solo travel package to japan

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250+ japan tours for singles / solo travelers with 3,883 reviews.

• In-depth Cultural

9D Splendid Japan with Nagoya (private 3 star hotel rooms)

This was an amazing value. When we look back at all of the beautiful places we visited we can't believe how much we were able to do. The country is bursting with history and beauty! I would absolutely recommend this to anyone.

• Train & Rail
• Christmas & New Year

Japan Express: Osaka to Tokyo

Sho the guide made it great. Some days I got tired of asking the traveling we did.

Japan One Life Adventures - 10 Days

The tour was amazing and blew away my expectations. This tour gives you everything from enjoying the neon cities of Tokyo and Osaka to the peaceful quiet towns of Takayama. This tour covered a lot of Japan and if you want to the most in Japan this tour does it. I can't express how much fun I had and our tour guide Holly just made it more fun also. I would recommend this trip to anyone as it was one of my best trips of my life.

Discover Japan

Testing Travis test review process.

Stunning Japan with Shirakawa-go (private 3 star hotel rooms)

The tour was good in : 1.coverage of many different cities in the 9 days 2. Visited many popular places of interest 3. Philip, our tour guide was nice but the driver, Uchimura-san was really topnotch. His driving was very smooth and very safe,. even when the roads were wet with snow. The tour was not so good in: 1. The Osaka Castle Hotel was abit rundown, and it was very noisy in the early morning. It sounded like someone was doing some construction work. The airconditioning was not working and it was warm. 2. The itinerary states that we would visit Arashiyama in Kyoto but we were asked to join and pay for a Kyoto tour. 3. In the Mt Fuji area, itinerary stated that we would go for a cruise on Lake Ashi but we were taken on a cruise on Lake Kawaguchi. 4. In Suwa, the Sun Route Inn had 2 blocks. I don't understand why we were put in the block where the bus can't access., and we had to lug our luggage across the road. 4. The hotel in Tokyo was situated in Ariake. While it is pretty new. Ariake is quite far to go to various places in Tokyo. Overall, I would give this tour a 4/5

Essential Japan

My family and I had a great time. We got to experience as much as we could and covered plenty of territory. For a first timer booking a tour thru this company I was extremely pleased. Will definitely be booking our next adventure with them.

• Coach / Bus

Wonders of Japan End Osaka

Nice hotels, good food and many palaces to see

Japan Express

Really enjoyed the fact that this was a very 'authentic' tour with traditional Ryokans and using the public transport used by the locals. Also loved that there was so much flexibility and I could opt to join the group or go off on my own. Really enjoyed it.

Japan One Life Adventures - 14 Days

Jam-packed tour but good amount of free time to explore! There are few days with lots of travel but you get to see a lot. Well worth the price.

All Inclusive Japan Classics- 9 days

Amazing! Would highly recommend to trusted family and friends.

Japan Highlights

Loved seeing Japan. Very busy itinerary - 55 miles walked in 8 days but really enjoyable.

Epic 13-Day Japan Budget Tour: Odyssey Across the Land of the Rising Sun

The most amazing trip I have ever been on. I loved the other people and my tour guide. But the best part was by far the food.

• 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Premium Japan

We had an amazing holiday. Japan was all we had hoped for. The group worked so well, we all got on and became good friends. Shingo, our guide was totally great. He was so pleasant and helpful. His English not brilliant but he did a great job. We felt maybe a little more information on places and sights might have been good. He was constantly helping us all and looking after us. He made great suggestions for meals and always checked up on us all, even when we split into smaller groups for the evening. He went way beyond what he could have done and made everyone feel safe and well looked after. He even helped booking all our onward travel and ensured we were all ok on the day. Wonderful man!! The hotels were nice, if a little small with almost no storage in most of them! Breakfasts were generally very good. We saw and did so much. In fact, we felt sometimes it was a little too much to fit into each day, and either missed some things out or were too rushed, missing stopping and looking at leisure at things and shops etc. Shingo was so patient, even when we caused him to run a little late! Due to distances covered we spent a lot of time travelling which was an interesting experience. Just meant time at destinations was a little short. As Most of us were older we all felt very tired at the end of each day and struggled especially when we had to carry back packs whilst waiting to be reunited with luggage. Dont know what the answer is, if extra days added, then expense goes up. If itinerary cut back, then Interesting sights missed out! Overall, a truly great trip. We enjoyed it all!

Premium Highlights of Japan

Splendours of Japan (9 Days)

Awesome itinerary and tour.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

What people love about Japan Solo Tours

This was an amazing value. When we look back at all of the beautiful places we visited we can't believe how much we were able to do. The country is bursting with history and beauty! I would absolutely recommend this to anyone.

The guide was the best

The tour was amazing and blew away my expectations. This tour gives you everything from enjoying the neon cities of Tokyo and Osaka to the peaceful quiet towns of Takayama. This tour covered a lot of Japan and if you want to the most in Japan this tour does it. I can't express how much fun I had and our tour guide Holly just made it more fun also. I would recommend this trip to anyone as it was one of my best trips of my life.

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The best solo trips and solo holidays in Japan. We currently offer 168 Japan solo tour packages, many of which are guided tours . You can also read 120 customer reviews for solo vacations, often written by solo travelers.

161 solo trips in Japan

• Starts Tokyo, Japan
• Ends Kyoto, Japan

Japan Express

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities City sightseeing & Local culture City sightseeing , Local culture , Museum and gallery visits , Natural landmarks sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites 'data-more-tripid='3101'>+3 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Hostel
• Transport Train, Bus, Private Vehicle & Bullet Train
• Age Range 15-99 yrs
• Operated in English
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,330
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 350
• Total Price from: US$ 1,980
• May 22 Only 8 seats left
• Jun 01 Only 2 seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

• Starts Kyoto, Japan
• Ends Tokyo, Japan

Ancient & Modern Japan

• Activities Food tours & Cultural, religious and historic sites
• Accommodation Hotel & Villa
• Transport Ferry, Train, Boat & Bullet Train
• Age Range 16-95 yrs
• Sep 15 Only 2 seats left
• Sep 22 Only 8 seats left

13-day Budget Japan Tour

• Trip customizable
• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Sightseeing Tours 'data-more-tripid='27822'>+1 more
• Accommodation Eco Lodge, Hostel, Hotel, Lodge & Resort
• Transport Bullet Train, Ferry, Private Vehicle & Train
• Age Range 18-55 yrs

Discover Japan

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Art and architecture Cultural, religious and historic sites , Art and architecture , Local culture , Natural landmarks sightseeing & City sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='4493'>+3 more
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Ferry, Train, Bus & Bullet Train
• Age Range 12-95 yrs
• May 26 Only 8 seats left
• Jun 02 Only 7 seats left

• Ends Osaka, Japan

Japan 10 Day Adventure Tour

• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities Adventure & Local culture Adventure , Local culture , Trekking and Hiking , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Food tours , Natural landmarks sightseeing & Sightseeing Tours 'data-more-tripid='37101'>+5 more
• Accommodation Guest House & Hostel
• Transport Boat, Bullet Train & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 18-45 yrs

• Ends Hiroshima, Japan

Japan 14 Day Adventure Tour

• Activities Adventure & Local culture Adventure , Local culture , Food tours , Trekking and Hiking , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='37182'>+4 more
• Transport Bullet Train, Bus, Ferry, Private Vehicle & Train

Japan: Land of the Rising Sun

• Activities City sightseeing & Local culture City sightseeing , Local culture , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Art and architecture & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='3102'>+3 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Resort
• Transport Boat, Ferry, Train, Bus, Private Vehicle & Bullet Train
• Brochure Price: US$ 5,560
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 556
• Total Price from: US$ 5,004
• May 22 Only 1 seat left
• May 26 Only 4 seats left

• Starts Osaka, Japan

Japan Express: Osaka to Tokyo

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Natural landmarks sightseeing Cultural, religious and historic sites , Natural landmarks sightseeing , Cruise & Hot springs 'data-more-tripid='4496'>+2 more
• Transport Boat, Ferry, Train, Bus & Bullet Train
• May 31 Only 4 seats left
• Jun 05 Only 5 seats left

Backroads of Japan

• Activities Trekking and Hiking & Adventure
• Transport Train, Bus, Bullet Train & Taxi
• Age Range 18-99 yrs
• Sep 08 Only 5 seats left
• Sep 22 10+ seats left

Ultimate Japan

• Activities Explorer & Cultural, religious and historic sites Explorer , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Adventure & Sightseeing Tours 'data-more-tripid='36191'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Lodge, Resort & Villa
• Transport Bullet Train, Bus, Private Vehicle, Train, Boat & Ferry
• Age Range 18-39 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 7,699
• Special Deal (45%): - US$ 3,465
• Total Price from: US$ 4,234
• Jun 15 10+ seats left
• Jul 13 10+ seats left

Highlights of Japan

• Activities Sightseeing Tours & Adventure
• Accommodation Hotel, Resort & Villa
• Transport Bullet Train, Bus, Private Vehicle, Boat, Ferry & Train
• Brochure Price: US$ 5,207
• Special Deal (45%): - US$ 2,343
• Total Price from: US$ 2,864
• Jun 16 10+ seats left
• Jul 14 10+ seats left

Essential Japan

• Activities Adventure
• Accommodation Hotel, Guest House & Hostel
• Transport Train, Bus, Ferry & Bullet Train
• Age Range 18-35 yrs
• May 26 Only 1 seat left
• Jul 07 Only 1 seat left

Japan Adventure

• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Cooking classes , Party and nightlife , Meditation , National parks , Cruise , Wildlife , Samurai experience. , Wine tasting tours & Safari 'data-more-tripid='25002'>+9 more
• Accommodation Hostel & Hotel
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• May 19 Only 3 seats left
• May 27 Only 5 seats left

Simply Japan

• Activities Train tours & Cultural, religious and historic sites
• Accommodation Guest House & Hotel
• Brochure Price: US$ 5,240
• Special Deal (8%): - US$ 400
• Total Price from: US$ 4,840
• May 19 Only 1 seat left

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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!

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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.

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Solo woman in Shinjuku, Tokyo

©Jezael Melgoza/Unsplash

Beautiful nature and autumn foliage in Koyasan sacred valley

©Jan Kreuzer/123RF

This famous vermilion "torii" gate is located at the entrance to Miyajima Island off the coast of Hiroshima

©coward_lion/123RF

Dotonbori is the liveliest district in Osaka, the gastronomic capital of Japan

©Alexander Smagin/123RF

Traditional geisha quarter with old wooden houses in Kanazawa, Japan

©passionphotography/123RF

Traditional Japanese ramen noodle soup

©TATIANA BRALNINA/123RF

Walk on the streets close to Yasaka pagoda, in Gion, Kyoto old town

©Pitinan/123RF

• Travel insurance
• Japan Experience

Solo Travel in Japan

• Duration : 15 days
• Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Koyasan, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kanazawa, Tokyo
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Ideal for solo travellers , this Japan tour allows you to visit the main tourist sites as well as other, unspoilt places.

This self-guided tour includes private rooms in various types of accommodation (hotels, ryokan, and temple hotels), transportation , and 3 mini guided tours of Japan's major cities.

2 week itinerary 

• Departure city/airport : Tokyo  (Narita :  NRT  or Haneda :  HND )
• Tokyo (3 nights)
• Hakone Mount-Fuji (1 night)
• Kyoto (4 days including 1 day in  Nara)
• Koyasan - night in a Buddhist temple (1 night)
• Osaka (1 night)
• Hiroshima  and the sacred Island  Miyajima (2 nights)
• Kanazawa (1 night)
• Tokyo (1 night)
• End Return airport :  Tokyo  (Narita :  NRT  or Haneda :  HND )

Please find below the itinerary details.

Tour length : 14   nights / 15 days (+ 1 day at the beginning if you leave from Europe)

Indeed, the tour departure and end dates presented on this page relate to your stay in Japan. On departure, you will have to leave Europe on the day before. The return flight is on the same day due to the time difference.

Example : 

• Departure from Europe : January 1st
• Arrival Tokyo  (date to be selected in the tour calendar while booking ) : January 2nd
• Return flight from Tokyo : January 16th

Why this trip to Japan ?

• A tour of Japan designed for solo travellers with adapted accommodation and activities!
• Welcomed at the airport  by our team, you will be taken to your hotel in Tokyo by shuttle bus
• In Tokyo, you will participate in a tour of the typical restaurants of the Shinjuku district
• Head to the edge of  Mount Fuji  for an unforgettable dinner and overnight stay in a ryokan
• In Kyoto : a  guided tour  of the traditional geisha quarter awaits you 
• Go up the sacred hill of Koyasan, for a night in a Buddhist temple
• Then, move on to Osaka, a gastronomic city, with another unique night in a capsule hotel !
• Round off the trip in Tokyo, after passing through Hiroshima and Kanazawa
• Enjoy unlimited  internet access  thanks to your pocket Wi-Fi
• If needed, contact our bilingual Japanese/English-speaking assistance team available 7/7
• A number of guided days or other optional activities are available
• Benefit from the expertise of  Japan Experience , European leading travel agency in Japan.

Your trip in detail

Day 1 : wake up in tokyo 東京.

Arrival in Japan

©Vasin Leenanuruksa / 123RF

Arrival at Tokyo airport (Narita or Haneda). Welcome to Japan! 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. Unaccompanied transfer from the airport to Tokyo (see details).

Check-in at Hotel OMO3 Tokyo Akasaka by Hoshino Resorts or same category hotel 3* (rooms available from 3:00pm).

The hotels on this tour have been chosen for the comfortable size of the rooms for single travelers, at least 16m2 (172 fq ft), whereas most of the rooms in Japan are between 10 and 16m2 (107sq ft and 172 fq ft) especially in Tokyo.

Day 2 : First steps in the capital

Worldwide famous Shibuya crossing, Tokyo

©Wasin Pummarin/123RF

What is there to do in Tokyo on the first day?

We advise you to slowly start visiting Tokyo from its western districts: - Harajuku: the avant-garde district - Meiji Jingû, the imperial shrine - Takeshita-Dori: the most famous street in Japan - Omotesando: Tokyo's Champs-Élysées - Shibuya and its unmistakable "crossroads"

In the evening, enjoy a typical Japanese dinner in the Shinjuku district! Your guide will accompany you to several unique "izakaya" restaurants, where few tourists set foot!

Day 3 : The big loop

Senso-ji temple in Asakusa with Tokyo Sky Tree behind, a must-see on your first days to visit Tokyo

©Chan Richie/123RF

For this second day of visiting Tokyo, we recommend the following "loop". Start from Tokyo Central Station, with its original architecture, then go to visit: - Ginza, Tokyo's chic district - Tsukiji, the small outdoor food market - Hamarikyu, the Japanese garden between Tokyo's buildings - Asakusa, a traditional district and place of pilgrimage, accessible by a cruise on the Sumida River - Sensô-ji Buddhist temple, one of the oldest in the city - Tokyo Sky Tree  reaching a height of 643m, and its panoramic view of Tokyo at sunset 

Enjoy a cruise on the Sumida River between Hamarikyu and Asakusa.

Day 4 : On the way to visit the emblem of Japan: Mount Fuji!

Volcanic valley : a must-see in Hakone

©Patryk Kośmider/123RF

Head to Hakone  (1h20, 1 change, included in your package).

Check-in at your  ryokan  Ichinoyu Shinkan or same category hotel . 

You will be charmed by the magnificent scenery of this spa resort,  Lake Ashi and its view of Mount Fuji (in good weather!). Not forgetting the volcanic site of Owakudani, accessible by cable car. If you wish to be accompanied for this day, one of our English-speaking guides will reveal all the secrets of the Mount Fuji region.

At night at the ryokan, you will be treated to a tasty traditional Japanese dinner before retiring to your tatami room.

Day 5 : Heading for the old capital

A geisha walking in Gion, Kyoto old town

©Philippe Voisin

Traditional Japanese breakfast at the ryokan.

In 2h40, reach Kyoto (1 change, included in your package) and check into the Hotel  RAKURO 京都 by THE SHARE HOTELS or same category hotel 3*. 

You have 3 days to visit Kyoto. Start in the afternoon in the historic Gion district near your accommodation : - Kiyomizu-Dera, the great water temple - The historical streets of Sannen-zaka & Ninnen-zaka - Kodai-ji, the maple and bamboo temple of Kyoto

Finish off seeing the sunset in Gion. Meet your guide at 19:00 to start your late stroll around Gion, Kyoto's historic district.

More details on the exact time and location in your travel diary. At the end of this 1 hour 30 walk, your guide will be able to advise you on the best places to eat out! Please note that it is strictly forbidden to take photographs in the historic district of Gion.

Day 6 : Gold and Silver Treasures

Golden Pavilion Kinkaku-ji : a must-see in Kyoto ancient capital

©Jordy Meow

We recommend the following itinerary for this second day's visit to Kyoto: - Ryoan-ji Zen Garden - The Kinkaku-ji ( Golden Pavilion ) - Ginkaku-ji ( Silver Pavilion ) - The bewitching path of philosophy - The Nanzen-ji temple

One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can accompany you on a tour of these symbolic sites (optional, from 9:00 to 17:00).

Day 7 : Now for some activity...

Bamboo grove in Arashiyama : famous touristic site to visit in Kyoto

Continue to visit Kyoto heading west : - Nishiki, Kyoto's culinary market - Nijo castle, former residence of the shogun - Arashiyama, to visit the bamboo grove and its monkey mountain

Make the most of our many optional activities: - Want to enjoy nature? Check out our cycling activities along the Kamogawa River or hiking in the Takao Gorge! - Prefer Japanese arts?  Tea ceremonies, meditation activities or private visits to secret gardens will seduce you. - Looking for Japanese countryside? Let yourself be tempted by a trip to Ohara, or try our flagship activity: on the Tea Road!

Day 8 : Between temples and deer

Nara Sika deers are sacred, and protected as National Treasures.

©Jane Rix/123RF

For your last day in Kyoto and its surroundings, we recommend taking the 50 minute journey to Nara, which is included in your package.

Visit to Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan in the 8th century. Discover: - The Shinto shrine Kasuga Taisha and its thousands of lanterns - The Todaiji, its great bronze Buddha and the imposing Nan-Daimon gate - Kofukuji temple and its beautiful pagoda

Return to Kyoto and stop for sunset at Fushimi Inari, the huge 10,000 torii sanctuary in Kyoto. If you wish to be accompanied on this day, one of our English-speaking guides will unveil all the secrets of Japan's first capital (optional, return trip from Kyoto).

Day 9 : Attack on the Sacred Mount

Depart on train and cable car to the sacred mountain of Koyasan  (3h, 2 changes and cable car. All included with your Kansai thru pass. Details in your travel diary): - Visit the sumptuous Kongobuji temple - Visit Danjo-Garan, one of the main religious sites of the village

Enjoy a unique experience with a traditional vegan dinner and overnight in a temple with the monks. Due to the altitude, the temperature in Koyasan is often lower than other cities visited previously.

Day 10 : First steps in the capital of Kansai

Traditional vegan breakfast served in the temple. Depending on availability of the monks, possibility to attend a Buddhist ceremony (availability not guaranteed currently).

In the morning, discove r the fabulous mystical necropolis of Okunoin.

Then travel to Osaka by cable car and train (1 change, included in your Kansai Thru Pass, 1 hour 45). Enjoy the lively Namba district and Dotonbori Street. The many restaurants there have earned Osaka the title "gastronomic capital of Japan".

If you have some time left in the afternoon, visit the medieval Osaka Castle before walking through the restaurant district in Dotonbori !

Settle into your capsule hotel: a special night awaits you!

