In many ways, Japan is the ideal destination for solo travelers. There are accommodations, dining, and activity options designed expressly for single people.
Still, a solo trip to a new destination - welcoming as it may be to single travelers - can be intimidating. Concerns about safety, budgeting, and planning can get in the way of the pre-travel buzz you hope to feel.
That’s why we’ve compiled everything you need to know about traveling to Japan alone - so you don’t have to stress!
Japan has a reputation for being one of the safest destinations in the world, which is one reason it’s such a great destination for solo travelers. That reputation is backed by its consistently high rankings in the Institute for Economics and Peace’s Global Peace Index (GPI).
The 2018 GPI, which considers societal safety, conflict, and militarization, named Japan the 9th most peaceful nation in the world. Within the Asia Pacific region, it ranked as high as 3rd, falling just behind New Zealand and Singapore.
Reassuring as that may be, it doesn’t mean the country is without its hazards. Before committing to a solo trip to Japan, there are certain safety factors you should consider:
Japan’s weather can create extreme situations. Heavy rains during the monsoon season (June-July) can trigger flash floods as well as landslides. In the scorching summer, the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature soars high enough to give unwary travelers heat stroke.
Due to its precarious location at the junction of tectonic plates, Japan is also prone to earthquakes. Though most are hardly felt, they can be large enough to trigger volcanic activity and tsunamis.
One notable result of such natural disasters is the nuclear contamination of Fukushima. Since a 9.1-magnitude earthquake struck the area in 2011, it has been under continuous monitoring. Follow the guidance of the Nuclear Regulation Authority and steer clear of affected areas to ensure your safety.
While it’s unlikely you’ll encounter violent crime in Japan, criminal activity does still exist, especially in cities. Always be aware of your belongings and be on the lookout for pickpockets. Theft and credit card fraud are among the most reported crimes in Japan.
Exercise caution when going out in populous cities like Tokyo. As in most cities, drink spiking can occur, and men are just as likely as women to be targeted. Popular nightlife areas like Ikebukuro and Roppongi, Kabukicho are especially susceptible to this sort of crime. Always keep your drink close and take note of suspicious behavior.
Japan is a rather safe country. Nonetheless, there are a few measures you can take to enhance your security.
Although not many people report sexual assault in Japan, sexual harassment in the form of ogling and groping sometimes occurs. Foreign women tend to attract attention for standing out, making women traveling to Japan alone easy targets.
If you are accosted, firmly express your disinterest and loudly tell the perpetrator to stop. Occurrences like these are rare, though, and women should feel safe getting around on their own.
For extra security, take advantage of the many trains and metros that offer women-only cars. Hostels usually offer women-only dorm options as well.
Many people put off a trip to Japan because they’ve heard how expensive it can be. When you add up the price of the flight, hotels, and activities, it can come out to a lot - but it doesn’t have to.
There are far more options for cheap dining, accommodation, and travel in Japan when you travel solo.
Japan has many affordable public transportation options, such as buses, metros, and an extensive rail network that connects nearly every town in Japan. Fares vary from city to city, but a one-way ticket for a bus or JR (Japan Rail) train typically costs between ¥100 and ¥250 (about $0.91 to $2.27), depending on the distance you go.
The JR Rail Pass is an all-access pass to the JR public transit service. This includes all Japan Rail national trains (including Shinkansen bullet trains), JR buses, ferries, and airport transfers. The pass is intended for short-stay tourists to Japan and can be purchased in 1-to-3-week-long increments. A 7-day pass costs ¥33,610 ($305.79), and a 21-day pass costs ¥66,200 ($602.29).
You can save a lot if you’re planning to use public transport frequently, or if you plan on traveling to multiple destinations. It is crucial to book your JR Rail Pass in advance. Once you enter Japan, there are few locations where you can purchase one, and the prices will be higher.
Most cities also offer day passes. A day pass is a great option if you plan on taking public transport many times throughout the day. In Tokyo, a day pass covering the various metro lines will cost you ¥1,590 ($14.47). That might sound steep, but in a city so large, you may find yourself needing the metro often. Other cities, like Kyoto, offer day passes for only ¥500 ($4.55).
Solo travelers have the pick of the lot when it comes to affordable accommodation in Japan.
With so many unique dishes to try, you may be concerned about excessive spending on dining. As a solo traveler, however, you don’t have to worry about pleasing other people’s preferences. Here are some affordable dining options:
LOOKING FOR MORE BUDGET TRAVEL TIPS? Read How to Cheaply Travel Japan.
