Japan is an incredibly popular tourist destination for many reasons. There are many natural wonders and countless popular attractions that travelers enjoy exploring in the country. The culture of Japan is unlike anywhere else in the world – its food, nature and even holidays are celebrated across the globe, but there’s nothing like experiencing these things in their origin country. Despite Japan being highly rated, it may be difficult to round up other travelers willing to make the journey with you. Since there are so many options for cultural immersion in Japan, it may be difficult to decide your itinerary. A solo adventure grants as much freedom and flexibility as is desired, and this Asian destination is an ideal place for such a trip.
Why Is Japan Perfect for Solo Travel?
According to Japan-guide.com, Japan is an amazing place to enjoy solo travel due to the strong infrastructure that exists there. On a cultural level, this is because it is not irregular to enjoy life solo throughout the country, meaning travelers will not feel out of place where exploring things by one’s self is the norm. For instance, in Japan, it is widely acceptable to eat alone; this practice is an encouraging sentiment for solo travelers who want to dive right into the cultural cuisine of the country, and might provide an opportunity to mingle with others lacking a companion.
The accommodation options in Japan also suit solo travelers. Visitors can book traditional hotels but there are alternative (and more affordable options) like hostels. Staying in the latter offers up opportunities to meet people with different backgrounds and socialize with other tourists. Hostels have communal spaces too so those seeking recommendations from others are in luck. Alternatively, solo travelers can book capsule hotels; these are known for their privacy since there are very limited communal spaces. As opposed to hostels, capsule hotels offer enclosed spaces for individual sleeping.
Public transportation in Japan is another perk that makes solo travel a breeze. The country has a generally reliable public transportation system between trains, buses and subways for relatively cheap fares. They are not difficult to navigate either, so getting around all alone is not an intimidating task (as long as you’ve got the right attitude, that is). One way for solo travelers to thrive and explore is through buying a Japan Rail Pass – this gives travelers unlimited travel on Japan Rail bus, trains and ferries.
Tips for Solo Travelers
Unless solo travelers are keen to explore more rural areas, the big cities of Japan offer the best tourism infrastructure. Major locations like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto are best for popular activities and cultural experiences. They also have a unique art scene and delicious street food. Kyoto in particular is a cultural gem with plenty of history to soak in, so solo travelers can’t go wrong with a trip there.
Another thing for solo travelers to consider is the safety level of Japan. According to the Global Peace Index (which rates countries on a variety of criteria), it sits at number 17 out of 163 countries in terms of peace and safety. While this rating positions the country as a significantly less dangerous place in comparison to others, solo travelers should always be careful abroad. It is wise to always practice basic safety precautions such as staying alert in public, securing personal belongings and exploring well lit areas. Japan poses minimal threats to personal safety due to the low crime rates, which is definitely a comfort to visitors.
