Solo Female Travelers Share Why Japan Should Be on Your List Too

Japan, a land of traditions, innovation, and modern culture. It has long captivated the hearts of travelers worldwide. Though for solo female adventurers, the thought of navigating a new culture, language, and transportation system alone can feel a little daunting. But what if we told you that Japan isn’t just a possible solo destination, but perhaps one of the best?

In this blog, we’ll explore why Japan is a standout choice for solo female travelers, backed by the inspiring stories of women who are planning or have already embraced the solo journey in Japan. Get ready to transform your doubts into dreams of your own Japanese adventure!

Facts About Japan’s Solo Traveling

When it comes to solo female travel, Japan consistently emerges as a top choice, primarily due to its exceptional safety and efficiency. Ranked as one of the top 10 safest countries in the world, women can confidently explore cities or rural landscapes, even at night. This security is complemented by an incredibly punctual and user-friendly public transportation system, easily navigable thanks to clear signage, making it super easy to travel independently across the country. According to JNTO, over 20% of the inbound tourists are solo travelers. Overall, there is a growing confidence among women to explore Japan independently. Find out more about why Japan is good for traveling alone as a female.

Her Journey

Beyond the facts and figures, we reached out to a few incredible solo traveling women who are planning to have explored Japan on their own, and their insights are truly inspiring.

Emily, from the UK

Hi! I‘m Emily! I’m a full-time travel blogger and freelance writer from Dorset in the UK, and I focus mainly on solo female travel. To date, I’ve visited over 60 countries – 32 of them solo! I’ve written guidebooks for Lonely Planet, climbed Mt Fuji in the dead of night to watch the sunrise, bungee jumped in India, spent the night in a favela in Rio, learnt to be a Samurai in Japan, and even come face to face with a black bear whilst hiking solo in Canada! I like to show people that adventure is for everyone, and that solo travel can be the perfect adventure. It’s all about getting out of your comfort zone a little, trying something new, seeing just how much you can handle – and having fun doing it!

Why would you recommend Japan to other women thinking about traveling solo?

Japan is one of my favourite destinations for solo travel, especially as a woman. Statistically speaking, it’s one of the safest countries in the world, and I really did feel that when I travelled there. It’s also incredibly beautiful, with a fascinating culture and some of the best food in the world – which makes it a wonderful country to explore. I loved travelling solo in Japan. Things got confusing at times with the language barrier, especially in train stations, but I always found people willing to help me. People in Japan were so welcoming and kind, I was never stuck for very long! Plus, I found that there were lots of capsule hotels and guest houses that were female-only (or had women-only floors) which made me feel much more comfortable as a solo female traveller.

What made you choose Arigato Travel for your Japan adventure? And would you recommend it to other solo female travelers?

I always prefer to use local tour companies when I travel because locals know their destination best. Arigato Travel appealed to me in particular because it was founded by a woman, and I love supporting female-run businesses. The guides were all fantastic and it was such a great insight into the local culture and cuisine. Plus, I always say that a food tour is the perfect way to meet people when you travel. Dining alone every night can get a bit lonely, so a food tour is a nice way to enjoy some company while you eat your way around a new city. I’ve made some great travel friends that way!

Watch Emily’s fun discovery with us in Tokyo here!

If you were to come back, which Arigato Travel tour would you love to join and why?

I would love to take the Hidden Gem food tour in Tokyo, because I feel like this would be a great way to dive a little deeper into the local gastronomy. The tiny local spots are often the best places for food, but as a foreigner it’s hard to find them – so I’d love to take a guided tour with a local expert. I also love the look of the Wine Country Day Trip. I had no idea Japan produced wines! That trip sounds like the perfect way to spend a day escaping the hustle and bustle of Tokyo!

Thank you for sharing! Where can we find more of your inspiring content?