Day 11 : Make way for history

The Genbaku Dome, one of the only buildings not destroyed by the atomic bomb that fell on Hiroshima

Leave for Hiroshima. We advise you to make a stop in Himeji, to discover its castle, classified as a UNESCO heritage site (details in your travel diary), or to plan the day on the island of Naoshima.

Arrival in Hiroshima, and check-in at your 3* hotel between the train station and the peace park. You will discover this dynamic student city which has successfully recovered from the tragic events of the middle of the last century. In the evening, we recommend you try okonomiyaki, Hiroshima's gastronomic speciality.

Day 12 : The Sacred Island

Breakfast at the hotel.

A short 30-minute train and boat ride to Miyajima Island, its Itsukushima-jinja shrine and its large gate (ootorii) standing in the sea. (Please note: The ootorii is under construction until an unspecified date). Take the cable car up to Mount Misen and then descend on foot. A breathtaking view of Hiroshima Bay is waiting for you!

In the late afternoon, make your way back to Hiroshima.

Day 13 : The pearl of Japan

In 4h30, reach Kanazawa  (1 change, included in your package).

Check-in at your hotel.

Explore Kanazawa, between the North Sea and the Japanese Alps: - Kenroku-en, the beautiful Japanese garden of Kanazawa - The contemporary art museum and its outdoor gallery - Omicho, the sea of Japan fish market - The Nomura house, residence of the samurai and its picturesque old quarter

Night in your hotel.

Day 14 : Return to Tokyo

Maneki-neko in Tokyo

Departure to Tokyo in the morning (2 hours 30) by Shinkansen high-speed train, included in your package.

Check into your hotel. 

Make the most of this last day to do your last bits of shopping and start packing your bags...

Day 15 : Sayonara, and see you next time!

Sayonara - bye bye Japan !

©Sezer özger/123RF

Transfer to Haneda or Narita airport (included but not accompanied).

This transfer is by shuttle or shared bus, with other customers departing from the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers arrive between 3 hours and 1.5 hours before the actual departure of your flight, and stops can be made before you arrive at the airport.

If you prefer a private transfer at a time of your choice, direct to the airport and with no intermediate stops, select the "Private taxi to the airport" option.

Return flight to Europe, North America, Australia.

Included in your self-guided tour

Accommodation

- 3  nights in a 3* hotel  in the heart of Tokyo, close to public transport

- 1  night in a 3* ryokan  in Hakone Mount Fuji, traditional half-board

- 4  nights in a 3* hotel  in the heart of Kyoto, close to public transport

- 1  night in a 2/3* temple hotel  in KoyaSan

- 1 night in a capsule hotel in Osaka

- 2  nights in a 3* hotel  in Hiroshima, between the train station and the Peace Memorial Park

- 1 night  in a 3* hotel  in Kanazawa, between the station and the city centre

- 1  night in a 3* hotel  in the heart of Tokyo, close to public transport

The basic rate includes a twin room for two people.

-  Airport transfers

- Prepaid public  transport card

- Japan Rail Pass for 14 days

- Hakone Free Pass  for 2 days

- Unlimited transport pass in the Kansai region for 3 days (Kyoto, Nara, Koyasan..) 

Limited express train to Koyasan is not included.

Experiences and meals

-  Airport welcome

-  Traditional dinner and breakfast  in the ryokan at Hakone and in Koyasan temple

-  Breakfasts  excluding Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka

-  Discounts  at many Hakone tourist sites

- Culinary evening in Tokyo with a guide

-  Guided night  tour of Gion (1h30)

Additional services

- Unlimited  Wi-Fi  access with pocket Wi-Fi

- Complete e- travel diary  sent  before your departure

-The helpline is available from 8am to 10pm Japanese time, 7 days a week, in English and Japanese. The number will be given to you in your travel pack. It is valid for telephone calls and WhatsApp.

Not included in the price of your trip

- Flights Europe <> Japan

- Optional insurance policies

- Personal expenses including meals (breakfast optional)

- Public transport when your transport cards have run out (see details)

- Anything not included in the "included in your tour" section

More about your trip

Your tour :

• The prices displayed on this page may vary according to the exchange rate of the Japanese ¥.
• Unfortunately, this tour is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
• Pets are not allowed.
• Children over 3 years of age are allowed. Rates for children are available for people from 3 to 11 years old inclusive.
• This programme is subject to change due to circumstances such as weather conditions or any other case of force majeure. Please note that due to the current circumstances, any information mentioned is subject to change or modification.
• Travel diary by email 3 weeks before departure, and other electronic documents 
• Paper documents (airport transfer ticket, transportation card, Japan Rail Pass voucher) and Pocket WiFi upon arrival at the airport by our airport assistant.
• Note : In very rare cases, mostly in very high season, steps might be reversed. You will be informed in your mini travel-guide. Thanks for your kind understanding.

Your accommodation :

• Some hotels may ask you to pay a tourist tax on arrival. This depends on the city and even the hotel, as some do not include it in the booking price. Normally, it is 200¥/night/person (about £1.37/1.93$) but can be slightly higher in 4* hotels. It must be paid in cash at the hotel reception. For traditional Japan Experience accommodations, it is included in the initial tour price.
• Names of the hotels : The names given on the site are for information only. In the event of unavailability, an establishment of equivalent standing will be scheduled. Hotels, corresponding to local standards, are given as an indication and may be changed on site for hotels of a similar category.
• In the ryokan, guests sleep on comfortable futons placed on the tatami mat. The room has a private sink and toilet. As is customary in Japanese ryokan, the onsen bathroom is shared (not mixed) unless you take the "private bathroom in the room" option. OPTIONAL: Enjoy a private Japanese bathroom (traditional or modern onsen) in your room. This option is recommended for mixed couples, families, people who are modest or have visible tattoos. The 4* ryokan (see 4* option) have comfortable futons raised on either western beds in a traditional tatami room. The bathrooms and toilets of the 4* ryokans are private.
• At the Buddhist temple in KoyaSan, you will sleep on comfortable futons on a tatami mat. The rooms do not have private bathrooms or toilets. The non-mixed collective Japanese baths ("onsen") then serve as a shared bathroom, with showers and thermal baths. They are freely accessible, subject to the schedules in force on site. These baths are often not accessible to people with visible tattoos. With the 4* options, the rooms have a private washbasin and toilet, but the bathroom remains shared.

Your transport :

• Flights are not included in this tour. Do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to include flights in your order: Flights in economy class with stopovers or direct flights, eco-premium or business air upgrades, provincial departures or abroad: we will be able to advise you.
• The tour departure and end dates presented on this page relate to your stay in Japan. You will arrive in Japan via Tokyo (Narita or Haneda airports) and will also leave from Tokyo. You will have to leave Europe the day before and land at 18pm at the latest to make the most of the airport services of your tour (welcome and transfer to Tokyo). The return flight is on the same day due to the time difference, with a departure time of 9am at the earliest. Please do not hesitate to consult us for any uncertainty or need for precision in the choice of international flights.
• If the flights have been purchased by your care without the intervention of Japan Experience, it is necessary to send us by mail 1 month before your departure your flight information (flight number, airport, date and time of arrival) to allow us 'Organize your welcome and airport transfer.
• Airport transfers: The shared shuttle bus leaves from the airport and stops either in front of your hotel or at a stop located between 1 and 15 min walk from your hotel. Our airport assistant in Tokyo will drive you to the platform to take the airport transfer. Afterwards, this hotel transfer is unassisted. If you would like to be accompanied from the airport to your hotel reception please choose the option "Accompanied Airport Transfer" Same for the return transfer.
• Included in your tour is a pre-charged transport prepayment card of ¥ 1,500 (around £10.30 / 14.54$) (suica or Pasmo brand); a 14-day Japan Rail Pass, a Hakone Free Pass for 2 days and an Unlimited transport pass in the Kansai region  for 3 days. These cards should cover a large part of your trips during the stay. Upon expiry of the 1,500¥ Transport Prepayment Card, or if the line you are travelling on is not covered by your Japan Rail Pass, any travel will be at your own expense by recharging your pre-paid transport card (at vending machines in all stations and metro stations). 
• Travel by metro and bus in the cities (payable by pre-paid transport card, included in your package)
• Transfers from the train station to the hotels (by foot, bus, metro or taxi)
• Travel on private train lines (other than JR)
• Travel on Nozomi and Mizuho high-speed trains (shinkansen)
• Trips made outside the validity period of the Japan Rail Pass
• Japan Rail Pass: It is not necessary to possess a Japan Rail Pass which covers your entire stay. This is only cost-effective if it is used for long journeys between the different stages of your stay (especially in shinkansen) which are very expensive. In large cities like Tokyo, only about ⅓ of public transport is covered by the Japan Rail Pass and getting around is relatively cheap (Tokyo metro tickets: £1.71 / 2.42$; Kyoto daily bus card: £4.28 / 5.97$). Thus, providing you with a Japan Rail Pass for more than 14 days (21) would not be cost-effective and, on the contrary, would significantly increase the cost of your trip.
• If a person taking part in the tour is a Japanese national and a resident of Japan, or a foreigner with tax residence in Japan (including a student), then that person is not eligible for the Japan Rail Pass. Please contact us to get the price of the tour without a Japan Rail Pass. They will have to buy the train tickets for the tour directly in Japan. The Kansai Thru Pass is also subject to the same nationality/residency requirements. This is not the case for the Hakone Free pass. If this person is a Japanese citizen but not a resident of Japan, then he/she can benefit from the Japan Rail Pass under certain conditions (see  https://www.japan-experience.com/frequently-asked-questions ).

Your activities :

• Airport reception is in English. Your airport assistant will be waiting for you at the customs exit holding a sign with the name of the reservation. They will give you your travel documents and take you to your airport transfer. They will not accompany you to Tokyo (this is possible, but optional).
• The guided tour of Gion takes place in groups of 12 people maximum, from 6pm to 7:30/8:00pm. In English. More details on the meeting place in your travel journal. Dinner is not planned but your guide will be able to give you their best spots.
• The culinary evening in Tokyo starts at 5pm and lasts until 8.30pm. In groups of 2 to 10 people. In English. Dinner and drinks included. A variety of dishes await you: izakayas are typical Japanese restaurants where you can find all kinds of cuisines.

Your meals :

• Breakfasts which are not included in your package can be added at the reception when you arrive at the hotel. However, you will find many cafés near your hotel serving copious breakfasts, often tastier than those in the hotels, which sometimes have tight schedules and are predominantly savoury. However, if you would like to add breakfast to your offer when you make your reservation, you can select it as an option.
• Traditional Japanese dinner and Japanese breakfast (mostly savoury) are included in your ryokan in Hakone and Koyasan temple. Do not hesitate to indicate any dietary requirements you may have, we will pass them on to the ryokan so that they can take them into account when planning the meals. If the ryokan does not take any of these dietary requirements into account, we cannot be held responsible and no compensation will be issued.

Your additional services:

• A pocket wifi is included in your tour. It allows unlimited high-speed internet access. Your Pocket WiFi will be given to you at the airport of arrival.
• It comes with a small booklet to operate your device (don't panic: simple operation) and a prepaid envelope to return your device at the end of your stay. Your pocket wifi will work naturally until the last day of your trip to Japan.
• A maximum of 5 devices can be connected to a pocket wifi (phone, tablet, computer).
• A single pocket wifi is provided for a circuit order of 1 to 5 people. For an order of 6 people or more, a second pocket wifi will be added automatically and at no extra cost to your reservation.

When you buy, Japan Experience offers you 2 types of protection:

Japan Experience Flex :  Cancellation insurance before departure under conditions.

Japan Experience Protect : Pre-departure cancellation insurance under conditions and on-site assistance under conditions. 

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa? Do I need vaccinations?

As of October 11, 2022, Japan will open its borders to all Europeans (including the European Union, the United Kingdom and Switzerland) and North Americans (Canada and the United States) without requiring a visa.

Only non-triply vaccinated travelers need a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours prior to departure.

Do I still need a visa to travel to Japan as a tourist?

No, no visa is required for blue countries including all European countries (European Union, United Kingdom and Switzerland included) and North American countries (Canada and United States). List of blue countries: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html . If you have another nationality, please contact the Japanese embassy in your country of residence to obtain this visa.

Do I still need a PCR or antigen test to go to Japan?

No, if you are triple vaccinated with the vaccines approved by Japan (Pfizer, Moderna, ...exhaustive list here : https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page24e_000317.html ) there is no need for any test.

I do not have 3 doses of vaccine or I am not vaccinated against COVID, can I enter Japan?

Proof of Covid vaccines is no longer required for travelers from "blue" countries. Therefore, unvaccinated travelers can enter Japan if they live in blue countries. But a negative PCR test is required at embarkation for travelers who are not vaccinated 3 times.

Is there still a quarantine upon arrival in Japan?

Quarantine and testing on arrival have been eliminated for travelers from blue countries.

Is insurance mandatory?

No, but it is recommended. Japan Experience, as an option of its tours, provides appropriate travel insurance solutions.

What anti-covid measures are still in place in Japan?

The mask must be worn indoors (except in exceptional cases) and in transportation.

What applications should I download before entering Japan?

For tracking the evolution of the coronavirus epidemic, the Japanese government recommends downloading several applications:

MySOS, the health and location tracking app (it will be used to confirm your location, health status and accommodation).

COCOA, the COVID-19 contact confirmation app (this will be used to notify you of possible contact with a COVID-19 positive person).

For more information, please visit: https://www.hco.mhlw.go.jp/manual/pdf-en/summary.pdf 

Is it safe to travel in Japan? What about solo travellers and children?

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, ranked in the top 10 by the Global Peace Index. Therefore travelling alone is safe. Women and girls can travel alone without fear of being harassed or solicited in public places. The same goes for children, who can be seen going to school alone in the metro from the age of 7. This can give you an idea of the country's level of safety. Last but not least, Japan is a haven for children: the safety, the amusement parks, the friendly attitude of the population.

What are the procedures for entry?

Due to the current crisis, we advise you to visit the website of the Japanese embassy in your country to find out about the procedures for entry. Normally, for citizens of the European Union, Switzerland and Canada, you just need a valid passport (for the duration of your stay). A visa is not necessary for a tourist stay of less than 90 days.

When is the best time to see the cherry blossoms? And the autumn leaves?

Recommended dates for seeing the spring flowers: - plum blossoms: mid-February to mid-March - cherry blossoms (sakura): between 20 March and 15 April (dates vary from year to year) - wisteria, iris, azaleas: mid-April to end of May - hydrangeas: June - lotus flowers: August Recommended dates outside of spring : - Autumn leaves: mid-November - Observation of Zen gardens under the snow: mid-December to mid-February

Do Japanese people speak English?

Few Japanese speak English, even in the tourism sector. With the exception of hotel staff in the major tourist cities, few Japanese are fluent in English. However, this does not prevent them from doing everything to help tourists in need. One or more guided activities are included in all Japan Experience tours. This will allow you to get a closer look at Japan's thousand-year-old culture. Feel free to add one or more optional guided days. Guided tours are led by bilingual Japanese guides, for total immersion without effort!

How long should a trip to Japan last?

For a first trip to Japan, a period of 2 weeks is optimal, with at least 3 days in Tokyo and 3 days in Kyoto and its region. Don't forget to take some time at the beginning of the trip to get used to the time difference.

Our commitments as Japan Experience, Europe No. 1 travel in Japan

• The guarantee of the  first tour operator  specialised exclusively in Japan for 40 years
• A wide range of products to let you  Experience Japan from the inside
• Competitive prices  thanks to a single team in UK, Europe, USA and Japan, with no intermediaries
• Assistance  available in Japan throughout your trip
• A  specialised team  is available 7 days a week by phone or email
• The best advice thanks to the  3,500 articles  available on our website

Optional services

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• Japan Solo Trip Packages

Japan is a popular tourist destination for tourists from all over the world because it offers a unique blend of traditional and modern experiences. Japan has a variety of things to do and places to see for solo travelers, such as touring ancient temples and shrines, taking part in regional celebrations, savoring delectable Japanese food, visiting art museums and galleries, and shopping for traditional crafts and souvenirs. Pickyourtrail provides Japan solo trip packages that are tailored to the needs and interests of solitary travelers. These Japan Tour Packages often include lodging, transportation, and activities geared towards single travelers, such as group tours, language classes, cultural experiences, and social gatherings. Overall, Japan is an exciting and satisfying solo travel destination that offers unique experiences that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Places to Visit on Your Japan Solo Trip

Okinawa, located in southern Japan, is a magnificent tropical paradise ideal for solo travelers looking to relax and unwind. You can relax on the island's magnificent beaches, see the ancient monuments, and sample the local cuisine, which is a unique blend of Japanese and Okinawan flavors.

Don't miss visiting the capital city, Tokyo, on your trip to Japan. It is a bustling and fascinating destination with something for everyone. Tokyo has numerous things to see and do, from its bustling streets and contemporary skyscrapers to its calm parks and venerable temples. Discover the enchanting sights and sounds of Tokyo with our all-inclusive Tokyo tour packages .

Discover the timeless beauty of Kyoto with our curated Kyoto tour packages , taking you through enchanting temples, serene gardens, and historic neighborhoods. As Japan's cultural heart, Kyoto is a fascinating city to visit on your Japan holiday package. The place is rich in history and culture and great for people looking to explore the history of Japan. Kyoto looks at Japan's rich cultural legacy since it is home to innumerable temples and shrines, including the famous Kiyomizu-Dera and Fushimi Inari Shrine.

4. Hokkaido

Next on the list is Hokkaido, which is located in northern Japan. Hokkaido is a stunningly gorgeous and scenic region that provides a unique experience for single travelers. Skiing in the winter and trekking in the summer are two ways to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while enjoying discovering the island's colorful cities and unique cuisine.

Known for its vibrant environment and delectable cuisine, Osaka is an excellent choice for single travelers on a Japanese tour who wish to immerse themselves in Japanese culinary culture. Osaka has something for everyone's taste, from street food to high-end restaurants. Experience the dynamic fusion of tradition and modernity in Osaka with our Osaka tour packages .

Tokyo famous places to visit on your Japan Solo Trip

1. Visit the famous Senso-ji Temple

As one of Tokyo's oldest and most famous temples, Senso-ji is a must-see for anybody on a trip to Tokyo. The temple, which is located in the Asakusa area, is recognized for its majestic gate, a five-story pagoda, and lively Nakamise shopping street.

2. Find serenity at Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine, located in Tokyo's crowded Shibuya area, is a quiet oasis dedicated to the memories of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Here, you can stroll around the lovely grounds, admire the majestic Torii gate, and participate in traditional Shinto ceremonies.

3. Go to the top of the Tokyo Tower

The Tokyo Tower is a renowned tourist attraction in Tokyo that provides breathtaking views of the city. Take the lift to the top of the skyscraper for panoramic views of Tokyo's skyline. Don't forget to take some stunning photos.

4. Visit the Tsukiji Fish Market

Tsukiji is a fascinating site that is a must-see in Tokyo for foodies. It is known as one of the world's largest fish markets. You can see the fresh seafood auction, try local cuisines, and explore the market's various stalls and businesses.

5. Have a walk in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Shinjuku Gyoen is a beautiful and tranquil park in the middle of Tokyo's bustling Shinjuku neighborhood. This place is ideal for a relaxing afternoon stroll. The park has a traditional Japanese garden, a French garden, and an English landscape garden, among others.

Why choose Pickyourtrail for Japan Solo Trip Packages

Pickyourtrail is an excellent choice for your Japan solo vacation dream, as we provide tailor-made itineraries based on your own choices and interests. Whether you want to explore the bustling streets of Tokyo, visit historic temples in Kyoto, or relax on the beaches of Okinawa, Pickyourtrail will help you construct the perfect customized Japan itinerary. We also provide 24/7 customer assistance to ensure a pleasant and pleasurable trip experience. Overall, Pickyourtrail is an excellent choice for purchasing your Japan trip package, including Japan Honeymoon Packages , since we provide a personalized, hassle-free, and reliable travel experience that will help you in creating wonderful memories in one of the world's most intriguing nations.

