Solo Female Travel in Japan

Japan, located in East Asia, is an extraordinarily beautiful island nation famed for its diverse blend of centuries-old traditions and cutting-edge technology. Known for its impressive cluster of skyscrapers in Tokyo, the ancient temples and geishas of Kyoto, the mesmerizing cherry blossoms in Hakone, and the delectable sushi and ramen, Japan offers a wealth of unrivaled experiences. The country is renowned for its impressive Shinkansen, or bullet trains, that deliver travelers across its four main islands while providing breathtaking scenic views. Japan also stands out for its respect for nature, which is reflected in its numerous stunning gardens and gorgeous Mount Fuji, a dormant volcano and the country's highest peak.

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Is Japan good for solo travel?

Safety:

Safety:Very safe

Japan is generally very safe for solo female travelers. The crime rate is relatively low and the locals are respectful and helpful. Safety measures are readily available in public transportation and accommodations. However, always remain vigilant especially in crowded areas. The culture respects personal space which further enhances your feeling of safety.
Transport:

Transport:Easy

Japan boasts a well-organized and reliable transportation network. From rural to urban areas, connections are efficient with buses, trains, and taxis. Additionally, most signs and ticket machines are available in English, making it easier for non-Japanese speakers. However, it can get a bit crowded during rush hours, and the complex transit system in major cities might be confusing at first. Overall, it is relatively easy to navigate Japan with a bit of preparation.
Things to do:

Things to do:Fascinating

Japan offers a rich mix of traditional and modern attractions for the solo female traveler with safety and ease. The nation is a paradise for food lovers where you can savor everything from sushi to ramen and unique matcha sweets. Japan's nature scape ranges from beautiful cherry blossoms in spring to the picturesque Mount Fuji, and mesmerizing bamboo forests. The country is also home to scores of ancient shrines and temples. The bustle of Tokyo's shopping districts and the peaceful 'onsen' hot springs in the countryside provide a diverse range of experiences. Meanwhile, Japan's distinct pop culture, themed cafes, and technology-driven wonders add to its fascinating allure.
Food:

Food:Excellent

Japan offers an endless array of culinary delights, making it a paradise for foodies. Known for their commitment to fresh ingredients and meticulous preparation, the Japanese kitchen serves up everything from world-class sushi and hearty ramen to street foods like Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki. Their desserts and pastries are also to die for, catering to those with a sweet tooth. You will also find an impressive variety of regional specialties. However, Japan's food scene is not only limited to local cuisine; they have excellent international food too, with Italian, French, Indian, and many other cuisines being well represented.
Budget:

Budget:Moderate

Japan can be moderately budget-friendly. Although some areas like Tokyo and Kyoto can be quite expensive, especially in terms of accommodation and high-end dining, there are still ways to experience the country on a budget. Street food, local guest houses, efficient public transportation, and free attractions such as temples and parks make it possible to explore Japan without breaking the bank.

Is Japan worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 45 experiences

Things to do

4.9/5

Safety

4.9/5

Food

4.7/5

Budget-friendly

3.2/5

Sapporo, Solo travel

Sapporo is a very small city with some attraction such as Sapporo Beer Museum but also Shiroi Koibito Factory. Apart from that, I wouldn't recommend staying longer than 2 days. You should definitely explore the rest of Hokkaido! I wouldn't recommend going there during New Year's Holidays too. It is a dead city at this time.

Posted: September 10, 2024Experienced: August, 2024
Things to do: 2/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Japan, Couple travel

Japan is a nice place to visit. We enjoy the city when we stay there. The food is delicious and the people are friendly. It’s safe to travel there. We stay there for one week. We went the the playground and the team lab.

Posted: September 6, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Meghan

Meghan

United States

Osaka Prefecture, Solo travel

Osaka was really fun! Great city with great food! I was able to meet friends in the app called meet up and do sports. There is lots to do such as shopping, eating, universal studios. The people are also really nice. I felt very safe as a female.

Posted: September 1, 2024
Things to do: 4/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Jenny

Jenny

Taiwan

Tokyo, Solo travel

Tokyo is a place very safe, good food and all experience is very nice and elegant. The whole Japan is good. Very good for people to travel alone. It’s a little expensive, but you still can find nice and cheap food.

