various accommodation options, so even a solo female traveler is well cared for.  

Take a Group Tour

Even if you ride solo in Japan, taking a group tour is a great way to break up the experience and keep yourself sane with socializing. Sometimes it’s nice to relax and let a tour guide take you to some unique attractions as you lay back and have a yarn with a fellow traveler. 

I loved the bus tour of Tokyo because I could sit and chat to all my new buddies while escaping the rain.

Stay as a Home Stay With a Japanese Family

If you want to test your Japanese and get a taste of traditional life in Japan, the best way to do this is to organize a homestay with a Japanese family.  Despite it being more common for younger adults and teenagers, there is no age limit for homestays. There are many brilliant companies like Go! Go! Nihon that makes it easy. 

Spend a Relaxing Day at an Onsen Hot Pool

One of Japan’s most famous past times is relaxing in an Onsen Hot pool, and considering this is often a solo experience, it is one of the best ways to relax on holiday. There are many places in Japan that host hot pools. However, the most famous is Kurokawa Onsen, found in Minamioguni.

Have a Quiet Trip to a Traditional Japanese Shrine

Wherever you find yourself in Japan, you are likely to encounter a traditional Japanese shrine, and what better way to learn about the cultural heritage of its people and spend some quiet alone time than a trip to these places! In Tokyo, a popular shrine is Ise Jingu, a beautiful 4 th -century BC shrine dedicated to public happiness. 

Relax With a Traditional Tea Ceremony

Experience the ancient tradition of ‘way of the tea’ as you taste one of Japan’s most sacred ceremonies. This quiet Japan solo travel experience allows you to witness first-hand the ceremony and the delicious taste of tea. Kyoto and Uji have various places for tourists to experience this tea ceremony. 

Attend a Japanese Language Class

If your language skills could do a little more work, attending a Japanese language class is a great solo adventure in Japan. You can meet others trying to learn the craft and practice at your own pace, then test what you’ve learned in your solo ventures around Japan.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

Japan is like nothing else. But why? It’s a place I found where you’ll find something magical, futuristic, and unexpected around every corner.

The people and their culture will make you understand why Japan is a special place to so many people (including ourselves). I have hand-picked five of the best solo destinations in Japan to ensure you still have a brilliant time on holiday without feeling like you are missing out on a complete experience—and to make the most of riding alone.  

Staying in Tokyo is the best option for solo travelers in Japan because, as you may already know, it is the capital city. Here you will find an ultramodern megacity intermixed with traditional Japanese cultural heritage, world-class hospitality, attractions, and public transport. I also love that it’s super visitor-friendly and safe for solo travel. 

I can guarantee it’s a breeze to get around, but that is not all! It is the place to be to see the famous Japanese tech industry, be served by a robot waitress in a mall, or gaze at the headquarters of the big tech and gaming giants.

However, to experience a slice of their older attractions, I recommend the many Buddhist temples, such as Senso-ji. Oh, and you cannot beat the high city views from Tokyo Tower and Mount Fuji. 

When staying in Tokyo, one of the best hostels for Japan solo travel I found was the Tokyo Guesthouse Oji music lounge . Not only was this two-star hostel easy on my budget, but it was also perfect for meeting fellow travelers while playing the lone wolf. 

Heading to the former capital of Japan, Kyoto is another brilliant place for solo travelers to experience Japan. I can tell you that its famous Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, palaces, and gardens help the city live up to its UNESCO World Heritage Site, without a doubt! My must-see attractions for visitors include Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kiyomizu-Dera, and Kyoto Tower (you can compare notes with a visit to its Tokyo sister).  

Another reason why I adore Kyoto so much is its entirely visitor-friendly, with excellent public transport and friendly locals who are happy and willing to interact with a mixture of miming and simple Japanese. All these things make it an easy solo traveling experience. 

So where should you stay in Kyoto ? You will be ecstatic to learn they have MANY solo travel-friendly hostels where you can relax.

The Kyoto Hana Hostel is my top pick; this hotel isn’t just a budget-friendly choice, with a five-minute walk from Kyoto Station Central. I love the opportunities to meet others in their range of shared bunk rooms, with the option for female-only! They even have a Japanese sleeping experience if you pick a private room with a shared bathroom.

Visiting Japan’s second-largest city Osaka, you will find a wonderful Japan solo travel experience that is hard to beat! All the while being treated to an affordable travel experience with excellent public transport and an endless list of things to do and see! 

During my visit, I adored learning about Osaka’s origins dating back to the 3rd Century AD and how it quickly established itself as a significant port. Today this old-timer still holds a strong sense of modernity. However, it isn’t all about its industry when you come here.

Osaka offers SOOO many things for solo travelers, including its mouth-watering food and the iconic Osaka Castle. I particularly recommend a stop by the Osaka Museum of Natural History , its numerous parks, and Buddhist temples. 

When you stay in Osaka as a solo traveler, I can rest your worries with their range of hostels waiting to welcome you to this iconic city. Notably, The Stay hostel is my favorite, as a great budget-friendly choice, all while being treated to shared bunkrooms, a rooftop terrace, a shared kitchen, and dining and lounging areas. 

My favorite place to go on a solo mission through the rural parts of Japan is Hakone.

The best thing about this place is, of course, it’s… HOT SPRINGS! This little 1892 village may have this as its main tourist drive, but it’s certainly not the only thing. You will adore its location in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park just west of Tokyo with gorgeous lakes and mountain forests. 

It is a perfect solo destination! You can make the most of its tranquility, take a solitary walk, and relax in the hot springs at the end of a sweaty hike. Adding to this, it’s just a short stop outside of Tokyo.

In my mind, it makes it even better as you could take a day out of city life to taste rural Japan. So if you take the dive to Hakone you need to check out Lake Ashinoko, Hakone Shrine, the Botanical Garden, and of course, Hakone Onsen (the to-die-for hot spring). 

If you decide to stay in Hakone, I recommend the Guest House Azito is in the heart of the town. Here you can choose several sizes of shared dormitories, traditional Japanese beds, and even a little apartment for those wanting that complete Japan solo traveling experience.  

Hokkaido is a real treat for solo travelers in Japan. This isn’t just because it’s the second largest, most northern island of the Japanese archipelago; it’s a poorly kept secret that we tourists are taking advantage of every year come winter!

Why is it so desirable? All solo travelers can admire this wild haven for nature lovers and ski enthusiasts with over seven national parks and numerous ski fields.

In my opinion, the best place to see it all is the largest national park Daisetsuzan. Here, you will be gifted with stunning views at their peak season in Autumn. In Daisteuzan, you MUST visit Mount Niseko (the largest mountain), with its brilliant views as you venture out into the untouched wild landscapes.

Although say you want something more ‘chill’? For those wanting a slice of busy city living, I recommend visiting the largest city in Hokkaido, Sapporo. Not only is this a great place to make your base while exploring the island’s wonders, but it also has many fun things to do inside its walls.

Sapporo is a mountainous city famous for its beer, skiing, and the annual Sapporo Snow Festival, so to say there is a lot to do here would be an UNDERSTATEMENT. Learn about the rich brewing history or dive deeper into the snowy attractions that make the region so famous.

During a stay in Hokkaido one of the best hostels to stay when traveling solo is Ten to Ten , found Sapporo. They have shared bunk rooms with an option to pick female-only or private rooms, so this is appreciated! They also have a laidback and friendly attitude which is perfect for a solo traveler in Japan which makes it a highlight of a trip to Hokkaido.   

Having the right travel apps on hand when traveling solo in Japan will make the whole experience a blast. But what are the best travel apps for going solo?

• Japan Official Travel App. The perfect tool on hand to give you a must-see travel inspiration. 
• Jorudan. The official Japan travel app for getting around Japan.
• Hostelworld . The best place for finding hotels at a moment’s notice. 
• Japan Wireless. A place to get pocket Wi-Fi or a mobile SIM. 
• Couchsurfing . Find a couch to sleep on for a cheap way of travel.
• Dating Apps. Apps like Tinder, Grindr, and Bumble allow you to make friends and date while traveling. 
• Ho lafly . An e-SIM application that allows you to download a data-only SIM card without installing a physical card.

If meeting like-minded travellers is your goal, check out the current popular Facebook groups for travelers in Japan. Or, just do it the old-fashioned way and head to a hostel bar and introduce yourself!

Stop stressing about your phone service when you travel abroad.

Holafly is a digital SIM card that works smoothly like an app — you simply pick your plan, download it, and voilà!

Roam around Europe, but leave the roaming charges for the n00bies.

When traveling anyway, it’s important to know how to travel safely . Being solo in Japan is no exception, although it is known that this country is a very safe place to visit with a low crime rate. Travelers shouldn’t get complacent.

I want to share several tips to ensure that your dream trip doesn’t turn into a nightmare. Let’s go.

• When traveling solo in Japan, don’t travel alone at night ; if you must, keep to well-lit and populated areas. This is particularly true if you don’t know where you are or are unfamiliar with the area.

• Japan still has its handful of bag snatchers, so keep your bags tightly closed and buttoned u p, and never let it out of your sight! The same goes for cash; make sure you don’t keep it all on your person at any one time and keep it locked up securely at your hostel or hotel.

• Speaking of cash, it’s also a great idea to have cash on you in case your phone breaks, your card stops working, or you find a shop that only accepts money. 

• Female solo travelers in Japan can opt to stay in hostels with female-only dorm rooms or pay a little extra for a private room if they feel unsafe being in shared spaces. However, don’t let these worries ruin the experience of staying in a hostel.

• The public performers of the geisha and maiko don’t like their photos being taken, so don’t even ask for a selfie! Also, as extra respect for their culture, don’t misuse your chopsticks and try to learn the art before you go. Plus, learning Japanese will make the locals love you!

• When you go out, watch your drinks and don’t accept food or drinks from strangers. 

The final Japan solo travel tip I can offer is much more general…. Make sure you assign a safety person back home that you tell them where you are going regularly, so if something were to go wrong, they could ring alarm bells.

• Get an IC card ASAP. You will quickly find (as have I) our golden ticket to galavanting around
• Japan’s public transport with this prepaid card!
• Buy Yourself a SIM (I particularly love the air sim) or something less finicky like a portable pocket Wi-Fi. I believe that a SIM or portable Wi-Fi is a must when traveling solo in Japan. TRUST ME! You will save a lot on roaming fees and never get lost. 
• Get a JR rail pass. I found this pass was a lifesaver. It allows you to see ALOT of cities by train, all for one fee, that will take you all over Japan.
• Polish up your Japanese . Knowing basic phrases in Japanese is a must. I can assure you making the effort to talk with locals in their mother lounge will go a long way!
• Don’t let someone else plan your trip. I find the most fun you have when traveling is when you forge your own path. It allows you to make the most of your solo trip to Japan and see it all!
• Become the lion of your own adventure. Don’t be afraid to get a little crazy and throw aside those set plans if something even more enticing rears its head from behind the tall grass!
• Crime may not prowl in Japan as much as in other places, but… Be aware of what is around you, and don’t do anything too crazy!
• Travel insurance is a MUST. Trust me, it can save your trip. Would you want to be stuck in an airport without a plan B?

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Meeting like-minded people is one of the best things about solo travel. Here are some of my favourite ways to meet others on the road.

• Keep your eyes peeled for events . I find events a great way to meet people even if solo traveling Japan. You never know what might be going down when you’re in town!
• Make social connections through apps. Whether you are looking for a fun hook-up or are a solo female traveler , I find these offer endless ways to satisfy your social juices. So even you internet lurkers have no excuse! 
• Take advantage of short-term memberships. Sure, even if you are JUST in Japan for a few days, there are countless reasons I say why you’d benefit from these. You can work out at a gym or sports club and meet others while getting toned.
• Check out the brilliant Facebook groups. You can bet Japan has many Facebook groups to forge tight networks between foreigners. But what ones? These particular ones are nifty: Japan Travel , Friendly Discussion Group , Destination Japan , Japan Travel Community ?? , and For Foreigners Living in Japan .
• Be open to making friends! The number one thing I would say that will keep you from meeting people in Japan is being shut away. The best advice is to be present, friendly and say yes to every opportunity! You will soon find making friends while traveling solo will be a thing of the past!

Japan is a great solo travel destination with many fun things to do and a rich cultural heritage, making it one of the best places to go on holiday. There are not many terrible things to say about it as a place to go when you are visiting by yourself; however, with these tips we have offered, the small downsides can easily be avoided with a little planning.

Japan highlights the best things about traveling solo as you forge your path and make your own choices. If you want a lazy hot pool, you can do it! If you want to use this trip to improve your language skills and have meaningful discussions with locals in Japanese, you can also do that. 

It does live up to its reputation, and if you get the chance, you won’t regret visiting Japan for a solo experience.

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

• Privacy Policy
• Galapagos Islands
• Philippines
• New Zealand
• Solo Travel
• Backpacking

Japan , Solo Travel

Solo travel in japan: 16 helpful things to know.

Japan is like no other country in the world. It’s full of unique wonders, unforgettable experiences, and has a fascinating culture. Japan is often named one of the best countries in the world for solo travel. This makes it a popular destination for solo travellers, especially solo female travellers. 

I spent almost four weeks solo travelling in Japan. I absolutely loved it. But I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t challenging at times.

In this post, I’ve shared all you need to know about solo travel in Japan. I’ve also attempted to answer the question: ‘Is Japan good for solo travel?’. While many blogs online say it is, I do think it’s important to also look at the negatives. Yes, Japan is an amazing country for solo travel. It’s safe and full of incredible sights. However, with many cultural and language barriers, it can be an isolating experience. 

Despite the challenges of travelling solo in Japan, I do believe it’s a fantastic solo travel destination. I can’t wait to return one day and would happily go back as a solo traveller. 

If you’re questioning whether travelling alone in Japan is right for you, I hope you find the below post useful. I’ve tried to be as honest as I can, sharing some of the disadvantages of solo travel in Japan as well as the many positives. 

Table of Contents

Japan is safe for solo travel 

When it comes to the safest countries for solo travel, it doesn’t get much better than Japan. According to the  Global Peace Index , Japan is the 9 th  safest country in the world.

Serious crimes and petty crimes are infrequent occurrences in Japan. Many tourists happily walk around at night with no problems whatsoever. It’s even common for locals to leave their phones and laptops out in coffee shops while they go to the bathroom. Theft is that uncommon! 

Of course, crime is always a possibility wherever you are in the world. While Japan might be on the safer side, it’s still important to be aware of your surroundings and not take any risks. This is especially true for solo female travellers. 

The best time of year to visit Japan 

Deciding when to visit Japan is a big decision. Each season offers something unique and special. Whenever you visit Japan, it promises to be an epic destination. 

If you’re struggling to decide when to visit, here are some things to consider: 

Spring (March to May)  – spring in Japan marks the famous Cherry Blossom season (Sakura). As the weather warms and the days grow longer, Japan’s landscape is filled with beautiful cherry blossoms. This is the busiest time of year in Japan. Unless you’re desperate to see the famous cherry blossoms, I’d avoid visiting during this time. It can be very crowded and accommodation prices are much higher. 

Summer (June to August)  – the summer months in Japan can be hot and humid, especially in Tokyo. If you can cope with the heat, the summer is a great time to visit Japan. The Typhoon season in Japan is from May to October. This can sometimes have an impact on transport and activities, but it’s not an everyday occurrence by any means. 

Autumn (September to November)  –  Autumn is the best time of year to visit Japan. The weather is cooler, the crowds are fewer and Japan lights up with red, orange and gold as the fall colours put on a show. Autumn in Japan is also the best time of year to see Mount Fuji. While the weather can never be guaranteed, the month of November boasts regular clear skies and sunny days. 

Winter (December to February)  – the winter months are a unique time to visit Japan. In areas such as Hokkaido, there is often heavy snowfall making it the perfect ski destination. Major cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto are also no strangers to snow. While the snow doesn’t tend to settle, it’s still a pretty sight. Winter is the quietest time to visit Japan, just remember to wrap up warm. 

As you can see, Japan is a year-round destination. Depending on what you want to see and do, there’s not a bad time to visit as such. 

How to get around Japan as a solo traveller 

The best way to get around Japan is by using its fantastic train system. Japan is renowned for having one of the best rail networks in the entire world. It can take a bit of getting used to, but once you’re familiar with it, it’s a great way to get around Japan. 

Most of the major Japanese cities have extensive public transit systems. Tokyo alone has one of the world’s biggest Metro systems. There are train and bus connections all around the city making it easy to get around. I didn’t use a taxi once while in Japan. 

Japan Rail Pass

Many visitors to Japan opt to purchase a Japan Rail Pass. Depending on which pass you buy, the JR Pass allows unlimited use of its rail network. This includes the famous Shinkansen (bullet train). 

Explaining the ins and outs of a JR pass is an article (or three) in itself, but there’s a  helpful guide here . I’m working on a guide to answer the question ‘Is a JR pass worth it?’,  but here are a few things to consider: 

• ​The JR Pass can only be used on the JR Network. Many train connections in major cities and between cities aren’t operated by JR Rail. For example, it’s not going to be the most useful for getting around Tokyo. 
• Other rail operators offer similar services between cities. These are often cheaper and depending on the route, don’t take that much longer. 
• Consider looking at regional JR Passes rather than one that covers everywhere. I only bought a JR Pass that covered the Kansai area and this worked perfectly for me. 

Pasmo or Suica Card 

The Pasmo and Suica cards are both pre-paid travel cards. Think of them a little bit like an Oyster card in London. However, they can be used in many tourist destinations in Japan.

I only got a Suica Card on the last week of my trip and wish I had bought one sooner! You simply add money using a vending machine at a station, then tap in and tap out on your train and bus journeys. You can also use the cards to pay for lockers at stations and even in some shops such as 7-11. 

Pasmo and Suica are generally interchangeable. I’d recommend waiting until you get to Japan to buy one. I found them to be a lot more expensive on the likes of Klook compared to buying one at the stations. 

Tips for getting around Japan as a solo traveller

Download the J apan Travel App by NaviTime . This was a lifesaver on my trip. 

Metro passes can save you money . All the major cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto offer 24-hour & 72-hour passes. 

The trains in Japan are very punctual, don’t be late . 

The train stations in Japan are HUGE and can be very overwhelming, especially the likes of Shinjuku and Tokyo Station.  Arrive in plenty of time to find your platform .

Avoid travelling in rush hour , the trains can be very crowded. 

The station staff are very friendly and helpful. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions or help . 

The best places for solo travel in Japan 

Building an itinerary for Japan is no easy task. I spent days and days (if not weeks) trying to figure out where I wanted to go in Japan and how long to stay in each place.

The truth is, it’s impossible to see Japan in one trip (unless you have months and months). You could spend a week in Tokyo alone and only scratch the surface of what the city has to offer.

Each of Japan’s cities has its own distinct charm with hidden gems waiting to be discovered. 

Here are some of the best places to visit on a solo trip to Japan. 

Tokyo is the capital city of Japan. It’s also the most populated city in the entire world!

