How To Travel Japan Solo

If you enjoy exploring exotic countries on your own, learning how to travel Japan solo can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Japan’s reputation as a world leader precedes itself. Not only does it have some of the most innovative modern technology, but it also has a strong culture that’s rooted in tradition. Those who visit Japan usually return with the belief that it’s one of the best countries in the world. From the awe-inspiring metropolis that is Tokyo, to feudal-era temples, and an endless choice of exotic cuisines, Japan is a destination that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Is Japan Safe To Travel Solo?

Absolutely. In fact, Japan consistently ranks as one of the world’s safest countries. In 2019, crime was at an all-time low since the end of World War II. But this isn’t to say that the country is free of crime. Like any travel destination (and one with a large population of 125 million people), you should be smart and aware of your surroundings at all times.

Crime aimed at tourists is mainly theft and pickpocketing, with physical assaults being rare. You should have no problems walking around late at night. If you’re in the more raucous areas, you may want to exercise a higher degree of caution. These are places like Kabukicho and Roppongi (both known for their pulsing nightlife), which can get a little out of hand in the wee hours.

Just use common sense. If you rent a bicycle, lock it up when you’re not using it. If you’re working on a laptop, don’t leave it unattended. Be aware of your bag/purse at all times. 

Will I Feel Out Of Place Travelling Solo In Japan?

Not at all. Japanese culture is a relatively individual one and showing up alone is pretty standard. “Ohitorisama” (translated to “on your own”) is the word given to this solo lifestyle. Japan’s workaholic society has led to many people spending their downtime alone by choice, with one-third of households made up of a single person. Businesses are even catering to this demographic now. Cinemas offer seats with partitions, karaoke bars have solo booths (party for 1?), and grocery stores sell pre-made food for singles.

Do They Speak English In Japan?

They do. However, any time you’re traveling to a foreign country, you should make an effort to learn the local language. In Japan, you’ll find that not everyone speaks English fluently, so you should have some basic Japanese phrases memorized. Attempting to speak the local language (even poorly) is appreciated by residents and will endear you to them.

I’d recommend downloading the Google Translate app for in-depth translations on the fly, but here are a handful of basic phrases you should learn before your trip:

Where To Stay in Japan

Accommodations in Japan can be pricey, but as a solo traveler, you have options to save money. 

The cheapest is a capsule hotel. This is literally a hotel where you sleep in a capsule or pod. While they can be offputting for some, capsule hotels actually don’t feel too claustrophobic. Some have full-sized rooms with a single bed and space to move around, while others are little more than a mattress in an oversized cubbyhole. Most include a TV, WIFI, and various electrical outlets for keeping your devices charged. 

Standard hostels are another option. These are dorm-style rooms with multiple bunk beds, although you can book a private room for a few extra yen. Most hostels have shared facilities when it comes to bathrooms, kitchens, and dining areas. The nice thing about hostels (and some capsule hotels) is they’re great places to meet other solo travelers. If you’re looking for people to explore the country with, you’ll find them here.

Business hotels (bizunesu hoteru) are a bit more expensive, but if you’re looking for something private, they hit the right notes. These hotel chains offer single occupancy rooms that come equipped with a bed, desk, tv, small fridge, and WIFI. Price varies depending on where you’re staying. 

When budgeting your accommodation, keep in mind that you’ll probably be spending a minimal amount of time there. There’s so much to see and do in Japan, so don’t overpay for luxurious accommodations you won’t be spending much time in. Check out Hostelworld, Agoda, and Booking.com to get the best rates.

Finally, you can always explore AirBnb options. However, they tend to be more expensive than a business hotel (although usually cheaper than a high-end hotel). 

Japan SIM Cards

Internet in Japan is notoriously costly. To combat this, there are plenty of free WIFI spots you can tap into. In a pinch, Starbucks (which is Japan’s largest coffee chain) has WIFI, and public places like the Tokyo Metro also provide it for passengers. With many public options, a SIM card should only be needed to cover basic internet, unless you plan on heavily using your phone while in Japan. 

