Traveling alone is always a unique experience, with its own ups and downs. When you're on your own, you have the freedom to do exactly what you want. Before you pick a country for a solo trip, though, it's worth knowing whether it actually works for that kind of travel. In this article we'll explain why Japan is one of the best countries for solo backpackers.
One of the main reasons Japan is such a good fit for solo travelers is its safety. Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, with an extremely low crime rate. You can feel completely safe hiking in the Japanese mountains or exploring small islands on your own. Even if you lose a valuable item, there's a good chance you'll get it back, thanks to the honesty of the Japanese people. On one of my trips I left a bag with my passport behind somewhere and got it back without any trouble by simply returning to the spot.
Beyond safety and honesty, the Japanese are remarkably welcoming. Whether you stay in a hostel, a ryokan or with a host family, you'll quickly feel at home. And even if you feel awkward about being on your own, remember that Japanese society is quite individualistic and many Japanese struggle with loneliness themselves. Walking around Japan on your own is perfectly normal.
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You travel alone, but you are not alone
It's true that many Japanese tend to be quiet and reserved, so you may feel a little lonely at times. But it's not hard to make friends. In fact, it's pretty easy: most Japanese want to practise their English and will actively try to chat with you in that language. If you also know Japanese, socialising becomes many times easier and you can make friends and travel companions in no time. Just don't be as shy as I was!
In Japan people tend to follow the rules, so you don't have to worry about unpleasant or unexpected situations. The Japanese are willing to help, and often you don't even have to ask. They have the patience to bridge the language barrier with their phones and Google Translate. Even though some people think Japan is somewhat xenophobic, the reality is that most Japanese like foreigners and enjoy what's new and different. Sometimes you'll even stand out in a positive way. Just don't mistake their reserved nature for indifference — almost everyone is polite, respectful and pleasant.
Most backpackers say they've travelled solo across many countries, but they can't think of a more welcoming destination for solo travellers than Japan. It's impossible to get bored here: culture, shops, restaurants, sights, museums, castles, temples, mountains, islands, forests, animals and plenty more are all there waiting to be discovered.
It is very different from what people think
Japan is one of the easiest countries to travel on your own. Just about everything here is designed to make your life simpler, starting with the railway system. You can use it to get around an entire city or the whole country. Everything is well signposted, well organised and often surprisingly cheap. In fact, it can be cheaper to live as a tourist in Japan than in Brazil, even though many people believe everything in Japan is expensive. There are thousands of restaurants serving cuisines from all over the world, competition is fierce, and food prices stay relatively low.
There are plenty of free and paid attractions, and travelling solo means you can simply decide on the fly what you want to see. Sometimes it even feels more comfortable to go to an onsen on your own, without having to know anyone. Another huge convenience in Japan is the network of convenience stores, where you can pick up almost anything around the clock. Japan is a country that will surprise you — there's no reason to be afraid of going solo. My first solo trip was straight to Japan, and I felt safer and more comfortable from the moment I boarded the plane.
Japan can really surprise you at every turn. Make the most of every chance that comes your way. Don't waste time standing still!
Tips for travelling solo in Japan
For a smooth trip, a few things are worth sorting out in advance. Here are our tips and suggestions:
- Rent a portable Wi-Fi device or pick up a SIM card with unlimited data.
- Book accommodation and popular restaurants ahead of time.
- Plan your itinerary, but keep alternatives in mind.
- In an emergency, dial 110 for the police.
- Carry your hotel card in case you get lost.
- Always have some cash on you — not everywhere accepts cards.
- Learn at least the basics of Japanese.
- Use a train app or a rail map.
- Try a ryokan and an onsen at least once.
- Don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it.
The only real downsides of solo travel in Japan are that there's no one around to take photos of you, and that you may sometimes feel lonely or need someone to translate for you. Plan your solo trip with that in mind and make a point of meeting different people along the way — that's how you get a much richer picture of the country.
No matter where you go in Japan, you'll always find places to slow down and unwind. Japan is not just the best country to travel alone — it's one of the best countries to travel, full stop. The rich and distinctive culture, the safety and the way everything just works are only a few of the thousand reasons that make Japan a must-visit. Have you had the chance to visit Japan yet? What are you waiting for?
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