There are mixed opinions on whether Tokyo is worth spending much time in. I personally love Tokyo! It’s a vibrant city with so many amazing and unique things to see and do . If it’s your first time in Japan, I highly recommend spending a few days here. 

There’s an endless list of things to do in Tokyo, but don’t miss some of the highlights including Asakusa , Tokyo Skytree , Shibuya , Akihabara , Harajuku or Yanaka Ginza . 

Suggested time to spend in Tokyo : four days 

Best place to stay in Tokyo for solo travellers : I recommend staying at either Wise Owl Hostel in Shibuya or Nui Hostel in Asakusa. 

Hakone  

Hakone is my favourite place I visited on my solo trip to Japan. This beautiful area is nestled in the mountains and boasts some incredible scenery. Hakone is known for its relaxing hot springs (Onsen), traditional culture and epic views of Mount Fuji . 

The area feels completely different to anywhere else in Japan (that’s on the tourist trail at least). It’s serene, laid-back and shows off an entirely different side to the country.

Hakone is the perfect day trip from Tokyo , but I’d recommend spending at least one night there to fully experience the area. There’s so much to do in the Hakone area and it would be impossible to see it all in one day. It’s also the perfect place to relax for a couple of days.  

I have to say Hakone wasn’t the most social of areas. If you’re a solo traveller looking for nightlife and to meet other people, Hakone isn’t the place. But it’s beautiful nonetheless and a must-visit in my opinion. 

Highlights in Hakone include the Lake Ashi Sightseeing Cruise, views of Mount Fuji , the Owakudani Volcanic Valley and the Mishima Skywalk . 

Suggested time to spend in Hakone : 2 days 

Best place to stay in Hakone for solo travellers : the Azito Guesthouse is the best hostel in Hakone

Related read: check out my suggested itinerary for Hakone

Kyoto is one of Japan’s most famous cities and an absolute must for anyone visiting Japan. If you’re interested in Japan’s history, Kyoto should be at the top of your list. There are 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto, each offering a unique insight into Japanese culture and history.

Kyoto is home to many must-see attractions. From the famous orange Torii Gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine to the Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama, Kyoto has a range of incredible sights. The Southern Higashiyama area of Kyoto is one of the best places to immerse yourself in Japan’s history. The area is known for its ancient temples, small boutiques and wooden tea houses. It’s also where you can sometimes see a Geisha. 

While in Kyoto, don’t miss a trip to the Kiyomizu-dera Temple , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This was one of my favourite temples I visited in Japan. It can get VERY crowded though, so go as early in the day as possible. 

Suggested time to spend in Kyoto : 2 to 3 days. 

Best hostels in Kyoto :  Piece Hostel is one of the best hostels in Osaka. Len Kyoto is another good option.

Osaka 

Osaka is the perfect place to base yourself for a few days. It’s one of the biggest cities in Japan and has a completely different feel to it than Kyoto. The city is modern and vibrant but still has plenty of history attached to it. It also has some of the best food in Japan. 

Osaka is a great base for day trips. There are so many epic day trips from Osaka including Nara , Kyoto , Hiroshima , Himeji and Kobe . While in Osaka, don’t miss a trip to the stunning Minoo Park . It’s a great escape from the crowds of Osaka. 

Highlights in Osaka itself include Osaka Castle , the Umeda Sky Building , and the amazing street food . 

Suggested time to spend in Osaka : at least 3 days 

Best hostels in Osaka : I recommend staying in The Pax or Imano .

Hiroshima 

​A trip to Hiroshima offers a unique insight into Japan’s past. The city was the victim of a nuclear bomb back in 1945. Despite being destroyed, the city rebuilt itself.

One of the best things to do in Hiroshima is visit the Hiroshima Peace Museum . It educates visitors about the devastating incident, but also shows the resilience of the Japanese. 

While in Hiroshima, a trip to Miyajima is a must. This beautiful island is home to the Itsukushima Shrine, one of the most beautiful shrines in all of Japan. 

​Suggested time to spend in Hiroshima : 2 days (or a day trip from Osaka, but you’ll struggle to see everything). 

Best hostels in Hiroshima : I stayed at Akicafe Inn , it’s one of my all-time favourite hostels. 

Related read: Plan your trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima with this 2-day itinerary suggestion

Okinawa is a great place to relax for a few days. This stunning area of Japan is home to white sand beaches and crystal clear water. It offers an entirely different experience for your trip to Japan. 

​There’s not a huge amount of things to do in the area, but if you want to relax on the beach and snorkel in the ocean, Okinawa is the perfect destination.

Suggested time to spend in Okinawa:  3 days 

Best hostel in Okinawa :  MyPlace Guest House

There are lots of hostels in Japan 

Staying in hostels is a fantastic way to meet other travellers when on a solo trip to Japan. The Japanese hostels are some of the nicest hostels I’ve ever stayed in. They are clean, modern, and often have privacy curtains on the beds. For solo female travellers, many also have female-only dorm rooms as well as private rooms. 

Staying in hostels is a great way to meet new friends and fellow travellers who share similar interests. However, I have to say I didn’t find the hostels in Japan the most social of places.

This might have just been my experience, but I found it harder to meet people in hostels here than in other countries. I think this was due to a combination of things.

Japanese hostels very much cater to Japanese locals as well as tourists from Western countries. I spent nearly four weeks staying in Japanese hostels. There were only a handful of nights when other Westerners were in my dorm room. Of course, this isn’t an issue, but there was a big language barrier which made it hard to be social. 

Japan also isn’t the most popular destination for backpacking. I assume this is due to the cost and being out of the way of the traditional Southeast Asia backpacking route. Yes, there are solo travellers in Japan. But nothing like the amount you’ll find in countries such as Thailand, Vietnam and Australia. 

As I said, this was just my experience. I know some people who have travelled solo in Japan and met lots of other people. I also know many people who had the same experience as me. They found it harder to make friends than in other countries. 

Another great accommodation option in Japan is the capsule hotels. These tend to offer a little more privacy than dorm rooms. They’re very popular with the locals and much cheaper than a hotel room. 

It’s important to do some research beforehand

Visiting Japan can be an overwhelming experience. I don’t think it’s the type of place where you can turn up and ‘wing it’ without doing any prior research. This is especially true when it comes to solo travel in Japan. 

Even if you want to keep your itinerary open for some flexibility, here are some things I believe it’s important to research before your trip to Japan: 

• Where to stay in each city : Japan’s cities are HUGE and there are many different areas to choose from. Do some research to make sure you choose the right spot.  
• The cheapest way to get around Japan : many people assume a JR Pass will save them money. This wasn’t my experience. Spend some time calculating the cheapest method to get around for your itinerary.
• Social norms and rules: Japan has a unique set of social norms. Spend some time researching this beforehand. For example, did you know it’s considered rude to eat food in the street while walking?
• Top things to do in each city : there is an endless list of things to see and do in Japan and some of the activities require some planning or booking ahead. Don’t miss out on experiencing something because you researched it too late.

Have an open mind 

Travelling solo in Japan can push even the most confident of solo travellers out of their comfort zone a little bit. The country has a unique set of social and societal norms and it’s important to keep an open mind. 

Try the unusual foods, ask the locals questions and immerse yourself in their culture. 

One of the best ways to experience Japanese culture is to stay in a Ryokan. These traditional Japanese accommodations often include tatami-matted rooms and communal baths. Staying in a Ryokan is an absolute must while in Japan.

It can feel isolating 

Solo travel in Japan can be isolating and challenging. When planning my solo trip to Japan, many blogs only stated the benefits, so I want to talk about the negatives too. 

If you’ve never travelled solo before or you’re a bit nervous about travelling solo , I don’t believe Japan is the best place to start. The country has a very unique culture and while this is fascinating and wonderful, it can feel isolating.

As I discussed above, the hostels in Japan aren’t always the most social of places and it can be difficult to make friends. There’s also a big language barrier with many of the locals not speaking English. 

While solo travel is perfectly normal and accepted by Japanese society, I did sometimes feel a little on the “outside”. Even little things like working out how the restaurant vending machines worked or buying a train ticket can be difficult. 

​I don’t want to put anyone off from travelling alone in Japan. It can be an incredibly liberating experience. Most solo travellers love their time in Japan.

There are so many benefits to solo travel and Japan is no exception to this. However, I think it’s important to share the challenging side of solo travel in Japan as well. 

The food is amazing

The food in Japan is some of the BEST in the entire WORLD. If I had to eat one cuisine for the rest of my life, it would be Japanese food! A big part of your solo adventure in Japan is experiencing this incredible food. 

Contrary to popular belief, there is so much more to Japanese cuisine than fish. I don’t eat fish but this didn’t affect my experience in Japan at all. Many people also assume Japanese food is expensive. If you’re going to go to fancy restaurants every night and eat Kobe beef or fresh sushi then yes, it’s expensive. Likewise, the restaurants catering to Western tourists also have a hefty price tag. 

However, there are *so* many hidden and affordable food gems in Japan. Some of my favourite meals were in tiny restaurants with only a few reviews on Google.

My best advice is to avoid the tourist spots and look for where the locals are. Most of the meals I bought were around the $7 mark. 

Tip : TikTok raves about Gyukatsu, but this was one of my least favourite meals in all of Japan. 

Street food in Japan is another good way to eat on a budget. Each area of Japan has its unique foods and style of cooking. This means the street food never gets old and there’s always something new to try. 

My favourite budget food spots in Japan

• Curry bread from Tokyo Curry Pan in Asakusa (this was amazing)
• Gyoza from Nishiki Market in Kyoto . 
• Beef and cheese croquettes from Kuroge in Asakusa
• Taiyaki (fish-shaped pastry stuffed with red beans or cheese). This can be found all over Japan
• Okonomiyaki (savoury pancake) from Doraju in Osak a 
• Yakisoba from Mr Young Men in Kyoto  
• Japanese Curry from Cocoro in Hakone . 
• Curry Udon Tachibana in Osaka . 

If you’re on a tight budget, the convenience stores in Japan are a great option. They have a range of delicious and high-quality sandwiches, sushi, salads, bento boxes, smoothies… the list goes on. It’s all very affordable. The 7-11 in Japan is unreal and you’ll find one on every corner. I also recommend trying Family Mart (who I think do the better coffee). 

Tip : when planning a solo trip to Japan, it’s fair to question if it’s normal to eat out alone. Luckily, eating out by yourself is  almost  completely normal in Japan. Ironically, the only places I felt a little uneasy were the Western restaurants full of tourists. It’s completely normal for Japanese people to eat dinner by themselves. Many restaurants even cater to solo diners by having solo booths or tables with one seat. 

There are several helpful apps to download 

Before embarking on your solo trip to Japan, there are a few helpful apps to download. 

Japan Travel by Navitime

If I could only use one app in Japan it would be this one. The Japan Travel app is  incredibly  useful. It’s similar to Google Maps in that it will tell you how to get somewhere, but I found it to be a lot more accurate. It tells you the best place to sit on the train and which exit to use to get to your destination. I’d have been lost without this app. 

​The best part about the Japan Travel app is you’re able to say which rail pass you have. Whether it’s a JR pass or a regular Metro pass, it will tell you if the route is included on the ticket or not. 

It makes travelling in Japan so much easier and less stressful. 

Google Maps 

While the Japan Travel app is useful for bus and train journeys, I’d still recommend downloading Google Maps for navigating the cities on foot. Download the maps offline in advance first so you can get around Japan without the internet. 

Google Translate

This is another app I could not have lived without while in Japan. There are a couple of major language barriers in Japan. The locals don’t speak much English, but you’ll also find many menus or shopping items are only in Japanese. The Google Translate app is a great solution for this. You can type in what you want to say and show it to the locals. It’s also possible to take photos of writing and the app will translate it for you. 

Many Japanese locals also use a translation app when communicating with tourists. 

The tap water in Japan is clean and safe to drink. However, I found it tricky to fill up my reusable bottle during the day. Thankfully, the Mizu app is here to solve that problem. 

The app shows you the nearest place to fill up your reusable bottle. This is sometimes water refill stations or cafes that will happily do it for you even if you’re not a customer. 

Always carry cash 

Despite being home to many major cities and modern inventions, Japan is still very much a cash-first country. Many local restaurants and cafes only accept cash. 

It’s important to always carry cash with you in Japan. Some places will accept debit or credit cards, but I had a few issues so would recommend sticking to cash as much as you can. 

Be aware of scams and crime

Japan is a very safe country, but crimes and scams do occur, especially in the big cities. When travelling solo in Japan, it’s important to exercise some caution.

One of the most common types of scams in Japan is nightclub scams. This is when tourists are lured into bars and clubs. The staff keep the drinks coming and then charge an excessive amount on the bill. The receipts are nearly always in Japanese which means many victims fail to notice until it’s too late. They often add random charges such as charging for seats or charging for being there on a weekend. If you’re invited into a bar, the best thing is to say no. 

If you’re a female solo traveller, it’s always important to  follow some basic safety guidelines  wherever you are in the world. Yes, Japan is very safe and the chances of something happening are low. But that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to go walking down dark alleys alone at 3 am.  

You might need to book ahead of time

​One of the best things about solo travel is having the freedom to do what you want and change your plans. However, this isn’t always the case in Japan. 

Each year, millions and millions of people head to Japan to explore this amazing country. If you’re visiting Japan during the peak season, you may need to book your accommodation, transport and activities ahead of time. The busiest months in Japan are March, April and May. The summer holidays and autumn months can also see a spike in visitors. 

I booked my accommodation about six weeks before my November trip. I found many of the budget hostels with a good rating had almost sold out (and some had completely sold out). Activities such as TeamLab Tokyo and the Harry Potter Studio Tour had also almost sold out.

​Solo travellers without a fixed timeframe might not need to worry about booking ahead. However, if you have a set amount of time and there are specific things you want to see and do, I’d advise booking ahead. 

Avoid tourist traps 

Solo travel in Japan is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and local life. You have the complete freedom to do what you want and at your own pace.

One thing I noticed in Japan was the amount of tourist traps. These were usually destinations only popular thanks to TikTok and other social media platforms. As a solo traveller, you have the choice to completely avoid these and don’t need to worry about what someone else might want to do. 

Consider going off the beaten track while on your visit to Japan. You can still visit the likes of Tokyo and Kyoto, but consider exploring some lesser-visited areas of the cities such as Yanaka Ginza or Uji . There are also plenty of amazing day trips from Tokyo and Osaka to lesser-visited destinations. I was gutted I didn’t get to explore more of these destinations. 

My next trip to Japan will certainly be more focused on escaping the crowds and discovering hidden spots. 

Consider group tours in Japan 

If you’re nervous about solo travel in Japan, consider a group tour. Small group tours are an amazing way to explore a country if you’re too nervous to travel completely alone. 

Related read: everything you need to know about group tours

There are several small group tour operators in Japan. Each of the tours includes a tour guide, accommodation, transport and some activities. Some of my favourite small group tour operators in Japan are G Adventures , Intro Travel and One Life Adventures . Intrepid are another fantastic option, and they tend to cater towards an older demographic. 

If you want to visit Japan but are nervous about going alone, group trips could be the answer! 

Buy an eSim

It’s a good idea to stay connected while in Japan. As a solo traveller, it’s good to have a way of contacting someone in case of an emergency. In Japan especially, I found myself using my phone more than ever. This was mainly due to using the Google Translate App, or quickly researching something while out and about.

SIM Cards in Japan aren’t quite as straightforward as in other countries. Tourists can only buy data plans and they are very expensive.

The best solution is to buy an eSim. It’s still expensive, but it removes the need to worry about a physical SIM.

Normally, I’d recommend using the trusty Airalo. For Japan, I suggest using Ubigi . Ubigi has a much better network in Japan compared to Airalo.

Summary: is Japan good for solo travel?

Yes, Japan is great for solo travellers. When it comes to safety and getting around, it doesn’t get much better than Japan. Not only is Japan one of the safest countries in the world, but it has a great infrastructure making it an easy country to navigate. 

However, I don’t think Japan is the best destination for  every  first-time solo traveller. Japan can sometimes feel very isolating. You need to be confident in the busy cities, deal with cultural differences and overcome the language barrier all by yourself. You also need to be comfortable with your own company and happy to explore Japan by yourself. 

I haven’t said that intending to discourage solo travel in Japan. I just want to be entirely honest based on my experience in Japan. It’s a completely different solo travel experience to the likes of Thailand, Mexico or Australia. Having said that, solo travel in Japan is an amazing way to push yourself out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in the culture.

If you’re a confident solo traveller, then Japan is one of the best solo travel destinations in the world. With a low crime rate, fantastic public transportation and unique attractions steeped in history, it is an incredible destination. 

Ultimately, only you can decide if Japan is the right solo travel destination for you. Put it this way, I’m glad I went to Japan alone. But I’m also glad it wasn’t my first solo trip. However you travel in Japan, it will no doubt be an unforgettable experience! 

Related Posts

Visiting Japan in November: The Ultimate Guide

Quitting Your Job to Travel: 10 Things They Don’t Tell You

Ecuador: Backpacking Route and Itinerary

The Ultimate 2 Day Hiroshima Itinerary (With Miyajima)

Solo Travel in Japan

In past decades, most solo traveler in Japan used to be the ubiquitous salarymen (office workers) on business trips. These days, however, many locals, especially the younger generations, are increasingly traveling alone or doing things by themselves, creating a unique market aimed at singles.

If it is your first time traveling alone or visiting Japan, it might be simpler to base yourself in one place and make multiple day trips out or mix in an overnight trip or two. Sticking mainly to the city may make it easier and cheaper, but venturing out into the countryside allows for different experiences.

As much as you may want to see everything in a limited space of time, it is advisable to incorporate some flexibility into your daily itinerary. This is to allow for things to go wrong and to have some extra time to rest or enjoy beautiful things. Below are some basic points to note for those who travel in Japan alone.

Safety issues

Japan has a reputation for being a safe country, a place where locals leave their belongings at the table unattended, where lost belongings get returned with their contents intact, where it is generally safe for women to walk alone at night, even down dark alleys and where children typically commute to school with minimal adult supervision.

But the low crime rate does not mean that you should let your guard down. It is imperative to always be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking along dark streets. A good gauge is: if you would not consider doing something alone in your home country, you should not do it in Japan either. Just because a majority of the people tend to be friendly and helpful towards visitors does not make the minority less dangerous.

Visitors should be vigilant. Avoid providing potential perpetrators with opportunities, be aware of your surroundings and listen to your gut instinct. Remember that offenders come in all shapes and sizes and can be Japanese or not.

Police boxes, or koban as they are known in Japanese, can be found in all neighborhoods. Police officers stationed there are usually the first to react to a distress call in the neighborhood, and the koban is also a safe place to run to in case of emergencies.

Accommodation

Business hotels and hostels are the best options for single travelers looking for economical and no-frills accommodation , short of staying in a capsule hotel . These lodgings are readily found in most cities across Japan and offer basic sleeping furnishings.