The cheapest SIM cards are offered by companies that piggyback on Japan’s large networks. You can pre-pay online and pick them up at the airport when you land, or (in some cases) have them delivered to your home country before your trip. The common ones are Simcard Geek, Mobal, OCN, Sakura Mobile, b-mobile, SoftBank, and IIJmio. The majority of these are data-only, meaning you won’t be able to make phone calls or send/receive texts. Mobal is the exception, offering tourist SIM cards with data, phone, and text.

Tourist SIM cards are available in various packages. Some have capped data while others are unlimited. They can be used for anywhere between 5 and 30 days before requiring a top-up. The starting price for a Japan tourist SIM card is roughly $35 – $40 USD. Also, remember to unlock your phone before your trip so that it can be used with a foreign SIM card.

What To Pack

As with any trip, you should take into consideration the time of year. In warm seasons, you wear less. In cold seasons, you wear more. It’s not rocket science. 

For the in-between seasons, dress in layers. Bring t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, a pair of shorts, a pair of pants, and a light jacket. You’ll be walking a lot, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes. You don’t want to destroy your feet and legs and ruin your trip. Japan has very small living quarters, so pack efficiently and ensure your luggage won’t take up too much space. 

Of course, pack your electronics such as your phone, camera, lenses, tripod, laptop, as well as any other devices and drives you might need (and don’t forget your chargers!).

Cash comes in handy on the road, so keep some with you at all times. The best way for foreigners to get cash in Japan is from the 7 Bank ATM machines, which are open 24/7. These machines accept most foreign cards and are found at the airport as well as at 7-Eleven convenience stores. Japan Postal Offices are another option for ATMs, but they’re usually only operational during post office hours.

Convenience stores such as Family Mart, Circle K, Lawson, and Daily Yamazaki also have ATM machines. These can be hit or miss with foreign cards, but are worth a shot if you’re in a pinch. ATMs in Japanese banks usually won’t accept foreign cards, although SMBC Bank may be an exception for some.

How To Get Around Japan

Japan isn’t an overly large country geographically, but moving between cities takes some time. Depending on your budget and time constraints, you can take planes, trains, or buses. 

Trains

The most convenient way to get around Japan is via its world-class rail system. The trains are convenient, clean, safe, and always on time. 

Japan’s bullet train, called the Shinkansen, connects major cities in only a few hours. A 10-hour bus ride from Tokyo to Osaka is a mere 2.5 hours via the Shinkansen. However, the trade-off is that the bullet train is expensive, so you’ll have to figure out if it can fit into your budget.

If you’re going to be traveling extensively, look into the JR (Japan Railways) Pass. It’s only available to foreign tourists and offers unlimited use of the bullet train lines at a discounted price. You can also use this pass to get to/from Tokyo’s airports (Narita and Haneda) to/from Tokyo Station.

For example, a single-ticket trip from Tokyo to Kyoto to Osaka to Hiroshima, and back to Tokyo adds up to around JP¥47,000 ($279 USD). A 7-day JR Pass costs JP¥26,650 ($260 USD). If your itinerary is for 7 days or less, you’ll save $20 USD by getting the JR Pass. If you’re staying longer, the JR Pass is also offered in 14-day and 21-day options, for $445 USD and $570 USD, respectively.

To figure out if the JR Pass is something you should invest in, you can use this JR Pass calculator (prices are approximate).

If you feel this is a good investment for your trip, you can purchase it at any of the following sites: Japan Rail Pass, JRailPass.com, JRPass.com, and Japan-Rail-Pass.com.

Moving Around Tokyo

Getting around Tokyo can be intimidating, but their public transportation is designed for maximum efficiency. If you have the JR Pass, you get access to Tokyo’s most prominent line, the Yamanote line. If you want to explore the city extensively, look into using the Metro and Toei Subway lines.