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• Private Tour - Visit Japanese Gardens and Shrines in the Heart of the City
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The ULTIMATE Guide to Solo Travel Japan

By: Author Girl with the Passport

Posted on Last updated: February 3, 2024

Categories Asia , Solo Female Travel

HEEY-YOO! And welcome to the whimsical world of solo travel in Japan!

Are you SUPER stoked?

And, BTW, the only correct answer to that question is an emphatic yes since Japan is ALL things wonderful!

You’ve got hedgehog cafes, ramen, sushi, kimonos,  REAL LIVE MARIO KART, arcade games, beyond quirky fashion, ancient Buddhist temples, ethereal mountain ranges, capsule hotels , and SO MUCH MORE. Just be sure to learn exactly how to take solo travel photos before you go.

This way you have ample photographic evidence of the wicked awesome time you had.

But to REALLY seal the deal:

You’ll be beyond delighted to know that yes, Japan really does have it’s very own, Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

All my fellow Potterheads out there, feel free to rejoice, and give praise to all things Japanese.

Let’s slowly move away from my slightly random obsession with all things Harry Potter, and towards something slightly more helpful.

Like this SUPER awesome guide to all things Japan solo travel, which you can use to help you plan the perfect Japan 2 week itinerary  and introduce you to some of the best places to visit in Japan . 

Because in this post, not only will you find a ton of tips on how to stay safe in Japan, but you’ll also learn how to use public transportation in Japan, discover the best time to visit Japan, find out where to go in Japan, and even get a TOTALLY FREE, 7 day Japan itinerary!

Because yes, I too love all things free (Minus diseases, those are never lovely).

So, let’s make like a piece of sushi and ROLL our way into this post about all things Japan solo travel.

Sorry, but for me, wickedly lame puns never go out of style.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Solo Travel Japan 101: How to Stay Safe During Your Solo Trip to Japan

Learn how to stay safe as you solo travel Japan!

Thinking of embarking on some Japan solo travel and planning a 2 week Japan itinerary in Autumn ?  Excellent! Because Japan really is one of the safest countries in the world for solo travel (#winning).

BUT it’s not 100% perfect….

Sure, Japan is known for its low crime rates, its next level organization (at the bureaucratic level since nothing is late here…EVER) and polite, friendly people,  

That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t remain vigilant as you solo travel Japan.

Use all of that awesome common sense that I know you have and take the same precautions that you would in any country.

Continue to do super obvious things like avoid walking down dark alleyways alone late at night, keep an eye on your personal belongings, don’t get too intoxicated, etc.

You know, all the usual stuff.

Because like basically every other country on the planet, Japan definitely isn’t immune to organized crime.  

Yeah, I had no idea either. But apparently:

The ‘Yakuza’ is well known in Japan and is involved in murder, corruption, petty crime, and overall, high levels of not-so-nice mayhem.

And while it is unlikely that they’ll ever target a group of selfie stick-wielding tourists, it’s still a good idea to be aware of their presence, especially as you do some Japan solo travel in big cities, like Tokyo.

1) Be Prepared…You Won’t Be Able to Read Anything

As you solo travel Japan, you’ll quickly see that there is a distinct lack of English signage.

‘It’s cool I’ll just follow the signs’… said no one in Japan.  

Well, unless of course, you can actually read Japanese. OBVS.

In general though:

English is NOT universally used throughout Japan, a fact that can make getting around more than a little bit tricky.  

Have your Google maps app handy and be prepared to get lost, more than once, during your solo trip to Japan.

Always have the address of your hotel handy (in both English and Japanese), just in case you get lost and need to share this information with a super helpful local.  

This should help with that awkward language ‘what the hell are they saying’ barrier.

Always take the directions you are given with a pinch of salt.

Traditional, Japanese culture dictates that it’s better to give wrong directions than admit you are unable to help.  

To avoid this mildly annoying possibility, try and ask for directions at a nearby hotel, where it’s highly likely that staff members speak English fluently.

And remember:

In Japan, hotel curfews are actually a THING.  

That’s why:

Smaller, family-run accommodations may lockup between 10:00 pm and midnight.  

Definitely research those policies BEFORE enjoying a wild night out on the town (Excuse me while I trade in my granny panties for a pair of ultra-rad glow sticks and a Monster energy drink. Because yes, staying up past 10:00 pm really isn’t my “thing”).

When traveling solo at night, always have your route back “home” planned out BEFORE you down some Sake and sing your heart out at a Japanese karaoke joint.

You really don’t want to be doing any serious travel planning when you’re inebriated AF in a foreign country.

And if you do decide to drink:

Never leave your drink unattended since it could easily be spiked while you’re not looking; a trend that is, sadly, becoming all too common in the Tokyo and Kyoto bar scene.

2) Cash is King

Well, you might expect a tech hub like Japan to be card crazy, Am I right?

Surprising though, that is actually NOT the case.

It’s actually quite the opposite.  

Do yourself a solid favor and grab some cash before you head out for the day, at least if you wanna avoid being penniless and having to frantically search for an ATM that accepts foreign cards.

Thankfully though:

Most hotels, 7-Elevens, and restaurants all accept cards.

A lot of smaller places won’t.  

Be prepared and ALWAYS have a bit of cash handy.

3) You WILL Experience Culture Shock

Because if you’re not, then you better be.  

See, things in Japan are done a whole lot differently then they are in the Western world.

From toilets (Take my word on this one, because you will see what I mean) to local taboos like answering a phone call while riding public transportation (Yeah, don’t do this), there are a lot of things about Japan solo travel that you’ll need to get used to.

Don’t freak yourself out about these taboos since Japanese people are really considerate and will take the fact that you’re a visitor into account.

It’s still a good idea to brush up on your Japanese customs/etiquette BEFORE your visit, just so that you don’t cause unnecessary offense.  

And if you can:

Always try and avoid doing anything that will draw too much attention to yourself since this is a big no-no in Japan.

4) Unwanted Male Attention

Oh, h ell to the no!  

Don’t panic though because it’s really not that bad.

Because thankfully:

Catcalling is not a thing here. Thank f*cking God.

That being said:

And Ladies out there should try and avoid using public transportation during peak hours since instances of sexual harassment and groping are quite common on crowded trains.

To resolve this issue, some cities have started using ladies-only carriages during rush hour, which can be found by following signage along various train platforms.

5) Avoid Common Scams

Japan is an incredibly safe country for solo travelers. However, there are some common scams that you’ll need to watch out for.

Well, the main one to watch out for is the ‘Japanese nightclub scam’, especially when visiting well-known nightlife hotspots, like Tokyo’s Kabukicho.  

What happens is, a street tout will invite you into a club and shower you with attention and drinks…before swiftly presenting you with a not-so-awesome bill for a few thousand yen.

You will be expected to foot the bill for all those drinks (and for your “new found friend’s” precious time).

And if you refuse to pay?

Well, then things could get a bit dangerous and threats could be made.

To avoid this scam, just walk away. Don’t even respond to anyone who invites you into a   club.  

Because even the most well-trained touts will take the hint and leave you alone.

You also don’t have to be rude either. Just politely decline and move on.  

And when in doubt:

Always remember the age-old adage that if it seems too good to be true, then it definitely is.

6) Watch the Weather

And I’m not talking about the rain.

See, unfortunately, Japan can be prone to freak weather conditions, like typhoons and earthquakes.

Before doing any solo Japan travel, it’s always a good idea to be aware of the seasons and know what to expect from the weather.

So, just a little FYI for you.

Typhoon season usually falls between May and October and peaks in either August or September.

Because earthquakes are quite common in Japan, it’ s a good idea to prepare yourself for an earthquake emergency.

And no, not by practicing hiding under tables (lol).

Just try and familiarize yourself with your hotel’s evacuation policy and always follow locals to designated safe areas if the worst should happen (Because yes, you guessed it. All public safety announcements will be in…Japanese.)

And the rain?

Well, it’s slightly less catastrophic, but sudden downpours are fairly common.  

Grab a cheap umbrella from the nearest konbini to keep yourself dry and avoid wandering around like a drowned street rat (Anyone else reminded of Aladdin right now? No? Just me? Right, swiftly moving on).

SOLO TRAVEL JAPAN: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION!

Japanese trains are known for being some of the most efficient in the world. Yup, just one of many things to look forward to when planning your Japan itinerary .

They can also resemble an unsolvable puzzle if you’re from out of town.

Here are some general transportation tips to help you make the most out of your time in Japan.

1) Getting to the Center of Tokyo from the Airport

Whatever you do:

Do NOT take a taxi from the airport to your hotel.

Not only are they very UN-cheap:

But many taxi drivers actually can’t speak or read English, making communication more than a little difficult (Hello? Google Translate?).

Whenever possible, try and use the city’s monorail system, which connects directly to the subway.

You can quickly, easily, and somewhat cheaply get anywhere in the city that you need to go (You can also take the Keikyu Line directly to central Tokyo).

But, what if I wanna catch an Uber?

Well, Japan has technically had Uber since May 2018.

I still wouldn’t use it as your “go-to” mode of public transportation since it’s not really widely used by locals.

Things may be changing!

Because In 2020:

Tokyo will be hosting the summer Olympics.

And to ensure that spectators can easily move throughout the city, both Uber and Didi (A Chinese rideshare app) will be providing Tokyo with extra transportation services.  

As a result:

Uber may become a viable transportation option when traveling to and from the airport.

I wouldn’t bother using it for inter-city travel since the Tokyo metro is WAY cheaper.

But, until Uber becomes more popular:

You can always just download the ‘Japan Taxi app” before you go to Japan.

It has over 60,000 taxis that cover all 47 prefectures of Japan.

You should definitely be able to find a decently priced taxi, no matter where you are in the country!

Standard taxis in Japan really aren’t THAT bad, especially when traveling within cities since using a taxi over short distances is pretty affordable.

And added bonus?

Not only are they EVERYWHERE, but most of them also accept credit cards as a form of payment.

Which is great since I for one am all about minimizing my cash withdrawals and the foreign transaction fees associated with them.

***When traveling in Tokyo, be sure to download the ‘Takkun Tokyo Taxi’ app since most Tokyo-based cabs are on here. However, when using this app, you will be charged a small pickup fee.***

2) Platform Trickery

Just to amp up your level of Japan solo travel confusion:

Transportation services with similar-sounding names tend to be grouped together on the same platform.

Many platforms will have several different categories of trains (e.g. local and rapid trains) arriving within a minute or two of each other.

Which can be insanely confusing since the names of all these trains SOUND EXACTLY THE SAME!!

You should definitely do your research BEFORE you arrive and know the difference between various train services.

Because while informational displays DO indicate the category of the next arriving train, they aren’t always in English!

Making them slightly impossible to read if you don’t speak Japanese.

If you can, try and identify different services using their Japanese names to avoid getting on the wrong train and ending up in some beyond random part of town.

3)  The Great JR Rail-Pass Debate

Well, it’s not actually that great, but still.

Because a question that I often get is, “Should I get a JR rail-pass?”

And the not so straightforward answer is that, well, it depends.

JR passes are great for Japan solo travel since they allow you to be flexible with your itinerary.

If you’re not sure where you’re headed or when, then the JR pass is your new best friend, especially if you wanna take a ride on a bullet train.

If you purchase a JR rail-pass , what do you actually get?

• Unlimited use of all JR trains from Kagoshima in the south to Hokkaido in the north.
• This includes the Shinkansen (bullet train) but not the Nozomi or Mizuho bullet trains. And while these trains are technically faster than the Shinkansen, I doubt you’ll actually notice the difference.
• You can also use local JR commuter trains, JR buses, and JR ferries.  
• The JR rail pass is also valid on all five of Tokyo’s main railway lines!

The JR Pass is costly, so definitely make sure that you plan on doing at least a few long-distance train journeys, on premium trains, if you want to get the most out of the money that you spent on this pass.

But wait, how much does a JR Pass actually cost? Well, as of winter 2019:

A 7- Day pass costs $273.83

A 14- Day pass costs $436.37

A 21-Day pass costs $558.29

And this is all PER PERSON. So yeah, NOT cheap.

For many travelers though:

Riding on a long-distance bullet train (Shinkansen) is kind of like a right of passage.

So, if this sounds like you:

Then plan on taking at least two different trains per week.

It would actually be cheaper for you to buy individual tickets and not a 7-day JR pass.

Some other JR-Pass tips:

• If you are just staying in Tokyo, then this isn’t the pass for you since local trains in Tokyo are pretty cheap (around $1 per journey).
• You can pay more for a ‘Green pass’ (a first-class pass), but it’s not really necessary since the standard trains in Japan are immaculate.
• Don’t be late!! In fact, be EARLY since Japan takes time management VERY seriously.

If you do decide to get a JR rail-pass, then save yourself some time and buy it in advance ( GET YOUR JR PASS RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW! )

You actually HAVE to get your Japan Rail Pass BEFORE you arrive in Japan (AGAIN, to be SUPER CLEAR. You CANNOT get a Japan Rail Pass within Japan!!)

Definitely order it online, prior to the start of your trip, and then just have it delivered to an address outside of Japan.  

And once you finally arrive in the country:

You can easily get it validated at any local ticket office.

Tell me more about this ticket validation process.

Before you board a train, you will first need to trade in the voucher that you received in the mail for your actual JR Pass.

And once you have your JR Pass:

Do try and reserve your JR pass train tickets in advance, especially on busy days/peak seasons/weekends since no one wants to get to the station, only to find out that their train is completely sold out!

To do this:

Just write down all the trains that you want to take (or bring a Hyperdia print out with you) and then bring this info to the JR Office at the station.  

To make life easy:

Just make your train reservations when you exchange your online voucher for an actual JR pass.

If you don’t have it all figured out, not to worry.

Because the official JR pass website ONLY recommends reservations when traveling between April 27th- May 6th, August 11th- 20th, and December 28th- January 6th.

And the rest of the time?

Well, you can easily board a train without a reserved seat since the designated, JR Pass seats will be clearly marked on the train.

And if you’re still not sure whether the JR rail-pass is right for you, then just run your route through hyperdia.com and compare the cost of one-way tickets with the cost of a JR Pass.

And just go with whichever option is cheaper.  

Bonus tip #1!

Most Japanese trains have limited storage space. Therefore, travel light and DO NOT pack everything except the kitchen sink.

Bonus tip #2!

Looking for that Insta-perfect shot of Mount Fuji?

Yeah, I feel you. 

If so, then when traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto, ask for a seat on the right-hand side of the train.

Sit here and you are guaranteed to have the best seats for maximum camera snapping action.

And yes, feel free to thank me later.

Other Ways to Get Around as you Solo Travel JAPAN

Japan is an amazing country. But sometimes using its transportation system can be more than just a little tricky.

1. TOKYO METRO (THE BEST WAY TO GET AROUND TOKYO)

The Tokyo subway system consists of two interconnected networks, the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway .

Trains and subways in Tokyo also run between 5:00 am and 1:00 am daily, are religiously on time, and arrive every 3 mins during peak hours (Peak hours are on weekdays between 8:00 am and 9:00 am and shortly after 5:00 pm. Morning rush hours also tend to be more concentrated and heavier than evening rush hours).

Oh, and girl, (and guys) don’t forget…

• Swipe your passcards both on the way in AND on the way out. The digital screen is awesome and will display the remaining balance on your card.
• Most train stations have multiple exits- so remember to take the right one!
• Consider the “Tokyo Subway Ticket“ which provides unlimited use of all subway lines. Pick it up at either Narita Airport or Haneda Airport for the ultimate freedom during your Japan solo travels.
• Queuing is an art form here and you will be expected to do so on the platform. Just be prepared because there will be a mad dash to nab a seat during rush hour.
• The most useful line in Tokyo is the JR Yamanote Line, which is commonly referred to as the “Tokyo Loop Line” or just the “Loop Line.” You can use your Japan Rail Pass on this line.
• Another great way to pay for trains and subways in Tokyo is with a prepaid Pasmo or Suica card since it is WAY cheaper than buying individual tickets.

Thought trains were complicated?

Well, think again!

Because Japanese buses are a little bonkers!

• You need to board the bus from the middle and not the front
• You will collect a plain, slip of paper as you board the bus. This piece of paper will have a number on it. And…TADA, this is your bus ticket
• The electronic board displaying ever-changing numbers at the front of the bus may confuse you! But, please use it before you hop off the bus since the cost of your bus fare will be displayed under your seat number, AKA the number that is printed on your ticket
• The driver will expect you to deposit both your bus fare and your ticket, into a designated collection box BEFORE you leave the bus.

You could always just skip all this confusion and get a Pasmo card instead.

Remember though:

This card is only valid in the Tokyo/Yokohama region and is sort of like a Metro/Travelcard/Oystercard for Tokyo’s metro/buses.

Now, if you do purchase one:

Try and put at least $30 on the card since this will cover quite a few journies.  

All you need to do is tap your card when you board a bus (or metro), and then again when you get off.

See! Super simple!

And while buses are great to use in small cities and in the countryside, I would avoid using them in major cities, like Tokyo, since there’s a lot of traffic and it will take you forever to get anywhere.

I would also avoid using buses over long distances.

EXCEPT IN KYOTO!

Yeah, don’t ask me why but it’s actually cheaper to use the bus than the train in Kyoto.

Some of the different types of buses that you’ll find in Japan are:

• Route buses (which operate within cities and towns),  
• Highway buses   (which operate between large cities),  
• Limousine bus (which operate between the airport and a major bus station)

And out of all of these different types of buses, you’ll probably end up using route buses the most.

But, are they really worth using?

Well, like with all forms of public transportation, they have their own set of pros and cons!

A major pro is cost.

Because you can definitely use buses as a low-cost alternative to the train.

For example:

You can catch a bus from Tokyo to Kyoto, for just 1,599 JYP ($15) which is WAY cheaper than the train.  

Buses are also insanely comfortable and come with wicked awesome, reclining seats (Some ever have full-on SALONS!!).

However, one GIANT con is time!

Because the above journey will take you over 7 hours by bus and just 2 hours and 15 minutes by train.

A lot of long-distance bus journeys also take place overnight, which is great for saving money, at least if you’re comfortable doing this alone.

If you wanna save money, take the bus.  

If you wanna save time, take the train.  

Because it really just depends on which one of those things is more important to you.

***PSST: Don’t discount sightseeing buses since The Chuo Bus from Sapporo to Shikotsu and the Toya Lakes is a great way to see some of Japan’s most amazing scenery.***

3) Plane Travel

Thinking of cutting down on your travel time by flying across Japan?

While it is doable, it’s definitely not the most cost-effective way of traveling through Japan.

When traveling between cities, I’d still recommend the train.

For longer journeys, like the one between Fukuoka and Sapporo, I’d consider flying since it’s the fastest way to travel.

And if you do decide to fly:

Try using smaller, domestic airlines, like Skymark and Jetstar Japan, which usually have cheaper fares.  

You can also check with the airline operator of your international flight (BEFORE you arrive in Japan) and see if they offer discounted domestic fares to passengers who fly on their international routes to Japan.  

Yup, something that is definitely worth checking out.

We all know that Japan is an archipelago.

And as such:

Ferries are a constant form of transportation between islands.

• Some smaller islands, like Naoshima can only be reached by ferry
• Ferries can be useful for traveling among Japan’s four major islands. But, information on ferry routes (including schedules and fares) is almost always in Japanese ONLY!
• If you ‘re interested in traveling by ferry, instead of train, then the ‘Japan Ferry Pass 21’ is the sea equivalent of the JR Rail pass. Covering 14 routes over 21 days, it’s about a third of the cost of the rail pass is just $192 per person.