Ryokan let staying guests experience traditional culture and hospitality, as well as local cuisine and hot springs . Ryokan have traditionally not been catering to single travelers, and many still adhere to this tradition. However, things are changing, and the number of ryokan that offer plans for single travelers has increased a lot over recent years.

Dining alone has never been easier in Japan, and many places are well equipped to serve the solo diner. Restaurants have come to acknowledge the increasing trend and will typically accept reservations for a single diner. Casual dining establishments, like some ramen -ya even offer individual cubicles, and coffee shops and fast food restaurants are often filled with single customers. Some restaurants and izakaya may seat single diners at a counter in order to keep tables available for groups.

Nervous solo diners note that staff and fellow customers are used to single travelers, especially in the big cities where solo diners abound, and will not cast curious or pity looks. Staff tend to be patient with non-Japanese speaking customers who attempt to navigate the menu and order in a foreign language. That said, it also pays to do a bit of menu research before entering a restaurant , in particular those that utilize ticket vending machines for orders , to avoid the added stress of holding up those behind while you decide what to get.

Meeting people

Joining a day tour or staying at a hostel are some easy ways to meet like-minded travelers. Signing up for a tour with a local volunteer guide or participating in a home visit could add a different element to your solo travel and allow you to meet local Japanese.

Saving your seat

Leaving your seat and your personal belongings unattended is a big no-no in many countries, but in Japan it is not uncommon to see customers leave expensive phones and bags at their restaurant table or shinkansen seat unattended. Nevertheless, it is not advisable to leave personal items unattended if you have to leave temporarily. Take at least your most important items like wallet and passport with you and use an item that you wouldn't mind losing to save your space instead.

Outdoor activities

Outdoor activities like hiking can easily be completed by solo travelers. Even if you are a seasoned mountaineer, it is always prudent to inform someone of your hiking itinerary and to register your hike before starting on the trail. Having a working phone on your person is recommended in case of emergencies while having a bear bell can be a useful addition in some parts of Japan. Of course, if you have never hiked or are not a regular hiker, it is best to stick to short, easy routes or join a tour .

Water sports can be split into those you can do on your own and those that require joining a tour. Swimming at beaches is a typical water activity that can be done on your own, but make sure to pay attention to the tides and water currents so as to not endanger your life or others. Guided tours may require a minimum number of participants. Otherwise, be prepared to pay additional for a private tour.

Tips for solo female travelers

Japan is admittedly one of the safest places to attempt as a first-time female solo traveler, and the probability of being harassed by locals is quite low. A steadily shrinking number of locals - mainly in the remote countryside - may stare at those who look and talk differently out of curiosity. Below are some tips for the solo female traveler.

Traveling alone

Targeted at the solo female traveler, our Solo Female Travel series introduces travel itineraries that have been put to the test by the author to answer the questions "Can a girl do this alone?", "Is it safe to visit alone?" and "Would the pace be too demanding?" amongst many others. Introduced destinations tend to be slightly off the beaten track, but still manageable by the average female.

Despite the popular images of Japanese youth using fashion as a creative expression, the general fashion for the average Japanese tends to lean towards the conservative side. A typical female outfit is usually quite modest with shoulders covered and a relatively high neckline even during the warmer seasons. The coverage protects the skin from getting tanned and avoids bringing attention to the body shapes. Hemlines tend to be shorter for the younger generation but typically fall around the knees for most, and socks or stockings are commonplace.

Sleeping on public transport

Traveling can get tiring, and it is common to see people sleeping on buses , trains and even on the train platforms. Theft on sleeping passengers remains relatively low, but as a solo female traveler there are a few additional things to look out for. If you are asleep, you will not know what is happening around you, and more often than not, fellow passengers will remain silent even if there are creepy people around you. Make sure that you do not expose yourself accidentally or invite intrusive gazes with your choice of clothes in addition to making sure that your belongings are secure. You cannot go wrong by erring on the conservative side when it comes to packing your travel wardrobe.

Sexual Offenses

Despite the seemingly low rate of provocation against women, there are certain areas where that ratio is skewed. Groping - inappropriate touching - and taking pictures from under a skirt or shorts (upskirting) are not uncommon occurrences especially on crowded trains.

Chikan is the Japanese term for groping and can refer to both the act of groping and the culprit. Sexual offenses on public transit have become prevalent enough that train companies especially in the bigger cities have introduced female-only train carriages to combat the issue (often during rush hours only). As a general rule of thumb, if you are worried about unwanted advances, it is best to avoid peak hours as a tourist and stick to the female-only carriage.

• Say "Stop!" or "Chikan!" to the culprit as keeping silent may escalate the situation and encourage the culprit to carry on
• If you are unable to identify the culprit, leave your spot and move somewhere else
• Grab the offender if possible or take note of any distinguishing marks or accessories on their person for future identification purposes
• Report the crime immediately to the train station staff or police

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Solo Traveler

Solo travel tips, destinations, stories... the source for those who travel alone.

Japan Solo: Trip Planning Resources, Itinerary and Budget

March 14, 2018 by Janice Waugh

The Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine in Kyoto. Photo by Thomas Tucker on Unsplash

I'm off to Japan solo.

I'm sure the trip will go by in a flash. But the planning, that was slow and arduous.

Exciting, yes, but it took time!

I would research, then process the information, integrate it with what else I knew and then, maybe, make some decisions.

And then I'd reverse some decisions and make others. Over the course of planning this trip I've had at least seven – maybe ten – itineraries. Tokyo and Kyoto were a given but what about in between. I wanted to experience the countryside and smaller towns. At first my focus was on Lake Biwa, outside of Kyoto. But still, it's a big lake and I was struggling with where.

Then I chatted with a book club friend, Mina. She pointed me to Yudanaka for its onsen, the ancient Nakasendo Trail, and the mountain town of Takayama. These were highlights of an organized tour of Japan she took a couple of years ago. It made sense to me. History, small towns and the outdoors.

At first I was determined to do it all. I played with train schedules and cut my time back in Tokyo and Kyoto. But in the back of my head, I knew it was crazy. It would break my basic rule of trip planning: no fewer than three nights in any location. Five destinations in nine days is definitely a breach.

I reluctantly gave up Takayama and focused on Mogame and Tsumago on the Nakasendo Trail. But then accommodation wasn't available. I was back to Takayama and dropped the trail. Then, finally, with all the onsens in every location, I wondered whether I really needed Yudanaka. I dropped it.

Finally, I have my Japan itinerary finalized with 3 nights per location. I'll go to Tokyo, Kyoto and Takayama. I know what I plan to do. When I return, I'll let you know how closely I stuck to the plan and to my budget. Both are below, but let's start with the research process.

I'll arrive in Tokyo but leave the next morning. My thinking is that the city will be a bit much for me in a jetlagged state. I'll spend time there at the end of my trip. Photo by  Erik Eastman  on Unsplash.

Japan Trip Planning Resources

I booked my flights a few months ago in an attempt to get the best deal. I think I missed it by a week but I try not to think about that. Next was figuring out what to do! Here are the resources I used most often.

• Solo Traveler . We have a category on Japan with a few posts in it written by readers who have been. I started there when deciding where to go in this small country that has so much to see.
• Tour companies . I then looked at a few organized tours to see what they included. Most hit the highlights of the larger cities. As I mentioned, getting out of the cities was a priority for me.
• Friends . I have a surprising number of friends with Japanese friends living in their homeland. Mina helped by focusing my itinerary outside the major cities. Glenda, who has been to Kyoto a number of times, convinced me that it is not a city to breeze through. There's too much there. Elizabeth connected me with a friend in Tokyo who I will be meeting one night. Dale connected me to a Canadian working in Tokyo who helped me with an accommodation issue.
• Global Greeters . I always check to see if Global Greeters are in a city I'm visiting. I have a greeter set up for Tokyo and I'm waiting for confirmation of one in Kyoto.
• Rome2Rio . I use Rome2Rio a lot when planning a trip. Put in a start and an end point and it gives you how to get there by various modes of transportation and how long it will take. It's pretty accurate though not perfect. You have to double check the specifics once you've made your choices but it is great for determining a reasonable plan.
• The Amateur Traveler. This is a great site. Chris Christiansen interviews people on a variety of travel topics. He's been doing it for years. You can listen to the interview and also read the transcript and use the links in the show notes. I listened to  Hike Japan’s Nakasendo Trail – Episode 479 Transcript  and confirmed that I definitely wanted to include this in my trip itinerary. Unfortunately, as I said above, it will have to be another time.
• Japan Rail Pass . Because my plan includes a number of stops the Japan Rail Pass makes sense. It can only be purchased by people who do not live in Japan and must be bought before arrival. I bought it online. It has to be ordered and delivered to your home so make sure you order in advance.
• Booking.com . I tried the site for Japan Guesthouses but I found it cumbersome as you have to submit a request and wait to hear back. When I did, my request wasn't available. This could take weeks. I went to my go-to accommodation site, Booking.com . During my search I booked 15 nights, carefully making sure that all were cancelable. Then, of course, I cancelled the ones I didn’t need ending up with my required 9. I went cheap in  Tokyo and Kyoto with  hostels. They look beautiful and I’ll thus be saving my money for Takayama, where I booked a traditional Japanese ryokan or inn. Booking all on one site I can see all my accommodation in one place and know that there are no gaps.

Enjoying the countryside is an important part of my Japan itinerary. I want the quiet and nature but I also want to see life in smaller places. Photo by  Masaaki Komori  on Unsplash.

Japan Solo: My Itinerary and Budget

Here's my rough itinerary for Japan. I booked all my accommodation because it's a short trip so I don't have a lot of flexibility.

• Day 1 – Arrive Tokyo Haneda, Japan at 4:55pm. 1 night in hostel
• Day 2 – Take train to Kyoto. Booked into hostel for 3 nights.
• Day 5 – Train to Takayama
• Day 8 – Train to Tokyo
• Day 10 – Fly out to Sydney. Yes, I'm off to Sydney to visit family for a week after Japan.

And my budget including all taxes:

• Flight – Cdn$1,621 (a Japan return flight not my flight to Tokyo, Sydney, Toronto)
• Japan Rail Pass – Cdn$381
• Tokyo – 1 night in female dorm, Cdn$50
• Kyoto – 3 nights in female dorm, Cdn$150
• Takayama- 3 nights in private room with bath, Cdn$$528
• Tokyo – 2 nights in female dorm, Cdn$100
• Food – Cdn$600
• Activities / guides – Cdn$250
• Misc – Cdn$200

Total – Cdn$3,880

Let's make it Cdn$4,000 or US$3,090 or €2,493 or £2,211.

When I'm back I'll give you an update on what I actually did with my actual budget just like I did with last year's road trip around the Adriatic that included Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. Read Planning a Road Trip Around the Adriatic: Slovenia, Croatia & Italy  and  Travel Plan vs. Reality: European Road Trip .

Sharing is caring!

Publisher Janice: info @ solotravelerworld.com

Editor Tracey: tracey @ solotravelerworld.com

Sales Simon: simon @ solotravelerworld.com

Get Solo Travel News & Deals

• Create Your Advertiser Account
• Login to Your Advertiser Account
• Solo Travel Statistics
• Media & Speaking
• Privacy Policy & Disclosure

The content of Solo Traveler and any resources published by Solo Traveler are meant for entertainment and inspiration only. Please note that while we have advertising clients promoting destinations, products, services, trips and tours on Solo Traveler and that we endeavour to only work with companies in which we have confidence, we are not responsible for the delivery or quality of their products or services. Every person and every travel situation is different. Your safety, satisfaction and fun traveling solo are your responsibility alone and not that of Solo Traveler, its publisher, editor and/or writers.

PRIVACY POLICY & DISCLOSURE: In accordance with FTC guidelines, I disclose that I may be compensated if consumers choose to utilize links located throughout the content on this site. Additionally, some posts might be sponsored to support this site. Please do the appropriate research before participating in any third party offers. All opinions are my own. Please read our full Privacy Policy here.

• Voyage week-end
• Voyage nature et aventure
• Voyage dernière minute
• Voyage croisière
• Voyage city break
• Voyage festif
• Voyage au soleil
• Voyageuse en groupe
• Voyageuse solo
• Conseils de voyageuses
• Vos histoires
• Agence de voyage
•   Accueil blog
• Idées voyage
• Conseils d'experte
• Esprit voyageuse

Voyager seule au Japon

Le Japon, c’est un archipel qui en fait rêver plus d’une. Entre les samouraïs, les jeux vidéo, les geishas, les mangas, le thé, les magnifiques paysages et la gastronomie, on ne sait plus où donner de la tête. Enfilez votre kimono fleuri, accrochez votre katana à sa ceinture et partez pour une aventure inoubliable au pays du soleil levant.

Pourquoi choisir le Japon et quand partir en solo?

Tout d’abord, le Japon est l’une des destinations les plus «safe» du monde. Même si vous agitez des billets en criant dans une ruelle sombre un soir de pleine lune, il y a peu de chance qu’il vous arrive quelque chose (restez tout de même prudentes, comme partout). Et voyager en se sentant en sécurité, cela n’a pas de prix. Le Japon semble avoir été conçu pour faciliter la vie des femmes. Par exemple, certains wagons dans les transports en commun sont réservés aux femmes (adieu les frotteurs).

Pour partir, préférez le printemps et l’automne. Non seulement les températures sont plus appréciables, mais les touristes sont également moins nombreux. Au printemps, les cerisiers sont en fleurs ce qui rend les paysages, déjà superbes, magnifiques.

Quelques conseils pratiques

Il est presque indispensable de connaître quelques mots de japonais et de savoir reconnaître quelques «kanji», ne serait ce que pour vous repérer ou commander à manger. Si vous restez dans les grandes villes, l’anglais devrait être suffisant, mais à la campagne personne ne parle anglais. Ne vous en faites pas, les Japonais sont très aimables et serviables, ils se feront un plaisir (et un devoir!) de vous aider.

On n’oublie pas l’appareil photo et une carte mémoire gigantesque pour abriter tous vos chefs-d’œuvre. Pensez également à un adaptateur électrique afin de pouvoir brancher et recharger vos appareils. Enfin, partez léger! Votre valise ou votre sac va vite se remplir avec tous les souvenirs que vous allez ramener: figurines, manga, les objets «kawaii», le service à thé (un peu fragile) ou katana (cela ne va pas plaire à la douane de l’aéroport) il y a tant à acheter au Japon!

L'envie de bouger vous démange mais vos copines ne sont pas disponibles ? Consultez notre dossier pour tout savoir sur l'art de voyager seule .

Pour partir seule, mais sans être seule Content découvrez le concept Copines de Voyage.

Restez informée

Création de l'alerte en cours...

Vous serez avertie par email lorsqu'un nouveau départ sera mis en vente !

Vous serez avertie par email lorsque ce séjour sera remis en vente !

Vous serez avertie par email lorsque qu'un nouveau séjour sera mis en vente !

Discutez avec les copines

Vous devez vous intéresser au départ pour discuter avec les copines.

• Guide de voyage
• Société japonaise
• Apprendre le japonais
• Photos du Japon
• Carnet de voyage

Voyager seul au Japon

C'est décidé, vous avez décidé de partir au Pays du Soleil Levant et vous voilà maintenant en train de réfléchir à comment visiter le Japon . Partir seul est une expérience qui vous tente, mais est-ce vraiment fait pour vous ? Partir seul à l’étranger soulève des inquiétudes et des questions qui touchent généralement trois thèmes qui sont : la sécurité, les difficultés du voyage et la solitude. Concrètement, cela réclame de ne pas dépendre des autres mais demande une prise de responsabilités ; si on l'accepte, les avantages ne manquent pas. Voici quelques pistes pour vous aider.

Est-ce vraiment difficile de voyager seul au Japon ?

En partant seul au Japon vous serez forcément plus libre : vous faites ce que vous voulez quand vous voulez. Pour avoir pas mal voyagé en groupe, je me rappelle de pertes énormes de temps à attendre les éternels retardataires ou bien des heures à débattre de ce que nous allons faire. Vous avez soif de liberté et de voyage, partir seul est l'idéal.

Faire le Japon en sac à dos est simple même pour une personne seule, les transports sont très bien organisés et dans les grandes villes les affichages sont aussi écrits en anglais ou au moins en caractères occidentaux. Dans les restaurants les menus sont écrits en japonais mais très souvent accompagnés de photos pour vous aider à identifier ce que vous allez manger. Il arrive aussi voir en devanture des reproductions en plastique des plats proposés.

En partant seul, vous serez imprégné de la culture japonaise et complètement déconnecté de la votre. On s'imprègne mieux de l'atmosphère des lieux lorsque l'on n'est pas raccroché à sa propre culture par un ou plusieurs accompagnants. Vous serez forcé de parler japonais, et de vous faire comprendre. Vous verrez que vous ferez d'énormes progrès dans cette langue en l'espace de quelques jours. Inconsciemment vous enregistrez du vocabulaire, des expressions, des tournures de phrase. Les locaux viennent aussi plus facilement parler à un voyageur seul qu’à à un groupe. Même si connaître un peu le japonais sera un énorme avantage, vous ferez de belles rencontres qui vous laisseront un bien plus grand souvenir que si vous étiez en groupe.

La hantise de manger en solitaire

Il s'agit certainement de la situation pour laquelle vous devrez sortir de votre zone de confort. Si vous n'êtes pas habitué à voyager seul, vous aurez peut-être du mal à pousser la porte d'un restaurant et à vous assoir en solitaire à une table, alors que juste à côté de vous les autres clients seront en groupe et passeront la soirée à discuter et s'amuser. Cela petit paraitre déprimant et vous donner plus envie d'aller chercher quelque chose dans un Combini et manger dans votre chambre. Ce serait vraiment dommage.

Si vous évitez les restaurants à touristes vous verrez que manger seul au Japon est assez courant, de nombreux salary men dinent dans de petits restaurants après leur journée de travail. Il y a beaucoup de tables ou un coin bar où vous pouvez manger seul. C'est aussi l'occasion de faire de belles rencontres, de partager des discussions dans un lieu où les gens sont plus détendus. Comme vous ils sont là pour passer un moment agréable. Ne vous excusez plus d'être seul, ne vous excusez pas, ayez simplement confiance en vous.

Un pays sûr, avec des gens d'une extrême amabilité

Au Japon tout le monde saura que vous êtes un touriste, un gaijin mais contrairement à d'autres pays, très peu essaieront de vous arnaquer. Le Japon a la réputation d’être le pays le plus sûr du monde. Les agressions et les vols sont tellement rares que l'on pourrait croire que les japonais vivent dans une société utopique. On peut se balader en ville tard le soir sans être inquiété que l’on soit un homme ou une femme.Si vous oubliez quelque chose dans un endroit, il y a de fortes chances que l'on vous coure après dans la rue pour vous le rendre.

