Safest Places in Japan for Solo Female Travelers
1, Tokyo
Located in the heart of Japan, Tokyo, the bustling capital of the island nation, is a city that perfectly amalgamates tradition and innovation. Known for its towering skyscrapers, such as the iconic Tokyo Skytree and the historic Tokyo Tower, the city also exudes a unique blend of contemporary style with deep-rooted cultural offerings like the Meiji Shinto Shrine and Senso-ji Temple. Tokyo is renowned for its bustling shopping districts such as Ginza and Harajuku, expansive parks like Ueno, the famous Tsukiji Fish Market, and its extraordinary culinary scene featuring noteworthy sushi eateries and the udon-serving Tokyo Station. The city's vibrant nightlife, from its neon-lit streets in Shibuya to the traditional Izakaya bars in Shinjuku, is an experience in itself. Furthermore, Tokyo is globally recognized as the home of the otaku culture, with districts like Akihabara flooded with anime, manga, and video game stores.
2, Nagano
Nagano, located in the heart of Japan on the island of Honshu, is an enchanting tourist destination, surrounded by the majestic Japanese Alps. Known worldwide as the host city of the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano is a spectacular paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers, boasting fantastic ski resorts such as the iconic Hakuba Valley, the monkey hot springs at Jigokudani Yaen Park, and stunning temples including the historic Zenkoji Temple, a major pilgrimage site. A combination of rich cultural heritage, delicious local cuisine such as soba noodles and Shinshu apple, and remarkable natural beauty makes Nagano a must-visit gem in the Land of the Rising Sun.
3, Kamakura
Located just south of Tokyo, Kamakura is a delightful and charming coastal town in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, renowned for its rich historical heritage. Visitors revel in exploring the vast proliferation of ancient Zen temples and Shinto shrines, including the iconic bronze statue of the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), Hasedera Temple, known for its towering eleven-headed Kannon statue and lush garden overlooking the sea, and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, an integral part of Kamakura's identity. This city, often dubbed the 'Kyoto of Eastern Japan”, delivers breathtaking vistas of cherry blossom in spring and brightly colored leaves in autumn—a marvel for nature enthusiasts—while surfers can ride the waves at the local Yuigahama Beach. Kamakura's dynamic blend of history, natural beauty, and cultural wonder, makes it an excellent travel destination.
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4, Okayama
Located in Western Honshu, the largest island of Japan, Okayama is famous for its pristine landscape, traditional culture and historic landmarks. Known as the "Land of Sunshine," the city benefits from a mild climate, allowing visitors to explore its charm all year round. Okayama is renowned for Koraku-en, one of Japan's three best landscape gardens, an exquisite place with streams, ponds, and tea houses to relax and enjoy the view. The city is also home to the renowned Okayama Castle, also known as "Crow Castle" due to its black exterior, which beautifully contrasts with the surrounding greenery. Furthermore, Okayama is the gateway to numerous art islands like Naoshima and Teshima, making the city a cultural hub. Famous for its unique local specialty, the succulent and sweet Okayama peaches, it offers an immersive gastronomic journey for food enthusiasts.
5, Okinawa
Okinawa is a picturesque tropical paradise located in the southernmost region of Japan. Known for its unique blend of Japanese and Ryukyuan cultures, Okinawa offers a vibrant array of experiences for the discerning traveler, ranging from watersports and beach outings at the string of stunning coral-fringed islands, also known as Ryukyu Islands, to historical sites, such as Shuri Castle, which present a glimpse of the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom. The region is famous for its rich ocean life, offering unique opportunities for scuba divers and snorkeling enthusiasts, while the residents enjoy longevity- an attribute to the island's healthy diet. The exquisite Okinawan cuisine, infused with local ingredients and a distinct fusion of flavors, combined with the soothing traditional Ryukuan music and dance, enhance the charm of this alluring Japanese archipelago.
6, Furano
Furano, nestled in the heart of Hokkaido in northern Japan, is a highly captivating destination renowned for its picturesque landscapes year-round. Exceptionally famous for its vibrant lavender fields that burst into full bloom in summer, Furano offers a tranquil experience filled with the alluring scent of flowers. The town is also a renowned winter haven, drawing ski enthusiasts from around the globe to its pristine snowy slopes. Visitors can further immerse themselves in the local culture by experiencing Furano's charming local wineries, cheese factories, and delightful arts and crafts workshops. This scenic countryside town truly offers a spectrum of experiences against a backdrop of natural beauty, making it an exquisite Japanese gem well worth a visit.