But is it right for me?

Well, if your route/time schedule allows for ferry travel, then this can be a viable transportation option.  

Just plan on making at least two trips to some of Japan’s other islands if you want the Japan Ferry Pass 21 to be cost-effective.

I would ONLY recommend this option if you’re looking for a slower form of transportation.

Because if getting to your final destination QUICKLY is more important than the journey itself, then this isn’t the option for you.

***Another added benefit of traveling by ferry is that you can save money on overnight accommodations, something that is never cheap in Japan! Plus, ferry cabins are usually relatively comfortable, modern, and clean.***

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO SOLO TRAVEL JAPAN?

Any time between March and May (minus Cherry Blossom season) or between September and November is probably the best time to solo travel Japan.

It’s never really a bad time to do a bit of Japan solo travel.  

You will definitely get a very different vibe from the country, depending on when you visit.

If at all possible, try and plan your visit between March and May (Minus cherry blossom season, which varies depending on where you are in the country) or between September and November, when weather is mild, prices are at their lowest, and when crowds are not as crushingly huge.

If you do decide to visit during the spring, psych yourself up for it because this is THE most famous (and busiest) time to visit Japan.

Why?  

Two words. Cherry blossoms. Obvs.  

Travel to Japan during this time of year and expect to be bombarded by hordes of tourists and locals who are all out celebrating the beautiful blossoms during hanami (blossom viewing) picnics.

If you’re not fazed by epic levels of heat and humidity, then summer is a great time to visit Japan.

That’s because:

There are a ton of festivities that take place during this time of year.

From dazzling fireworks displays to al fresco munching on street food, summer is definitely a fun time to visit Japan.

Can’t deal with the crushing crowds of spring but still want to experience some of Japan’s insane, natural beauty?  

Then considering visiting during autumn, AKA the season of red and gold leaves.

Japan’s countryside will come alive with vibrant colors, making it the perfect time to get outside and do a bit of hiking.

What if you’re really a snow bunny at heart?

Then Japan totally has you covered!

Just head up to Hokkaido in the North and enjoy some beyond epic mountain ranges that will make any snow-loving traveler drool.

Because yes my friends.

Hokkaido really is known as the ‘Swiss Alps of Asia’ for a reason and is the perfect place for any solo traveler who is desperately searching for ALL the Christmas feels (which are sometimes lacking in other parts of Asia TBH).

WHAT TO SEE IN JAPAN: 10 AMAZING PLACES TO VISIT

Tokyo Tower and the iconic skyline of Japan’s amazing, capital city.

You know those images that you have in your head of futuristic skyscrapers, neon lights, quirky fashionistas, video-game obsessed individuals, and over-the-top, one-of-kind activities?

I’m 100% referring to owl, goat, and hedgehog cafes, as well as a real-life version of Mario Kart  (FYI: You can also do this in Osaka AND Kyoto).

You’ll find all that and more in Tokyo since this modern AF city really does sit at the beating heart of contemporary Japan

That being said though:

There are also a ton of surprisingly traditional aspects of this city too, like sumo wrestling in Tokyo .

Tokyo really is a place full of contradictions.

When you visit Tokyo, be prepared to battle your way through crazy busy pedestrian crossings, to be overwhelmed by the sheer size of this place (Tokyo is truly MASSIVE), and fall in love with the city’s beyond divine 7-Eleven egg sandwiches (strange but true).

If you swan dive headfirst into Tokyo’s fast-paced lifestyle, all this awesomeness can result in total sensory overload.

From robot restaurants to amazing, panoramic city views atop the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku (free and deffo worth it!), this crazy busy city really does have it all.

Try and take it easy while enjoying all the sights, sounds, and flavors that this vibrant metropolis has to offer.

You are forbidden (do you hear me? LOL) from leaving this city without doing the following.

• Visit the Akihabara district for arcade games, ‘cute’ cafes, and delicious ramen.
• Walk across the famous Shibuya Crossing- if you dare!
• Wear some of the city’s fashions in Takeshita Street, Harajuku (Gwen Stefani eat your heart out)
• Try the soup dumplings and espresso tonic in Yokohama Chinatown (SO GOOD!!)  
• Visit the CupNoodle Museum and make your own.
• Get your real-life Mario Kart on while driving through the crazy streets of Tokyo, in a go-cart, and dressed as your favorite Mario character. Slightly mental but hilarious. You also will need an international driver’s license for this so plan accordingly because they are strict about this.
• Explore the colorful Digital Arts Museum TeamLab Borderless.

Tokyo also gets extra brownie points from me since eating alone here is easy and uber-tasty too!

Solo diners can happily, and not-so-awkwardly, eat at the bar of any Sushi, Tempura, and ramen joint in the city.

Yes, my friends, we call this living the dream.

And if you really want to live it up, you could even take an amazing Mt. Fuji tour from Tokyo .

Nine Hours Woman Kanda (Budget) – The Shinjuku and Ginza neighborhoods are perfect areas for solo travelers to stay. However, If you’re not careful, accommodations here can be pricey. And that’s where Nine Hours Woman Kanda comes in. With quirky, fun, and totally bonkers rooms, that start at $55 per night, this capsule hotel is the perfect place to stay in Tokyo. And while these establishments are traditionally for men only, many capsule hotels are now opening their doors to women (sorry but no men allowed), making this a fantastic, extra-safe, budget hotel option for any of my fellow, solo female travelers out there. I also love that this place has a cozy, minimalist vibe about it and is conveniently located near both Tokyo Station and the popular, Akihabara area.

Shibuya Granbell Hotel (Mid-range) – Want a stylish, boutique hotel that is also affordable? Then check out Shibuya Granbell Hotel near Shibuya station. Rooms here start at $110 per night and have this incredible, pop-art, minimalist design that is beyond cool. All rooms here also include free WIFI, flat-screen TVs, complimentary breakfast, and bike rentals, for an additional fee.

Want your Japan solo travel to be served to you with a side of geishas, temples, zen gardens, and cobblestone streets?  

If so t hen Kyoto is for you!

Sure, Kyoto has its fair share of ugly high rise buildings, like any other major city.

It won’t take long for an intrepid solo traveler like yourself to venture past those less than stellar buildings and discover vast mountain ranges, as well as various aspects of traditional Japanese culture.

While you’re here, you cannot miss out on:

• Temples. Kyoto is brimming over with temples!! So, choose the temples that you visit wisely. Also, try and visit first thing in the morning to avoid large crowds. My personal faves include Kinkaku-ji (Golden Temple), where you can actually get your fortune from a vending machine (SO Japan), and Kiyomizu-Dera Temple .
• Visit the iconic red torii gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine.
• Take a morning stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove .
• Visit the home of a geisha in Gion and partake in a traditional tea ceremony/learn how to make matcha tea.
• Explore the beauty of Yasaka-jinja at night.

And if you’re hungry (because we all know that I always am):

Then be sure to try some of Kyoto’s famous ‘ okonomiyaki’, a crispy, made-to-order pancake that is served to you with your choice of fillings.

Simple, yet oh so tasty!

And if you really want to get your foodie swerve on, then stop by Menya Gokkei (Northern district) for some authentic, beyond delicious, Japanese-style ramen.

You can also hit up any I chrian (AKA 24 hour booths where you can consume ramen totally by yourself) in town since this is basically any ramen loving, introverted traveler’s dream.

Slurp away my friend because you totally deserve it!

Now, for the best gyozas in town, visit the one and only Sukemasa . Not only is the food here delicious, but you can get a couple of gyozas, miso soup, rice, and pickles for less than $7.

Talk about an epic steal!

Tanaka-ya (budget) – With rooms that start at $52 per night, T anaka-ya is a cute, budget-friendly, traditional, Japanese-style homestay that features tatami-mat flooring, paper sliding doors, and Japanese futon bedding. It is also conveniently located in Gion Miyagawa-Cho, making this the perfect home base for which to explore Kyoto’s iconic old town.

The Sekura Terrace (Mid-range) – Conveniently located near Kyoto Station, Sakura Terrace is an awesome place for any solo female travelers out there to stay. I mean, not only do they offer a comprehensive ‘ladies plan’ that includes meals, but rooms here are bright, start at just $84 per night, and feature floor-to-ceiling windows, flat-screen TVs, and free WIFI. There’s also an on-site, coin-operated laundry facility, just in case your clothes are starting to look a bit dingy.

The old-world charm of Osaka Castle, one of the best places to solo travel Japan.

Another sprawling neon city:

Osaka is a mass of bright lights, amazing food, and affordable prices, at least when compared to its big brother. Tokyo.

So where to begin?

Well, food is ALWAYS a good place to start. Especially since I like eating just as much as I like breathing.

Osaka is home to some SERIOUSLY amazing vegetarian cuisine.  

It was so good that I basically wept tears of joy.

If you’re looking to get your foodie swerve on, then devour some udon noodles at Azuma Udon, the city’s oldest udon restaurant.

If you’re total veg like me, then hit up Green Earth, a delicious vegan-friendly eatery with a set lunch menu, that features rice, a main dish, salad, a vegetable side dish, and soup, for just $8.

If you actually wanna do something other than eat ALL of your feelings, then definitely:  

• Ride the Ferris wheel on top of the Don Quixote store in central Osaka/. Trust me on this, it is the very definition of a one of a kind experience!
• Check out the bright lights of Namba. In particular, Dōtonbori  is the most popular street in Osaka for viewing neon lights and animated signs, with the Glico Running Man being an Instagram fan fave (#justsayin’).
• Discover the quirkier side of the city in Shinsekai District, which is filled with arcade games and food halls. You can also enjoy some epic, panoramic city views from the top of Tsutenkaku Tower .
• Visit Osaka-jo castle . Nestled inside the city walls, this building is one of the oldest structures in the area and sits within a picturesque park (It’s also an extra stunning place to visit during cherry blossom season).

Toyoko Inn Osaka Umeda Higashi (budget) – If you’re on a budget, then business hotels can be a great option for you while you solo travel Japan. And one of the best in the area is Toyoko Inn Osaka Umeda Higash i . Now, while luxury it most certainly ain’t, it’s still clean, well equipped, and centrally located (It’s literally a 4-minute walk to the subway). Rooms here also start at just $30 per night and feature super snazzy things like WIFI, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and tea/coffeemakers (Talk about the posh life! LOL). Complimentary breakfast is also available, as is access to a coin-operated laundry facility since, I mean, well, who doesn’t like clean clothes?

Hotel Monterey La Soeur Osaka (Mid-range) –   Perched atop a high-rise building that overlooks the O River, this contemporary hotel has an American, art deco style to it. Yet, it somehow retains a distinctly Japanese vibe with warm rooms that start at $89 per night. This hotel is also just a 7-minute walk from the train station, and features an on-site French restaurant, tea room, bar, and gorgeous, next level divine, spa!

So, why should Nara be on every solo traveler’s bucket list?

Because of the local deer that bow for food!

In truth though, Nara definitely has way more to offer visitors than a chance to feed cute little deer.

Nara is full of historic, Japanese treasures, making it the perfect place from which to indulge your inner culture vulture.

Because, believe it or not:

Nara was actually Japan’s first capital city and is home to a wealth of charming, ancient buildings that stand as a remnant of the city’s high profile past.

This also includes a variety of different UNESCO world heritage sites like the Hall of the Great Buddha (But, more on him later.).

This historic city is easily accessible from both Kyoto and Osaka and makes the perfect day trip from either city since both places are just an hour away from Nara by train.

While you’re in this ultra-fab metropolis, do not miss out on:

• The Daibutsu-den (Hall of the Great Buddha) at Todaiji. It’s arguably one of Nara’s most famous sights (besides the deer of course.) and features a 15-meter tall, golden Buddha that sits inside the world’s largest wooden building. Impressive much? I think so!
• Feeding some local deer in Nara deer park. Yeah, they are pretty friendly and will wait until the food is offered to them. So don’t worry about them stealing your lunch (The monkeys of Asia should take note!)!
• Eating some ‘Nakatanidou’, a famous Japanese rice cake. And while the ‘yomogi-mochi’   may sound gross, it’s flavored with mugwort plant and is actually super tasty.
• The Kofuku-ji Temple, which was established in 669 AD and has a great deal of cultural significance due to its links to the Fujiwara family.

Guest House Oku (budget) – For the ultimate trip down nostalgia lane, book a stay at the small, but cute, Guest House Oku. This charming little boutique hotel has spotless rooms, which start at $30 per night. And while bathrooms here are shared, the real appeal of this place lies with the friendliness of the hostess, Yoko, who goes out of her way to make guests feel truly at home and like they are having an authentic, Japanese experience. This hotel also serves amazing food, is incredibly safe, and is conveniently located near the center of the city.

Centurion Hotel Classic Nara Station (Mid-range) – Hallelujah! Finally, a hotel with a reasonably sized room that doesn’t inadvertently feel like a tomb. Because let’s be honest, spacious hotel rooms are a rarity in Japan. But, somehow, Centurion manages to deliver spacious, warmly decorated, comfortable rooms that are all still just a 5-minute walk from the nearest train station. Rooms here also start at $97 per night and include sofas (feel free to “oh” and “ah” at will), flat-screen TVs, tea makers, mini-fridges, WIFI, and air purifiers. And for an added dose of Japanese quirkiness, try using their coin-operated laundromat to freshen up your clothes before you leave the city.

PSST: Kyoto and Osaka are both a short distance from Nara and have WAY more options when is comes to accommodations. So, if you’re struggling to find what you’re looking for, then you can always book a stay in either city and just visit Nara as part of a day trip.

5. Takayama

Some of the quaint, Japanese-style architecture that you’ll find in Takayama, Japan, at the base of the Japanese Alps.

Takayama might just win my award for the prettiest place EVER and is easily one of the best hidden gems in Japan .

Because no doubt:

This city if flippin’ gorgeous!

Well, it’s located on the edge of the Japanese Alps and is far less touristy than many other places in Japan.

And you know what I say to that?

Crowd free is the way to be! Because Takayama is basically THIS introverted traveler’s idea of a total dream!

Throw in some exquisite, traditional wooden houses, signature red bridges, and brightly colored shrines, and you may never wanna leave!

Other things that you MUST do while you’re here include:

• Go for a morning stroll around Sanmachi Stree t. It’s located at the center of Takayama Old Town and is where you’ll find many of the city’s lovely, traditional wooden buildings (perfect for the insta feed of awesome).
• Explore local, morning markets like Jinya-Mae ( a small market that is located in front of the Takayama Jinya building ) and Miyagawa ( a market that sits alongside the Miyagawa River).
• Eat some ‘mitarashi-dango’ , or rice balls grilled in soy.
• Cycle through Shiroyama Park , a part of the Japanese countryside that sits just five minutes outside the city. Also, be sure to hike to the Takayama Castle Ruins and admire the incredible mountain top views from here.
• Visit Cafe DON for Coffee and Cake!

The Country Hotel (Budget) – At just $35 per night, this hotel is definitely no-frills. But, The Country Hotel still has everything you need for a comfortable stay (Think comfy beds, WIFI, air conditioning, etc.). They’ll even provide you with complimentary green tea and cozy slippers, both of which are clearly essential items for any wicked awesome hotel stay. This place also gets bonus points for its primo location since it sits right across the street from JR Takayama Train Station .

Takayama Olan Hotel (Mid-range) – This modern meets traditional, Japanese-style hotel has a fantastic, central location (Just three minutes from Takayama train station) and offers guests comfortably designed rooms that start at $123 per night (think luxe seating areas, posh dark wood furniture, free WIFI, tatami floors, futons, etc.). There’s also a buffet-style, onsite, restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast, for a small fee. However, the real highlight of any stay at the Takayama Olan Hotel is their stunning, open-air, roof-top, hot spring, which provides you awe-inspiring, panoramic views of the nearby, Hida Mountains.

So, you’ve probably seen all of those amazing photos of a beyond colorful ship that is gently gliding past Japan’s immortal, Mount Fuji.

And if not:

Well then, feel free to look it up on Insta right now. I mean, I can wait…not-so-patiently since a climb up Mt. Fuji Japan is the stuff that travel dreams are made of.

The mountainous town of Hakone actually overlooks this picture-perfect lake, which is locally known as Lake Ashi.

This town is also located inside the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and is just a short (ish), 1.5-hour bullet train ride away from Tokyo.

Additionally:

This place is known, the world over, for its picturesque, hot springs resorts (AKA onsens in Japanese).

In addition to its wealth of onsens, Hakone is also home to various world-class art museums, historic Shinto shrines (like the aptly named, Hakone Shrine), and expansive mountain ranges.

This tiny town makes for the perfect, weekend escape from the chaos of Tokyo.

You CANNOT leave this place without trying the black eggs!

They’re black because they’ve been infected with some rare strain of Bubonic Plague.

This local delicacy, kuro tamago (black eggs), is created by cooking chicken eggs in the sulphuric hot springs of Owakudani – a volcanic crater that was formed over 3,000 years ago.  

Apparently:

Legend says that eating just one black egg will extend your life by more than seven years.

To procure these little fountains of youth for yourself, just stop by Kurotama Shop , in Owakudani, for some of the best black eggs around!

***While many people tend to visit Hakone as part of a day trip from Tokyo, I would advise against this. I mean, it’s doable but it just makes for a really LONG, really RUSHED day. So, if you have the time, definitely stay overnight in Hakone and enjoy your visit at a more relaxed pace.***  

Hakone Tent (Budget) – If you’re looking for a unique hostel that is both reasonably priced and cozy, then this rustic guest house is for you. Once a Japanese ryokan in its former life, this building has long since been transformed into a comfortable, light, airy, and modern hostel that is just a stone’s throw away from Gora Station. Beds here sit inside six-person, single-sex dormitories, start at $30 per night and include tatami mats and futons. Private rooms with wood floors are also available here, as is WIFI, towels/sheets (for a fee), and access to an onsite cafe/bar. While staying at Hakone Tent, you’ll also get full access to their on-site, gender-segregated, hot spring facilities (Can I get a whoop, whoop? No? Okay, swiftly moving on).

Hakone Honbako (Mid-range) –   Set along a quiet, tree-lined street is  Honbako Honbako,  the hotel of your literary loving dreams. See, ’honbako’ literally means ‘bookcase’ in Japanese. Which is a perfect name for this boutique hotel since It is brimming over with books, books, and, oh yeah, more books! I mean, the library here is outfitted with floor-to-ceiling bookcases that contain more than 12,000 different titles. Add in comfortable, modern rooms (which start at $173 per night) with hardwood floors, spacious beds, private outdoor baths (with geothermal water), minifridges, and tea/coffee makers, and you have the perfect place to stay in Hakone. Breakfast is also included with the price of your stay, as is access to an on-site cinema and the hotel’s gender-segregated hot springs.

Some of the historic, Edo period houses that line the Nakasendo trail between Magome and Tsumago in Japan.

Why do I love Tsumago with my whole heart?

Because it’s basically like this perfect little, tiny AF village (it’s so small that you can literally walk from one end of town to the other, in about fifteen minutes flat), that feels like a total blast from the past.

And I mean that in the BEST possible way.

Because while you’re here, you’ll find no cars during the day, no phone lines, and no power cables.

You’ll discover a charming, Edo Era village that is overflowing with historic ambiance from the area’s wealth of traditional, dark-wood, lattice-front homes. All of which are particularly amazing at either dusk or dawn.

While you’re here though:

Also, be sure to visit the Tsumago Castle grounds for some amazing views of the city.

The castle itself was actually demolished hundreds of years ago, but the panoramas remain and are truly spectacular to behold.

And while the scenery here is truly next-level amazing:

You just cannot leave without visiting the Kotoku Temple , a traditional Buddhist temple built in 1500, and Wakihonjin, a charming history museum that showcases various artifacts from the area.