Dans la rue les gens n'hésiteront pas à venir spontanément vers vous s'ils vous sentent perdu et vous accompagneront à votre destination, quitte à faire un long détour. Le sens du service est vraiment au coeur des préoccupations des japonais. Même si vous ne parlez pas leur langue et que vous avez besoin d'un renseignement, abordez les passants d'un "sumimasen" en leur montrant votre destination sur un plan.

Réservez votre voyage au Japon

Vérifiez la disponibilité d'un hébergement sur Booking.com ! Vous pouvez réserver une chambre sans paiement à l'avance, vous ne payez qu'au moment du départ. Les annulations sont également gratuites jusqu'à votre arrivée. Je touche une petite commission sur chaque réservation (pour vous le prix reste inchangé) et ça m'aide à continuer à écrire des articles ;-)

Sur le même thème

Voyage au Japon avec des enfants

Un voyage au Japon a une autre saveur lorsque l’on est en famille avec les enfants. C’est d’autant plus le cas pour ce pays réputé pour sa sécurité.

Voyage d'exception au Japon

Le Japon est un pays qui ne fait pas grand cas de vos préjugés. Entre temples anciens, quartiers futuristes et parcs d'attractions gigantesques, lLe voyage d'exception vous fera comprendre les multiples facettes de ce pays.

Gardons le contact

Vous avez aimé ? Alors ne gardez pas tout pour vous et partagez ;)

• Voyage au Japon
• Préparer son voyage
• Différents types de séjour

Partir seul(e) en voyage au Japon

Je suis toujours parti en voyage à plusieurs, a fortiori à l'étranger. Que ce soit en couple, entre amis ou en famille, je n'ai ainsi jamais eu l'opportunité de séjourner seul dans un pays plus ou moins éloigné de chez moi.

En revanche j'apprécie de me libérer du groupe, une à plusieurs fois par voyage, pour quelques heures voire plus. Le Japon facilite énormément cette démarche et il me semble intéressant de pouvoir comparer des expériences qui, finalement, diffèrent de manière assez sensible selon que l'on voyage seul(e) ou à plusieurs.

Vous êtes plutôt solo...

Découvrir le Japon en solo implique d'abord de sortir de sa zone de confort. Concrètement, cela réclame de ne pas dépendre des autres dans le bon sens du terme (choisir intégralement son planning lieux / horaires sans compromis) comme dans l'autre (que faire s'il arrive un problème de santé ?). Quoi qu'il en soit, cela demande une prise de responsabilités mais si on l'accepte, les avantages ne manquent pas.

D'abord, on s'imprègne mieux de l'atmosphère des lieux lorsque l'on n'est pas raccroché à sa propre culture par un ou plusieurs accompagnants (plus ou moins bavards) partageant les mêmes valeurs. On se découvre plus attentif/ve à tout ce qui se passe autour de nous, mais également plus discret(e) pour prendre des photos sur le vif. Comme les Japonais ont cette politesse du honne/tatemae , ils ne vous regarderont jamais de travers et ne vous feront pas plus de remarque parce que vous n'êtes pas accompagné(e). A contrario, on peut dans le même temps se sentir plus facilement exclu(e) ou dans une forme d'incompréhension sans possibilité d'échanger là-dessus et, en particulier au Japon, c'est un sentiment que partagent de nombreux expatriés .

Contrairement à une idée reçue, on ne fait jamais autant de rencontres que lorsqu'on voyage seul(e). Cela commence parfois dès le vol en avion   ✈️ et souvent à votre hébergement, selon que vous ayez choisi une chambre partagée, une guest-house ou encore une auberge de jeunesse. Il est ainsi particulièrement aisé de partager des escapades de quelques heures ou une journée avec d'autres voyageurs rencontrés sur place, créer des amitiés et parfois plus si affinités. Mais même sans cela, on est naturellement moins fermé(e), plus réceptif/ve et forcément plus disponible lorsque l'on déambule seul(e) en voyage : cela encourage par exemple à faire des efforts pour baragouiner en japonais afin d'échanger ou tout simplement trouver son chemin. Les locaux viendront aussi plus facilement vous aborder naturellement.

Pour les femmes qui souhaitent voyager seules au Japon, rappelons que les risques vont de minimes à inexistants. En bonnes populations habituées à ne pas traîner la nuit, voire à éviter certains quartiers quelle que soit l'heure notamment dans les grandes villes, c'est forcément une chance et des opportunités. Mesdemoiselles et mesdames, ce n'est donc pas une excuse valable en l'occurrence !

Plus largement, s'il s'agit d'un manque de courage, vous en avez certainement plus que vous ne voulez bien le croire ! Nombreux sont celles et ceux qui tirent des plans sur la comète mais, au moment de préparer un voyage avec vous, prennent la poudre d'escampette en balbutiant une excuse ou une autre. Ceux-là, on les connaît : ils ne partiront jamais et, justement, ont trop peur de sortir de leur petite bulle de confort (je trouve en cela une forme d' allégorie de la caverne ). On vous a planté pour partir au Japon ? Ne vous laissez pas décourager en commettant la même erreur et faites contre mauvaise fortune bon cœur ; vous ne regretterez sans doute pas d'être parti(e) seul(e) malgré tout !

... ou accompagné(e) ?

Voyager à l'étranger en groupe, c'est assurer une convivialité constante. Au moment du repas notamment, impossible de se sentir isolé(e) ; cela prévient également des coups de blues que l'on peut ressentir à cause de la fatigue ou de gros changements d'environnement par exemple. Celles et ceux qui vous accompagnent peuvent attirer votre attention sur quelque chose que l'on n'avait pas remarqué, proposer une visite que l'on n'aurait jamais imaginé apprécier.

Autre gros avantage à plusieurs : le partage de photos. Dans un groupe (amis ou famille), il y a souvent des gens qui aiment prendre des photos et d'autres moins voire pas du tout. Savoir cela évite que chacun ait son petit compact et se sente obligé de mitrailler à chaque visite. Le plus amateur du lot, souvent le mieux équipé d'ailleurs, peut ainsi se faire plaisir à capter des lieux et moments avec son reflex dernier cri, tandis que les autres profitent de leur voyage sans se soucier des souvenirs numériques qu'ils récupèreront en rentrant.

Et puis, il y a la question du budget et sur ce plan évidemment, on voyage toujours moins cher en partageant les frais. Même si beaucoup de ryokan traditionnels affichent des tarifs par personne et que de nombreux tickets ( temples , musées ... ou encore le Japan Rail Pass ) restent individuels, on fera de nombreuses économies en voyageant à plusieurs. La location d' appartements et de maisons en est l'exemple le plus frappant : en couple ou en groupe, on profite d'un grand espace privé et d'un confort supérieur pour des prix souvent très attractifs. Idem pour le pocket-wifi   📶 ou le taxi . Et si l'on perd ses moyens de paiement ou que l'on ne peut plus retirer d' argent avec sa carte bancaire   💳 , il y a toujours un accompagnant pour vous dépanner le temps de trouver une solution.

Enfin, si vous avez la chance de partir avec quelqu'un qui parle japonais et/ou connaît bien le Japon, vous allez pouvoir réellement profiter à 100% de votre séjour.

N'hésitez pas à partager vos expériences sur le sujet : préférez-vous voyager au Japon en solo ou à plusieurs et pourquoi ?

• Avion et aéroports
• Hébergement
• Téléphone et Internet
• Budget et argent
• Itinéraires
• Shopping et souvenirs
• Voyager avec enfants
• Saisons: printemps / été / automne / hiver
• Prévisions météo
• Décalage horaire
• Fêtes japonaises
• Catastrophes naturelles
• Cours du Yen
• Douane et import
• Travaux et fermetures
• 12 Mai -- Fête des mères au Japon
• 15 Mai -- Aoi Matsuri à Kyoto : procession du Palais Impérial aux sanctuaires Shimogamo et Kamigamo
• Du 17 au 19 Mai -- Sanja matsuri : défilés de mikoshi à Asakusa
• 19 Mai -- Mifune matsuri : festival des bateaux à Arashiyama
• 22 Mai -- Date anniversaire de l'inauguration de la Tokyo SkyTree (2012)
• 28 Mai -- Jour des feux d'artifice (non férié)

Toutes les informations à connaître pour organiser votre séjour au Japon dans les meilleures conditions, de la préparation à l'arrivée sur place, en passant par la sélection des visites jusqu'à la constitution de votre itinéraire.

• Tokyo ( best-of ) : Shinjuku , Shibuya , Harajuku , Asakusa , Akihabara , Odaiba , Ikebukuro , Ueno , Roppongi , Chiyoda , Ryogoku ...
• Autour de la capitale : Kamakura , Nikko , Hakone , Mont Fuji , Mont Takao , Yokohama ...
• Le Kansai : Kyoto ( best-of ), Nara , Osaka , Mont Koya , Himeji , Kobe , Kinosaki , Kumano Kodo , Ise ...
• Alpes japonaises : Kanazawa , Matsumoto , Takayama , Shirakawa-go , Nakasendo , Route Alpine ...
• À l'ouest : Hiroshima , Miyajima , Shikoku , Onomichi , Naoshima , Izumo , Kurashiki , Matsue ...
• Le sud : Kyushu , Okinawa , Yakushima ...
• Le nord : Hokkaido , Tohoku ...

• Temples et sanctuaires
• Jardins et parcs
• Randonnées et excursions
• Observatoires
• Bains publics (onsen et sento)
• Festivals (matsuri)
• Parcs d'attraction
• Japon pas cher / Luxe

Keikaku est une agence de voyages spécialiste du Japon qui propose différents services :

• Séjours sur-mesure
• Japan Rail Pass
• Guides francophones privés
• Pocket Wifi
• Cartes Suica
• Traduction de permis de conduire
• Sortir le soir
• Religion et spiritualité
• Contes et légendes
• Histoire du Japon
• Arts et histoire
• Littérature
• Mangas / Animés
• Films / Films d'animation
• Dragon Ball
• Studio Ghibli
• Photos / Vidéos
• Japon insolite
• Traductions
• Étudier au Japon
• Kana & Kanji
• Les suffixes (san, kun, chan...)
• Se présenter
• Bonjour et au revoir
• Remercier / S'excuser
• Compter / Donner son âge
• La date / L'heure
• Joyeux anniversaire
• Bon appétit
• Écrire son prénom

À la base de l'écriture japonaise, Les kanas doivent être connus sur le bout des doigts. Notre méthode vous propose de bien les apprendre dans un temps record, et les retenir sur le long terme.

Plus de 300 phrases traduites en japonais et prononcées en audio, dans les 12 situations les plus courantes rencontrées par les voyageurs au Japon, pour vous assurer de bien gérer les situations d'échange à l'oral au Japon.

Avec Kotaete, notre module questions-réponses , soumettez toutes vos interrogations liées au Japon à la communauté Kanpai et partagez vos connaissances.

Avec Isshoni, qui signifie "ensemble" en japonais, trouvez des compagnons pour partager du temps sur l'archipel en indiquant vos disponibilités et préférences au Japon.

Créez votre compte Kanpai pour gérer votre profil et récupérer votre historique de participation (questions, réponses).

Travels with Erica

A Solo Traveller's Guide to the World

What I Wish I Knew Before Taking a Solo Trip to Japan

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on my affiliate link and purchase something (at no additional cost to you!), I may earn a small commission that helps me keep the blog running. Thank you so much for your support!

Japan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Most people dream of going to Japan, but there are a few important things you need to know before planning a solo trip to Japan.

Compared to lots of other Asian countries, Japan is super easy to travel in and great for people who are new to travelling alone .

Don’t get too confident yet though because there are tons and tons and tons of mistakes I made when I was in Japan solo, and I’ve been travelling alone since 2015.

Japan is unique. Things that typically hold true for travel in other parts of the world don’t always hold true in Japan. Even things that work in Japan’s neighbour South Korea don’t necessarily work in Japan.

So, I’m going to share everything I learned on my solo trip to Japan with you to hopefully save you some mistakes.

Actually, at this point, I’ve been to Japan three times and feel like I definitely know what mistakes not to make. I’ve made nearly every mistake you can.

Let’s get into the nitty gritty of solo travel in Japan! Hopefully by the end of this article you’ll feel confident and prepared and be able to travel in Japan solo like a pro.

Table of Contents

Stay Near the Main Train Station

The biggest mistake I made on my first solo trip to Japan was not staying near a major train station.

I know when you travel to most countries around the world, you don’t really have to stay near a major train station. As long as you’re near some sort of public transportation, you’re good to go.

That isn’t the case in Japan.

If there is only one thing you take away from this post, it is that you need to stay near a major train station. Ideally, about a ten minute walk away. That way you’ll be super close to the train station but far enough away that it’s quiet.

Most Japanese cities have one major train station. It’ll typically be the name of the city followed by the word station. Like Osaka Station or Kyoto Station of Fukushima Station. You get the point.

Tokyo is a huge city. Huge doesn’t even describe it. Since it’s so large, there are many major train stations.

The two I recommend staying near are either Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station . They’re pretty central and have access to lots of different metro and JR lines.

Why is it Important to Stay Near a Major Train Station?

There are two main reasons it’s important to stay near a major train station:

• Access to lots of different metro and JR lines so getting around is quick and easy
• Lugging luggage around on Japanese metros is a hassle. Even if you only have a carryon bag, the trains are often crowded and have lots of stairs. Staying near a major train station means you can just leave the train station and easily walk to your hotel or Aibnb and avoid having to transfer to the metro, JR, or bus to get to your hotel.

Trust me. It’s 100% worth it to stay near a major train station even if it means you have to pay a little bit more for your accommodation.

It is the one tip I give everybody when they’re planning a trip to Japan. Whether it’s a solo trip to Japan or a group trip to Japan.

My Favourite Hotels Near Train Stations

• Tokyo Station: Via Inn Prime Nihonbashi Ningyocho
• Shinjuku Station : Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku
• Kyoto Station : Hotel Kanra Kyoto (definitely a splurge but worth it!)
• Osaka Station : Hotel Monterey Le Frere Osaka
• Kanazawa Station : Hotel Resol Trinity Kanazawa

Get Outside Tokyo and Kyoto

On my first solo trip to Japan, I only went to Tokyo , and that was a big mistake. Tokyo is nothing like anywhere else in Japan. It’s extremely busy, hectic, and overwhelming.

Kyoto is the next most popular city in Japan for tourists, and I honestly found it a big overrated. Please don’t crucify me for that!

I think that one of the best things you can do when in Japan solo is get outside these two major tourists hubs and see a little bit more of what Japan has to offer.

Osaka is super close to Kyoto, and it has a totally different vibe to Tokyo and Kyoto. It is way more relaxed and laid back and has a lot of interesting tourist attractions. Including Universal Studios Japan !

The food in Osaka is also top notch, and it’s known as the foodie capital of Japan.

If you visiting Kyoto is your dream because it looks beautiful and full of ancient temples and things to do, I recommend visiting Kanazawa.

It’s everything I thought Kyoto would be and more. Kanazawa is my favourite city in Japan and one I wish more tourists visited. Plus it’s way more affordable than Kyoto, which is a huge plus for solo travellers on a budget.

I don’t really care where you go, but I do highly encourage you to get outside of Tokyo and Kyoto and see a little bit more of Japan.

You won’t regret it. There are so many interesting things to do in Japan that most tourists don’t know about because most people only go to Tokyo.

And trust me when I say that I don’t know a single traveller who says Tokyo is their favourite city in Japan.

Install an Esim on Your Phone

Having access to the internet with data on your phone is an essential part of your solo trip to Japan. It’ll make your life so much easier.

To easily travel around Japan, you need access to the internet. To get around, to figure out what train to take, find tourist attractions, and make sure you pick the perfect place to eat.

Luckily, there is an easy solution on how you can have data on your phone everywhere in Japan.

That’s by installing an esim on your phone. An esim allows you to purchase local data for whatever country you’re visiting. In this case, Japan. You buy an esim, and you can use your phone’s data just like you do at home but without any high roaming fees.

All you have to do is purchase an esim either online or through the app , install it on your phone, and make your esim your main source of data. The entire process takes less than five minutes and is very intuitive and easy. You can even install an esim on your phone before you arrive in Japan, and it’ll automatically activate when you turn on your data in Japan, and you phone connects to a Japanese network.

I like to purchase my esim online because it gives you a QR code. You just scan the QR code on your phone, and your esim is set up in a few easy clicks.

Esims allow you easy access to phone data without having to rent a wifi egg , purchase a local sim card, or incur high roaming fees with your local carrier.

I recommend esims to all my friends and family when they travel, and they all love it as much as I do.

Install an esim on your phone to make getting around Japan easier and stress free.

My Favourite Esim

Since esims are a relatively new technology, there aren’t a lot of reliable companies offering them yet. And you do not want to purchase an esim from an unreliable company and be stuck stranded without phone data.

I love Airalo . It’s my go-to esim provider, and I purchase all my esims through them.

They have the most esims available for the most countries compared to competitors. They also offer incredibly good prices and always have reliable data. You purchase a certain amount of data up front. If you’re close to running out of data, you can purchase more data to be added to your esim with one quick click in the app.

Another option you can look into is Drimsim . Unlike Airalo, Drimsim charges you per MB used rather than charging you for a certain amount of data up front.

If you don’t plan on using much data, Drimsim may be the better option. I highly recommend if you choose Drimsim to turn off your data whenever you’re not using it. This will prevent data accidentally being used in the background and running up your bill.

I tend to use a fair amount of data when I travel between Google Maps, texting, and scrolling social media while eating alone, so Airalo is my esim of choice.

I’m normally in a country for three to four weeks at a time and purchase the 5GB plan. I’ve never gone over before, but there have been a few times when I’ve been close. If you’re only in Japan for a week or two, you should be fine purchasing a 1GB or 3GB plan.

The 3GB plan is probably your best choice. It’s only a dollar or two more than the 1GB plan and gives you the peace of mind that you won’t accidentally run out of data while out and about exploring one day.

Plus it’s likely more expensive to purchase a 1GB top up if you run out of your pre-purchased 1GB data than it is to purchase a 3GB plan.

Anyways, whatever amount of data you choose to purchase is up to you. The important thing is that you install an esim on your phone, so you can easily access the internet when out exploring. This is especially important as a solo traveller !

Google Maps is Your Best Friend

You’re probably already acquainted with Google Maps, but it’s going to become your best friend when you’re travelling Japan solo.

Google Maps in Japan has some of the most comprehensive information of any country I’ve visited.

Especially when it comes to public transportation, which some people find overwhelming and confusing the first time they come to Japan.

Here is some of the information Google Maps tells you when riding the metro in Japan:

• What entrance to take to get to the metro
• What exit to take when leaving the metro. This is very important information. Please don’t ignore it!
• The exact train car number you should get on for the quickest transfer or exit
• What platform your train is departing from. This is very helpful in major train stations where there can be over 20 platforms
• How busy the train is, is the train has AC or not, and whether or not there are delays on the route

Google Maps can also navigate indoors in Japan. This is super useful when trying to find a store in a massive shopping mall. It’ll guide you to the nearest escalator to the store you’re looking for and take you right to the entrance.

