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

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

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

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

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

Is Japan good for solo travellers?

Pros of solo travel to Japan:

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

Cons of solo travel to Japan:

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

Hokkaido

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

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

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

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

by Yuuka from My Eastern Hokkaido

Tokyo

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

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

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

Hakone

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

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

Naoshima (the art Island)

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

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

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

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

by Lindsey from Queer Adventurers

Kyoto

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

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

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

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

Osaka

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by Mia from Walk a While with Me