7, Sapporo
Sapporo, the capital city of the Northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, is an enticing blend of urban sophistication and breathtaking natural beauty. Known as Japan's youngest major city, Sapporo spotlighted in winter for its popular Sapporo Snow Festival, where massive ice sculptures adorning the city draw millions of visitors. Beyond its seasonal appeal, Sapporo is renowned for its thriving food scene with exquisite local dishes including fresh seafood and the famous local delicacy, miso ramen. The city's Historic Village, showcasing a collection of well-preserved structures from the Meiji and Taisho periods, Beer Museum, emphasizing on the city's namesake brewery, and Odori Park, the heart of the Snow Festival, blend seamlessly offering visitors both cultural immersion and cosmopolitan allure.
8, Hakone
Nestled in Japan's Kanagawa Prefecture, just southwest of Tokyo, Hakone is an enchanting and immensely scenic hot-spring town that offers visitors a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle. Known for its breathtaking views of iconic Mount Fuji, its extensive array of natural hot springs, and Hakone Shrine, which stands at the edge of Ashi Lake. Visitors can enjoy a boat ride across the lake, explore the Open Air Museum, which brims with intriguing sculptures set against the backdrop of mountains, or journey through the town on the charming Hakone Tozan Railway. The rich history, stunning landscape, and soothing thermal waters make Hakone a can't-miss destination in Japan.
9, Shizuoka
Situated on the Pacific coast of Japan, Shizuoka is a stunning prefecture known for its breathtaking array of natural and cultural phenomena. Shizuoka is home to Mount Fuji, the highest point in Japan and an iconic symbol of the nation's beauty, and boasts of lush green tea fields that extend as far as the eye can see. The prefecture also houses the Miho Pine Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Izu Peninsula, popular for hot springs and beautiful coastlines. Tobu World Square and the Japan Racing Association Shizuoka Racecourse are additional attractions for adventure seekers. Shizuoka charms visitors with rich historical heritage like Sunpu Castle Park and the Shizuoka Sengen Shrine, along with what's often referred to as Japan's finest sushi.
10, Nagoya
Nagoya, Japan’s fourth-largest city, is conveniently situated two hours away from Tokyo by bullet train on the Southeastern coast of Honshu. Known as the birthplace of Toyota, Nagoya is a modernized city with strong ties to the world of industry and commerce. But there's more than just factories in the city; the magnificent Nagoya Castle, filled with national treasures and important cultural properties, is a focal point of the city's rich historical heritage. Nagoya is also recognized for its unique local cuisine, featuring dishes such as Hitsumabushi (grilled eel on rice), and it is home to Atsuta Shrine, one of Shinto's most important shrines. Despite its industrial image, Nagoya offers a blend of cultural history and modern innovation, making it an engaging destination for travelers.
11, Nara
Nara, the capital city of Japan's Nara Prefecture, is located less than one hour away from both Osaka and Kyoto, and is renowned for its historical significance and beautifully preserved ancient architecture. Known as the birthplace of Japanese culture, Nara is famous for its grand temples, including Todai-ji, home to the world's largest bronze statue of Buddha, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, distinguished by its myriad of stone and bronze lanterns. The city is also recognized for Nara Park, where over a thousand freely roaming sacred deer, considered messengers of gods in Shinto religion, attract tourists from across the globe. With its rich historical treasures, cultural attractions, and natural beauty, Nara is a must-visit destination in Japan.
12, Takamatsu
Takamatsu, situated on the northern shores of Shikoku Island in Japan, is a vibrant city brimming with cultural heritage and exquisite natural beauty. It is most famously known as the gateway to the "art islands", such as Naoshima and Teshima, which are renowned worldwide for their contemporary art museums, outdoor sculptures, and innovative architecture. Back on the mainland, Takamatsu boasts the Ritsurin Garden, one of the most beautiful classical gardens in Japan, and the Yashima Plateau, offering a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea. Takamatsu's culinary scene is equally noteworthy, especially for its trademark udon noodles. A trip here offers a delightful fusion of art, nature, and gastronomy, revealing the understated charm of Japan's regional cities.