The Tokyo Metro offers 24, 48, or 72-hour tickets which are very affordable. The price is between JP¥800 ($7 USD) and JP¥1500 ($13 USD) for unlimited use of the lines. You can also use this ticket on the Toei Subway. If you take 3 or 4 trips per day, and you’re staying in Tokyo for 3 straight days, the 72-hour ticket is worth it. But if you aren’t using the subway that much (or staying in Tokyo for that long), let me introduce you to…

Suica / Pasmo Cards

Suica and Pasmo cards are IC (integrated chip) cards that you load with money. You simply swipe the card before you get on the train and the fee is subtracted from your balance. Easy peasy. These cards can also be used for bus transport, locker rentals, vending machines, and at some convenience stores. They’re also not limited to Tokyo. If you plan on moving through the country, a Suica or Pasmo card is a convenient way to pay for your transportation. They can be purchased from vending machines or station offices and can be recharged with anywhere from JP¥10 ($0.10 USD) to JP¥20,000 ($175 USD).

Planes

You may want to look into flying if you’re traveling long distances. Many times, flights via Japanese airlines JAL, ANA, Peach, and JetStar can be cheaper than the bullet train. The downside is you’ll deal with the hassles of flying and you won’t be able to enjoy the countryside views that come with riding the Shinkansen.

Buses

Buses are another way to get around Japan. Compared to the bullet train, you can save a lot of money. Where the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto costs roughly $115 USD, a bus costs $45 USD. That’s a significant amount of savings. However, you’re also spending 8 hours on the bus compared to 2 hours on the train. If you’re tight on time, the bus might not be an option. Japan does have sleeper buses though, which can help you maximize your travel time. 

To look up the different bus schedules and prices, you can use Hyperdia.

Cities To Visit in Japan

Japan consists of 4 main islands (from north to south): Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. Most visitors never leave Honshu, as it contains Japan’s most popular cities: Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

Sapporo (Hokkaido)

Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido and the island’s largest city. Compared to Japan’s main tourist cities, Sapporo is a low-key destination as it’s in the north of the country. The city hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics and many of its attractions are geared to the winter season. 

Every February they hold the Sapporo Snow Festival, showcasing immaculate sculptures made out of ice and snow. Resorts catering to winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding are aplenty. Sapporo is also famous for the beer of the same name, which was originally brewed here in 1876. While its headquarters have since been moved to Tokyo, you can visit the Sapporo Beer Museum for a tour and tasting.

Sapporo has lots of natural open spaces for those seeking a tranquil getaway. In addition to the city center’s Odori Park, you can head over to Hokkaido University’s Botanic Gardens, or spend some time at Moerenuma Park. On the outskirts is Mount Moiwa, which provides tourists with panoramic views of the city. Sapporo also has arguably the best food in Hokkaido, and the climate lends itself to seafood, dairy, and high-quality produce. 

Aizuwakamatsu (Honshu)

Known as the Samurai City, Aizuwakamatsu is centrally-located on Honshu island, in Fukushima Prefecture. It’s a historical city that harkens back to the time of the samurai. The main attraction here is Tsuruga-jo, an Edo-period castle that was demolished after the Boshin War in 1874. It was reconstructed in 1965 and further restored in the 21st century. Inside, it contains a museum where you can learn more about the ancient Aizu clan.

The former post town of Ouchi-juku continues the journey back in time. It was located along the Aizu-Nishi Kaido trade route, giving travelers a place to rest and recharge. It’s been preserved to the Edo period (although today it has electricity), and the main road offers visitors a variety of restaurants, shops, and minshuku (traditional Japanese inns). The site also boasts a temple and shrine. 

Aizu Bukeyashiki is a samurai residence that should be on your itinerary as well. While it was destroyed in the Boshin War, it has been faithfully restored with mannequins depicting how life used to be. Temple explorers should check out Entsu Sansodo, aka the Sazae-do. It’s a wooden temple that was built in 1796 and has a distinct twisted design.