Website: www.emilyluxton.co.uk 

Instagram and TikTok: @em_luxton

Sarah, from the Netherlands

I’m Sarah, and I’m from the Netherlands. I’ve been a flight attendant for over 11 years, an expert solo traveller, and a content creator. I took my first solo trip almost 15 years ago and have been travelling solo on and off ever since. I realised early on that if I wanted to see my dream destinations, I’d have to travel alone — because not everyone around you always has the time, budget, or priorities to join. It has been a very freeing experience! As a flight attendant, I travel professionally, and this lifestyle has made me even more confident on my own. I created my travel blog, Jetlag Sarah, to empower women to travel more and travel solo, with helpful travel tips, flying advice, and destination guides. I feel it’s the best thing to do for confidence and personal growth.

What made you travel solo in Japan?

Japan has been a bucket list destination for me since I was a teenager and saw Tokyo in movies. It has something magical for me: the red torii gates, the temples, the neon lights of Tokyo and the incredible Japanese cuisine and culture. It’s a completely different vibe from Western countries. In September 2023, I made a pretty last-minute decision to go to Japan and finally visit a country I had wanted to visit for so long. While making plans, I was surprised to find that Japan was more affordable than I had expected, even for solo travellers. Japan is also a very safe country for travellers, which is a major factor for women travelling alone. Having the freedom to walk around solo, even in the evening, is something many women will absolutely love about Japan.

How did Japan feel as a destination for solo female travelers? And what is one place you would recommend in Japan as a solo traveler?

Japan is an amazing destination for solo female travellers! It’s now one of my top recommendations for a solo trip. The culture is fascinating, it’s safe, there’s always something to do, and the food scene is next level. From ramen bars to cute coffee cafés and izakayas, you can eat and wander your way through the cities until your feet give out. Japan is also very solo traveller-friendly, especially when it comes to eating out. I saw yakiniku for one, standing sushi bars, and pretty much every restaurant offering solo seats at the counter. Perfect if you’re still getting used to dining alone without feeling awkward. I also found the Japanese people incredibly kind and helpful.

The overall vibe is organised, respectful, and structured, which honestly felt like a breath of fresh air to me. There’s so much we could learn from that in Western countries. As a solo traveller, you really can’t go wrong anywhere in Japan. But if it’s your first visit, don’t skip the big hitters: Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Kyoto can get touristy, but spots like Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera Temple are absolutely worth it. Go right after sunrise for a peaceful experience. I also really enjoyed Shimokitasawa in Tokyo, great for thrift shopping and a bit of an artsy vibe. A tour or day trip to Mount Fuji and its surroundings is also a must! I did a tour twice, and both times were great. It’s just very convenient to have everything arranged for you. And if you’re a foodie like me, book a food tour or sushi-making workshop. They’re such a fun way to explore local gems and meet people along the way!

If you were to come back, which Arigato Travel tour would you love to join and why?

All tours look amazing and well put together! I’m currently very much drawn to all the Mount Fuji tours; it seems like an incredible experience to do a food tour with Fuji-san in the background. The next time I’m back, I want to visit Hiroshima, so the Hiroshima Food Tour calls my name too!

Thank you for sharing! Where can we find more of your inspiring content?

I wrote about my travels to Japan on jetlagsarah.com and shared on Instagram instagram.com/jetlagsarah 

Bethany, from the US

I am an American travel writer living in Mexico City with a background in planning, guiding, and wellness. I am an only child with a big curiosity about the world. From a young age, if there was something I wanted to do, I just did it by myself. At 41 years old, nothing has changed! If there is a destination I want to explore, I don’t let a lack of company stop me. I’ve been traveling solo since my mid-20s, and I love it.

What made you travel solo in Japan?

I wanted to go somewhere fabulous for my 40th birthday last year. Japan has been on my radar for a long time, but I thought it would be too expensive to fully enjoy on my own (I was wrong!). A month or two before my birthday, I was looking at flights to St. Petersburg, Russia, Machu Picchu, and Egypt. Each destination simply had too many logistics – I wanted to arrive somewhere easily. So I looked at every city with a direct flight from Mexico City, and I saw Tokyo. It hadn’t occurred to me that there would be anything direct to Japan! I squealed and booked it right away.

