Last updated on November 3rd, 2023
Planning to solo travel in Japan soon? Here are the top tips on how to enjoy & thrive in Japan that all travelers should know!
Japan has so much to offer & is an excellent destination for solo travelers! And while there isn’t a wrong or right way to travel, you’ll want to make the best of your trip. So, as someone who loves to maximize the adventure on vacation, I’m giving you the top tips on how to enjoy all Japan has to offer.
You’ll discover why Japan is such a great place to visit, and best tips on how to avoid scams, and much more.
After learning how to successfully solo travel to Japan, you’ll be so ecstatic about your visit to the beautiful country. And if you hadn’t planned on visiting, you will after reading this post!
This post is all about solo travel in Japan.
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Solo Travel Japan
Why Travel to Japan?
Japan has always been on my bucket list, but that might not be the case for you. So, I’m sharing what makes Japan so special, and you can decide if it’s worth visiting.
Japan is super clean & very safe.
Despite being largely populated, Japan is surprising super clean. So much so that the Japanese actually pride themselves on being very clean. This might be a nice reprieve for those living in dirtier cities like New York or Los Angeles.
The country is also considered one of the safest countries in the world, making it an ideal location for solo travel. However, with that being said, travelers should still exercise caution and remain aware of their surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
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The cuisine is phenomenal.
If you’re a fan of Japanese food, you are in for a real treat. The cuisine here is a big part of the culture, and you can taste it in the delicious dishes. If no other reason, you can visit to go on a food tour around the country. YUM.
The UNESCO sites, temples, and nature spots.
Another reason to solo travel in Japan is to explore the country’s many UNESCO sites, temples, and nature spots.
Fun Fact: Japan has 25 total UNESCO heritage sites! You could make a trip based on those alone and be busy for a good minute.
Then there are the historic temples and shrines in just about every town in Japan. Some of these temples date back over a thousand years ago. Talk about ancient.
And you can’t forget all the insane nature spots like Mount Fiji, Nachi Waterfall, and the Abukumado cave. These natural wonders are out of a storybook and make you feel connected with the earth.
These are just a few reasons to add Japan to your list of places to go. Trust me, you won’t regret the visit!
Top Tips on How to Thrive in Japan
Now, let’s get into ways to avoid trouble & enjoy your experience in Japan.
Carry Cash
While you can find places that accept card payments, most establishments only accept cash. So, it’s best to carry some cash on you at all times.
Also, keep your money spread out in separate areas, just in case someone pickpockets you. Although Japan is relatively safe, it’s good to get in the practice of keeping your monies in various areas.
Be sure to check out my post on Best Travel Tips for Beginners!
Learn Common Japanese Phrases
Learning some common Japanese phrases will save you so much trouble in the long run. So, make sure you take some time to study. I would recommend practicing speaking & reading common phrases.
Key Phrases to learn:
- Hello
- Restroom
- Ticket
- Bus
- Train
- Help
- Goodbye
Traveling in Japan
With multiple modes of public transportation in Japan, it’s super easy to get around the country. Bus, subway, and train transport are the best ways to get around the country.
While the subway and trains are more favored by solo travelers in Japan, they are a bit of a pain during rush hour. So if you can, try to avoid them between 8-9 am & 5-7pm.
Buses in Japan are a great alternative to traveling by train and are ideal for those traveling on a budget.
Common Scams to Avoid in Japan
While the country is generally very safe and has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, there are still select scammers and troublemakers. Here are common scams to avoid while in Japan:
- Restaurant Scams
Unfortunately, this scam can occur when you sit down to eat.
A server will come to take your order. But after the order is placed, the waiter will return and place an item you didn’t order on the table. And while you think it’s free, there will be a charge for it on the bill.
So, if you are brought something you didn’t order, tell the server that you didn’t order it, which will prevent you from being responsible for the charge.
Another restaurant scam may happen if the server realizes you only speak English. Then, they will give you a different menu with higher prices than the regular one. Therefore, taking advantage of the fact that you’re a tourist and up-charging you.
- Taxi Scams
The following scam is the ‘drop & swap’ scam.
This is where the traveler pays for a taxi in cash. The taxi driver will then give the traveler the correct change back. But in the process of giving the change back, the driver will drop it.
Then the driver will pick up the change, but with a quick hand movement, they will change the amount and hand it back to the traveler. But the amount looks the same, so the traveler doesn’t notice. Thus stealing the traveler’s money.
- Nightclub & Bar Scams
The first thing to be highly alerted of is someone spiking your beverage. While this isn’t necessarily common in Japan, it still happens. So it’s crucial to be aware of anywhere you travel.
Of course, do not leave your drink unattended; if you need to, always purchase a new one when you return.
While some of these scams are easily avoidable, some of them aren’t. Therefore, I strongly advise you to use common sense in every situation and do your homework about the area you’re traveling in. And if possible, try to avoid highly targeted tourist areas.
Keep up to date on Japanese Cultural Taboos.
As an ancient & highly traditional country, there are cultural taboos in Japan that you should be aware of.
- Tipping: while a regular practice in other countries, tipping is not a thing in Japan.
- Shoes off indoors: Shoes are very rarely worn inside in Japanese culture.
- Getting into hot springs or bathtubs without bathing: before you can get into a hot spring or bathtub, you MUST bathe first. This ensures the springs stay clean.
These are only a few no-nos in Japanese culture; there are a few others you should check into.
A good rule of thumb is to do your research before traveling anywhere. As my dad used to say, knowing is half the battle. And you want to be as prepared as possible, so you don’t offend while visiting.
Breathe & Embrace the Journey.
Solo travel anywhere can be nerve-wracking, especially when you aren’t familiar with the area and there’s a language barrier. And if you’re anything like me, the unfamiliar territory is enough to make you run the other way and go back to what you know.
But growth and life-changing experiences are on the other side of that fear. So, remember to breathe, embrace the journey, and have fun. You got this!
This post is all about solo travel in Japan.
Wishing you happy & safe travels 💜
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