But enough about Tsumago’s ambiance already!

Because we need to talk about the REALLY important things in life…like FOOD (glorious food)!,

While I myself am not a meat eater, Tsumago is actually known for a traditional, local delicacy, that is supposedly a “must try” if you’re a real carnivore at heart.

Head on over to Ryokan Fujioto and enjoy some local beef, which is served inside a magnolia leaf and cooked right in front of you, on a table-side, hibachi grill.

Shimosagaya (Budget) – Nestled in the mountains, small, private rooms at this charming Minshuku (AKA family-owned guest house) all start at $63 per night. And while it’s a simple building, accommodations here are comfortable, quiet, and basically all things zen. Guests here can also enjoy some made to order, home-style, Japanese cuisine, as well as access to private, on-site hot springs, making this the perfect retreat for any weary solo traveler.

Hotel Green Plaza Karuizawa (mid-range) – Unlike the budget option above, this hotel has a more contemporary feel about it. It also sits adjacent to a trendy shopping mall and is just a short walk away from Karuizawa Toy Kingdom (A perfect place to visit if you’re missing the distinctly Western vibes of home). Rooms here also have casual decor and include wood-framed beds, as well as a traditional, Japanese-style dining area with tatami mats and short-legged tables. Breakfast and dinner are also included with the price of your room (they start at $168 per night), as is access to the hotel’s free train shuttle, indoor/outdoor bathhouses, a chapel, a tea room, and various on-site restaurants.

8. Hiroshima

Ask nine out of ten people about Hiroshima, and they will immediately think of August 6, 1945; that horrific day when this Japanese city became the site of the world’s very first atomic bomb attack.

In spite of this city’s devastatingly sad past, it has become a vibrant, cosmopolitan place that is brimming over with wonderfully beautiful messages of hope and peace.

As a solo traveler, you should definitely spend at least a few nights here, wandering through the area’s many idyllic, tree-lined boulevards and chatting with some of Hiroshima’s friendly, laid back locals.

No trip to Hiroshima would be complete without a visit to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

It’s a hauntingly beautiful, sprawling green space that is filled with various fountains, statues, memorials, and ruins, all of which stand in memoriam of the 146,000 people who tragically lost their lives on that fateful day.

And of particular note here is Genbaku Dome.

Once the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotional Hall (originally built in 1914), this abandoned building is now all that remains of the site where the first atomic bomb was dropped.

This edifice stands, exactly as it did after the bombing, as a powerful reminder of the devastating effects of nuclear weapons, and as a symbol of hope for a future that is free of this type of technology.

Hiroshima is also home to several other, slightly less, incredibly heartbreaking attractions, like the Shukkei-en Japanese garden, and Hiroshima Castle , a beautiful, historic fortress that was built in 1590 and that is surrounded by a moat.

And for some of the best eats in the city:

Head down to Hiroshima Station and explore downtown Hiroshima, where you can try everything from okonomiyaki (PSST: Okonomi-mura is the best place in the COUNTRY to try this s avory, Japanese-style pancake) to oysters (Yakigaki-no-hayashi is a great, local seafood restaurant where you enjoy some great udon sets as well as raw oysters) to Gelato (Okay, I know this isn’t a traditional Japanese food, but Polar Bear really is the best place to go for gloriously fresh and delicious gelato).

Hotel S-Plus Hiroshima Peace Park (Budget) –   Sitting near the Hiroshima Peace Park, (the clue’s in the name guys!), this well-located hotel has functional, single rooms that come fully equipped with WIFI, a TV, a mini-fridge, and a tea/coffeemaker. Starting at just $31 per night stays here also include a complimentary, continental breakfast, as well as access to, YOU GUESSED IT, a coin-operated laundry facility.

 Top Hiroshima Condominium 2 (Mid-Range) – This super snazzy hotel is less than three years old and is a mere 20-minute walk away from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (Which is good because the more you walk, the more calories you burn, and then the more you can eat! HOORAY!). Rooms here also start at $130 per night and include a private balcony (For prime city views here people), a queen-sized bed, a sofa, a TV, and a full kitchen, as well as an ensuite bathroom with free toiletries! Yup, nothing but the sweet, sweet, luxe life for me.  

9. Kanazawa

Beautiful Kanazawa Castle in Japan, amidst a sea of cherry blossoms.

Often nicknamed “ little Kyoto” (and for all the right reasons):

Kanazawa is jam-packed full of fun things to do, activities that you can easily add to any, Japan solo travel itinerary.

But, don’t just take my word for it.

I mean, Kanazawa Castle  and Kenroku-en Garden alone are considered to be some of the country’s top attractions!

Kanazawa isn’t JUST about iconic castles and ethereal green spaces.  

Walk through this city’s various Edo-era districts (like the Higashi Chaya district, which is where you’ll find many historic teahouses with geisha performances) and you’ll discover a multitude of fascinating museums (like the 21st Century Contemporary Art Museum ), ancient Japanese buildings (like Seisenkaku Villa), charming local markets (check out Omicho Ichiba Market , which is just as good as the one in Tokyo, only A LOT less crowded), historic temples (like Ninjadera with all its secret doors and hidden traps), and quaint little handicraft shops.  

And while we’re on the subject of markets:

Just around the corner from Omicho is Curio Espresso & Vintage Design , a great little coffee shop that sells fab espresso and delicious sandwiches.  

A trip here is absolutely ESSENTIAL to your overall wellbeing and happiness while in Kanazawa.

The owners here are SUPER friendly, and just an overall great source of local information about the city.

Sharin (Budget) – Complete with vintage bicycles out front, Sharin is just a 10-minute walk from Kanazawa Railway Station and offers guests easy access to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. And while this hotel does have several dormitories for you to stay in, there’s really no need. Because f or a mere $23 per night, you can have your very own, private room, complete with an uber-spacious double bed (Can you say bargain, party of one?). See, dreams really do come true!

Libre Hosai Kanazawa (mid-range) – You want space? Then I’ll give you space! 42m² of space to be exact! Because believe it or not, Libre Hosai Stay Kanazawa lets you rent out an entire apartment for just $132 per night. So, think private shower, a spacious bathtub, and a snazzy AF little kitchenette where you can pretend like you “cook”. Now THAT’S what I call the LUXE life indeed. This place also conveniently located just 800 meters away from Omi-cho Market and Oyama Shrine.

10. Koyasan

Tucked away, to the south of Osaka, is Koyasan, a huge Buddhist temple settlement that lies (both figuratively and literally) at the very heart of Japanese Buddhism.

More commonly known as Mount Kōya:

This small, secluded, temple town was first developed around the Shingon Buddhism headquarters here.

And lest you think I’ve started speaking in tongues:

Shingon Buddhism is actually an important sect of the religion that was first brought to Japan in 805 AD, by Kobo Daish.

You’ll find a wealth of Buddhist temples within this tranquil, heavily forested, mountain town, as well as the site of Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum and the start/endpoint for the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.

To really get the most out of your visit, I’d HIGHLY recommend doing an overnight stay in a local, Japanese Temple.  

Known in Japan as Shukubo, which literally translates to ‘sleeping with the monks’, this is a fantastic way for any solo traveler out there to really engage with Japanese culture and get an authentic, Japanese Buddhist experience.

Live the dream and feel free to eat, pray, and love your way through the day, just like a local monk.

And if you get a sudden attack of the late-night munchies:

Then stroll on over to Kameya for some udon noodles and seaweed in vinegar.

I pinkie promise, both of these dishes are absolutely TO DIE FOR!

Guesthouse Fuki Juku (Budget) –   Honestly, the location of Guesthouse Fuki Juki could not be any better since this place is literally SURROUNDED by local temples! There’s also a traditional Japanese garden on-site, as well as comfortable rooms that include both free Wifi and a delicious, complimentary, American-style breakfast. And while rooms here are a bit sparse (You’ll also have to use a shared bathroom, which I hate), it’s all good when you’re spending just $51 per night.

Yochi-in (Mid-range) – Yochi-in is the perfect place for visitors to engage in various, temple-related activities like meditation, morning prayers, sutra copying, and tracing of Buddhist deities. All Japanese-style rooms here also start at $143 per night and feature tatami (woven-straw) floors, futon bedding, a TV, fan, and heater. And while bathrooms are shared with other guests, the hotel’s central location more than makes up for this fact since this place is within easy walking distance of both Koyasan Reihokan Museum and Koyasan Choishimichi ( two must-see attractions while you’re in the area). Plus, their on-site restaurant really is the very definition of amazing.

A 7 Day, Japan Solo Travel Itinerary!

Use this 7 day Japan itinerary to explore some of Japan’s top attractions, like the Itsukushima Shrine pictured here.

So, per usual, I’m just gonna start by being totally honest here.

And honestly:

There is just no way in HELL that you’ll be able to see all of Japan in 7 days.

Yeah. Sorry, but it’s just not possible.

At least, not without totally burning yourself out or getting approximately NO sleep.

But, t hat being said:

Thanks to Japan’s nifty railway system/JR pass, there are still LOADS of different places that you can see during a 7 day Japan itinerary.

If you’re down and r eady to get started, then let’s start with the bustling city life of Japan’s one and only…Tokyo!

Toyko (3 Nights)

Day 1 – west tokyo.

I would recommend spending at least 4 nights in Tokyo, just so that you can really experience everything this city has to offer.

Remember before when I said that Tokyo was HUGE?

Well, I was NOT lying.  

Which is why 4 days in Tokyo is definitely ideal.

But, if you’re short on time:

Then two days is still a decent amount of time to spend in this city and it will help you get a feel for this amazing place.

To start your whirlwind trip through Tokyo, head to the famous Shibuya district.

Because once you’re here:

You’ll be able to cross the street, just outside of Shibuya Station, at one of the busiest intersections in the WORLD!

It’s beyond chaotic and crazy, but it’s also definitely all things Tokyo.

While you’re here, do try and visit some of the insanely quirky shops that can be found in this area.

A trip to the vibrant Harajuku neighborhood, which is brimming over with colorful street art, quirky vintage clothing stores, young people who are wearing only the FUNKIEST of fashions, and fun cosplay shops along Takeshita Street .

And while there are a ton of different things to see and do here:

No trip to Harajuku would be complete without stopping for a giant cotton candy at  Totti Candy Factory and visiting the world-famous, Meiji Shrine.

Don’t forget to do as the locals do and snap some pics in a local ‘Purikura.  AKA, a popular Japanese-style photo booth where you can take photos, decorate them as you like, and then print them off on sticker paper.

You should also probably stop by Kawaii Monster Café while you’re here, which is a wonderfully weird, themed cafe that features colorful, themed rooms, casual eats, fun cocktails, and regular, live performances.

Head back to the Metropolitan Government Building for an amazing FREE view of the city, but not before stopping at Ramen Road for a quick dinner.

Then finally:

Finish your evening off with a trip to Park Hyatt Tokyo, where you can create your very own ‘Lost in Translation’ moment.

You can always skip the serenity of the park and just straight up, live la vida loca at ’ Timeout ’ instead; a jazz/blues bar where the music never really stops.  

Because once the live music ends, that’s when the karaoke begins…

Day 2 – East Tokyo

On day two, you’ll see the more traditional side of Tokyo and visit Sensoji Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple in Asakusa.

We want ultra-modern yesterday.  

Let’s switch things up and go a bit more traditional today.

And the best place to do that?

Why East Tokyo of course! It’s a bit more historic and slightly less chaotic than the other side of the city.

Once you’re here, feel free to explore top, Tokyo attractions like Sensoji Temple (it’s the super famous, ancient Buddhist temple in Asakusa),   Tsukiji (there’s even a viewing area here for the popular tuna auction. LOL) and Toyosu Fish Markets and Ueno Park ’ s Museum District.

Now, once you’ve done ALL OF THAT:

Finish the day off on a more modern note in Akihabara, a Tokyo neighborhood that is known for its plethora of awesome arcade games.

You can also get some rather delicious ramen here, and enjoy some gorgeous, panoramic views from atop Tokyo Sky Tree (and sorry, but the views here are VERY un-free).

Day 3- Tokyo Day Trip To Mount Fuji or DisneySea

Today there are two different options available to you, depending on what you’re into.

Take a train from Tokyo Station to Hakone, for some beyond STELLAR views of Mount Fiji (The awesomeness of the views largely depends on the weather, so make sure that you visit on a nice, clear day).  

Along the way:

You should also visit the exquisite floating torii gate at Hakone shrine, explore the many walking trails here, and indulge your inner Jack Sparrow with a boat ride across the lake.

You could always go for option two and check out the iconic, DisneySea theme park ,

BEFORE you start violently screaming at me and throwing your laptop across the room in disgust, hear me out.

Because in truth:

DisneySea isn’t just ANY theme park. It’s actually one of the most lavish theme parks in the entire world.

Which is why it’s a super fun, super safe place for solo travelers to go.

It’s also strangely Japanese, making it at least a mildly cultural experience.

Locals adore it. Like, it’s a national treasure level adore it.

A day spent here will not only elevate your inner child to near euphoric states of happiness, but you’ll also get to experience a more modern side of Japanese culture.

Which is a total win-win, at least in my humble opinion.

***For the love of God and all that is HOLY, if you do decide to visit DisneySea, then do yourself a favor and PLEASE BUY YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE ! LIKE RIGHT NOW! Trust me on this. You do not want to get there, just to spend hours waiting in line for a ticket. This is a very un-fun way to solo travel Japan.*** 

Kyoto (3 Nights)

Day 4 – kyoto.

Is riding in a bullet train on your Japan bucket list?

Then prepare to tick that item right off your list. Because you’re about to jump aboard the Shinkansen and travel all the way to Kyoto.

If you can:

Try and catch an early morning train since the trip will take around two hours.

AND REMEMBER:

Be sure to sit on the right side of the train so that you can get that iconic shot of Mount Fiji!

While you may be tempted to rest after your early morning train ride, let’s be honest here.

You really DON’T have time for that.  

So, embrace the mildly exhausted explorer within and get out there!

If you’re not exactly sure where to start, then you can always try a walking tour , which is a great way to quickly and easily experience all that Kyoto has to offer..

If walking tours are SOOO NOT your thing, then you can always visit Nijo Castle and Kyoto Imperial Palace instead, both of which are incredibly impressive attractions(to say the very least).

And if you’re hungry:

Be sure to stop by both Nishiki Market and Pontocho Alley for some of the best food in the city.

Whatever you do though:

Do not leave without devouring an uber-yummy, ‘okonomiyaki’ pancake!

NOM, NOM, NOM.

Day 5 – East Kyoto

Beautiful Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto, Japan.

Like with Tokyo:

You could easily spend more than 3 days in Kyoto as you solo travel Japan.

With this Japan 7 day itinerary, you’ll easily be able to see most of Kyoto’s top attractions.

Start your day off right, with a visit to some of the city’s most spectacular shrines.

And while Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park are ALWAYS beautiful, they are exceptionally stunning during cherry blossom season and autumn, when you have the vibrant, fall foliage in the background.

You can always embrace your inner tourist instead (make sure to have those selfie sticks and fanny packs handy) and follow the popular “temple route” through Kyoto.

This path starts at Kiyomizudera Templ e , follows a GIANT, straight-line through the foothills of Kyoto’s Higashiyama Mountains, and takes you to some of the most stunning temples in the area .

And once you’re totally templed out:

Head to Kyoto’s Gion district for some evening Geisha spotting (PSST: Kyoto also has a seriously awesome night walk through picturesque Gion, Kyoto’s geisha district. But the best part? This tour costs only $12 per person! Yup, money well spent as you learn all about kimonos and the unique history of geishas)!

You could even p artake in a traditional tea ceremony or have dinner at Sukemasa, which is known for serving some of the BEST gyozas in Japan!

Day 6 – Kyoto West

It’s time to head west and visit the city’s famous Arashiyama and Sagano districts.  

And I know it sounds totally weird:

But, you MUST start your day with a 7-Eleven egg breakfast sandwich.

Because yes:

They really are THAT good!

Once the HANGRY beast within is properly satiated:

Head to the Arashiyama Monkey Forest.

You REALLY will want to get here EXTRA early, just to avoid the crowds.  

Because this ultra-famous bamboo grove really is a total tourist hotspot.

But, if you’re someone who is prone to crowd phobia:

Then you can always visit Okochi Sanso Villa and Jojakkoji Temple instead, both of which are great off-the-beaten-path attractions.

If this is your first solo trip to Japan, then you may want to stick with some of the area’s more well-known attractions.

End your day at Fushimi Inari Shrine, which features over 4 kilometers of winding walking paths that are filled with quaint AF torii gates.  

This is definitely one of Japan’s most popular attractions (AKA crowded as hell), but so beautiful and totally worth a visit.

Try and arrive around dusk so that you can experience the beautiful sunset amidst slightly less enormous hordes of tourists.

Day 7 – Leave Kyoto and Head Home

I f you can afford it:

Save yourself some time and fly home from Kansai International Airport in Osaka and not Narita or Haneda in Tokyo.

This airport is infinitely closer to you and will help you maximize your short time in Japan.

If this option isn’t cost-effective, then you can always explore the local food and shopping scene right around Osaka Station, before boarding your train to Tokyo

The train ride takes AT LEAST two and a half hours.  

And once you do arrive in Tokyo:

You’ll want to give yourself plenty of time since it will take you about an hour to get from the train station to Narita Airport when using the Narita Express (tickets also cost about $36 per person).

Conversely:

If you’re flying out of Haneda Airport, you could always take the Keihin-Tōhoku Line of the subway, towards Kamata, and then transfer to the Airport Monorail at Hamamatsuchō Station.

It should take you about thirty minutes to get from Tokyo Station to Haneda Airport.

And there you have it!

You have just concluded your awesome, chaotic, whirlwind, once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan.

BRAVO (insert copious amounts of jazz hands here)!

AND NOW…SOME FINAL THOUGHTS ON SOLO TRAVEL IN JAPAN (JERRY SPRINGER, EAT YOUR HEART OUT!)

So while this Japan solo travel guide is basically OVER, there are just a few more things I want to remind you of, before we say a fond farewell.

First rule of Japan solo travel? Always book your hotels WELL IN ADVANCE since accommodations tend to fill up CRAZY QUICKLY!

Do NOT, I repeat, DO NOT wait until the last minute to book all of your hotels.I know you may think that you’ll score some wicked awesome, last-minute hotel deals.

But I promise you won’t. In fact:

Do this and you’ll have a hard time finding ANYWHERE to stay. Like at all. Especially during peak travel seasons.

Okay, now it’s time for some good news!

Because SURPRISE! The power outlets in Japan are EXACTLY the same as the ones in North America.

No need to add any annoying power adapters to your Japan packing list!

Oh, and if you’re a theme park addict, you’ll definitely want to book your tickets to Disneyland Tokyo and Universal Studios (featuring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, for all my fellow Potterheads out there!), WELL in advance.  

You’ll also want to do a bit of research and look at some crowd calendars on Google, just to figure out what time and day to visit (And since you’re alone, feel free to skip all of those ridiculously long lines and just hop on the single rider line instead).

Alright cool kids:

That’s enough from me! I am so blowing this popsicle stand of solo travel awesome.

In all seriousness, that really is all she wrote!

So, until next time:

Continue to live the solo travel dream like the TOTAL rockstar that I know you are!

Micamyx|Senyorita

Saturday 11th of January 2020

Solo Travelers who will come across this post are lucky! So comprehensive!

I've been to Japan twice - Tokyo in 2014 to visit my best friend who was based there at that time and Nagoya side in 2015. I plan to go back this year to do a bit of solo backpacking. This is a good guide. Cheers!

girlwiththepassport

Monday 13th of January 2020

Thanks so much for reading Mica and have an AMAZING trip!