Aizuwakamatsu is also known for its sake, and the Suehiro Sake Brewery is one of the top producers in Japan, offering free tours and tastings. If you prefer nature and hiking, you can explore Lake Inawashiro, Mount Nekomadake, or relax at Higashiyama Onsen.

Tokyo (Honshu)

Tokyo is one of the world’s most popular destinations, seeing roughly 30 million tourists per year (pre-COVID). It’s also the entry point for the majority of tourists who land at one of the city’s two airports: Narita or Haneda. Tokyo is a large urban sprawl, consisting of 47 prefectures that are home to 38 million residents. There is so much to experience in Tokyo that you couldn’t possibly fit it all into a single trip. Here are a few of the highlights:

• Shinjuku: There’s a good chance that when you think of Tokyo’s neon streets and signage, you’re picturing Shinjuku. The area of Kabukicho in particular is home to an endless variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment. It’s one of the most popular areas of Tokyo for nightlife.
• Shibuya Crossing: Shibuya Crossing is the busiest intersection in the world, and one of the iconic symbols of Tokyo. Somewhere in the vicinity of 1000 to 2500 people cross the intersection every few minutes. You can find it outside the Hachiko exit at Shibuya Station.
• Akihabara: Akihabara is Tokyo’s electronics district, with tons of retail shops to explore. It’s also the cultural center of video games, anime, and manga in Japan.
• Observation Decks: Many tourists want to see Tokyo from high above, and there are plenty of places to do just that. Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Shibuya Sky, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, and Roppongi Hills Mori Tower are some of the best spots.
• Markets: Fresh food can be found at Tsukiji Outdoor Market and Toyosu Market. Both have an array of shops and restaurants, but the Toyosu Market also has a world-famous tuna auction where the fish is sold for thousands of dollars.

• The Imperial Palace: The Imperial Palace was built on the site of the old Edo Castle. It’s the main residence of the Emperor of Japan and the Royal Family. Tours of the grounds are available, but visitors tcan only enter the inner portion of the palace 2 days of the year (January 2 and February 23).
• Temples & Shrines: Japan has over 100,000 temples and shrines, and Tokyo has some of the best. Sensoji Temple is probably the most popular, with Meiji Shrine and Zojoji Temple also being worth a visit.
• Museums: If museums are your thing, you have around 100 to choose from. The National Museum of Modern Art, Samurai Museum, Tokyo Photographic Art Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art are some of the best to check out.
• Mountains: There are two mountains near Tokyo that you can hike on a day trip – Mount Tako, and Mount Fuji. The former is closer to the city center, and more easily walkable than the latter. Takao is roughly 90 mins from Tokyo, whereas Fuji takes about 2.5 hours via train.

Kyoto (Honshu)

Kyoto is a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, making it a perfect companion city to visit on the same trip. Once the capital of Japan, Kyoto is the cultural heart of the country, complete with temples, gardens, classic Japanese architecture, and geishas roaming the streets.

The orange torii gates at the Fushimi Inari Shrine are one of the most recognized symbols of Kyoto, along with the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Both attractions offer trails and paths for leisurely strolling through the scenery. 

History buffs shouldn’t miss The Kyoto Imperial Palace, which was once the residence of the Emperor of Japan. While Tokyo’s Imperial Palace is virtually closed to tourists, The Kyoto Imperial Palace can be extensively toured.

One of the best-preserved feudal-era streets is found in Higashiyama. Throughout the narrow road, you’ll find traditional shops – from pottery stores, to tea houses and restaurants. Higashiyama also offers a picturesque view of Yasaka Pagoda for your Instagram feed.

There’s around 1600 Buddhist temples throughout Kyoto. Some of the most visited are the gold-covered Kinkaku-ji Temple, the hillside UNESCO Heritage Site Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and the Zen Buddhist Tenryu-ji Temple. 

Other attractions you should pencil into your Kyoto visit? The Nishiki Market for food and wares, the historic Nido Castle, and the observation deck at Kyoto Tower.