It’s fabulous. Google Maps may be your most used app while on your solo trip to Japan!

Major Train Stations are Difficult to Manage

Major train stations are extremely difficult to manage. You 100% need to use Google Maps if you’re trying to find what exit to use or something inside a train station.

Before you start thinking I’m dramatic and how hard could a train station possibly be, Shinjuku Station has 200 different exits.

So, yeah, complicated. You can easily get lost and spend an hour or two wandering around trying to find what you’re looking for.

Trust me. I once spent half an hour looking for a tempura restaurant in Tokyo Station and ended up giving up and leaving.

Whenever you have to exit a major train station, be sure you know what exit you want and watch the signs carefully.

Some major train stations like Kyoto Station and Kanazawa Station are easier to manage. Some like Tokyo Station and Osaka Station are more complicated.

Be prepared. Be patient. And if all else fails, find your way to an information booth, and someone will be happy to help you find what you’re looking for.

Be Prepared to Queue

I hate waiting in lines and avoid waiting in them at all costs. The Japanese don’t seem to have the same aversion to lines that I do. There are lines everywhere, and people don’t mind waiting for them.

There are lines for food (these are often the longest lines at popular restaurants). Lines for tourist attractions. Lines for no apparent reason.

It’s just something that comes with a solo trip to Japan.

Hopefully you don’t have to wait in too many lines but bring your patience just in case. If you know you’ll be waiting in a line on a particular day, consider bringing a book (or audiobook) or something to entertain yourself with.

Avoid Golden Week at All Costs

Golden Week is a national holiday in Japan where people get an entire week off of work. Japanese people use this as an opportunity to travel, and a lot of people travel within Japan rather than going abroad.

This means three things:

• The most popular cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto are very, very, very busy
• If you’re visiting a less popular tourist destination, things like restaurants may be closed
• It will be difficult to find an affordable hotel even if you’re booking months in advance. I wanted to go be in Sendai durning Golden Week and couldn’t find an affordable hotel even though I was looking 5 months in advance.

I was in Japan during Golden Week in 2023 and experienced both those things. I spent the majority of Golden Week in Fukushima. Not the most popular tourist destination. A lot and I mean a lot of the restaurants were closed. Some were open until 2pm, but many were closed all day. Not great.

Then I was in Tokyo for the last two days of Golden Week. It was madness. I’ve never seen a city so busy in my entire life. I cannot imagine how busy it was during the height of Golden Week because I assume some people already went home to get ready for work in a couple of days.

Moral of the story is to avoid Japan during Golden Week at all costs. Don’t think to yourself that it won’t be too bad because it will be. Trust me.

On the flip side, going to Japan right after Golden Week is probably the best time of the entire year to be in Japan. I was at Tokyo Disney Resort the four days following the end of Golden Week, and I’ve never seen it so quiet before. It was magical.

Golden Week changes dates every year and is sometime in either April or May. Just do a quick Google search before planning your solo trip to Japan and make sure you aren’t planning it during Golden Week.

Avoid Golden Week at all costs. Ideally visit Japan right after Golden Week for the lowest crowds.

The JR Pass Probably Isn’t Worth it

You’ve probably heard a lot about the JR Pass and how it is essential when travelling in Japan. How you’ll save so much money with the JR Pass.

But, honestly, that isn’t the case for most people.

If you’re only travelling between Tokyo and Kyoto, you likely won’t get your money’s worth out of the JR Pass.

If you’re in Japan for two or three weeks and spending more than a day or two in each city, you probably won’t get much value out of the JR Pass.

You need to be using the JR a lot in a short period of time to get value out of the JR Pass. Especially now that the price is increasing by about double!

I spent 3 weeks in Japan in 2023 and took the JR or Shinkansen between each city I visited. I used JR trains to travel within each city. Even though I would have used the JR Pass a lot, it still didn’t make financial sense for me to get one.

That’s because I wasn’t using the JR enough or on expensive enough lines that purchasing a JR Pass made sense.

Be sure to do the math and use a JR fare calculator before purchasing a JR Pass to make sure you’re getting enough bang for your buck by buying the pass.

The benefit of the JR Pass is that you can pre-reserve seats on the train, which is a huge plus if you have luggage and have to reserve luggage space.

Although, when I was in Japan, I never had to reserve luggage because you only have to reserve it on the most popular and busiest routes like Tokyo to Kyoto or Tokyo to Osaka.

You don’t have to reserve luggage space on most Shinkansen trains.

And if you’re going from Osaka to Kyoto without a JR Pass, just get on the slower JR train rather than the Shinkansen. It’s a third of the price and only takes 10 or so minutes longer if you get on a super rapid train.

JR Fare Calculator (see if the JR Pass saves you money)

Be Internet Safe

Even if you get an esim for your phone, you’ll still be relying on public wifi during your solo trip to Japan. Even if it’s only while at your hotel.

Please don’t waste your esim data and use it at the hotel rather than the complimentary hotel wifi!

And since you’re going to be using public wifi at least part of your trip, I’m going to lecture you about the importance of using public wifi safely.

Public wifi networks are just that. Public. That means anybody with the code can access the wifi. From my experience, a lot of hotels in Japan don’t have a password on their wifi. Anybody can access the wifi even if they aren’t staying at the hotel.

This means that there are countless people using the same unprotected wifi network as you. That puts you personal online information (like you’re banking information) at risk of being stolen.

All it takes is one person with bad intentions, and you’re dealing with the headache of cancelling bank cards while abroad. Trust me when I say that’s no fun.

The only way to protect yourself when using public wifi networks is by installing a VPN on your devices. A VPN essentially puts an invisible forcefield around your devices that makes it impossible for prying eyes to access your personal online information.

A VPN makes using public wifi networks just as safe as using your home wifi where you’re the only person who knows the password.

One of the most important things you should so when preparing for your Japan solo trip is install a VPN. It’s the simplest safety precaution you can take.

The cost per month for a VPN subscription on a two-year plan costs less than a latte and cake pop at Starbucks. You have no excuse not to protect your online information.

I always say that if you can afford to travel, you can afford to protect your online information with a VPN.

My Favourite VPN

I’ve used a lot of VPNs over my many years of travel. Most of them, frankly, suck. VPNs are notorious for slowing your devices down, and you really feel the different in internet speed when using a VPN.

That’s not the case for NordVPN . It’s consistently ranked the fasted VPN on the market and the only VPN I’ve ever consistently used. You don’t feel like your internet speed is slowed down at all when using NordVPN.

You can install a single NordVPN subscription on up to six devices. That makes it super easy to protect all your devices for one low price.

One of my favourite feature of VPNs is being able to cloak my location. That allows me to watch Netflix from different countries and watch Canadian sporting events while abroad.

There are really no downsides to installing a VPN on your devices. It’s an extremely small price to pay for the peace of mind you get by knowing your private information is safe and sound while you’re abroad.

Get the fastest and most reliable VPN on the market for an extremely low price.

One of the first things you’ll notice on your solo trip to Japan is how quiet it is. In terms of volume. Not in terms of people. There are always tons of people in Japan.

It’s a widely known rule that people are quiet and respectful while out in public. This means no talking on the metro and no loud conversations at restaurants.

And please, please never answer a phone call while on public transit. It’s considered quite rude to speak on the phone in nearly every indoor public setting in Japan. But if you talk on the phone on the metro, you will definitely be getting dirty looks.

Just be sure to be quiet, reserved, and respectful while in public in Japan. I know you’re on a solo trip to Japan, but I also know a lot of you like to make friends while travelling alone. So, if you go out with a group (or while you’re alone), please be quiet.

There is a time and place for loud conversations, and in public is not it.

Oh, and small talk isn’t really a thing in Japan. I know my American friends love starting small talk with strangers, but you’ll be getting weird looks if you try that in Japan.

Taxis are Extremely Expensive

Taxis are never the most affordable way to get around, but in a lot of places they’ve not super expensive. They’re affordable enough that you can justify taking a taxi if it’s going to be super convenient or save you a lot of time.

Japan is not one of those places.

Japan has the most expensive taxis I’ve ever seen in my life.

There is no circumstance I could ever see justifying me using a taxi instead of the metro other than being physically injured and needing to get to a hostpial.

And even in that circumstance, I may still take the metro because the taxi fees are so high.

If you normally take taxis when you travel, you’ll need to get used to the idea of using public transportation or walking.

See point one about staying near a train station if you need a refresher. 😉

The good news is that Japan has one of the best public transportation systems in the world. It’s so easy to get around. You won’t even miss taking a taxi.

Most major cities have large metro systems. Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto all have metros where you can easily get around. Smaller cities in Kanazawa rely on buses. But they’re smaller cities, so it’s easy to walk everywhere if you’re staying in a central location.

Just be prepared to use public transportation and walk a lot while in Japan. Taxis are a luxury not a normal thing to use.

Purchase Popular Tickets Online in Advance

As we’ve talked about in this article, Japan is busy, and there are often queues. To cut down on your time waiting in line, there are two things you can/should do:

• Get to attractions earlier in the day to avoid crowds
• Purchase tickets online in advance if you can

These two things will save you heaps of time on your solo trip to Japan. You’ve got a lot to see and do while in Japan alone, and you don’t want to be stuck waiting in a line if you don’t have to.

There are also some things you need to pre-purchase tickets for. As in you can’t get them at the door or they’re likely to be sold out. Those two main things are Universal Studios Japan in Osaka and Tokyo Disney Resort .

This is especially true for Tokyo Disney. You have to purchase your tickets in advance. You can’t buy them at the gate. Universal recently reintroduced buying tickets at the gate, but it’s a super small park and sold out in advance more days than not.

Other Tickets You Should Consider Buying in Advance

• Tokyo Skytree

Shibuya Sky

• Tokyo Tower Observation Deck
• TeamLab Planets (hugely popular and likely to sell out)
• Sanrio Puroland 
• HARUKAS 300 Observatory
• T eamLab Botanical Garden (Osaka’s version of TeamLab Planets)
• Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

Narita is Very Far Away from Central Tokyo

Narita is very, very far away from central Tokyo. Haneda is closer to central Tokyo, but the majority of international flights fly in and out of Narita.

This means you need to have a solid plan on how you’re getting from the airport to your hotel. Sometimes it can take up to two hours depending on where you’re staying.

You can either take the metro or a limousine bus. I prefer the bus. You’re guaranteed to get a seat, probably drops you off closer to your hotel, there is no need to transfer, and you don’t have to deal with your luggage. It just sits nicely under the bus.

Taxis aren’t an option unless you’re rich because they’re so expensive. A taxi from Narita to central Tokyo will cost you a few hundred dollars!

And the last thing you want to do on a solo trip to Japan is break the bank taking a taxi just because you didn’t plan properly!

The fact that Narita is so far away from central Tokyo also means that you need to be strategic about when you book your flight.

If you land late in the evening or depart early in the morning, you might have an issue. Maybe the buses aren’t running early or late enough or maybe you don’t want to drag your butt out of bed super early or be trying to find your hotel in the dark.

If you’re arriving late or departing early, I highly recommend staying at a hotel near the airport for a night. It’s so much more convenient. I’ve done it before for a flight departing at 11am and would do it again in a heartbeat.

Plus the hotels near Narita are surprisingly affordable. I loved my stay at the Hilton Narita . It was super nice and seemed like it should have costed more than it did.

Most airport hotels offer a bus to and from the hotel, which is super convenient. The hotels say it takes about half an hour to get to the airport. From my experience, it takes about 15, but it’s better to be early than late!

Go to Tokyo Disney on a Tuesday or Wednesday

Tokyo Disney is a must do for any theme park or Disney fan. Heck the theme parks are so well done that even people who hate Disney enjoy them.

Tokyo Disney Resort has two theme parks: Disneyland and DisneySea. DisneySea is the more unique one of the two, but they both have rides you don’t want to miss.

TDR is hugely popular. Not only with tourists but also with Japanese people. This means that it’s always busy. The most popular rides often have wait times between 90 and 180 minutes.

That’s just on a normal day. Not even during the busiest times of year.

So, you definitely need a strategy when going to Tokyo Disney. It may be your only trip, and you want to get the most out of it.

There are way too many tips and tricks about Tokyo Disney to put into this short(ish) blog post. You’ll have to do a deep dive on that on your own. TDR Explorer is a great place to start!

One important tip I will give you is to visit Tokyo Disney on either a Tuesday or Wednesday.

This is when the parks will be the least busy. You’ll be able to get a lot more done on a Tuesday or Wednesday than on the weekend.

Mondays and Thursdays are normally medium busy. I’ve noticed that a lot of the times school groups are filling up the parks on Thursdays leading up to the weekend, and they’re a lot busier than Wednesdays.

Mondays have carryover from people visiting over the weekend. They’re not as busy as a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday but are still quite busy.

So, if you have flexibility in your schedule, try to arrange your trip to Tokyo Disney for the middle of the week. This will give you the best chance at having lower crowds.

Make Sure You Have Health Insurance

Health insurance is an essential part of travel, and you need to make sure you have health insurance that covers your solo trip to Japan.

You may have travel coverage through your work plan. If you do, you just need to make sure it covers the entire duration of your trip. Most policies only cover the first 21 or 30 days of your trip.

If you’re like me and don’t have insurance through your employer, you have two options.

First Option

The first option is perfect for people who are only going abroad for a shorter period of time. This is buying travel insurance from a major company in your home country.

You can normally get insurance through a bank, company that sells house or life insurance, your local healthcare insurer (like Blue Cross), or through a company like AAA or AMA or CAA.

All these places will let you purchase a travel health insurance policy to cover the duration of your trip.

These are normally reasonably affordable. Especially if you’re only gone for a week or two. They offer decent coverage, but they often make it a headache to make a claim.

You can also get a multi-trip policy that covers you for every trip you take abroad in a year as long as the trip is under a certain amount of days. You get to choose the amount of days when you purchase the policy, and they range anywhere from 7 to 60 days.

This is what my retired parents use, what I used when I was a student, and what most casual travellers use.

Second Option

The second option is for long-term travellers and digital nomads. That’s purchasing health insurance through a specialized company that solely provides insurance to travellers.

There are a couple of companies you can get this type of insurance through. I personally use Safety Wing and think they’re the best option you there.

They’re very affordable, have a low deductible, make it easy to make a claim, and even provide you coverage in your home country for 30 days as long as you’ve been abroad for 90 days.

I love the flexibility of Safety Wing and being able to cancel anytime I want. If I’m going to be in Canada for a few months, I can cancel my policy and then reinstate it when I start travelling again. They even let you purchase your insurance while you’re abroad and already on your trip, which is quite rare.

Again, this option is best for people travelling for a long period of time. It’s much cheaper in the long run than the first option and provides better coverage.

Bonus: Try the Melon Fanta (Trust Me)

This may sound like a weird thing to throw into this article but hear me out. The Melon Fanta in Japan is the best soda I’ve ever had. And I’m a soda girlie.

I know. I know. It isn’t healthy, but it just tastes so good!

Melon Fanta is incredible . It’s a bit hard to find in convenience stores, so you may have to order it at a restaurant, but it’s so worth it.

I tell all my friends who go to Japan to try it, and they all love it.

I know it sounds like an odd flavour of soda, but please trust me and try it!

My Favourite Things to do in Japan Alone

Tokyo Disney Resort

Shinjuku Gyoen

Todaiji Temple

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Kiyomizu Temple

Museum of Housing and Living

Universal Studios Japan

Osaka Castle

This article ended up being way longer than I thought it would! I guess I just have a lot to say about taking a solo trip to Japan and being in Japan solo.

Japan is a super unique country and requires a bit more planning and understanding than a lot of other countries. It’s so easy to accidentally offend someone because you don’t know the social norms.

But I hope this article helps you better understand what a solo trip to Japan will be like and how to best prepare for being in Japan solo.

It’s an amazing country, and I have no doubt you’ll love it. Basically everybody does. That’s why it’s so popular!

Related Posts

• 9 Key Things to Know Before Your Solo Trip to Ireland
• 9 Tips to Know Before Taking a Solo Trip to Copenhagen

Femme seule à Shinjuku, Tokyo

©Jezael Melgoza/Unsplash

La nature est omniprésente sur la montagne sacrée de Koyasan au Japon

©Jan Kreuzer/123RF

Cette célèbre porte vermillon "torii" se situe à l'entrée de l'île de Miyajima au large d'Hiroshima

©coward_lion/123RF

Dotonbori est le quartier le plus animé d'Osaka, la capitale gastronomique du Japon

©Alexander Smagin/123RF

Quartier traditionnel des geishas à Kanazawa

©passionphotography/123RF

Soupe traditionnelle japonaise "ramen"

©TATIANA BRALNINA/123RF

Visitez le quartier historique de Gion, au coeur de Kyoto

©Pitinan/123RF

• Assurances voyage
• Japan Experience

Japon en solo

• Durée : 15 jours
• Villes : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Koyasan, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kanazawa, Tokyo
• Add to favorites

Idéal pour les personnes voyageant en solo , ce circuit au Japon vous permet de visiter l'essentiel des sites touristiques et d'autres lieux préservés.

Ce voyage en autonomie inclut des chambres privatives dans les différents hébergements (hôtels, ryokan, et temple hôtelier), les transports, et 3 mini-visites guidées dans les principales villes du Japon.

Itinéraire de 2 semaines au Japon :

• Ville/aéroport de départ : Tokyo  (Narita :  NRT  or Haneda :  HND )
• Tokyo (3 nuits)
• Hakone Mont Fuji (1 nuit)
• Kyoto (4 nuits dont une journée à Nara)
• Koyasan - nuit en temple bouddhiste (1 nuit)
• Osaka (1 nuit)
• Hiroshima et île sacrée Miyajima (2 nuits)
• Kanazawa (1 nuit)
• Tokyo (1 nuit)
• Aéroport de retour : Tokyo  (Narita :  NRT  or Haneda :  HND )

Veuillez trouver plus bas les détails de l'itinéraire.

Durée du circuit : 14 nuits / 15 jours ( + 1 jour au début si vous partez d'Europe )

En effet, les dates de départ et de fin de circuit présentées sur cette page concernent votre séjour au Japon. Au départ, vous devrez quitter l'Europe la veille . Le vol retour se fait le même jour en raison du décalage horaire.

Exemple : 

• Départ d'Europe : 1er janvier
• Arrivée à Tokyo (date à sélectionner dans le calendrier lors de la réservation) : 2 janvier
• Vol retour de l'aéroport Tokyo : 16 janvier

Pourquoi choisir ce voyage au Japon ?