Watch Bethany’s solo journey in Japan here!

How did Japan feel as a destination for solo female travelers? And what is one place you would recommend in Japan as a solo traveler?

The safety I felt in Japan was unmatched by any destination I had traveled to in my life. It’s also easy – it’s well-connected, it’s clean, it’s quiet, and it’s literally made for solo-dining. No one gawked when I asked for a table for 1, and most restaurants had either a bar or a pod for eating. Culturally, I don’t know that the Japanese are inclined to strike up a conversation with a random woman dining on her own, so I felt very comfortable in my aloneness.

If you were to come back, which Arigato Travel tour would you love to join and why?

How can I choose one? They all look like so much fun! I would join either the Wine Country Day Trip or the Luxury Tokyo Sake/Whiskey/Cocktail Pairing tour.

Thank you for sharing! Where can we find more of your inspiring content?

You can find me as a regular contributor to The MICHELIN Guide (Kyoto content coming out soon!), my personal travel blog A Weekend Away In, and on Instagram at @bplatanella.

Lisa, from the UK

I am a forty-something divorcee who has changed her life and left everything to travel the world. I’m a freelance writer and also run the award-winning social impact blog, Girl about the Globe, a travel resource site for solo female travellers who care about the world. I’m from a small seaside town in the south of England, but I’ve been travelling and living in different places since I was 21 years old, and the longest I’ve ever stayed in one place is three years. I’ve now been lucky enough to have travelled to 152 countries, and 119 of these as a solo female. I have been blogging since 2012, and my vision is to empower 100,000 conscious travellers and bring hope to 100,000 vulnerable girls in conflict zones by 2030 through our Girl about the Globe Foundation.

Since the age of 21, I have been travelling and living abroad. My first solo trip was to France to work as a chalet girl, and I missed home so much that I only lasted a week. Then I worked on a cruise ship, and the fear and homesickness set in again, and I lasted 2 months. I gradually built up my confidence until I was away for a year. I was so shy and unsure of myself back then, but each time I came back to the UK, I knew that I should have stayed longer, so I went away again. I set a bucket list, and I’ve been travelling ever since. I now live in Dubai!

What made you travel solo in Japan?

I have always wanted to go to Japan, so I planned a trip to Asia, including Taiwan and South Korea, on my route. What made me want to go was the fact that it is so safe and that it is home to Sumo wrestling! This is one experience that I unfortunately missed during my trip. I didn’t realise how popular it was and that it’s really important to pre-book it before you arrive, so you don’t miss out. Japan is full of culture, and I grew up watching Ninja movies, so it was amazing to have a Ninja experience in Kyoto. I also wanted to learn more about the Samurai and learnt how to fight like one, which was amazing. The nightlife is great in Japan too, and there are so many experiences to have.

Watch Lisa’s solo adventure in Japan here!

How did Japan feel as a destination for solo female travelers? And what is one place you would recommend in Japan as a solo traveler?

I loved the country. I don’t usually go out alone at night, but I felt really comfortable doing this in Japan. It had a nice cosy feel at night, and I also found it easy to navigate my way around, and when I did get lost, a local always came to my rescue. I loved travelling around on the bullet trains too. And the fact that everything is so efficient and works in Japan. Kyoto was one of my favourite places because of the Fushimi Inari Shrine and the Bamboo Forest.

If you were to come back, which Arigato Travel tour would you love to join and why?

I would love to do the Best of Shibuya Food Tour, as I only did one food tour while I was there, which was in Osaka. I loved tasting the local food, and as a solo traveller, it was an ideal way for me to meet others and dine out with company. Shibuya looks like a great area too.

Thank you for sharing! Where can we find more of your inspiring content?

I run the award-winning solo female travel blog, Girl about the Globe, so you can find me at my blog! I have a podcast too, and am hosting a virtual Solo Female Travel Summit in July, which is free to join! 