Osaka (Honshu)

Osaka rivals Tokyo but on a much smaller scale. However, it has a reputation for having some of (if not the) best street food in Japan. The most popular entertainment district in Osaka is the southern downtown area of Minami (aka Namba), which rivals the busy vibe and neon lights of Tokyo’s Kabukicho in Shinjuku. 

Minami’s northern counterpart is Kita (aka Umeda) which is Osaka’s busiest transport hub. As a result, it offers tourists plenty of shopping options in this district. You’ll also find the Umeda Sky Building here, an architectural wonder with a circular observation deck. The Harukas in Tennoji is Japan’s tallest building and another gem for seeing the city from high up.

Tourists can also check out Osaka Castle, aka Osakajo. It’s a reconstructed castle from the 16th century, complete with a citadel, gates, stone walls, and moats. The interior has been modernized and offers a museum to educate visitors about the castle’s history. The site also includes Nishinomaru Garden, where people gather during cherry blossom season. 

Some other Osaka tourist attractions? Check out The Osaka Aquarium, Bunraku Theater (Japanese puppetry), and Shitennoji Temple (one of the oldest in Japan). 

Honorable Mentions

Aside from the aforementioned cities, Japan has plenty more that many travelers rave about. Here are a few you may want to add to your trip.

• Kobe (Honshu): Kobe is about 30 minutes west of Osaka, on the north of Osaka Bay. It’s a port city (and Japan’s 7th largest), with Kobe Harborland and Port Tower being the main attractions. Kobe is also the birthplace of the world-famous Kobe beef.

• Hiroshima (Honshu): Hiroshima attracts World War II buffs, as it was one of two cities (along with Nagasaki) that was obliterated when the United States dropped the atomic bomb on it. Today, a memorial stands at ground zero. The ruins of the Genbaku Dome are an everlasting symbol of peace and a reminder of the consequences of war.

• Fukuoka (Kyushu): Fukuoka is the main city on the southern island of Kyushu. For the most part, its attractions are historical castles and shrines, but it also has one of the best street food scenes in all of Asia.

• Okinawa (Ryukyu Islands): Okinawa is a stunning island off the south coast of Japan. Renowned for its tropical climate and pristine beaches, it was also the site of WWII’s Battle of Okinawa in 1945.

What To Eat In Japan

Japan’s culinary scene is one of the best in the world. In fact, if you’re on a strict budget, you can get affordable, ready-made food from 7-Eleven (or any other convenience store). Unlike the Western world, a lot of food in Japan 7-Eleven’s is healthy and of high quality.

For those who prefer restaurants, you can’t go wrong with an izakaya. Izakayas are casual pubs that serve drinks and a variety of foods. Japanese dishes are the norm but you can also get international cuisines depending on where you go. Visiting an izakaya is a great way to unwind while soaking in Japanese culture.

Something else you’ll see plenty of in Japan are tachinomis, or standing bars. Translated to “stand and drink”, these are small and intimate venues where you can grab a quick drink and some snack food. They usually get pretty lively, and what’s more, they’re easy on the wallet. 

Aside from sushi, you can’t visit Japan without trying their street food. Yatai (food stalls) are all over the country and offer a wide range of Japanese dishes. Some of the most popular are:

• • Takoyaki (dumplings stuffed with fried octopus)
  • Okonomiyaki (pancakes with filling)
  • Yakisoba (noodle dish)
  • Yaki imo (baked sweet potato)
  • Oyakodon (chicken and egg bowl soul food)
  • Kitsune udon (noodle soup)
  • Yaki tomorokoshi (grilled corn on the cop)
  • Yakitori (chicken skewers)
  • Ikayaki (grilled squid on a stick)
  • Taiyaki (fish-shaped waffle with filling)

Travel Japan Solo At Least Once

Learning how to travel Japan solo is something that any serious traveler should do. It’s true that Japan is an expensive country, but exploring it is worth the financial investment. Japan will leave a lasting impression and you’ll likely be planning a return trip at some point.

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