• Un circuit conçu pour les personnes voyageant en solo avec hébergements et activités adaptés !
• Accueilli-e-s à l'aéroport par notre équipe, vous serez conduits par navette vers Tokyo
• À Tokyo, vous participerez à une tournée des restaurants typiques du quartier de Shinjuku
• Rejoignez-en Shinkansen le bord du Mont Fuji pour un dîner et nuit inoubliables dans un ryokan
• À Kyoto, une visite guidée du quartier de Gion vous attend à la nuit tombée
• Montez sur la colline sacrée de Koyasan, pour une nuit en temple bouddhiste
• Avant d'enchaîner sur la gastronomique Osaka, avec une autre nuit insolite : en capsule hotel !
• Fin du séjour à Tokyo, après un passage par Hiroshima et Kanazawa
• Profitez d'un accès internet illimité grâce au pocket wifi
• En cas de besoin, contactez notre assistance bilingue anglais/japonais 7/7
• De nombreuses journées guidées ou autres activités proposées en option
• Bénéficiez à tout moment de l'expertise de Japan Experience , n°1 français du voyage au Japon

Votre voyage en détail

Jour 1 : réveil à tokyo 東京.

Arrivée au Japon

©Vasin Leenanuruksa / 123RF

Arrivée à l'aéroport de Tokyo (Narita ou Haneda). Bienvenue au Japon ! Yokoso 日本へようこそ！

Accueil  à la sortie des douanes par notre assistant aéroport, qui vous remettra tous vos documents de voyage et votre Pocket WiFi. Transfert non accompagné de l'aéroport vers Tokyo (voir détails).

Ce transfert se fait en navette ou bus partagé, avec d'autres clients partant pour le même hôtel ou un hôtel proche du vôtre. Ces transferts partent entre 1h30 et 3h après l'arrivée prévue de votre vol et des arrêts peuvent être effectués avant votre hôtel.

Si vous souhaitez un transfert privé, sans arrêt et directement après l'arrivée effective de votre vol, n'hésitez à prendre l'option "Taxi privé depuis l'aéroport".

Installation à l’hôtel OMO3 Tokyo Akasaka by Hoshino Resorts ou hôtel de même catégorie  3* (chambres disponibles à partir de 15h).

Les hôtels de ce circuit ont été choisis pour la taille agréable des chambres pour les personnes voyageant seules, avec minimum 16 m2, alors que la plupart de ces chambres au Japon ont une taille entre 10 et 16m2, a fortiori à Tokyo.

Jour 2 : Premiers pas dans la capitale

Le célèbre carrefour de Shibuya à Tokyo - certainement le plus grand passage piéton du monde

©Wasin Pummarin/123RF

Que faire à Tokyo le premier jour?

Nous vous conseillons de commencer doucement à visiter Tokyo par ses quartiers ouest : - Harajuku : le quartier avant-gardiste - Meiji Jingû, le sanctuaire impérial - Takeshita-Dori : la plus célèbre rue du Japon - Omotesando : les Champs-Élysées de Tokyo - Shibuya et son incontournable "croisement"

Le soir, participez à un dîner typiquement japonais dans le quartier de Shinjuku ! Votre guide vous accompagnera dans plusieurs restaurants "izakaya" insolites, où peu de touristes s'aventurent !

Jour 3 : La grande boucle

Asakusa : le temple Senso-ji et la Tokyo Sky Tree : un quartier de Tokyo fascinant à visiter absolument

©Chan Richie/123RF

Pour ce deuxième jour de visite de Tokyo, nous vous conseillons la "boucle" suivante. Partez de la gare centrale de Tokyo, à l'architecture originale, puis partez pour la visite de : - Ginza, le quartier chic de Tokyo - Tsukiji, le petit marché alimentaire en extérieur - Hamarikyu, le jardin japonais entre les buildings de Tokyo - Asakusa, quartier traditionnel et lieu de pèlerinage, accessible en croisière sur la rivière Sumida - Temple bouddhiste Sensô-ji - Tokyo Sky Tree  culminant à 643m, et sa vue panoramique de Tokyo au coucher du soleil Entre Hamarikyu et Asakusa, profitez d'une croisière sur la rivière Sumida.

Jour 4 : En route pour la visite de l'emblème du Japon : le Mont Fuji !

Vallée volcanique à Hakone : un incontournable si vous visitez la région

©Patryk Kośmider/123RF

Départ pour Hakone en train (1h20, 1 changement, inclus dans votre offre).

Installation dans votre ryokan Ichinoyu Shinkan ou hôtel de même catégorie 3*.

Vous serez charmés par les paysages magnifiques de cette station thermale, le lac Ashi et sa vue sur le Mont Fuji (par beau temps !). Sans oublier le site volcanique d'Owakudani, accessible en téléphérique. Si vous souhaitez être accompagné lors de cette journée, un de nos guides francophones vous dévoilera tous les secrets de la région du Mont Fuji, l'emblème du pays.

En soirée, au ryokan, on vous servira un savoureux dîner traditionnel japonais avant de rejoindre votre chambre en tatami.

Jour 5 : En route vers l'ancienne capitale

Une geisha dans les rues de Gion, le quartier traditionnel de Kyoto

©Philippe Voisin

Petit déjeuner au ryokan.

En 2h40, rejoignez Kyoto (1 changement, inclus dans votre offre).

Installez-vous à l'hôtel RAKURO 京都 by THE SHARE HOTELS ou hôtel de même catégorie  3*.

Vous avez 3 jours pour visiter Kyoto. Commencez dès l'après-midi par son quartier historique, le quartier de Gion , proche de votre logement : - Kiyomizu-Dera, le grand temple de l'eau - Les ruelles historiques Sannen-zaka & Ninnen-zaka - Kodai-ji, le temple aux érables et bambous de Kyoto Terminez à Gion au coucher du soleil. Retrouvez votre guide à 19h pour démarrer votre promenade nocturne de Gion, le quartier historique de Kyoto. Plus de détail sur le jour exact et le lieu de rendez-vous dans votre carnet de voyage. À l'issue de cette promenade d'environ 1h30, votre guide saura vous conseiller ses meilleures adresses pour dîner ! Nous attirons votre attention sur le fait qu’il est strictement interdit de prendre des photos dans le quartier historique de Gion.

Jour 6 : Trésors d'Or et Argent

Le pavillon d'or à Kyoto, un incontournable à visiter dans l'ancienne capitale du Japon

©Jordy Meow

Pour ce deuxième jour de visite de Kyoto, nous vous conseillons l'itinéraire suivant : - Le jardin zen de Ryoan-ji - Le Kinkaku-ji ( Pavillon d’Or ) - Ginkaku-ji ( Pavillon d’Argent ) - L'envoûtant chemin de la philosophie - Le temple Nanzen-ji Un de nos nombreux guides francophones expérimentés peut vous accompagner dans la visite de ces sites emblématiques (en option, de 9h à 17h).

Jour 7 : Faisons un peu d'activité...

La bambouseraie d'Arashiyama : l'un des incontournables pour toute visite de Kyoto

Continuez à visiter Kyoto en mettant cap vers l'Ouest : - Nishiki, le marché culinaire de Kyoto - le château Nijo, ancienne résidence du shogun - Arashiyama, pour visiter la bambouseraie et sa montagne des singes Profitez, en option, d'une visite guidée de Kyoto hors des sentiers battus, ou de nos nombreuses activités : - Vous souhaitez profiter de la nature ? Découvrez nos activités vélo le long de la Kamogawa ou randonnée dans les gorges de Takao ! - Plutôt arts japonais ? Cérémonie du thé, activité méditation ou visite privée de jardins secrets sauront vous séduire. - Envie de campagne japonaise ? Laissez-vous tenter pour un tour à Ohara ou notre activité-phare : sur la route du thé !

Jour 8 : Entre temples et biches

Les 1200 cerfs Sika en liberté dans le parc de Nara, à moins d'1h de Kyoto, feront le plaisir des petits et grands !

©Jane Rix/123RF

Pour la dernière journée dans la région de Kyoto, nous vous recommandons de rejoindre Nara en 50 minutes de trajet, inclus dans votre offre avec le Japan Rail Pass.

Visite de Nara, la première capitale fixe du Japon au VIIIᵉ siècle. Découvrez : - Le sanctuaire shinto Kasuga Taisha et ses milliers de lanternes - Le Todaiji, son grand Bouddha de bronze et l'imposante porte Nan-Daimon - Le temple de Kofukuji et sa ravissante pagode

Retour vers Kyoto et arrêt pour le coucher du soleil au Fushimi Inari, l'immense sanctuaire aux 10.000 torii de Kyoto. Si vous souhaitez être accompagné lors de cette journée, un de nos guides francophones vous dévoilera tous les secrets de la première capitale du Japon (en option, aller et retour depuis Kyoto).

Jour 9 : A l'assaut du Mont Sacré

Départ en train et téléphérique pour la montagne sacrée de Koyasan (3h, 2 changements puis téléphérique. Tout inclus avec votre JR Pass et votre pass 3 jours dans la région du Kansai. Détails dans votre carnet de voyage) : - Visite du somptueux temple Kongobuji  - Visite de Danjo-Garan, l'un des principaux sites religieux du village Vivez une expérience unique avec un dîner végétalien traditionnel et nuit dans un temple avec les moines. Dû à l'altitude, la température à Koyasan est souvent inférieure aux autres villes visitées précédemment.

Jour 10 : Premiers pas dans la capitale du Kansai

Petit-déjeuner végétalien traditionnel servi au temple. Possibilité, selon disponibilité des moines, d' assister à une cérémonie bouddhiste (disponibilité non garantie). Dans la matinée, découvrez la fabuleuse nécropole mystique de Okunoin.

Puis rejoignez Osaka en téléphérique et trains (1 changement, inclus dans votre offre, 1h45). Profitez du quartier animé de Namba et la rue Dôtonbori. Ses nombreux restaurants ont valu à Osaka d'être nommé "capitale gastronomique du Japon"

S'il vous reste du temps dans l'après-midi, vous pouvez aller visiter le château médiéval d'Osaka avant d'arpenter le quartier des restaurants, à Dotonbori !

Installation dans votre capsule hôtel : une nuit insolite vous y attend !

Jour 11 : Place à l'histoire

Le dôme de Genbaku, l'un des seuls bâtiments à avoir survécu à la bombe atomique tombée sur Hiroshima

Départ pour Hiroshima. Nous vous conseillons de faire une halte à Himeji, pour découvrir son château classé au patrimoine de l'Unesco (détails dans votre carnet de voyage), ou de prévoir la journée sur l' île de Naoshima , l'île artistique du pays.

Arrivée à Hiroshima , et installation dans votre hôtel 3* entre gare et parc de la paix. Vous découvrirez cette ville étudiante et dynamique qui s'est relevée avec succès des événements tragiques du milieu du siècle dernier.

Le soir, nous vous recommandons de goûter aux okonomiyaki, la spécialité gastronomique de Hiroshima.

Jour 12 : L'île sacrée

Petit-déjeuner à l'hôtel.

Petit voyage en train et bateau de 30 minutes pour rejoindre l' île de Miyajima, son sanctuaire Itsukushima-jinja et son grand portail (ootorii) érigé dans la mer.  (Note : Le ootorii est en travaux jusqu'à une date indéterminée). Montez jusqu'au mont Misen en téléphérique et redescendez à pied. Une vue à couper le souffle sur la baie d'Hiroshima vous attend! En fin d'après-midi, rejoignez Hiroshima.

Jour 13 : La petite perle d'Ishikawa

En 4h30 de train, rejoignez Kanazawa (1 changement, trajet inclus dans votre offre).

Installation dans votre hôtel 3*.

Partez à la découverte de Kanazawa, entre mer septentrionale et Alpes Japonaises:  - Kenroku-en, le magnifique jardin japonais de Kanazawa - Le musée d'art contemporain et sa galerie extérieure - Omicho, le marché aux poissons de la Mer du Japon - La maison Nomura, résidence des samouraïs et son vieux quartier pittoresque

Nuit dans votre hôtel de Kanazawa.

Jour 14 : Retour à Tokyo

Maneki-neko dans un temple de Tokyo

Départ pour Tokyo en matinée (2h30) en train ultra-rapide Shinkansen, inclus dans votre offre.

Installez-vous dans votre hôtel.

Profitez de cette dernière journée dans le pays pour faire vos emplettes de dernière minute et commencer à faire vos valises...

Jour 15 : Sayonara et à votre prochain voyage !

Sayonara - Au revoir !

©Sezer özger/123RF

Transfert vers l’aéroport de Haneda ou Narita (inclus mais non accompagné).

Ce transfert se fait en navette ou bus partagé, avec d'autres clients partant du même hôtel ou un hôtel proche du vôtre. Ces transferts arrivent entre 3h et 1h30 avant le départ effectif de votre vol et des arrêts peuvent être effectués avant votre arrivée à l'aéroport.

Si vous préférez un transfert privé à l'heure de votre choix, directement vers l'aéroport et sans aucun arrêt intermédiaire, sélectionnez l'option "Taxi privé vers l'aéroport". 

Vol retour vers l'Europe.

Inclus dans votre circuit en liberté

Hébergements

- 3 nuits en hôtel 3* au coeur de Tokyo, proche du métro

- 1 nuit en ryokan 3* à Hakone, demi-pension traditionnelle

- 4 nuits en hôtel 3*  à Kyoto

- 1 nuit en temple bouddhiste à Koyasan

- 1 nuit en capsule hôtel à Osaka

- 2 nuits en hôtel 3* à Hiroshima

- 1 nuit en hôtel 3* à Kanazawa

- 1 nuit en hôtel 3*  au coeur de Tokyo, proche du métro

Le tarif de base inclut une chambre twin pour deux personnes.

- Transferts aéroport

- Carte de pré-paiement transports en commun pré-chargée

- Japan Rail Pass 14 jours

- Hakone Free Pass 2 jours

- Pass de transports illimités dans la région du Kansai 3 jours (Kyoto, Nara,  Koyasan..) 

Le "Limited express train" pour aller à Koyasan n'est pas inclus.   

Visites & Repas

- Accueil aéroport

- Le dîner traditionnel et le petit déjeuner au ryokan de Hakone

- Le dîner traditionnel et le petit-déjeuner au temple de Koyasan

- Les petits-déjeuners sauf grandes villes (Kyoto, Nara, Osaka)

- De s réductions dans de nombreux sites touristiques d'Hakone

- Soirée culinaire à Tokyo avec un guide

- Visite guidée nocturne à Gion, Kyoto

Prestations complémentaires

- Accès wifi illimité avec le pocket wifi

- Carnet de voyage  numérique complet envoyé avant votre départ

-  L ' assistance téléphonique est disponible de 8h à 22h heure japonaise, 7 jours sur 7, en anglais bilingue japonais. Le numéro vous sera communiqué dans votre carnet de voyage. Il est valable pour les communications téléphoniques et pour Whatsapp.

Non inclus dans le prix de votre voyage

- Les vols Europe <> Japon

- Les assurances facultatives

- Les dépenses personnelles dont repas (certains petits-déjeuners en option)

- Les transports en commun à épuisement de vos pass transport (voir détails)

- Tout ce qui n'est pas dans la rubrique "inclus dans votre circuit"

En savoir plus sur votre voyage

Votre circuit :

• Les prix affichés sur cette page peuvent varier en fonction du taux de change du ¥ japonais.
• Ce circuit n'est malheureusement pas accessible aux personnes à mobilité réduite.
• Les animaux de compagnie ne sont pas acceptés.
• Ce programme est susceptible de subir des modifications en raison d'impératifs tels que conditions climatiques ou tout autre cas de force majeure. Veuillez noter qu'en raison de la situation actuelle, toute information mentionnée est susceptible d'être modifiée ou adaptée.
• Carnet de voyage par mail 3 semaines avant départ
• Documents papier (ticket de transfert aéroport, carte transport, voucher Japan Rail Pass) et Pocket WiFi lors de votre arrivée à l'aéroport par notre assistant aéroport.
• N.B: Dans de rares cas, principalement en très haute saison, des étapes peuvent être inversées. Vous en serez informés dans votre mini-guide de voyage. Merci pour votre compréhension.

Vos hébergements :

• Certains hôtels sont susceptibles de vous demander à votre arrivée une taxe de séjour. Cela dépend des villes et même des hôtels, car certains ne l'intègrent pas dans le coût de la réservation. Elle s'élève généralement à 200¥/nuit/personne (environ 1,60€) mais peut être un peu plus élevée dans les hôtels 4*. Elle doit être payée en espèces à la réception de l'hôtel. Pour les hébergements traditionnels Japan Experience, elle est incluse dans le prix initial du circuit.
• Noms des hôtels : Les noms indiqués sur le site sont donnés à titre indicatif. En cas d'indisponibilité, un établissement de standing équivalent sera programmé.
• Dans le ryokan, Vous dormirez sur des futons confortables posés sur le tatami. La chambre possède un lavabo et WC privés. Comme il est de coutume dans les ryokan au Japon, la salle de bains “onsen” est commune (non mixte) sauf si vous prenez l’option “salle de bains privée dans la chambre”. OPTION uniquement pour Hakone : Profitez d’une salle de bains privée japonaise (onsen traditionnel ou moderne) dans votre chambre. Option recommandée pour les personnes pudiques et/ou avec tatouages bien visibles. Les ryokan 4* (voir option 4*) possèdent des futons confortables surélevés soit sur des lits occidentaux dans une chambre traditionnelle en tatami. Les salles de bains et toilettes des ryokans 4* sont privées.
• Dans le temple bouddhiste à KoyaSan, vous dormirez sur des futons confortables installés sur le tatami. Les chambres ne possèdent ni salle de bains ni toilettes privées. Les bains japonais collectifs non mixtes ("onsen") font alors office de salle de bains communes, avec douche et bains thermaux. Ils sont en accès libres, aux horaires en vigueur sur site. Ces bains ne sont pas bien souvent pas accessibles aux personnes avec tatouage(s) bien visible(s). Avec les options 4*, les chambres possèdent lavabo et toilettes privés; la salle de bains restant commune.