Website: https://www.girlabouttheglobe.com/

Virtual Summit: www.solofemaletravelsummit.com

Geleen, from the US

I’m Geleen Antonio. I’m originally from the U.S., raised in a Filipino immigrant household where travel just wasn’t something we talked about. We didn’t have the money for it. But everything changed when I studied abroad in Rome at 20. That trip lit something up in me, and I promised myself I’d find a way to make travel a part of my life. I started solo traveling at 25, taking monthlong trips through Europe, then short weekend getaways whenever I could. In 2020, I finally took the leap and became a full-time digital nomad. Since then, I’ve been living out of a suitcase and backpack, slow traveling from city to city every few months, with no real home base. I also run Travel Not to Escape, a podcast and global community that bridges travel and mental health. I use my neuroscience background to help travelers connect more deeply with themselves, with community, and with the cultures they’re exploring. I believe solo travel isn’t just about new places. It’s about new ways of seeing yourself.

What makes Japan a destination on your solo travel list?

Japan has been on my list for years. I grew up watching anime, eating ramen and sushi, and dreaming about visiting someday. I’ve always been drawn to the contrast in Japan, the mix of tradition and tech, nature and neon, ritual and creativity. The food is a big pull too, obviously, but I’m also really fascinated by Japanese design, fashion, and the way everyday life seems so intentional. From how meals are prepared to how streets are cleaned. It feels like a place where I could wander solo and feel both curious and calm at the same time.

As a solo traveler, what are you most curious to experience in Japan?

I want to immerse myself completely. Try everything, meet people, and just soak up the vibe. Whether it’s eating something delicious at a street market, hiking Mt. Fuji, talking to locals about their daily life, or finding a quiet moment in a garden or temple… I want to experience the full range. I’m especially curious about how it feels to be solo in Japan. A lot of my solo trips have brought me clarity or healing in unexpected ways, and I have a feeling Japan will do that too. I also love observing culture, so I’ll probably spend a lot of time just sitting in a corner café, taking it all in.

Which Arigato Travel tour are you most interested in and why?

I couldn’t pick just one, so I have two. The Daytime Hanami Cherry Blossom Tour in Tokyo sounds magical. Wandering through the old streets of Yanaka under blooming sakura trees, eating seasonal treats, and visiting a local artist’s gallery? Yes please. That kind of slow, intentional tour is exactly how I love to explore a place. The Suruga Tea and Culture Tour is also calling me. It feels really aligned with the kind of work I do, helping travelers regulate their nervous systems and find stillness on the road. Tea fields, pottery, matcha calligraphy, hiking, coastal towns, and connecting with local artisans? That’s my kind of adventure. It’s a part of Japan that feels off the beaten path, and I’m all about those deep dive cultural experiences.

Thank you for sharing! Where can we find more of your inspiring content?

You can find me on Instagram @travelnottoescape or at www.travelnottoescape.com. I host the Travel Not to Escape podcast, where I talk to travelers, therapists, and creatives about how travel can actually help us heal, connect, and grow, and not just run away. I also organize mental health support meetups virtually for travelers, and recently launched a travel therapist directory to help people find support while living abroad. If you’ve ever felt a little lost while traveling or are just craving a more meaningful connection, you’ll find some like-minded travelers in the community.

So, after hearing so many inspiring women’s stories about Japan, is Japan the ideal destination for your next solo female adventure? We hope by now, the answer is a resounding “yes!” If you’ve been dreaming of visiting Japan, but the idea of going alone has held you back, consider this your friendly nudge. Take the leap. Embrace the adventure. Japan is waiting to welcome you with open arms, ready to offer you an unforgettable journey of self-discovery and wonder!

Featured Photo Credit: Jo Panuwat D

Inspired to start your own solo adventure across Japan, but nervous about the planning? Let our Tailored Travel team take away the stress and create a custom itinerary made just for you!