Just waiting for the Olympics year to end so I can visit Japan! Super handy and detailed post and as always I love your small details! Super curious to try out these black eggs for which I had never heard anything!!

YES! When you get to Hakone give them a try and let me know what you think. Thanks for reading!

This was so helpful + informative! I’m planning to visit Japan solo soon so this was amazing to read!

So happy to hear that and thank you so much for reading!

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

Solo Travel Japan: 32 Tips You Need to Know

April 2, 2018 by Janice Waugh

Walking through the vermillion Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine is considered purifying to Buddhists.

Japan is a beautiful, welcoming, friendly country. It's also quite different from any country I've visited. Before I start sharing the tales of my 10-day trip there, I want to give you my top tips for traveling solo to Japan.

Japan is actually quite an easy country for travelers. People line up for things. Trains run on time. And there is just enough English on signs and in announcements to help you get by.

But that doesn't mean that navigation is easy or that what the Japanese consider to be good manners are obvious to the traveler from abroad. That's why I've put together this information on traveling in Japan.

With just 10 days experience, I cannot say that this post is comprehensive. I'm sure that many readers, in their Japan travels, have noticed differences from other countries that could be shared in the form of more tips for travelers who are yet to go.

Please leave your tips in the comments.

Inokashira Park in Kichijoji, Tokyo.

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Table of Contents

Tips for Traveling Solo in Japan

• Have cash . Everything I had read said that Japan is a cash society. I found that many places take credit cards including the hostels and ryokans where I stayed, 7-Elevens that are everywhere and many restaurants. While I used my credit card a lot, having cash was an imperative. In 10 days I spent about US$300 in cash.
• Watch on your right when crossing . Cars drive on the left in Japan. However, foot traffic is sometimes on the left and other times on the right. Escalators were consistently on the left and then, I found an exception in Tokyo when it was on the right. Default to the left but be prepared to be wrong.
• Shoes are for the street . If you see slippers at the entrance of a building you are expected to take your shoes off and put slippers on. At every point along the way, should you see slippers you repeat the process. For example, when you go to a Ryokan you will leave your shoes at the door change into the slippers provided and go to your room. You'll leave these slippers at the entrance of your room and use socks or bare feet in the room. When you go to the bathroom, you'll find another pair of bathroom slippers that are only used there. If the bathroom is down the hall you will put the house slippers on as you leave your room, walk to the bathroom and change to the bathroom slippers, then change back to the house slippers as you leave and then leave the house slippers at the entrance to your room.
• Toilets are interesting in Japan . Yes, enter a cubicle and the sound of a gentle waterfall and birds will typically start playing. Sit down and you'll often find the seat to be heated. A control panel will let you turn off the sound and, in women’s washrooms, give you a variety of bidet options. You'll have two or three spray options and often be able to control the intensity of the spray. There is also toilet paper. Many public toilets do not have paper towels or blow dryers for you hands. People often carry a small facecloth with them for this purpose.
• A culture of public baths. There are thousands of natural hot springs all over Japan. These are called onsens and are used as public baths. When you arrive at one, you strip down (everyone is naked in an onsen)  soap up and wash down completely and only then enter the pool (or pools). I’ll be giving you a more detailed article on onsens soon. They are a Japanese experience not to be missed. Read  How to Onsen: The Naked Truth About Japan’s Best Cultural Experience
• Juicing up . Power outlets are the same as in North America so if that's where you're from you don't need an adapter.
• Don't assume that a taxi driver or anyone will speak English. Whenever possible, get your logistical information, hotel name, address and telephone number, written in Japanese for you.
• There’s more English than I expected. Train station names are written in Japanese and English scripts. The essential announcements on trains and subways are also made in English.
• Chain hotels can be a huge help . If in doubt, go to a large hotel for assistance where there will most certainly be English spoken. I went to the Shangi-La in Tokyo when I first arrived to get help finding my hostel. I was carrying a backpack and yet this high-end hotel treated me very well. They wrote the coordinates for my hotel on a card in Japanese and got me a taxi.
• Miss your pet? If you miss your pet or simply want some quiet time, try a cat cafe. There are also owl cafes (with real owls on hand) and dog cafes. Pay approximately 1300 yen per hour for a drink and the pleasure of sitting with the animals.

The Shinkansen, also known as the bullet train, takes you from Tokyo to Kyoto in under 3 hours. If you're going in that direction, sit on the right side of the train for a view of Mount Fuji on a clear day.

Solo Travel Japan: How to Get Around by Train and Metro

Traveling solo in Japan, with just enough English on the signs, takes patience. Here's what you need to know.

• The Monorail connects to the subway system to take you anywhere in the city.
• The Keikyu Line goes into central Tokyo. Get off at Takaracho Station and you're close to Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel  where I stayed.
• Bus to Tokyo Station and other points . At arrivals there is a very obvious bus ticket counter on the left. I bought my ticket to Tokyo Station for 1,000 yen. Cdn$12.
• Taxis . Taxis are available but expensive. It seemed to me that 20 minutes in a taxi cost about ¥2,000 in both Tokyo and Kyoto. You can use Google maps to estimate the length of your trip. Make sure that you have your destination written in Japanese on a piece of paper, as drivers will not necessarily speak English or read western script.
• Buy your JR Rail Pass voucher before you go . Rule of thumb is that if you are taking more than one train trip it is worth it.
• Trade your voucher for your JR Rail Pass . Go to ticket office at train station. There will be a wicket specifically for getting your JR voucher turned into a pass.
• Get your train ticket. Once you have the pass you need to go to a regular wicket to get a ticket for your train. Note: If you're taking the train from Tokyo to Kyoto, ask for seat on right side of train for view of Mount Fuji. On left in opposite direction.
• Plan ahead.  When you arrive at your destination, go to the ticket office to get your next train ticket so that you get a reserved seat and don't miss out should you want to travel on a particularly busy day. This is important on weekends.
• The information on your ticket . Your ticket indicates your train number, car number and seat number.
• Matching your ticket with the platform . Find the platform for your train number by looking at the digital signs or asking an agent of which there are many. Be mindful that the next train to your platform may not be your train. Look for the electronic signs indicating the number of the next train to come so you'll know when your train has arrived. Once your train is next, look for where you should stand on the platform for your car number. They also have signs indicating where your car number will stop along the platform. Wait at the entrance for your car number. When it's arrives, enter and you'll easily find your seat.
• Listen to the announcements . Announcements on the train are in English as well so you don't need to worry about missing your stop. They also tell you what side of the train you'll disembark on.
• Smoking permitted in designated areas . The Shinkansen train has smoking rooms on certain cars and food trolleys. Not all regional trains have either.
• Your JR Pass and city travel . There are times when you'll transfer to a JR Train to get to your destination outside a city. You can usually use your JR Pass for this and save on your metro costs.
• A transit card . You can get a transit card in just about any city. The ICOCA card for Kyoto costs ¥2,000 or about Cdn$12/US$10. You can buy it from a ticket machine. ¥500 is a deposit on the card which you can get back from a kiosk along with any balance before leaving the city. My research says that you can use it in Tokyo as well however you cannot cash in the card in that city.
• A day pass . Depending on your plans a 24-hour day pass can be a good idea. In Tokyo be careful as there are two  Metro companies. A day pass for the Tokyo Metro is 600 yen. For the Tokyo and Toei subways the price is 900 yen.
• Pay per trip . Buy your ticket at every station based on your destination. The farther you go, the more you'll pay.
• Ticket machines offer English . There is a button in the upper right corner of the display that will turn the information into English. There is an image of the metro near the ticket machines. Look for your destination station and the price of your ticket will be marked in a circle. Buy your ticket for that amount.
• Using the transit card.  Because you pay for your ride based on distance you need to tap in at your starting point and tap out when you leave the subway. The balance remaining on your card will show every time you tap.

If you're buying a single-fare ticket, look on the map for your destination station and the map will indicate the value of the ticket you need to buy. 170 means you buy a ticket worth 170 yen.

I was really happy with the Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel as well as its location.

Accommodation for Solo Travelers: Japanese Ryokan and Hostels

Naturally, all the major hotel chains in the world are present in Japan. However, there are many more local accommodation experiences that are well worth it.

• the “agari-kamachi” (after opening the door guests step into this small area and take off their shoes)
• “shoji” (sliding paper doors) which separates the agari-kamachi from the room
• “tatami” mat flooring (reed floor matting)
• low wooden tables
• “zabuton” (sitting cushions)
• futon (sleeping quilts)
• a “tokonoma” (an ornamental alcove built into the wall used for placing flower vases and hanging scrolls)
• an “oshiire” (a closet for futon sleeping quilts)
• an “engawa” (a glass enclosed sitting area separated from the room by a shoji)
• Hostels . I also stayed in two hostels, Hostel Niniroom  in Kyoto and Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel  in Tokyo. Both were less that six months old which I chose just by chance. Both were beautifully designed with very private bunks with blackout curtains. Security is fine with both requiring codes to enter the rooms. In each case the cost was about Cdn$50. I was very happy with my choice. Excellent value!

Sushi is an option in most places but it is not in every restaurant. It's not as common as I expected.

Tips on How and What to Eat in Japan

I expected to love Japanese food and discovered that, for me, eating was a challenge. First, I eat fish but not meat and, despite being an island, the Japanese eat a lot of meat. If you eat meat, especially beef, you'll be in heaven.

• Sushi is available . I expected to eat so much great sushi but I only had it twice. It was wonderful but  sushi restaurants aren’t found everywhere as I expected they would be.
• Picture your meal . Pictures are available outside restaurants and on menus as well, so if you are without a food allergy or a preference like vegetarianism, it's easy to choose and to order.
• Buddah bowls . You'll often find restaurants serve rice bowls with any variety of vegetables and protein on top whether that be meat, seafood or tofu.
• There is a coffee culture . I found cafes everywhere and the coffee was quite good.
• Grocery stores.  The fruit and vegetables in stores were, for me, unfamiliar, large, very brightly colored and frequently vacuum-packed in a liquid. It was strange and worried me a bit. With all information written in Japanese and no one who could explain things to me, I found myself paralyzed in the grocery stores. I'm embarrassed to say that on one occasion I walked out with a small jar of peanut butter and bananas for dinner.
• Looking for something special. Just like at home, you'll find restaurant reviews online.
• A wet towel will be provided to wash your hands before your meal. Use it then fold it neatly and leave it beside your place.
• Take food from the serving bowl and add to your own bowl.
• Sushi is eaten in one bit. Don't use too much soy sauce or wasabi as it might insult the sushi chef.
• Hold bowls in one hand, chopsticks in the other.
• It is good manners to eat everything on your plate to the last grain of rice.
• When you've finished return all dishes to how you received them with lids on, etc. Place your chopsticks back on the chopstick rest.

Toyama City Sato Memorial Museum in Toyama Castle Park. This was my destination for a day trip I took from Takayama.

For more on Solo Travel in Japan travel read:

• Omotenashi: Japan is Welcoming for Solo Travelers
• Japan Solo: Trip Planning Resources, Itinerary and Budget
• Solo Travel Destination: Nara, Japan
• Solo Travel Destination: Kyoto, Japan
• Solo Travel Destination: Furano & Nakafurano, Japan

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Editor Tracey: tracey @ solotravelerworld.com

Sales Simon: simon @ solotravelerworld.com

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

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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Japan for Solo Travelers: Tokyo, Mt. Fuji & Kyoto

3.4 out of 5 stars

You have up to 60 days to get a full refund

Feel good about putting a tour on the calendar today: Enroll in AutoPay or pay in full when you book, and if you change your mind,  you’ll get your money back .†

Get to know Japan in one deeply immersive week.

Japan dazzles with its natural beauty, rich history, and distinctive cuisine. For many solo travelers, navigating the country’s language and social etiquette alone can feel overwhelming. But on this journey, you’ll spend a week exploring with other solo travelers, and an expert Tour Director who will guide you from bustling Tokyo to majestic Mount Fuji to utterly charming Kyoto. Along the way, you’ll get to know Japanese culture—and your fellow travelers—through cooking classes and other immersive experiences. If you’ve got the time, continue on to Kobe, your bayside base for scenic drives, sake tastings, and excursions to historic Himeji Castle and Hiroshima.

Your tour package includes

• 7 nights in a private room at handpicked hotels
• 7 breakfasts
• 4 dinners with beer or wine
• 1 sake tasting
• 1 food tasting

Included highlights

• Sushi tasting at Tokyo’s Tsukiji fish market
• Japanese cooking class & dinner
• Kappabashi Street kitchenware market in Tokyo
• Tokyo’s dynamic Shibuya and Harajuku areas
• Iyashi no Sato open-air museum and craft workshop

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

Day-by-day itinerary

Board your overnight flight to Tokyo today.

Welcome to Japan! Settle in to your hotel. Then, gather with your Tour Director and fellow group members at a mixer before enjoying a welcome dinner.

Join a local guide and embark on an immersive tour of Tokyo, Japan’s bustling capital. Ancient shrines and temples, peaceful parks, and modern skyscrapers make up the tapestry of the city, which is home to nearly 14 million people.

• Walk through Tsukiji fish market, whose historic lanes and alleys are chock-full of sushi shops, ramen stalls, tea vendors, and more.
• Learn about Japan’s seafood heritage, and visit a vendor’s stall to sample fresh sushi  (vegetarian option available).
• View Tokyo’s iconic Shibuya Crossing—the world’s largest, with as many as 3,000 pedestrians passing through the busy intersection at a time—as you drive through the center of the city.
• Set off on a short walk, from Yoyogi Park—one of Tokyo’s largest, with lawns, ponds, and forested areas—to Meiji Jingu shrine, the final resting place of Japan’s Emperor Meiji, under whose reign Japan became a major power in the modern world.
• Stroll through the lively Harajuku neighborhood, which is known for its colorful street art, youthful fashion trends, and cosplay culture.

Tonight, join an experienced chef at a local restaurant for a cooking lesson and dinner.

• Tie on your apron and watch as the chef demonstrates how to make traditional Japanese dishes.
• Try your hand at crafting your own authentic meal.
• Sit down to enjoy the meal you’ve made.

Set out with your Tour Director to explore two prominent Tokyo neighborhoods: Ueno—a lively district teeming with museums and shops and home to a popular namesake park—and Asakusa, which is known for its Old Tokyo atmosphere.

• Learn about the history of pagodas and shrines in Ueno Park, a large public park in Tokyo’s northeastern Ueno district that’s known for its many museums and cherry trees.
• Walk to Ameya Yochoko (or Ameyoko for short), a busy market street, and enjoy free time to visit its shops and open-air stalls.
• Make your way by coach to the Asakusa district, and peruse Kappabashi Street, which is commonly referred to as Kitchen Town thanks to its more than 170 shops specializing in high-quality kitchenware, such as chopsticks and knives.
• Enter Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple—and, with its five-story pagoda and red-and-white facade, one of the most photographed, too.

Spend a free evening in the city or add an excursion.

Tokyo Dinner & Karaoke

From $105 per person

Depart for the north side of Mount Fuji to spend the day exploring with your Tour Director.

• Step back in time with a visit to Iyashi no Sato, an open-air museum and craft village on the western shores of Lake Saiko.
• Explore some of the village’s 20-plus houses, many of which have been converted into shops, galleries, and museums that highlight Japanese handicrafts, culture, and traditions.
• Take part in an interactive craft workshop.

Next, continue to one of Japan’s most breathtaking natural icons, the 12,388-foot-high Mount Fuji.

• Pass through the Aokigahara Forest, whose lush foliage has earned it the nickname “The Sea of Trees.”
• Enjoy free time to snap photos of Mount Fuji’s famous, snow-capped peak and to explore the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station, a popular basecamp for hikers and climbers that’s located about halfway up the mountain’s northern slopes.
• Admire stunning panoramic views of nearby villages and the picturesque Fuji Five Lakes region.

Continue on to your hotel and enjoy an included dinner this evening.

Please note: We recommend wearing warm layers, as temperatures at Mount Fuji will be much lower than in Tokyo or Kyoto. Depending upon the weather, the sightseeing of Mount Fuji's 5th Station may be moved to the morning of Day 6 or replaced with a different viewpoint.

Spend this morning exploring otherworldly, underground scenery and learning about the natural wonders of the area.

• Follow your Tour Director on a short hiking tour of Narusawa Ice Cave, a frozen, subterranean lava tube located in the heart of the Aokigahara Forest at the base of Mount Fuji.
• Learn how the ninth-century eruption of Mount Nagao—a volcano whose eruptions helped shape Mount Fuji—formed the cave.
• Find out how the chilly cave once naturally refrigerated and preserved silkworm cocoons used for weaving.

Please note: Visiting Narusawa Ice Cave requires travelers to walk over uneven terrain, up many stairs, and under low overhangs. Travelers who don’t feel comfortable navigating these surfaces have the option to sit out the experience.

This afternoon, board a high-speed bullet train to Kyoto.

Join a local guide on a tour of Kyoto, the city that served as Japan’s capital for more than 1,000 years and is still considered its spiritual capital.

• Start in western Kyoto’s historic Arashiyama district, which is known for its temples, shrines, and stunning natural beauty.
• Step inside the UNESCO-listed Tenryū-ji temple, which was originally constructed in the 12th century and is considered one of Kyoto’s most important sites.
• Wander through the famous and photogenic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, whose towering, 160-foot-tall bamboo stalks flank a singular pathway.
• Take in views of the rolling, tree-covered hills that surround the Hozu River.
• Cross the wooden Togetsukyo Bridge, which was originally built more than 1,200 years ago and stretches nearly 170 feet across a river that’s known as the Hozu to the west and the Katsura to the east.
• See the famous, 14th-century Kinkaku-ji temple, widely known as the Golden Pavilion, which sits at the edge of a tranquil reflecting pond and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Enjoy a free afternoon in Kyoto or add an excursion.

Nara: Traditions of Japan

From $89 per person

Spend a free day in Kyoto or add an excursion.

Tonight, join your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner in Kyoto. You’ll enjoy a sake tasting, as well as a traditional hot pot meal, served family style and with beer or wine.

Fushimi Inari Walking Tour & Tea Ceremony

From $95 per person

Enjoy a final free morning in Kyoto before transferring to the airport for your flight home, or extend your stay and explore the city of Kobe.

Today, head to Kobe. Meet your local guide for a tour of the city, which boasts a picturesque harbor framed by mountains and is known around the world for its premium, marbled beef.

• Drive along the waterfront and view bright-red Kobe Port Tower, a sightseeing tower that was designed in the 1960s to resemble an hourglass-shaped Japanese drum.
• Hear about the Kobe foreign concession, one of five Japanese ports where Western traders lived following the forced economic opening of Japan in the late 1800s.
• Visit a sake museum—housed in an old sake brewery—where you’ll learn about the tradition of sake making and taste three types of the fermented rice alcohol.
• Learn about Kobe’s Nada district, which is Japan’s top sake-producing region thanks to the availability of high-quality rice and water and favorable weather conditions.

Enjoy a free evening in Kobe or add an excursion.

Kobe Beef Dinner

From $119 per person

Board a high-speed bullet train to Hiroshima and get to know the “City of Peace” on today’s guided sightseeing tour.

• Visit Peace Memorial Park to see the Atomic Bomb Dome, which was built in 1915 as an exhibition space and, just 30 years later, was the only structure to withstand the U.S.’s infamous atomic bombing of the city during World War II.
• Enter the Peace Memorial Museum, which displays belongings left behind by bombing victims, as well as photos and other materials that convey the horror of the event.
• Take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island to view the 12th-century, UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine, a shinto shrine known for its “floating” orange torii gate.

Return to Kobe by high-speed bullet train and spend a free evening in the city.

Enjoy a free day in Kobe or add an excursion.