One of Japan's strengths as a tourist destination is its natural and cultural diversity.
The northern prefectures play host to cold winters while Japan’s southern prefectures experience a subtropical climate. Bustling cities and serene mountains lie everywhere in between. Each region has a unique topography with cultures and cuisines all their own.
Consider these destinations when planning your solo trip to Japan:
This extensive metropolis is the most popular destination for tourists. It’s commonplace for people to do things on their own in Tokyo, so you don’t have to worry about standing out as a solo traveler.
Tokyo is the best Japanese city for pop culture enthusiasts. The neighborhood of Akihabara is the center for all things otaku (Japanese geek culture). You’ll find electronics stores, bookstores full of manga, loud and strobing arcades, and the cult-favorite maid cafes, where waitresses dressed as maids worship customers and serve dishes that seem too adorable to be real.
Sports fans in Tokyo can catch a baseball game or see a traditional sumo match. There are only 45 days per year that you can catch a sumo match in Tokyo, so plan your visit and book tickets in advance.
Here are some solo activities to consider when visiting the capital:
For regular updates of free and affordable things to do in Tokyo, follow TokyoCheapo.
Plan your visit to Tokyo with our Tokyo City Guide. Discover things to do, where to stay, and how to get around.
Nature lovers will want to explore Japan’s northernmost prefecture, Hokkaido.
Hike Daisetsuzan National Park in the summer or fall, explore ice caverns at Sounkyo IceWaterfall Festival from January to March, or relax at an onsen with a view year-round.
Visit Hokkaido in February to catch the Sapporo Snow Festival, when the entire city turns into a winter wonderland, or take a trip to the region in July to experience the lavender fields of Furano in bloom. The largest fields are at Farm Tomita, which has been producing lavender since 1903.
Plan your visit to Sapporo with our Sapporo City Guide. Discover things to do, where to stay, and how to get around.
The trails of Mt. Fuji are open to visitors from July 1 to September 14.
The shortest trail to the summit takes five hours to ascend and three hours to descend. Most people start the trek in the evening and rest overnight before descending. For climbers’ convenience, there are mountain huts available to reserve overnight, but you need to book them in advance.
Join a climbing tour to meet likeminded friends and climb Mt. Fuji with the guidance of professionals.
This modern city is a poignant destination, particularly for Americans and solo travelers desiring a place for reflection. Peace Memorial Park and Museum are somber and powerful reminders of the past.
Solo travelers can connect with a group at the WoodEgg Okonomiyaki Museum and take a tour to learn about, make, and eat one of Hiroshima’s most famous dishes – okonomiyaki, a savory pancake dish.
The nearby island of Miyajima is home to ancient shrines, including the famous Itsukushima Shrine. Miyajima Walks offer three-hour walking tours that will take you to all the major Buddhist sites and teach you their histories and meanings.
As the former capital of Imperial Japan, the Kansai region is a cultural stronghold, with its deepest roots in Kyoto. It’s famous for striking temples like the golden Kinkaku-ji, the bamboo forests of Arashiyama, and the often-Instagrammed Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Japan Wonder Travel offers various tours in Kyoto that cover everything from history to food. You can even book a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and see maiko (apprentice geishas) in action.
Osaka is Kansai’s largest city, making it a great place to meet new friends. The downtown area, called Dotonburi, is full of larger-than-life neon attractions, nightclubs, cafes, and restaurants.
Go see a show at Osaka’s National Bunraku Theater. Bunraku is a traditional puppet show from Edo-era Japan. Shows at the national theater offer subtitles in English as well.
Plan your visit to Osaka with our Osaka City Guide. Discover things to do, where to stay, and how to get around.
A 30-minute train ride from Osaka is Nara, Japan’s first-ever capital, established in 710AD. Visit the 50-foot-tall Buddha statue at Todai-Ji, Japan’s most famous temple. Then visit Nara Park next door, where wild deer bow to you in exchange for crackers.
The best time to visit Nara is from March 1 to March 14, when the Omizutori events take place. Omizutori are repentance rituals involving fire and water that Japanese Buddhists have been performing for 1250 years. Showering sparks raining down from the temples is a sight you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
It’s best to avoid the summer in Japan (unless you plan to climb Mt. Fuji). The sweltering temperatures make getting around difficult.
Plan a leisurely trip for the spring or fall, or during the sakura (cherry blossom) season. Sakura takes place in early March when pink and white hues cover the city and the countryside.