Vos transports :

• Les vols ne sont pas inclus dans ce circuit. N'hésitez pas à nous contacter si vous souhaitez intégrer les vols à votre commande : Vols en classe économique avec escale ou directs, surclassement aérien en éco-premium ou business, départs depuis la province ou l'étranger : nous saurons vous conseiller.
• Les dates de départ et de fin du circuit présentées sur cette page concernent votre séjour au Japon. Vous arriverez au Japon par Tokyo (aéroports Narita ou Haneda) et repartirez également de Tokyo. Au départ, il faudra partir la veille d'Europe et atterrir au maximum à 18h30 pour bénéficier au mieux des services aéroports de votre circuit (accueil et transfert vers Tokyo). Le retour s'effectue le jour même compte tenu du décalage horaire favorable, avec une heure de décollage au minimum à 9h. N'hésitez pas à nous consulter pour toute incertitude ou besoin de précision sur le choix des vols internationaux.
• Si les vols ont été achetés par vos soins sans intervention de Japan Experience, il est nécessaire de nous envoyer par mail 1 mois avant votre départ vos informations de vols (numéro de vol, aéroport, date et heure d'arrivée) pour nous permettre d'organiser au mieux votre accueil et transfert aéroport.
• Transferts aéroport : La navette partagée limousine bus part de l’aéroport et s’arrête soit devant votre hôtel, soit devant un arrêt situé entre 1 à 15 min à pied de votre hôtel. Notre assistant aéroport à Tokyo vous conduira jusqu'à la plateforme pour prendre le transfert aéroport. Puis ce transfert jusqu'à l'hôtel se fait sans assistance. Si vous souhaitez être accompagné-e-s de l’aéroport à la réception de votre hôtel choisissez l'option "Transfert aéroport accompagné". Idem pour le transfert retour. Ce transfert se fait en en navette ou bus partagé, avec d'autres clients partant pour le même hôtel ou un hôtel proche du vôtre. Ces transferts partent entre 1h30 et 3h après l'arrivée prévue de votre vol et des arrêts peuvent être effectués avant votre hôtel. Si vous souhaitez un transfert privé, sans arrêt et directement après l'arrivée effective de votre vol, n'hésitez à prendre l'option "Taxi privé depuis l'aéroport". Attention : suite à de trop nombreux changements d'horaires de vol de la part des compagnies aériennes, si cette dernière vous notifie d'un changement d'horaire d'arrivée moins de 72h avant votre départ, et que celui-ci excède 45 minutes, nous ne pouvons garantir votre navette aéroport. Il vous faudra alors prendre un taxi à vos frais, en demandant un remboursement auprès de votre compagnie aérienne pour changement d'horaires abusif. Il en est de même pour votre retour : 72h avant votre vol retour, nous ne pouvons pas modifier l'horaire de la navette. De même, il faudra prendre un taxi réservé auprès de l'hôtel, à vos frais avec démarches de remboursement auprès de la compagnie aérienne sera la seule solution. Japan Experience décline toute responsabilité dans ces cas de changements d'horaires de dernière minute.
• Sont inclus dans votre circuit une carte de pré-paiement transport pré-chargée de 1500¥ (environ 12€) (marque suica ou Pasmo); un Japan Rail Pass 14 jours, un Hakone Free Pass 2 jours et un pass 3 jours de transports illimités dans la région du Kansai.  . Ces cartes/billets devraient couvrir une grande partie de vos trajets du séjour. A noter : à expiration des 1,500¥ de la carte de pré-paiement transport, ou si la ligne emprunté n'est pas couverte par votre Japan Rail Pass, tout déplacement sera à votre charge via le rechargement de votre carte de pré-paiement transport (dans les automates de toutes les gares et stations de métro).
• Un ticket de métro à Tokyo coûte environ 2€, tarif variant en fonction de la longueur du déplacement.
• Les déplacements en métro et bus dans les villes (payable en carte de prépaiement transport, incluse dans votre offre)
• Les transferts gare ↔ hôtels (à pied, bus, métro ou taxi)
• Les trajets sur lignes de train privées (non JR)
• Les trajets en shinkansen (TGV japonais) ultra-rapides Nozomi et Mizuho
• Les trajets effectués hors de la période de validité du Japan Rail Pass
• A noter : Il n’est pas nécessaire d’être en possession d’un Japan Rail Pass qui couvre la totalité de votre séjour. En effet, celui-ci n’est rentable que s’il est utilisé pour effectuer longs trajets entre les différentes étapes du séjour (notamment en shinkansen) qui sont très coûteux. Dans les grandes villes comme Tokyo, seul environ ⅓ des transports en commun sont couverts par le Japan Rail Pass et se déplacer est relativement bon marché (tickets de métro Tokyo: 2€, carte de bus quotidienne à Kyoto : 5€). Ainsi, vous fournir un Japan Rail Pass d’une durée supérieure à 14 jours (21) ne serait pas rentable mais, au contraire, augmenterait sensiblement le coût de votre voyage.
• Si une personne participant au circuit est de nationalité japonaise et résidente au Japon, ou étrangère mais avec résidence fiscale au Japon (étudiant inclus), alors elle ne peut bénéficier du prix affiché car n'est malheureusement pas éligible au Japan Rail Pass. N'hésitez pas à nous contacter pour obtenir le prix du circuit sans Japan Rail Pass. Cette personne devra acheter les billets de train du circuit directement au Japon. Le Kansai Thru Pass est également soumis à ces mêmes conditions de nationalité / résidence. Ce n'est pas le cas du Hakone Free pass. Si cette personne est de nationalité japonaise mais n'est pas résidente au Japon, alors elle peut bénéficier du Japan Rail Pass sous certaines conditions (voir  https://www.japan-experience.com/fr/questions-frequentes ) . 

Vos visites :

• L'accueil aéroport s'effectue en anglais. Votre assistant aéroport vous attendra à la sortie des douanes avec une enseigne au nom de la réservation. Il vous remettra vos documents de voyage et vous conduira jusqu'à votre transfert aéroport. Il ne vous accompagnera pas jusque Tokyo (possible, mais en option).
• La visite guidée de Gion a lieu en groupe de maximum 12 personnes, de 18h à 19h30-20h. En Français ou Anglais (en fonction de la langue des autres participants). Plus de détails sur le lieu de rendez-vous dans votre carnet de voyage. Le dîner n'est pas prévu mais votre guide pourra vous indiquer ses meilleures adresses.
• La soirée culinaire à Tokyo commence à 17h et dure jusque 20h30. En groupe de 2 à 10 personnes. En anglais. Dîner et boissons incluses. De nombreuses possibilités de plats : les izakayas sont des restauarnts typiquement japonais où on peut trouver toute sorte de cuisines.

Vos repas :

• Le dîner traditionnel japonais et le petit déjeuner japonais (à dominante salée) sont inclus dans votre circuit dans le ryokan et temple hôtelier N'hésitez pas à nous indiquer en commentaire vos intolérances alimentaires, nous les transmettrons au ryokan pour qu'il puisse en tenir compte en essayent d'adapter les repas. En cas de non prise en compte par le ryokan des restrictions alimentaires transmises par Japan Experience, nous ne pouvons être tenus pour responsables et aucun remboursement des repas ne pourra être engagé.
• Les petits-déjeuners non compris dans votre formule peuvent être rajoutés à la réception lors de votre arrivée dans les hôtels. Toutefois, vous trouverez à proximité de votre hôtel de nombreux cafés servant des petits-déjeuners copieux et souvent plus savoureux que ceux des hôtels, qui présentent des horaires parfois contraignants et une dominante salée prononcée. Si vous souhaitez néanmoins rajouter les petits-déjeuners manquants dans votre offre lors de votre réservation, vous pouvez les sélectionner en option.

Vos prestations complémentaires :

• Un pocket wifi est inclus dans votre circuit. Il permet un accès internet illimité et haut-débit. Votre Pocket WiFi vous sera remis à l'aéroport d'arrivée.
• Il est livré avec un petit fascicule pour faire fonctionner votre appareil (pas de panique : fonctionnement simple) et une enveloppe pré-payée pour retourner votre appareil à la fin de votre séjour. Votre pocket wifi fonctionnera naturellement jusqu’au dernier jour de votre voyage au Japon.
• Sur un pocket wifi peuvent être connectés au maximum 5 appareils (téléphone, tablette, ordinateur).
• Un seul pocket wifi est prévu pour une commande de circuit de 1 à 5 personnes. Pour une commande de 6 personnes ou plus, un deuxième pocket wifi sera ajouté automatiquement et sans surcoût à votre réservation.

Lors de votre achat, Japan Experience vous propose 2 types de protection :

• Japan Experience Flex : 

Assurance annulation avant départ sous conditions.

• Japan Experience Protect :

Assurance annulation avant départ sous conditions et assistance sur place sous conditions. 

Questions fréquentes

Quelles sont les conditions pour voyager au Japon ?

À partir du 11 octobre 2022, le Japon ouvre ses frontières sans obligation de visa  à tous les Européens (Union Européenne, Royaume-Uni et Suisse inclus) et aux Nord-Américains (Canada et États-Unis) .

À compter du 29 avril 2023, les mesures liées au COVID sont levées. La présentation d’un certificat de vaccination de 3 doses ou d’un test PCR n’est plus exigé.

Ai-je encore besoin d'un visa pour voyager en touriste au Japon?

Non, plus de visa pour les zones bleues dont tous les pays européens (Union Européenne, Royaume-Uni et Suisse inclus) et Nord-Américains (Canada et États-Unis). Si vous avez une autre nationalité, rapprochez-vous de l'ambassade du Japon de votre pays de résidence pour obtenir ce visa.

Je n’ai pas 3 doses de vaccin ou je ne suis pas vacciné contre le COVID, puis-je entrer au Japon ?

La preuve des vaccins Covid n'est plus requise pour les voyageurs. 

Y a-t-il encore une quarantaine à l’arrivée au Japon ?

La quarantaine et les tests à l'arrivée ont été supprimés pour les voyageurs.

Une assurance est-elle obligatoire ?

Non, mais elle est recommandée. Japan Experience, en option de ses circuits, fournit des solutions d’assurance voyage adaptées.

Quelles sont les mesures anti-covid encore en place au Japon ?

Le masque n'a plus d'obligation d'être porté en intérieur comme en extérieur.

Quelles sont les applications à télécharger avant l’entrée au Japon ?

Le gouvernement japonais préconise le téléchargement d'une application :

• VisitJapanWeb, ce site permet de renseigner la demande d’entrée, la preuve de vaccination (non obligatoire) et la déclaration de douane.

Est-ce sûr de voyager au Japon ? Pour les personnes seules, les enfants?

Le Japon est l'un des pays les plus sûrs de la planète, classé parmi les 10 premiers pays par le Global Peace Index. Par conséquent voyager seul est sans danger. Les femmes et jeunes filles peuvent voyager seules sans crainte d’être importunées ou sollicitées dans les lieux publics. De même pour les enfants, que l'on voit aller seuls à l’école en métro dès l’âge de 7 ans...ce qui vous donne une idée du niveau de sécurité du pays. Enfin, le Japon se révèle être le royaume des enfants : sécurité, parcs d’attraction, attitude bienveillante de la population.

Quand voir les cerisiers en fleurs? Et les feuilles d'automne?

Dates conseillées pour l'observation des fleurs de printemps : - pruniers en fleurs : mi-février à mi-mars - cerisiers en fleurs (sakura) : entre le 20 mars et le 15 avril (les dates changent d'une année sur l'autre) - glycines, iris, azalées : mi-avril à fin mai - hortensias : juin - lotus : août Dates conseillées en dehors du printemps : - Observation des feuilles d'automne : mi-novembre - Observation des jardins zen sous la neige : mi-décembre à mi-février

Est-ce que les Japonais parlent anglais?

Peu de japonais parlent anglais, même dans le secteur du tourisme. A l'exception du personnel des hôtels dans les villes touristiques majeures, rares sont les Japonais qui maîtrisent la langue de Shakespeare. Toutefois, cela ne les empêche pas de tout faire pour aider les touristes dans le besoin. Une ou plusieurs activités guidées sont proposées dans l'ensemble des circuits en liberté Japan Experience. Cela vous permettra d'approcher d'un peu plus près la culture millénaire de l'archipel. N'hésitez pas à rajouter une ou plusieurs journées guidées en option. Les circuits accompagnés sont quant à eux menés par des guides accompagnateurs bilingue japonais , pour une immersion totale sans effort !

Par où commencer son circuit au Japon? Où finir?

La plupart des circuits Japan Experience commencent à Tokyo. En effet, c'est la porte d'entrée du Japon aussi bien moderne que traditionnel. Tokyo permet ainsi au voyageur d'entrer pas à pas dans le Japon, tout en apprivoisant le décalage horaire. Tokyo possède également les 2 premiers aéroports du Japon en termes de fréquentation. Un certain nombre de nos circuits se terminent dans la région du Kansai (Kyoto ou Osaka). Le vol retour s'effectue alors depuis l'aéroport international du Kansai (KIX), 3ème aéroport du Japon, offrant de nombreuses possibilités de vol retour vers l'Europe sans réel surcoût par rapport à un retour depuis Tokyo. Dans ces circuits, le Japan Rail Pass ne couvre pas donc pas la totalité, vous permettant une réduction du prix total du circuit. Et ceci sans vous faire perdre des possibilités de transport comme le Japan Rail Pass est peu utile dans le Kansai. Toutefois des circuits vous sont proposés avec des retours depuis Tokyo ou parfois depuis d'autres villes du Japon.

Les engagements Japan Experience, n°1 français du voyage au Japon

• La garantie du  1er voyagiste  spécialisé uniquement sur le Japon depuis 40 ans
• Une sélection de produits pour vous faire  Vivre le Japon de l’intérieur
• Des  prix compétitifs  grâce à une seule et même équipe en France et au Japon
• Une  assistance  disponible au Japon tout au long de votre voyage
• Une  équipe spécialisée  disponible 7 jours sur 7 par téléphone ou par email
• Les meilleurs conseils grâce à nos  3.500 articles  disponibles sur notre site

Services optionnels

TOU-SGT-STJ-TOU-OPT-IN1-description

TOU-SGT-STJ-TOU-OPT-IN2-description

TOU-SGT-STJ-TOU-OPT-PAT-description

TOU-SGT-STJ-TOU-OPT-PTA-description

TOU-SGT-STJ-TOU-OPT-ONS-description

TOU-SGT-STJ-TOU-OPT-ABF-description

TOU-SGT-STJ-TOU-OPT-NE1-description

TOU-SGT-STJ-TOU-OPT-1NE-description

TOU-SGT-STJ-TOU-OPT-APT-description

TOU-SGT-STJ-TOU-OPT-UP4-description

Nos autres circuits en liberté

Découvrez nos autres circuits comme « Japon en solo »

City Break - Osaka Nos circuits en liberté au Japon

• Durée : 8 jours
• Itinéraire : Osaka
• Inclus : Transferts aéroport, Hotels 3*, Transports hors vol, Activité guidée, Carnet de voyage, Pocket wifi, Assistance

Tokyo, Mt Fuji, Kyoto Nos circuits en liberté au Japon

• Durée : 10 jours
• Itinéraire : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto
• Inclus : Transferts aéroport, Hotels 3* & Ryokan, Transports hors vol, Activité guidée, Carnet de voyage, Pocket wifi, Assistance

Japon en amoureux Nos circuits en liberté au Japon

• Durée : 13 jours
• Itinéraire : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Okayama, Miyajima, Kyoto
• Inclus : Transferts aéroport, Hotels 3* & Ryokan, Maison Japan Experience, Transports hors vol, Activités guidées, Carnet de voyage, Pocket wifi, Assistance

Tohoku : Tour du Japon traditionnel Nos circuits en liberté au Japon

• Durée : 18 jours
• Itinéraire : Kyoto, Tokyo, Nikko, Sendai, Tohoku, Aomori
• Inclus : Transferts aéroport, Hotels 3* & Ryokan, Maison Japan Experience, Transports hors vol, Activité guidée, Carnet de voyage, Pocket wifi, Assistance

Japon à votre rythme Nos circuits en liberté au Japon

• Durée : 21 jours
• Itinéraire : Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Okayama
• Inclus : Hotels 3* & Ryokan, Transferts aéroport, Transports hors vol, Carnet de voyage, Pocket wifi, Assistance, Activités

City Break - Tokyo Nos circuits en liberté au Japon

• Itinéraire : Tokyo
• Inclus : Transferts aéroport, Hotels 3*, Transports hors vol, Activité guidée, Livre Tokyo Guide Idéal, Carnet de voyage, Pocket wifi, Assistance

Autres activités à Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Koyasan, Osaka, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Kanazawa

Balade nocturne à Gion Activités à Kyoto

• Durée : 2 hour
• Location : Kyoto

Découverte de Kyoto, journée complète Activités à Kyoto

• Durée : 8 hour

Découverte de Tokyo, journée complète Activités à Tokyo

• Location : Chiyoda City

Escapade dans le village d'Ohara Activités à Kyoto

• Durée : 5 hour

Découverte de Kanazawa, journée complète Activités à Kanazawa

• Location : Kanazawa

Tokyo Skytree Activités à Tokyo

• Location : Tokyo

Localisation

Choisissez votre pays ci-dessous:

• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Other countries

• Professionnels du tourisme et Médias
• Meetings & Events
• Choisir la langue 简体中文 繁體中文（香港） 繁體中文（臺灣） India (English) Bahasa Indonesia 한국어 ภาษาไทย Tiếng Việt Singapore (English) Philippines (English) Malaysia (English) Australia/New Zealand (English) Français Deutsch Italiano Español United Kingdom (English) Nordic countries（English） Canada (English) Canada (Français) United States (English) Mexico (español) Português العربية Japan(日本語) Global (English)
• India (English)
• Bahasa Indonesia
• Singapore (English)
• Philippines (English)
• Malaysia (English)
• Australia/New Zealand (English)
• United Kingdom (English)
• Nordic countries（English）
• Canada (English)
• Canada (Français)
• United States (English)
• Mexico (español)
• Global (English)
• Sapporo et ses alentours
• Asahikawa et nord de Hokkaido
• Hakodate et sud de Hokkaido
• Kushiro et est de Hokkaido
• Aomori et ses alentours
• Tsuruoka et Sakata
• Nouveau centre urbain de Saitama
• Maebashi et Akagi
• Mont Fuji (Yamanashi)
• Hida Takayama
• Région de la baie d'Osaka
• Autour de la gare de Kyoto
• Shimonoseki
• Beppu et Yufuin
• Île d'Ishigaki
• Îles Miyako
• Îles Kerama
• Lac de Towada et ses alentours
• Zao et ses environs
• Alpes japonaises
• Les îles de Tokyo
• Niseko et les stations de ski alentours
• Spots de surf de Miyazaki
• Centre de Kyoto
• Vallée de Kiso
• Koga et Shigaraki
• Parc de Nara
• Tokyo : Ginza et Nihonbashi
• Osaka : Dotonbori et Shinsaibashi
• Kiyosato et Hokuto
• Tokyo : Roppongi et Akasaka
• Îles de Setonaikai
• Onsen de Ginzan
• Îles de Nagasaki
• Château d'Osaka et ses alentours

• Kumano Kodo
• Île de Sado
• Archipel d'Oki
• Onsen de Hachimantai
• Onsen de Kusatsu
• Onsen Yumoto à Hakone
• Onsen de Kinosaki
• Onsen de Beppu
• Aizuwakamatsu et Oze
• Omihachiman
• Shirakami et Odate
• La ville de Hachimantai et ses environs
• Expériences au Japon
• Enjoy my Japan

• Japon Nature et Aventure
• Sortir des sentiers battus au Japon
• Merveilles naturelles
• Lieux pittoresques
• Sites classés au patrimoine mondial de l'UNESCO
• Séjours à la campagne au Japon
• L’aventure au grand air
• Admirer les fleurs de saison tout au long de l'année
• Guide de l'observation des étoiles au Japon
• Faire du ski au Japon
• Une neige exceptionnelle
• Faire de la plongée au Japon