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

A Day in Himeji

From $139 per person

Transfer to Osaka airport and board your flight home.

Book for just $99 down

That’s all it takes to secure your spot on tour with AutoPay. Then, pay for your trip in interest-free, monthly installments.†

Overall rating 3.4 out of 5

4 out of 5 stars

Need more structure and more detail on places we are visiting

5 out of 5 stars

Awesome contrast between their city builds and the amount of countryside they've preserved on an island!!!! I would retract my suggestion about having a taxi chit for that final airport arrival because, upon reflection, that would be a cold way to arrive, i.e. one more vendor who doesn't give a ri...

Joi, thank you so much for your review. Your detai...

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Hotels, flights & FAQ

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This comfortable hotel is located in Mishima with spectacular views of Mt. Fuji. Guests enjoy the top floor communal bath, bike rentals, and sun terra...

This boutique hotel is located the vibrant Sanjo district of Kyoto. Guests enjoy the thoughtfully designed décor, on-site restaurant, and the 1867 bar...

This modern hotel is located in the heart of Kobe City. Guests enjoy the indoor pool, fitness center, and 8 dining options including world famous Kobe...

• Round-trip flight for your tour
• Airport transfers at your destination
• A great price locked in today
• 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
• Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
• Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
• Find out more about flights
• In order to enter Japan, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of return.
• We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
• If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact Japan’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
• You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code JP6.
• You will walk for about 2.5 hours daily across mostly flat terrain, including paved roads and gravel paths, with few hills. You may need to climb stairs when visiting temples.
• Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
• You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of trains and small boats.
• Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
• If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
• Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Tokyo and depart from Osaka. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
• Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
• A high-speed train transfer from Odawara to Kyoto is included in the price of your tour. (The tour extension also includes a round-trip, high-speed train ride between Kobe and Hiroshima.)
• All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
• Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
• Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
• Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
• Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
• You will need a small overnight bag (such as your carry-on bag) for your stay in the Mount Fuji region. Your luggage will be transferred for you from Tokyo to Kyoto directly.
• We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
• A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
• You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
• It is preferable not to visit temples or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
• At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov .
• If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
• If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
• Most Japanese meals are based around rice or noodles with fish, meat, and vegetables flavored with soy sauce and miso. You may recognize popular dishes, like sushi, tempura, and hot pot.
• Japan operates on 100 volts and uses a Type A plug, the same as in the U.S.
• The strength of the air conditioning in Asian hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what one might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
• Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
• Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
• There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
• Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
• Japan is 13 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
• When it’s noon in New York, it’s 1am on the following day in Japan.
• You will use the Japanese yen in Japan.
• Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
• We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
• You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
• Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
• International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
• At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
• We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
• If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
• Tips can only be paid in cash.
• Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
• Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
• Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
• Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.

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A Custom Japan Tour for Solo Travelers

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• Trip Overview

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Countries Visited

Places visited, suggested duration, customizable itinerary, kyoto – welcome to japan.

Your plane touches down at Kansai International Airport. Your guide meets you there and presents you with your custom guidebook and itinerary. You transfer to your Kyoto hotel by private van. After time to freshen up, your guide takes you to dinner at a local restaurant. Though some of the items on your plate are new to you, expect authentic Japanese comfort food for your first meal in Japan. It is a perfect way to end a day of international travel.

What's Included:

Kyoto – Ancient Traditions and Fine Dining

Kyoto is the birthplace of Japanese culture. For over 1,000 years, the city was Japan’s capital. Home to seventeen UNESCO World Heritage Sites, expect your guide to take you to the best, all while avoiding the tourist crowds. For an early morning excursion, there is no better site than Kinkaku-ji, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. As the soft light of dawn reflects off the temple’s gold leaf surface, you’re transported back centuries past, when only nobility was allowed to gaze upon its beauty.

Across Kyoto is Kyomizu-dera, a Buddhist temple with panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains. The view is dazzling in the fall, as Japan’s foliage rivals that found in the American Northeast. As you visit Kyomizu-dera and other sites around the city, your guide can show you around, or disappear into the background as you explore with the help of your guidebook.

If you wish to dive further into the past, your guide can arrange a day trip to Nara, Japan’s first capital. In the city’s center is Todai-ji, a 1,200-year temple that is also the largest wooden building in the world. Inside is the Daibutsu , a 49-foot high bronze Buddha that has looked out over Nara Park since 753. Standing at its feet, feel the same sense of awe that has come over visitors for the last 20 generations. While in Nara, become friends with the wild deer, considered sacred in Japan’s Shinto religion.

For foodies in your group, Kyoto features some of the finest cuisines in Japan. Centuries ago, kaiseki ryori was prepared only for royalty. Kaiseki ryori is defined by its focus on artistic presentation as well as taste. Expect the dinner of a lifetime as waiters bring you a series of small, intricately crafted dishes.

During one of your two evenings in Kyoto, experience a traditional tea ceremony led by geisha. Even in the 21st-century, geisha practices are still very much alive, as many young women choose to become apprentices. Though it seems effortless to observers, years of practice are required to perform the geisha’s ancient dances and rituals.

Kanazawa – Making and Eating Art

This morning, you leave Kyoto behind and travel by express train to Kanazawa, Japan’s seafood jewel on the Sea of Japan. For centuries, Kanazawa has been home to some of the country’s best artisans. When you arrive around lunchtime, you have your choice of specialized classes in lacquerware decoration, gold leaf gilding, or calligraphy. Expect an engaging lesson that results in a handmade souvenir.

For nature lovers, Kanrokuen Garden is one of the finest in the city. Feel at harmony with nature as you walk among the exquisitely maintained landscape. At the garden’s teahouse, enjoy green tea as you look out over the peaceful lakes and trees. If you wish, your guide can arrange a picnic lunch to enhance your experience.

Kanazawa is also home to one of the most well-preserved districts of samurai homes in Japan. Walk in the footsteps of these famous warriors as you explore what were once their homes. Just outside this district is another preserved area featuring shops, cafés, and restaurants.

Your day in Kanazawa ends with a sushi feast. As you sit at the bar, you watch your chef prepare a delectable assortment of fine sushi. When you take each bite, close your eyes to savor the faint taste of the ocean, the hallmark of the finest Japanese sushi. After dinner, check into your western-style hotel in Kanazawa.

Takayama – The Past and Present Intertwined

After breakfast, you depart Kanazawa by train. Unlike the day before, this train travels much more slowly. It has to, as today you travel deep into the isolated, mountainous areas of central Japan. Though the journey takes a few hours, the time flies by. The nature scenes outside your window turn primordial, and it genuinely feels that you are traveling back in time.

Your first stop is Shirakawago, a city where residents live in a combination of past and present. From the outside, Shirakawago has changed little in the last 300 years. The gassho-zukuri thatched roof houses have been built the same way by generations of residents. Arrive on the right day and you may witness one being erected. In many ways, it resembles an Amish barn raising, the whole town chipping in their time and labor.

While in Shirakawago, meet the locals and even have lunch in one of their homes. Expect a home cooked meal with rice and vegetables grown right in the valley. After eating, explore the city’s silk museum. Up until the 20th-century, many of Shirakawago’s residents raised silkworms to supplement their incomes from farming. Learn all about the intensive work required to raise these notoriously fussy insects.

Takayama is only a short ride away from Shirakawago. Nestled in a valley surrounded by the Japanese Alps, Takayama’s old town is one of the largest in Japan. When you arrive, your guide arranges a rickshaw ride so you can explore the city in style and comfort. During your tour, stop at one of a variety of sites including a sake brewery or furniture factory. No matter which you choose, you witness the care and dedication Japanese craftsmen put into their work.

This evening, indulge in Hida beef, known worldwide for its fine marbling. Excellent grilled, it also goes well as part of a sukiyaki or shabu-shabu stew. There is also raw Hida beef sushi that you may sample. No matter how you eat Hida beef, it will amaze your palate.

This evening your hotel features views of the Takayama Valley and onsen baths excellent for relaxing sore muscles and feet.

Yudanaka – Pure Relaxation

After breakfast, you are out touring Takayama’s morning market, where farmers and artisans appear every day to sell their wares. Pick up a souvenir or snack for the day ahead before boarding a bus or private car to Yudanaka, During the three-hour journey, soak in the scenery as your car winds its way through mountain passes.

Arriving in Yudanaka, your first activity is a short nature walk with a unique destination. For thousands of years, local macaque monkeys have enjoyed the area’s hot onsen baths just as much as the local people. Though wild animals, it is safe to observe them from a distance as they soak in the warm waters.

Checking into your traditional ryokan inn in mid-afternoon, use your free time to relax in one or more or your inn’s many onsen baths. No matter which tub or bath you choose, expect tranquil views of nature to enhance your experience.

After your bath, wrap yourself in a yukata robe and settle into your tatami mat room. Hotel attendants arrive with your dinner, a multi-course meal featuring meat and vegetables from across the prefecture. After your dinner, the attendants return to collect your dishes and lay futons for a good night’s sleep.

Tokyo – A City of Infinite Possibilities

Today you head to Tokyo by Shinkansen, one of the fastest trains on Earth. The Japanese countryside flies by at nearly 200 miles per hour as you relax in comfort. To be ready for an afternoon and evening out on the town, upgrade your seat to one in the Green Car, where a larger seat and personalized service await.

Twenty minutes before arrival, the scenery changes from rice fields to Tokyo’s suburbs. Tokyo is a city that seems to stretch on to infinity, and you feel enveloped in it when you arrive at Ueno Station, bustling no matter the hour of the day. Your bags are sent on ahead to your city center hotel for the next three nights as you step into Ueno Park, home to some of the city’s best museums and nature scenes. Spend the afternoon admiring great masterpieces, or stroll alongside the water lilies.

Of course, how you spend your time in Tokyo is completely up to you. For fans of Japanese technology or anime , take a private tour of Akihabara, Japan’s anime Mecca featuring classic video games, manga comics, and legions of enthusiastic fans. There is also the Ginza district, where the finest brands have their flagship stores.

If you come to Japan at the right time, your guide can arrange an experience that makes Tokyo feel like a second home. Each year, matsuri festivals occur through the city featuring dancing and parades. If you wish, take part in one of these festivals, helping to carry the portable mikoshi shrine on your shoulders as you make your way through the city’s back streets.

Another option during your time in Tokyo is to take a day trip to Nikko, the burial place of Japan’s shoguns. Once a place where only the samurai could tread, walk on stone paths that reveal some of the most ornate temples and shrines in all of Japan. Though 350 years have passed since they were first constructed, the temples still relay the powerful authority and influence the shoguns once held over Japan.

As your time in Tokyo winds down, there is one last treat in store. As Tokyo is home to more Michelin star restaurants than any other city on Earth, have your last dinner in Japan at one of these fine-dining establishments. Indulge in Japanese or any other cuisine you wish, giving you the chance to reflect not only on the meal but the memories you have made over the last nine days.

Tokyo – Until Next Time

This morning your time in Japan comes to an end. After breakfast, your guide escorts you to the Narita Express train that takes you to Narita International Airport. During your journey home, you realize that though you have seen and done so much, so much of Japan is still unexplored. You know that you will return. The only question is when.

Trip Highlights

• Spend nights in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese Inn that also has onsen, hot springs
• Sample the finest sushi in Kanazawa, savoring the hints of the ocean
• Ride the famous Shinkansen, a high-speed bullet train that can run at speeds up to 200 mph
• Participate in a matsuri festival, a traditional Japanese festival filled with cultural activities such as goldfish scooping and karaoke contests
• Dine at a Michelin star restaurant in Tokyo, offering an elevated dining experience

Detailed Description

Your journey through Japan’s history and culture begins in Kyoto, the birthplace of Japanese culture. Walk through 1,000-year-old shrines and temples, meet monks, and dine on cuisine once reserved for royalty. While there, take a day trip to Nara, Japan’s first capital and home to some of the greatest examples of Buddhist architecture and design.

From Kyoto, you head by train to Kanazawa, Japan’s seafood jewel. The city is home to the country’s most talented artisans, some of whom you will get to know through a private class of your choosing. In the evening, dine at one of the best sushi restaurants in the city. There, you eat fish that were swimming in the ocean just hours before your meal.

Shirakawago and Takayama are two of the most well-preserved cities in Japan. In Shirakawago, meet and dine with local families who still live in their ancestral homes. Also, learn all about Japanese silk, and the work that goes into making this exquisite fabric. Takayama is sure to impressive you with its city blocks of beautifully preserved shops, homes, and factories. Take a rickshaw ride through the old town before visiting a sake brewery or furniture factory.

Yudanaka is famous for its snow monkeys, macaques that soak in the naturally occurring onsen baths that dot Japan’s volcanic landscape. After seeing the monkeys enjoying themselves, take the afternoon off to soak in your ryokan inn’s variety of onsen baths. In the evening, experience a traditional Japanese dinner served in your hotel room.

Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the biggest city in the world, and also the last stop on your tour. For three days, get to know the ins and outs of this dynamic and energetic city. Go on tours of Tokyo’s most famous neighborhoods and districts, or simply relax in one of the dozens of serene parks. If you’re up for an adventure, take a day trip to Nikko, burial place of Japan’s shoguns and home to some of the most ornate temples in the entire country.

This 10-day tour is perfect for solo travelers (as well as for couples, friends, or even small families). It is best taken in spring or fall when Japan’s weather is at its most comfortable for touring. Throughout the tour, your expert guide is on hand to answer questions or help you with any concerns or problems that may arise.

Starting Price

$5,195  per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

• Accommodations
• In-country transportation
• Some or all activities and tours
• Expert trip planning
• 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

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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 .

Travels with Erica

A Solo Traveller's Guide to the World

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

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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!

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The Best of Japan for solo travellers

Highlights and Inclusions

• See the famous sights of Tokyo including the Meiji shrine, Omotesando Street, fashion-setting Harajuku and the Akihabara electronic town
• Enjoy astonishing views of Mount Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi and the hot-spring, mountain spa resort of Hakone
• Travel at 189 mph on the incomparable high-speed bullet trains
• Reflect on the horrors of war at Hiroshima’s Peace Park and museum
• Explore Kyoto on a guided tour, experiencing the former imperial capital and the essence of traditional Japan
• Discover the ‘Way of Tea’ with a Japanese tea ceremony
• Discover Nara, Japan’s first capital with its huge bronze Buddha, on a guided tour
• Return direct scheduled flights with premium economy upgrades available at a supplement
• Stay in hand-picked four-star accommodation, including all local taxes, with breakfast and four meals, including welcome dinner and drinks reception
• The services of our experienced tour manager
• The price for this Japan holiday is based on one person staying in a twin or double bedded room for sole occupancy. Price includes: 
• Eleven nights’ accommodation
• Daily breakfast and four meals, including welcome dinner and drinks
• Direct return flights
• Hotel porterage of one item of luggage per person
• All touring as mentioned
• All local accommodation taxes
• All airport/flight taxes
• The services of a Riviera Travel tour manager

You arrive at the airport for your overnight direct flight to Tokyo. 

On our arrival you will be met at the airport for a transfer to our hotel, the excellent four-star superior New Otani, for three nights with breakfast. Perfectly located in the heart of Tokyo, close to the Japanese parliament, the nearest metro stop is just a couple of minutes’ walk allowing you explore at ease (all station names are given in English). This evening we will have a welcome drinks reception and evening meal to get to know each other better.

This morning we commence the exploration of Japan’s capital and largest city. At first glance, Tokyo might seem similar to other great Asian cities like Singapore or Shanghai, with its gleaming glass skyscrapers and busy, fashionable shops. But you’ll soon begin to notice some of the many fascinating differences – like the spotlessly clean and surprisingly quiet streets. There’s no beeping of horns here, that would be far too impolite! Our first stop is the famous Shinto Meiji shrine, dedicated to one of its past emperors. Set in outstandingly lush parkland, this is a working religious site where you may be lucky enough to see a typical Japanese marriage underway. Then we move on to some of Tokyo’s most renowned quarters, including Omotesando Street, Tokyo’s ‘Rodeo Drive’, full of luxury brand shops. Then there’s the Harajuku area where teenagers sport the latest outrageous fashions and the Akihabara electronic town, home to one of the first stores devoted to personal robots. We savour some Japanese cuisine at our included lunch.

This morning we visit Tokyo’s Asakusa district. Full of traditional small houses and shops, it’s a unique insight into the Tokyo of a hundred years ago. We will then transfer by boat down the Sumida River to Ginza, widely recognised as one of the world’s most luxurious shopping destinations. It’s brimming with ultra-modern department stores, boutiques, restaurants and coffee houses. Your afternoon is free to shop, explore, or perhaps indulge in some fascinating people-watching. Another option is to head to the Tokyo National Museum, just a few stops on the metro. Here you’ll find the world’s largest collection of Japanese art, with pottery, painting and prints, textiles, fashion and oriental antiquities.

Saying goodbye to Tokyo we drive towards Mount Fuji, probably Japan’s most instantly recognisable sight. Fringed by thick forests and a crescent-shaped ring of shimmering lakes, we are presented with one of the world’s greatest and most spectacular views. We visit two of these beautiful lakes to give you the best chance of appreciating and enjoying the stunning panorama from two different angles – and some of life’s most amazing photo opportunities. Our first stop is at Lake Kawaguchi, well known to the Japanese but as yet undiscovered by most foreign visitors. Next we head south to explore the fascinating mountain resort of Hakone. Descending to the smooth dark blue waters of Lake Ashi, we take a cruise on a rather unusual Japanese version of an early 19th-century pirate ship. From here, especially on a clear day, the views of Mt Fuji are one of the world’s greatest panoramas. Arriving at the four-star Hakone Hotel, we stay for one night with breakfast and dinner. The entire area here is geo-thermally active, and provides the perfect opportunity to try one of Japan’s unmissable experiences – bathing in an ‘onsen’, a hot spring at our very own hotel.

This morning we travel to Hiroshima on Japan’s iconic gleaming white bullet train. With reclining seats, plenty of legroom, air conditioned comfort and speeds up to 189 mph, this is an incomparable way to travel. Arriving at lunchtime, there’s a sobering reminder of the horrors of war this morning as we visit Hiroshima’s Peace Park and museum, displaying the remains of the only building to survive the atomic bomb blast of August 1945. The city has been completely rebuilt and there are no signs left of the devastation of that fateful day. Returning to Hiroshima, we stay for two nights at the four-star RIHGA Royal Hotel, with breakfast.

Today we make our way to one of the country’s most distinctive views on the nearby small island of Miyajima. A huge red ‘Torii’ gate sits just offshore; widely celebrated, at high tide it appears to float between the sea and sky. This popular little island is easy to explore on foot. It has a relaxed holiday atmosphere, lots of interesting shops and a covered market. Yet you may notice a small digital counter indicating the number of days since the last atomic test – it’s surprisingly recent. Your afternoon is at leisure to experience this charming city.

Leaving Hiroshima by coach, we head towards the old imperial capital of Kyoto. En route we’ll visit the superb Korakuen garden at Okayama – built in 1700 and renowned as one of Japan’s most exquisite gardens, with lawns, lakes, wooden bridges and shrines and teahouses! We use good, centrally located four-star hotels for your four-night stay with breakfast in Kyoto.

