Solo female travel in Japan: my experiences travelling alone
I travelled solo to Japan for the first time in 2023. It had been on my list for years, but I kept putting it off because I thought it would be too expensive and too complicated. It wasn’t.
This is my “solo female travel in Japan” hub, that will walk you through everything you need to know about travelling solo in Japan.
We’ll talk about itineraries, things to know, best tours, hotels and more. I’ll guide you to my more detailed posts so you can plan everything step by step.
If Japan has been sitting on your list for years, this is your sign to stop waiting. Grab a matcha and let’s go.
Start here: How to plan a trip to Japan
What you need to know about Japan
The Best time to visit Japan?
The best time to visit Japan is spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). The weather is mild, it’s easy to explore, and you’ll get cherry blossom season or autumn colours depending on when you go. I’ve been in different seasons, and personally, I’d avoid peak summer. It gets hot, humid, and honestly a bit exhausting when you’re walking around all day.
How Much Does a Solo Trip to Japan costs?
Japan isn’t as expensive as people think, but accommodation will be your biggest cost. Budget hotel rooms are typically small, simple, and clean. You can find good options from around $150 a night, but if you want more space or comfort, expect prices to start closer to $200.
Food and public transport are very affordable, especially if you stick to local restaurants and use the metro. That’s where Japan becomes much more budget-friendly than expected.
How to get around in Japan
Getting around Japan is incredibly easy, even if it doesn’t feel like it at first. Public transport is fantastic. There’s a train from the airport straight into Tokyo, and subways are affordable and very reliable. Train and subway stations can feel confusing in the beginning, but once you understand how it works, it’s very straightforward. Travelling between cities is just as easy. The bullet trains are fast, clean, and very comfortable.
Why Japan is fantastic for women travelling alone
Japan is one of the safest countries I’ve travelled to solo. I’ve walked around alone at night and never felt uncomfortable, and people are kind and helpful even with a language barrier.
It’s not a very social destination, but that doesn’t mean it’s unfriendly. People will help you when you need it, and that gives a lot of reassurance when you’re on your own.
And Japan is genuinely solo-friendly. You can eat alone, explore alone, and do everything on your own without feeling out of place.
my Japan Itineraries
About Jetlag Sarah
I’m Sarah, a passionate solo traveller and flight attendant since 2014. I’ve travelled to over 75 countries and countless cities. My mission is to ignite a fire in you, to stop waiting and start exploring. I’ll help to travel solo safely and confidently and falling in love with solitude.
Why i love kyoto: touristy, but beautiful
Kyoto is my favourite city in Japan, even though it’s busy and very touristy.
It’s the complete opposite of Tokyo. Think temples, shrines, cute streets, geisha and that traditional Japan atmosphere.
Yes, it gets crowded, but I avoided most of it by waking up early and visiting places around sunrise. Just like the photo here at Kiyomizudera temple.
It made such a difference and it made the experience feel so much more special. I wrote a lot about Kyoto, but start with my solo female travel guide.
Things to know before travelling to japan: don’t make these mistakes
Yes, Seoul is a great city for solo female travellers. It’s safe, modern, and incredibly easy to navigate, which makes a huge difference when you’re travelling alone. You can spend your days exploring neighbourhoods, shopping, visiting museums, booking a skincare treatment, or going for a hike.
At the same time, it’s not a very solo-minded city. I’ve noticed that Seoul is quite couple-focused, and you’ll notice that in everyday life, from people constantly doing things together (couples wear the same outfits) to restaurants that are set up for minimum of two people (especially Korean BBQ places).
Where to go in Japan as a solo female traveller
If it’s your first time in Japan, start with Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. Yes, they’re the most touristy places, but they’re popular for a reason and worth it.
Tokyo is big, modern, and full of energy. Think neon lights, busy streets, and endless things to do.
Kyoto is traditional temples, cute streets, geisha and that classic Japan feeling you probably have in your head.
Osaka, for me is busy, chaotic, but it’s a foodie heaven.
All my Japan guides
Everything else you’ll need as a solo female traveller
