Traveling alone is always a unique experience, it has its positive and negative points. Traveling alone gives you the freedom to do what you want. Of course, before choosing a country to travel alone, you need to know if it is a good destination for that purpose. In this article, we will show why Japan is one of the best countries for solitary backpackers traveling alone.
One of the main reasons Japan is one of the best choices for traveling alone is its safety. Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, the crime rate is extremely low. You feel completely safe walking in the mountains of Japan or even exploring small islands. Even if you lose some valuable item, it is very likely that you will find it, thanks to the honesty of the Japanese. During my trip to Japan, I forgot my bag with my passport in a place, and I successfully recovered it by going back to the location.
Besides safety and honesty, the Japanese are very hospitable. It doesn’t matter if you go to a hostel, ryokans, or family homes, you will feel at home. Even if you feel strange for being alone, remember that Japanese society is quite individualistic, and they struggle with loneliness. So it is absolutely normal to stay and walk alone in Japan.
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You travel alone, but you are not alone
It is true that many Japanese are shy and quiet, you may feel a little lonely at times. But it is not difficult to make friends! In reality, it is very easy, most Japanese want to practice and use their English, so they will try to communicate with you in that language, but if you know Japanese, it becomes a thousand times easier to socialize and in no time you will have friends and companions on your adventures. Just don’t be shy like me!
In Japan, people always follow the rules, so you don’t have to worry about unexpected or unpleasant situations. People in Japan are willing to help, sometimes you don’t even need to ask for help. They have total patience to face the language barrier, taking out their phones and using Google Translate. Although some think that Japan is somewhat xenophobic, the great reality is that most Japanese love foreigners, they like different and new things… Sometimes you will even stand out. Just don’t confuse the shyness of the Japanese, thinking that they are avoiding you. Almost everyone is elegant, respectful, and pleasant!
Most backpackers comment that they have traveled alone to many countries, but they can’t think of a more welcoming country for individual travelers. It is impossible to be bored in Japan. A country full of culture, shops, restaurants, tourist attractions, museums, castles, temples, mountains, islands, forests, animals, and much more.
It is totally different from what people think
Japan is one of the easiest countries to travel alone. Everything in Japan is designed to make our lives easier, especially the railway system. With it, you can move around the entire city or country. Everything is well signposted, organized, and even cheap. Sometimes it is cheaper to live as a tourist in Japan than in Brazil, this idea that everything in Japan is expensive is not real. There are thousands of different restaurants, with cuisines from all over the world, the competition is so huge that the prices for food are very low.
There are many free and paid tourist attractions, traveling alone you don’t have problems deciding which places you want to go. Sometimes you may feel more comfortable going to a hot spring alone without any acquaintance. Another great convenience in Japan is the convenience stores that make your life easier when buying something. Japan is a country that will surprise you a lot, you don’t need to be afraid of traveling alone. The first time I traveled alone was straight to Japan, and I felt much safer and more comfortable boarding the plane.
Everything in Japan can surprise you! Try to make the most of every opportunity that arises! Don’t waste time standing still!
Tips for traveling alone to Japan
Of course, to have a satisfactory trip you need to ensure a few things, so here are some tips and suggestions:
- Rent a portable wifi device or unlimited SIM card;
- Book in advance;
- Plan your itinerary and leave alternative options;
- Call 110 in emergencies;
- Carry your hotel card in case you get lost;
- Always have cash with you, some stores do not accept cards;
- Learn Japanese;
- Use a train map;
- Try a ryokan and onsen;
- Ask for help whenever you need;
The only negative points of traveling alone in Japan are the fact that you don’t have anyone to take photos with. Sometimes you may feel lonely or need someone to talk to the Japanese for you. So plan to travel alone, but find different people for different experiences on your trip.
In general, no matter where you go in Japan, you will always find places to relax your mind. Japan is not only the best country to travel alone, but one of the best countries to travel, no matter the situation! Its rich and unique culture, safety, and convenience are just one of the thousands of reasons that make Japan a must-visit destination! Have you had the chance to visit Japan? What are you waiting for?
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