• Expériences culturelles au Japon
• Festivals japonais et événements
• Le théâtre japonais
• Sumo et autres sports
• Expériences et ateliers d'artisanat traditionnel
• Jardins japonais et jardins zen au Japon
• La cérémonie du thé japonaise
• Le shukubo ou séjour dans un temple

• Gastronomie
• Gastronomie locale dans l'est du Japon
• Gastronomie locale dans l'ouest du Japon
• Guide pour végétariens et végétaliens
• La cuisine de rue locale
• Tradition des ekiben
• Guide des sushis au Japon
• Le whisky japonais
• Saké japonais & brasseries
• Guide du saké japonais

• Architecture contemporaine
• Festivals d'art
• Arts du spectacle
• Inspirations japonaises - De l'artisanat au voyage
• La céramique japonaise
• Artisanat local

• Panoramas nocturnes
• Le Japon à travers l'animation japonaise
• Samouraïs et ninjas
• Manga et anime
• Parcs à thème et parcs d'attractions
• Architecture emblématique
• Guide shopping du Japon

• Voyage bien-être au Japon
• Sources chaudes au Japon
• Le bain de forêt au Japon (shinrin-yoku)

• Climat et géographie
• Prévisions de floraison des cerisiers 2024
• Prévisions des feuillages d'automne 2023
• Destinations durables
• Le Tohoku : vaste région au nord-est de l’île principale du Japon
• Découvrir le Japon à travers l'animation japonaise : immersion au coeur de la pop culture
• Les us et coutumes au Japon
• Manières et savoir-vivre au Japon
• Lois locales
• Petit guide de conversation pour les voyageurs

• Conseils généraux d'organisation
• 10 choses à savoir avant de partir
• Passeport et formalités
• Se rendre au Japon
• Accès par aéroport
• Assurance voyage
• WiFi et connexion
• Applications utiles
• Japan Safe Travel Information
• Guides touristiques certifiés
• Guides bénévoles
• Bureaux d'informations touristiques
• Brochures touristiques
• Hotline d’assistance aux visiteurs
• Safety Tips

• Itinéraires suggérés
• Golden Route
• Alpes Japonaises
• Itinéraires recommandés pour le voyage de noces
• Les grands espaces de Hokkaido
• Le splendide patrimoine mondial de Tohoku
• Shikoku : nature et traditions

• Transport au Japon
• Voyager en train
• JR Pass et Pass régionaux
• JR Pass et leurs alternatives
• Comment voyager en train et en bus au Japon
• Voyages en train panoramique
• Location de voiture
• Voyageurs à mobilité réduite
• Bagages et consignes
• Hébergement au Japon
• Sites de réservation en ligne
• Ryokan auberge traditionnelle
• Shukubo séjour dans un temple
• Faire du camping
• Hébergements écologiques
• Heritage Stays
• Hébergement de luxe
• Restaurant Search
• Restaurants végétariens et végétaliens
• Us et coutumes à table

• Avec des enfants
• Avec des fans de manga et anime
• Voyageurs musulmans
• Voyage de noces au Japon
• Voyager gourmand au Japon selon ses restrictions alimentaires
• Touristes LGBTQ+

• Informations de nos partenaires
• Articles de voyages
• Evasion virtuelle au Japon

My Favorites

${v.desc | trunc(25)}

Planning a Trip to Japan?

Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp

Préparer son voyage au Japon 10 choses à savoir avant de partir

Cela fait plusieurs années que le Japon est devenu une destination phare qui fait rêver bon nombre de voyageurs. Petits et grands sont attirés autant par son côté traditionnel que par sa pop culture ou encore le dépaysement qu’il offre. Mais préparer un voyage au Japon ne se limite pas à planifier ses visites. Il est aussi important de s'informer sur d'autres aspects afin de profiter pleinement de son séjour. Voici donc une liste de 10 choses à savoir avant de partir au Japon.

1. Formalités administratives

Les touristes français, belges et suisses doivent présenter un passeport en cours de validité pour toute la durée de leur séjour. Cependant les visas ne sont pas nécessaires pour les séjours touristiques pouvant durer jusqu'à 90 jours pour les visiteurs français et belges, et une durée de maximum 6 mois pour les Suisses. Pour les séjours autres que touristiques cette page plus complète devrait vous éclairer.

Pour accélérer et faciliter les procédures de douane et d’immigration à l’arrivée, le pré-enregistrement sur Visit Japan Web est recommandé sans toutefois être obligatoire.

2.  Prévoir une connexion internet

De nos jours, on trouve de plus en plus de connexion wifi en ville, comme dans certaines gares ou cafés-restaurants. Cependant, si vous comptez voyager dans la campagne ou sur de petites îles, vous risquez de ne pas trouver d'accès internet. Il est donc recommandé d’utiliser un pocket wifi ou une carte SIM afin de rester connecté partout en toute circonstance. Pour savoir où vous en procurer et comment les utiliser, veuillez consulter cette page sur l'accès wifi au Japon .

3. Change et cartes de retrait/paiement

Nous vous recommandons de faire du change avant votre départ, il vous sera également possible de le faire à votre arrivée au Japon à l'aéroport. Vous pourrez faire des retraits dans les distributeurs automatiques ATM, disponibles dans les postes et les konbini (supérettes ouvertes 24/24).

Les cartes de crédit étrangères sont acceptées dans la majeure partie des magasins, toutefois dans les petits restaurants l’usage des espèces est la norme. Si besoin est, consultez cette page complète sur les lieux où l'on peut changer ses euros en yen .

4. Avoir un adaptateur

Un petit détail que l’on peut facilement oublier, ce sont les prises électriques ! En effet, au Japon, le voltage étant de 100 volts, il vous faudra un adaptateur de type A, le même qu’aux Etats-Unis. Vous pourrez en acheter en France ou au Japon dans les magasins d'électroménager ou dans les aéroports. Pour en savoir plus sur le sujet, voici un article dédié aux prises et au voltage au Japon . 

5. Souscrire à une assurance voyage

On ne sait jamais ce qui peut arriver, souscrire à une assurance voyage est donc très utile en cas d'accident ou si l'on tombe malade. Il est important de bien choisir son assurance, et il reste même possible d'y souscrire une fois arrivé au Japon. Malgré la barrière de la langue, renseignez-vous afin de voyager au Japon en toute sécurité . 

6. S'informer sur le service des douanes

L'étape des douanes à l'arrivée au Japon peut parfois inquiéter si l'on est mal informé sur les produits que l’on a le droit d'apporter ou pas. Les aliments frais, notamment la viande, et les produits végétaux sont interdits. Concernant les médicaments, certains requièrent une ordonnance médicale qu'il peut falloir présenter aux douanes si celle-ci est demandée. Pour plus de renseignements sur ces restrictions, consultez le site de la douane, de l'ambassade , ou notre page explicative . 

7. Traduire son permis de conduire

Le Japon est très bien desservi par son réseau ferroviaire, dense et ponctuel, le train est donc très apprécié. Toutefois dans certaines régions ou hors de l’île principale, la voiture peut s’avérer utile. Si vous avez déjà un permis français, belge ou suisse, il vous est tout à fait possible de louer une voiture et de conduire au Japon. Pour cela, il faudra d’abord faire traduire votre permis auprès de la Japan Automobile Federation (JAF), un service que vous pouvez demander à une agence de voyages. Cependant, il vaut mieux s’y prendre à l'avance car cela peut prendre 3 à 6 semaines de délai. Pour en savoir plus à ce sujet, veuillez consulter cette page détaillée sur la location de voiture au Japon .

8. Les us et coutumes au Japon

Le Japon est un pays dont la culture est très différente de celle de la France. Le Japon étant un pays très codifié au quotidien, il est important de se renseigner au préalable sur les us et coutumes japonais . Connaître ces règles de vie vous permettra de mieux comprendre la culture japonaise, et vous plongera dans une immersion totale.

9. Lexique des phrases utiles

De nos jours, il est tout à fait possible de voyager facilement au Japon sans maîtriser la langue, en se servant de diverses applications de traduction. Il reste cependant préférable d'avoir quelques notions de japonais. Avant votre départ, n’hésitez pas à vous créer un petit lexique de phrases qui vous seront utiles durant votre séjour. De plus, manier quelques mots de japonais fera très plaisir aux Japonais que vous croiserez. Voici un guide de vocabulaire japonais qui pourra vous aider durant vos vacances nippones. Cependant soyez rassurés, l’anglais est aussi écrit et parlé au Japon. Ainsi vous trouverez des indications en anglais dans les gares ainsi que des menus anglais dans certains restaurants.

10. Comment voyager de manière écoresponsable au Japon

Voyager de manière éco responsable, c'est découvrir le Japon sous un autre angle, à condition d’en avoir les clefs. Manger local, optimiser ses déplacements, ou encore privilégier des logements ou des lieux à visiter en faveur de l'écotourisme. C'est une tout autre façon d'organiser son séjour ! Pour avoir une idée de toutes les possibilités, consultez cette page sur le voyage durable au Japon.

Nous espérons que cette checklist vous aura été utile. Vous voilà prêts pour partir à l'aventure en toute sérénité !

Please Choose Your Language

Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages

36 episodes

Je suis Lina, coach de vie certifiée et passionnée par le voyage solo.  ☀️Si vous cherchez un podcast développement personnel combiné à un podcast voyage, vous êtes au bon endroit.  🌍A travers ce podcast je vous propose chaque mardi un récit de voyage, une aventure, un témoignage inspirant qui a été transformateur pour moi ou l’un des invités. Le but c’est d’explorer ensemble les leçons de vie qu’on a pu tirer de ces aventures de voyages, parfois un peu folles. Témoignages, aventures, liberté, exploration, mindset, authenticité, des rires, des pleurs, des confidences, Instant Simple c'est un voyage émotionnel intense ! Laissez vous emporter par ces histoires de voyage et partez à la découverte de ce monde, du monde de chaque invité. 🌺Si ce concept vous plaît, je vous invite à soutenir ce podcast voyage et développement personnel en laissant une note, un commentaire ou alors en le partageant à vos proches.  Hébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

Instant Simple - Le podcast Voyage et développement personnel - Témoignages inspirants et Histoires de voyage Lina - Coach de vie certifiée 🏔️

• Society & Culture
• APR 29, 2024

Martinique 2/2 - Toutes les meilleures adresses, randonnées, restaurants pour un voyage réussi

Tu as des vacances ou un voyage prévu sur cette île ? Ou même tu aimerais aller t'installer sur une île et tout quitter pour partir à l'aventure ? Alors cet épisode de podcast voyage est fait pour toi ! En 2021, sur un coup de tête j'ai tout quitté pour partir à l'aventure en mode voyage solo et aller vivre sur cette île. Dans cette deuxième partie, on va aborder toutes mes adresses, randonnées et activités préférées à faire sur l'île pour pouvoir préparer sereinement ton voyage ou tes vacances ! Prêts pour l'une des histoires de voyage les plus tropicales ?! 🗺️Découvre la formation Âme Vagabonde et organise ton premier voyage solo sereinement : subscribepage.io/amevagabonde Chaque mardi, retrouve un épisode de podcast voyage et développement personnel, qui retrace une histoire de voyage, un témoignage inspirant, une aventure. Entre voyage émotionnel, exploration, découverte du monde, chaque épisode regorge de conseils, d'authenticité, de sortie de zone de confort. Vois ces épisodes comme ton mindset booster de la semaine, qui vient te prouver que TOUT est possible. 💥 Si toi aussi tu as un récit de voyage à raconter, contacte moi sur instagram : @instant_simple 📩 Hébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

• APR 22, 2024

Martinique 1/2 - Conseils et meilleures adresses pour un voyage réussi sur l'île

Tu as des vacances ou un voyage prévu sur cette île ? Ou même tu aimerais aller t'installer sur une île et tout quitter pour partir à l'aventure ? Alors cet épisode de podcast voyage est fait pour toi ! En 2021, sur un coup de tête j'ai tout quitté pour partir à l'aventure en mode voyage solo et aller vivre sur cette île. Dans cette première partie, on va aborder différents points, je vais te donner tous mes conseils pour des vacances ou une installation réussie ! Prêts pour l'une des histoires de voyage les plus tropicales ?! 🗺️Découvre la formation Âme Vagabonde et organise ton premier voyage solo sereinement : subscribepage.io/amevagabonde Chaque mardi, retrouve un épisode de podcast voyage et développement personnel, qui retrace une histoire de voyage, un témoignage inspirant, une aventure. Entre voyage émotionnel, exploration, découverte du monde, chaque épisode regorge de conseils, d'authenticité, de sortie de zone de confort. Vois ces épisodes comme ton mindset booster de la semaine, qui vient te prouver que TOUT est possible. 💥 Si toi aussi tu as un récit de voyage à raconter, contacte moi sur instagram : @instant_simple 📩 Hébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

• APR 15, 2024

Kumano Kodo - Faire le pèlerinage millénaire du Japon

Aujourd'hui je t'embarque au Japon découvrir le pèlerinage du Kumano Kodo par la route Nakaechi 🦅 Cet épisode retrace l'une des histoires de voyage les plus transformatrices que j'ai eu la chance de vivre. Cheminer, marcher, tous dans la même direction, chacun avec ses propres pierres, son propre fardeau qu'on dépose peu à peu au fil du chemin. Cet épisode c'est l'histoire d'un voyage solo, d'un challenge, l'histoire d'amis inconnus, d'esprits de la forêt, de grandes galères, beaucoup de gratitude, de rires, de pleurs, de cris, de frayeur, de saké, de onsens, de sanctuaire. C'est l'histoire d'un voyage émotionnel qui vient challenger et booster à fond la confiance en soi. Alors, bienvenue dans les forêts millénaires du Kumano 🦅 Si tu savais comme enregistrer cet épisode m'a ému... 🤍 Bonne écoute ! 🗺️Découvre la formation Âme Vagabonde et organise ton premier voyage solo sereinement : subscribepage.io/amevagabonde Chaque mardi, retrouve un épisode de podcast voyage et développement personnel, qui retrace une histoire de voyage, un témoignage inspirant, une aventure. Entre voyage émotionnel, exploration, découverte du monde, chaque épisode regorge de conseils, d'authenticité, de sortie de zone de confort. Vois ces épisodes comme ton mindset booster de la semaine, qui vient te prouver que TOUT est possible. 💥 Si toi aussi tu as un récit de voyage à raconter, contacte moi sur instagram : @instant_simple 📩 Hébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

• APR 8, 2024

Dublin - Vaincre sa timidité (Léna)

Cette semaine je suis avec Léna pour parler timidité en voyage solo. Un sujet qui m'a beaucoup touché en tant qu'ancienne timide maladive !  Rendez-vous à Dublin pour vivre un voyage pas comme les autres et comme d'habitude je lui laisse la plume pour sa description : " Grâce au podcast de Lina, j’ai eu envie de vous partager comment le voyage m’a sortie de ma timidité. Quelques mois à Dublin, pour découvrir de nouvelles choses et trouver ma liberté. Il est temps de profiter de la vie, et d'arrêter de se priver par nous-même. " Retrouvez Léna sur insta : @by_lennna🗺️Découvre la formation Âme Vagabonde et organise ton premier voyage solo sereinement : subscribepage.io/amevagabonde Chaque mardi, retrouve un épisode de podcast voyage et développement personnel, qui retrace une histoire de voyage, un témoignage inspirant, une aventure. Entre voyage émotionnel, exploration, découverte du monde, chaque épisode regorge de conseils, d'authenticité, de sortie de zone de confort. Vois ces épisodes comme ton mindset booster de la semaine, qui vient te prouver que TOUT est possible. 💥 Si toi aussi tu as un récit de voyage à raconter, contacte moi sur instagram : @instant_simple 📩 Hébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

• MAR 25, 2024

Montagne Verte - La puissance des actions citoyennes (Cécile)

Dans le cadre du Podcasthon, je suis trop heureuse de vous présenter un épisode avec Cécile co-fondatrice de Montagne Verte, l'association que j'ai décidé de soutenir. ⛰️ Comme d'habitude, je lui laisse la plume pour décrire cette épisode : "C'est l'histoire d'un mouvement qui part d'un peu d'expérience et surtout de beaucoup de volonté. Montagne Verte c'est l'importance et la puissance des mouvements citoyens pour un futur bas carbone ⛰️ On peut se sentir très vite submergés ou culpabiliser face au sujet du climat et c'est pour ça qu'il est important de trouver une communauté avec qui on peut partager, inspirer et agir. Ensemble nous sommes une collectif et c'est le collectif qui peuvent faire une différence !" Retrouvez ici tous les liens utiles de cette association : montagneverte.org@montagneverteorg sur Facebook et Instagram et linkedin.com/company/montagneverteorg 🗺️Découvre la formation Âme Vagabonde et organise ton premier voyage solo sereinement : subscribepage.io/amevagabonde Chaque mardi, retrouve un épisode de podcast voyage et développement personnel, qui retrace une histoire de voyage, un témoignage inspirant, une aventure. Entre voyage émotionnel, exploration, découverte du monde, chaque épisode regorge de conseils, d'authenticité, de sortie de zone de confort. Vois ces épisodes comme ton mindset booster de la semaine, qui vient te prouver que TOUT est possible. 💥 Si toi aussi tu as un récit de voyage à raconter, contacte moi sur instagram : @instant_simple 📩 Hébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

• MAR 11, 2024

Etats Unis - Les prémisses d'une reconversion professionnelle (Julia)

Comme d'habitude, je laisse la plume à mon invité pour présenter son épisode : "Aujourd'hui, je vous partage comment mes voyages solos ont forgé mon caractère et m'ont amené à démissionner de mon poste de fiscaliste. De 🇬🇧 l'Angleterre en tant que fille au pair, aux 🇺🇸 Etats-Unis, par peur d'entrer sur le marché du travail, en passant par un déménagement au 🇱🇺 Luxembourg, quittant famille et amis. Ces voyages m'ont appris l'importance de ma valeur "Liberté". Découvre comment ces aventures m'ont fait prendre conscience de ce que je voulais apporter à ce monde et m'ont donné le courage de me lancer dans 🗽 l'entrepreneuriat en créant Hello Vocation, une entreprise qui accompagne à redonner du sens à sa vie professionnelle et à trouver son but dans la vie, grâce notamment à l'Ikigai." Retrouvez Julia sur instagram : @hellovocation 🗺️Découvre la formation Âme Vagabonde et organise ton premier voyage solo sereinement : subscribepage.io/amevagabonde Chaque mardi, retrouve un épisode de podcast voyage et développement personnel, qui retrace une histoire de voyage, un témoignage inspirant, une aventure. Entre voyage émotionnel, exploration, découverte du monde, chaque épisode regorge de conseils, d'authenticité, de sortie de zone de confort. Vois ces épisodes comme ton mindset booster de la semaine, qui vient te prouver que TOUT est possible. 💥 Si toi aussi tu as un récit de voyage à raconter, contacte moi sur instagram : @instant_simple 📩 Hébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

• © Lina Ruty

Top Podcasts In Society & Culture

You might also like.