13, Onomichi
Located along the Seto Inland Sea in western Honshu, Japan, Onomichi is a charming city known for its picturesque, old-world atmosphere. As a city with over a thousand years of history, Onomichi is teeming with historic temples and hillside lanes waiting to be explored. It's also widely recognized for the Temple Walk, a route that connects more than 25 beautifully preserved temples, providing a serene and spiritual experience for visitors. Along with its rich history and cultural importance, the city is also known as the starting point of the famous Shimanami Kaido, a scenic 60-kilometer bike route across six islands in the Seto Inland Sea making it a must-visit destination for cyclists as well.
14, Tokashiki
Situated in the midst of the enthralling Okinawa Prefecture in Japan, Tokashiki Island offers an arresting blend of natural beauty, exotic marine life, and serene surroundings. The island is famed for its overwhelming beaches such as the Tokashiku Beach and Aharen Beach, featuring crystal-clear waters, soft white sands, and lush greenery. Tokashiki is a popular haven for scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts who come to explore its vibrant coral reefs inhabited by a striking array of tropical fish, sea turtles, and other underwater flora and fauna. Amid the island's tranquil vistas, visitors can also find the quaint Tokashiki Village with its traditional Ryukyu-style architecture, offering glimpses into the island's rich history and culture.
15, Miyakojima
Miyakojima, nestled in the luscious and tranquil Okinawa Prefecture of Japan, offers a serene tropical paradise surrounded by immaculate, white-sand beaches and stunning turquoise waters. This stunning island is renowned for its vivid coral formations, coupled with an exhilarating underwater realm that creates a perfect haven for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. Miyakojima is famed for its natural sites, such as the breathtaking Miyako Blue and the captivating Sunayama Beach, offering tourists an invigorating glimpse into the island's striking and unspoiled beauty. Additionally, the island's culture comes alive in its traditional folk music and gastronomic delights infusing quintessential Okinawan elements with an island twist.
Is Japan safe for female travelers?
Tokyo, Family travel
Visiting Tokyo with my family was great, the food, the people, the clothes, the public transport.. honestly everything felt so clean and safe. I think anyone should visit Tokyo at least once in their lifetime, if they have the means to.
Posted: October 14, 2025Experienced: July, 2016
Roqayya
France
Japan, Group travel
Japan is generally safe. I mean, a lot of Japanese people approached my friends and me about South Korea, but always respectfully, and I never felt uncomfortable. I didn't really have the budget for this trip because it was truly the trip of a lifetime that I had wanted to do since I was very young. But with the flight, accommodation, and expenses, I reached a total of around 4,000 € for 3 weeks. I think that's pretty reasonable; with a different budget, I was able to do all the activities I wanted to do (except DisneySea, which I didn't have time for). But I was able to visit a total of 7 cities (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Nagoya, Tokyo, Mount Fuji, and Kamakura). I think I could have saved a few hundred euros if I had organized a little more in advance. The food is really, really good; you will eat very well for a price of about 10 € more or less. Every morning, I would stop at konbini stores like 7-Eleven, and you’ll find plenty of things to try, good or not. For activities, I was able to do: Universal Studios, Ghibli Park, Tokyo Drift, and Pokémon Café. I list them as activities because these are the ones I had to book in advance, sometimes even a month ahead. I was able to visit many temples and do a lot of shopping. On this note, everyone says it, but I also advise you to leave with almost nothing in your suitcase. Personally, I took way too many clothes and bought a lot from thrift shops, so I had to limit myself due to space. But you’ll find really good deals — some shops had clothes for 500 yen, others more depending on the brand. Next time, I’ll only bring four outfits; you can even buy things like socks, underwear, etc., over there — everything can be bought cheaply and is much nicer. I recommend Osaka for buying all your figurines because that's where everything was cheaper compared to other cities. As for nightlife, there was only a small district in Kyoto, but in Tokyo, you have a lot of choices, especially Shibuya and Shinjuku, the best neighborhoods. We stayed two stations from Shinjuku, but taking an Uber back cost about sixty euros, so plan to either stay really close to the night neighborhoods if you go out or wait until 5 a.m. for the subways. In any case, this won’t be my last time in Japan; I definitely plan to go two or three more times at least.
Posted: October 10, 2025Experienced: August, 2025