This morning is one of the real highlights of the tour as we explore some of the overwhelming treasures of Japan’s most revered city. First is the spectacular and beautiful Golden Pavilion, dating from the classical Muromachi age of Japanese temple design, perfectly overlooking its lake and garden. The whole of the upper floors, covered in gold leaf, glow in the morning light with an almost blinding intensity. Nearby is the Ryoan-ji temple, or the Temple of the Dragon at Peace, home to Japan’s most famous Zen garden, consisting of fifteen rocks surrounded by white gravel carefully raked by monks daily. As a complete change, we then move on to the amazing Arashiyama bamboo forest – experiencing an almost other-worldly feel as the light streams through the tall green columns of bamboo, up to 30 feet high! Yet another iconic Kyoto monument is next – Nijo Castle. Set at the heart of the city and built in the 17th century, it’s famous for its wooden floors remarkably designed to creak like a nightingale’s song, thus warning its occupants of any impending stealthy attack! Finally we take a walking tour through Kyoto’s Gion district. Here is the classic image of Japan; streets of wooden houses, the unmistakable sound of wooden sandals reverberating on the  avements, bright, silk-clad geishas, cherry trees and a host of traditional restaurants. We also experience a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony’

Capital city before Kyoto, Nara is just a few miles south. Firstly we see one of the country’s most iconic shrines, made from thousands of red Torii gates forming two extraordinary vermilion-coloured wooden tunnels up a hillside. Arriving at Nara you’ll be greeted by the dozens of tame deer considered for centuries to be messengers of the gods. The main sight though is the amazing Todai-ji temple, astonishingly the world’s largest wooden structure. Housing a huge bronze Buddha, this is a truly inspiring sight and just one of Nara’s several UNESCO World Heritage sites.

You’re free today to explore and discover the many delights and attractions of Kyoto. There are still more enchanting temples to see - like the 15th century Silver Pavilion and the even older Eikando temple, marvels of architectural and garden design within an easy walk of each other along the charming Philosopher’s Path.

After a last free morning at leisure, we take our bullet train to Tokyo staying overnight at the four-star Excel Tokyu near the airport.

We fly directly back to the UK, arriving later the same day, with memories of an incomparable tour full of the most extraordinary insights and experiences that Japan has to offer.

Call us today 0330 333 6715

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Solo Travel in Japan Discover the many aspects that make Japan a uniquely safe and convenient destination for solo travellers

When considering a solo trip abroad, a country on the opposite side of the globe where English is not the common language may not seem like an obvious choice for most Canadians. However, in visiting Japan, one is quick to realize the extent to which it feels crafted toward solo travellers. While it’s true that sometimes there is strength in numbers, being thrust into a new country on your own may also be the best way to experience it at its most authentic. Whether it’s slurping udon next to office workers on a station platform canteen, sharing laughs with locals at a hostel, or just going for an introspective wander - whether amid tranquil nature or vast cityscapes - Japan makes for an ideal place to experience this. Furthermore, solo travel and dining have become very popular among Japanese people, and most shops and restaurants are used to welcoming solo customers.

What makes Japan so conducive to solo-travel?

In terms of infrastructure, there are several aspects that make Japan uniquely conducive to solo travel. Perhaps foremost is its well-reputed public transit system. Developed primarily during the country’s economic heyday to help workers zip around the country on business, these days Japan’s rail infrastructure has been growing steadily, as has the country’s tourism industry. Of course, resources have been developed to accommodate visitors from abroad in tandem. Announcements and signage are abundant on the majority of Japan’s railways, and stations are often quite easy to navigate in spite of the crowds.  

Many will also notice that several aspects of daily life in Japan seem to be designed to be enjoyed alone. Restaurants such as noodle stands, gyudon (Japanese beef rice bowl) shops, and convenience stores are specifically geared toward individual customers, and many of them offer menus including pictures and/or English. 

Japanese accommodations are similarly friendly toward solo travellers, with several unique and cost-effective options. Many have heard of Japan’s capsule hotels, where each guest will receive their own pod. This makes for a memorable stay, and despite the close quarters, these capsules are typically climate-controlled, equipped with their own lamps and ledges for reading, and sometimes even televisions, which make for a comfortable experience.

Conventional hostels can also be a great way to meet people, and tend to be immaculately clean and well-curated when compared with their Canadian counterparts. As in other countries, these will typically have common spaces where guests can enjoy activities together such as reading, drinking, or enjoying live music. This can also be a great means of finding companions for a day trip. Those hoping for a little more privacy will be happy to know that it is easy to find a business hotel for as little as $50-100CAD a night in most areas.

Some ryokan  (traditional Japanese inns) may require a minimum of two guests, although this has gradually begun to change in recent years. It is recommended to reach out to the property and confirm before making a reservation. An increasing number of Minshuku adapting their business model offer a similar atmosphere, but with less of the frills.

Many are aware of Japan’s famously low crime rate, which consistently places it among the top-ranked countries on the Global Peace Index . In addition to the hard data, it is common to hear anecdotes of lost items being found right where they were last left, even hours later. If a lost item is not where you left it, you may get to experience another marvel of Japan’s infrastructure at work - Koban. Koban are Japan’s police boxes, which can be found in neighbourhoods across the entire country and also serve as public Lost & Found offices. Though it is recommended to keep a close eye on one’s valuables even in Japan, this adds the additional peace of mind of knowing where to look first.

For Female Travellers:

Japan’s safety extends to female travellers as well, with many female tourists reporting that they feel more comfortable walking around at night in Japan than in their respective home countries. With this in mind, female travellers should still exercise basic caution and be aware of the various checks in place to make women feel more at ease. During rush hours, it is typical for trains in major cities to offer female-only cars so that passengers can travel in greater comfort. Additionally, there are several female-only hostels, capsule hotels, and other accommodations.

Though verbal harassment such as catcalling is almost unheard of in Japan, there is a chance you may attract an occasional stare, particularly in less urban areas. This is simply because people in remote areas may not be used to seeing foreign visitors. In case you need any assistance, the general public is quite willing to help tourists who find themselves in trouble, and Japan’s police force is highly visible between patrol officers and Koban.

The “What Ifs…” :

Japan has multilingual applications such as Safety Tips , which offers weather warnings, evacuation advisories, and other tips in the event of emergency situations. 

Practical Tips

There are several things to keep in mind when setting off for a trip to Japan, that are all the more pertinent when travelling alone. When it comes to staying on the grid, a pocket Wi-Fi or SIM rental is a lifeline, whether for looking up information or communicating with locals. These can typically be picked up at the airport, or else shipped directly to your hotel when ordered in advance. 

Convenience stores will quickly become a go-to for any travellers in Japan. Whether warm meals, Wi-Fi, washrooms, printers, toiletries, bandages, or ATMs, they manage to pack in an assortment of all one’s basic needs into just a few hundred square feet. On the topic, travellers should be aware that Japan is still very much a cash society. ATMs located in post offices or convenience stores such as 7-11 enjoy the reputation for being the most consistently friendly toward foreign cash cards, although it is recommended to confirm with your bank in advance.

Activities & Destinations as a Solo Traveller

Though bigger cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka offer travellers the peace of mind of better language resources, verging off the beaten path creates the greatest opportunity to immerse oneself in Japan’s rich culture. Temple stays such as that at Koyasan are one of the most popular among solo travellers, which allow visitors an introspective retreat among ancient forests, where they can experience Zen Buddhist meditation. Japan is also home to several unique and cutting edge galleries such as teamLab Planets Tokyo and the the Hakone Open-Air Museum , in addition to places where extensive collections of more traditional art can be found, such as the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno.

Though any of these destinations provides a great opportunity for introspection, travelling “solo” doesn’t have to be solitary. Taking part in a guided tour such as those offered by  volunteer guides is a great way to connect with a local community and its members, particularly in lesser-known regions of Japan. Visitors are frequently astounded that, despite being such a relatively small country, each community has its own unique customs, cuisine, and festivals , all of which locals are typically eager to share with visitors. In addition to broadening one’s own horizons, setting foot off the beaten path is an excellent way to make these human connections and see the country at its truest.

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Japan Group Tours for Solo Travellers

Travel solo as part of a group tour to Japan

why travel solo to japan?

Travelling to Japan solo as part of a group tour is the closest you’ll get to visiting another world. This country is as individual and authentic as they come – and so much more than the bright lights of Tokyo.

It’s a rare thing to hop on a plane today and not come across some sense of the Western world. But not in Japan. From the frenetic, mesmerizing cities of Osaka and Tokyo to the quiet magic of Kyoto – in just one trip, you’ll feel like you’ve been fast-forwarded centuries into the future while also travelling back into the past.

Just imagine the taste of the freshest sushi, the excitement of late-night karaoke, the wonder of spotting a real geisha shuffling along a misty lantern-lit alley, trying your hand at ninja techniques or even meeting a real-life sumo wrestler … Excited yet? Us too.

Top places to visit in Japan

Combining the past with the futuristic, Tokyo is a sprawling city with distinct neighbourhoods, some ultra-modern, others historical. Whether you decide to explore the neon streets of ‘Electric Town’ or seek out older Tokyo, you’ll never be bored here.

Head out to Arashiyama to venture into the famous bamboo forest, where vast swathes of bamboo tower above you. Meander through these 14th-century gardens scattered with temples and shrines, which have remained pristine despite wars, fires and various historical dramas.

Known as the city of kuidaore (eat till you drop), Osaka is a food lover’s dream. Taste a variety of local delicacies, from octopus dumplings to the best kitsune udon in Japan by searching out hidden, lesser-known restaurants, followed up with a drink in an izakaya (Japanese pub).

Explore Hiroshima’s past at Peace Memorial Park and Museum., then see how the city is now a leafy, laidback hub with beautiful boulevards and a cosmopolitan community. From Hiroshima, you can also make your way to the scenic island of Miyajima, home to the iconic Great Torii shrine.

Trips to Japan

Japan: Another World

Japan facts, what’s the national language, what’s the currency.

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Japan Standard Time is GMT+9

Top three activities

1. Hike in the Hakone Mountains 2. Meditate with monks in Kyoto 3. Have lunch with a sumo wrestler

Top five dishes to try

1. Sushi and sashimi – sashimi is served without rice 2. Kare raisu – Japanese curry 3. Ramen – noodle broth 4. Tempura – deep fried, battered seafood, meat or veg 5. Okonomiyaki – savoury pancake

Average temp in high season

What's the weather like in Japan?

Japan’s weather is generally temperate with four distinct seasons. Average summer temperatures range from 21ºC to 32ºC (70ºF to 90ºF), while winter temperatures range between -1ºC and 7ºC (30ºF and 45ºF).

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Japan Solo Tours & Holidays

• Destinations
• Japan Solo Tours & Holidays

It’s time for a Japanese adventure; party of one…

…until you meet the rest of the sushi-seeking, anime-loving and shrine-appreciating travellers on your small group tour. From shopping ‘till you drop along Tokyo’s neon-lit streets and eating your heart out in Osaka with newly made friends to wandering through Hiroshima’s Memorial Peace Park while your local guide tells you the story of its past, our solo tours in Japan mean shared experiences and memories made between people just as ready to explore this captivating country as much as you are. 

Our Japan solo tours

Premium Japan

12 days from 7434.

Uncover the wonders of Japan on this immersive 12-day Premium tour; encompassing Tokyo,...

Japan: Land of the Rising Sun

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Discover Japanese culture on this 13-day tour. Travel with a local from Tokyo to Kyoto...

Essential Japan

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Shop in Tokyo, see Samurais in Kanazawa, soak up history in Hiroshima, wander the...

Japan Express

9 days from 1981.

See Japan in nine days on a trip visiting Tokyo, Nikko and Kyoto. Say konnichiwa to...

Classic Japan

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Journey from Kyoto to Tokyo with Intrepid and explore temples, post towns and lush...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

Japan Highlights

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See the best of Japan on this eight-day adventure from Tokyo via Kamakura to Osaka....

Premium Highlights of Japan

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Take a Premium trip through the highlights of Japan, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Kamakura,...

Japan Family Holiday

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Discover Japan on this 12-day family tour. Sample fresh sushi in Tokyo, soak in onsen...

Southern Japan Experience

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Take a journey through southern Japan, starting and ending in Osaka. Wander Takamatsu,...

Japan Real Food Adventure

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Japan: Hike, Bike & Kayak

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Ultimate Japan

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Take an epic adventure through Japan, visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, Takayama, Nikko, Hakone,...

The perks of solo travel in Japan with Intrepid   

A local leader

Japan can be an easy country to move around on your own but by doing it in a small group tour, you’re not only getting the convenience that comes with having everything already organised for you but you’re also being provided with on-the-ground knowledge about cuisine, culture and customs from your own local leader. 

While Japan is prone to a natural disaster or two (think earthquakes and tsunamis), the country itself is actually incredibly safe in terms of crime rate so you shouldn’t come across any problems but all of the universal travel cautions apply; keep an eye on your belongings, stick to well-lit areas and travel in groups after dark.   

Ready made friends

There’s almost no point in exploring a country as cool as Japan if you don’t have anyone to share amazing experiences and unforgettable memories with. On a group tour, you don’t have that problem. You’ll automatically have a bunch of new people to meet from all over the world, even if you’re travelling solo.  

Logistics and convenience

Whether it’s knowing exactly what time you need to catch the shinkansen (bullet train) to checking you into your traditional ryokan , our tour leaders handle all of the fiddly organizational stuff so that all you have to do is keep your eyes peeled for Mount Fuji and prepare your stomach for the amount of udon noodles you’re going to eat. 

Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to join a solo tour in Japan?

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises). However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others. 

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully. 

Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 policy

Will I have my own room?

It’s completely up to you. On our trips rooming is organised on a twin-share basis and we pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. But if you'd like your own room, an individual room is available on the majority of our trips (it’s just a small extra charge). Just mention this to our  customer service team  when booking your trip and they'll arrange it for you.

As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please  contact us  so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

On a small selection of itineraries some accommodations are booked on an open gender, multi-share basis (for example on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances it will clearly be stated in our Essential Trip Information prior to booking and travelling.

How does group time work?

Whether you’re travelling solo or with a partner, our trips have a set itinerary. But within that there’s time set aside for your own exploration (if you want to – no pressure). The amount of free time depends on the travel style - you can ask your guide for a few tips then head out alone, or hang out with the group and see where the day takes you.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling to Japan?

You sure do. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their tour. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

Learn more about travel Insurance

Can I use my mobile phone in Japan?

Mobile phone coverage is excellent in Japan but be aware that talking loudly on your phone in public places (like in train carriages) is frowned upon. You will be expected to hide your mouth behind your hand if you must take a call in public. If you want to use your mobile phone, ensure global roaming is activated before you arrive (but be aware of the fees this may incur).

Learn more about mobile phones in Japan

Are Intrepid's Japan tours accessible for travellers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. However, we’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Learn more about Accessible Travel with Intrepid

Our solo travel safety guide

Share your itinerary.

Good advice for us all, but particularly for people travelling solo. Make copies of your itinerary, contact details, passport and travel insurance, then email them to yourself and to one or two friends/family at home. Check-in on social media when you can so people can keep track of where you are. 

Remember the little things

If you’re arriving late in a city by yourself, book a hotel with a front desk or concierge service (many hotels also offer private transfers that don’t cost the earth from the airport or train station). If you're travelling with us, we can help you organise an arrival transfer. Read your maps  before  you head out for a walk (you can use a map app on your smartphone – or take screenshots of where you’re going if you don’t want to use up your precious data). If you need to check your map when you’re out and about, duck into a shop or café to do it. Leave the blingy jewellery, wedding rings and designer clothes at home, and aim to dress like the locals do – hit up the local markets if you haven’t packed the right outfits. Aim to keep track of travel times, so you’re not caught out after dark.

Roam if you want to

Most mobile/cell providers now offer travel passes to help manage your international roaming costs (which, let’s face it, are expensive!). For a few dollars a day, you’ll have access to data, which means you can log into your apps (like Skype, email and WhatsApp) when you’re out of WiFi zones and quickly get in touch with someone – a friend at home, someone in your group, or the police – if you need to. It might also be worth checking out the local cell/mobile providers as these can be quite cost effective. 

Fare's fair

Solo travellers are way more likely to be ‘taken for a ride’ at the airport by unscrupulous taxi drivers, so do your research before you arrive. Make sure you get a cab from the airport/station taxi rank – if you’re not sure where to go, just head to the information desk for help. Touts tend to hang out in the arrivals area and promise cheaper rates, but can often be dodgy. When you get to the cab rank, ask the driver to use the meter or request a cost estimate  before  you hop in the car – if it’s way higher than it should be, pick another vehicle. A lot of airports have train stations attached as well, so consider public transport if you want to save a dollar or two.

Stick together

It’s one of the advantages of travelling solo on a group tour: safety in numbers. The big, 50-person bus groups stand out on the road, but a small Intrepid group of eight or nine people, with a local leader showing the way – including areas to avoid and getting around safely – won’t draw much attention. Plus, it’s a great way to see parts of the world you may feel uncomfortable exploring on your own. If you want to do things on your own, consider a day tour to familiarise yourself with a city and get to know the local way of life. 

Trust your instincts

Solo travel is all about confidence. If you’re relaxed and self-assured on the street, you’re more likely to blend in. When you meet new people, don’t assume they’re all out to get you, but be sensible too and trust your gut. If it feels wrong, it probably is. Remember: the popular tourist areas are often the most well-lit and secure, but they’re often a juicier target for pickpockets and scammers. Just use your common sense; half of travel safety is simply being aware of your surroundings.

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First solo trip to Japan (May 2024) - Japan Forum

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Hey, everyone, 👋

1. Which mobile network provider offers the best coverage and the fastest speed in Japan for a relatively affordable?

2. Are there any ATMs that don't charge for withdrawing cash with an international (foreign) bank card?

3. I love nature and hiking. I'll spend one week in Tokyo. What other cities/towns would you recommend I base myself in to have easier opportunities for one-day or two-day hikes/treks?

(Note that I'll be working Mon-Fri, so I'm looking for two more cities/towns to base myself in apart from Tokyo. It's not a holiday for me, so I can't change places too much or plan very long hikes.)

4. How widely are credit cards accepted in the country? Would I be able to use my foreign debit card to pay for, for example, street food and public transport, or is that a long shot? I guess living for 3 weeks in Japan without cash wouldn't work anyways, right?

5. How easy is it to food some street food or food on the go (e.g. 7-11 stores)? Again, how likely are they to accept payment by card?

I appreciate your help 🙏

16 replies to this topic

Though Mt Tsurumi @1300m is nearby, the hike from the top ropeway station takes about 20 min.

My visit in late May 2019.

https://japantravelinsights.com/jp-2019-may-beppu/

While there are hiking trails in Takachiho, Mt Aso, Kuju Kogen those are accessible by car .

In Honshu also check out Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails which might take several days.

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4952.html

As for what is left unanswered is mobile data. Which network is better in terms of speed and coverage - Mobal or Sakura Mobile? I'm considering them because of their unlimited packages. From those offering limited data for tourists, I'm kinda in line with Nippon. Any recommendations which one I should pick?

Finally, I know that the best way to travel within Japan is by train. I don't see the need for the Japan Rail Pass because I'll just be exploring on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and my long-distance train tickets are already booked. So, the question is: can I buy train and bus tickets from those three cities to the trail around them using my foreign debit card?

If so, what is the daily cost likely to be? (I know it varies on the actual location; I'm just trying to figure out how much it will cost to go to those trails outside the cities.)

Hiroshima - Mt Misen in Miyajima .

Search on japan -guide.com for more info, incl travel budgets etc.

Buy a prepaid IC card SUICA/PASMO after landing in Tokyo airports for daily commutes on city subways, commuter trains and grocery shopping.

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359_003.html

In large cities most local buses accept either JPY cash or IC card only.

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2015.html

re your mobile data reqs, either search on this forum or post a separate thread.

My hike in Kurama/Kibune

https://japantravelinsights.com/jp-2017-may-osaka/

https://japantravelinsights.com/jp-2017-koyo-kansai-part-1/

Yoshimine-dera in late Nov 2018.

https://japantravelinsights.com/jp-2018-koyo-kyoto-part-3/

Thanks a lot for the trails - appreciated.

And regarding the telecommunications question - will do that, thanks :)

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