Posted: September 1, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Tokyo, Solo travel

Despite Japan being known as a safe country, I travelled alone at a very young age and I was not sure if it was still as safe as a woman. Because I missed the last train/bus to Tokyo, I slept at the airport for one night but it was very safe as others were sleeping there too. Although the chair felt a bit uncomfortable. To avoid that, I recommend figuring out how to get to the central city beforehand and exchange some money and figure out if you want to get a sim card. Make a list of these thinggs as soon as you land to avoid complications and smooth travel. Also check if your card works in the international ATMs or call your bank

Posted: August 28, 2024
Things to do: 4/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5
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Ami

Ami

Japan

Nagano, Solo travel

I was really overwhelmed by Nagano. Naature is spiritual and ppl are really kind. maybe more kind than ppl in my town Hiroshima. Solo girl trip? absolutely safe. I recommend shinshu soba and apple juice🍎

Posted: August 26, 2024Experienced: August, 2024
Things to do: 4/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Japan, Solo travel

Travelling in Japan is my first time to go abroad. I chose Japan because it is cheaper, closer to China and safe. Sure enough, my trip in Japan is very safe. Even if I have only one person, I am not afraid. Moreover, the consumption in Japan is relatively low and very cheap. I will travel to Japan again in the future.

Posted: August 24, 2024
Things to do: 4/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Tokyo, Solo travel

Nice city, safe and clean, many toilets and great experience in capsule hotel. The subways are easy to use and not so expensive with the 3 days pass (only for foreigners). The Shybuya crossing street wath nice to see.

Posted: August 23, 2024
Things to do: 3/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Lisa

Lisa

Germany

Japan, Solo travel

Just a short review of Shirikawa-go, Gifu area :) All around my six months in Japan I felt very safe and it didn’t stop in Shirikawa, even though in bigger cities like Sapporo during nighttime at clubs i got some looks or whistles but that was never really frightening :) Shirikawa was amazing with its unique houses, little cute restaurants with original fireplaces and interesting museums. Even though it was winter and apparently winter time is quite popular for tourists, it was not too crowded :) if you’re in the Gifu prefecture or a few days in Takayama (also great city) a one day trip is perfect to visit and stroll around this cute old village!

Posted: August 19, 2024Experienced: August, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 5/5
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Tokyo, Family travel

Went with my family to Tokyo while I was a teenager. The people were eager to help despite the language barrier. Felt pretty safe but cannot speak for solo women. The city was lovely and I would love to visit again.

Posted: August 16, 2024Experienced: June, 2010
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 4/5
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Is Japan safe for women?

Safety rating

4.8 /5

Based on 25 experiences

Crime rates rating

1.2 /5

Based on 25 experiences

Osaka

If you loose your belongings, most of Japanese people pick up and hand in to the police, stations, information center and so on. It is not 100% safe waking alone at late night, but I think much safer than other big cities

Posted: September 1, 2024
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Ami

Ami

Hiroshima

Hiroshima-ppl come here from all over the world 🌍 Here is Japan. I live here more than 15yrs and I have never felt dangerous here. Walking alone around midnight and using train alone - absolutely safe :)

Posted: August 28, 2024
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Meet locals in Japan

Meet local women in Japan who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
Tukta

Tukta

About Me

Hi. My name is Amy Mizutani and I’m an English teacher. I live in a rustic house in Inabe city in Mie Prefecture, situated between Nagoya and Osaka. It is a quiet and beautiful place surrounded by nature where you can experience the day-to-day lifestyle of the locals and their community. You are welcome to stay at my place, explore the surroundings, and share your experiences with the locals. Please let me know if you are interested; you are more than welcome to stay at my place.

Speaking

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Chiz

Chiz

About Me

Hi, I love meeting people from all over the world I like cooking especially sweets and chatting

Speaking

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Local tips

You can enjoy food in Osaka, and people are friendly. Also you can enjoy shopping, there are a lot of cute and funny goods. Most of the places are safe.Not only going downtown, but also there are more places to visit such as temples and shrines.

Posted: September 1, 2024
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Best place to explore when it’s sunny or rainy. When it’s sunny you can easily access many parts of the city by bike. When it’s rainy, visit serene temples and shrines with your konbini umbrellas. The best way to explore this city is just walk around. There are historic buildings and places on every corner so find your own favorite spots!

Posted: March 29, 2024
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Demona

Demona

Japan

Travel & Shopping with IC Cards If you didn't get a JR Pass, you'll want an IC card. If you're here for only 28 days, the Welcome IC card is available at airports. There's no deposit, but any money left on the card after the 28 days will disappear. Otherwise, I recommend getting a regular IC card. In Tokyo it's either Suica or Pasmo, but there are other brands that are nationally accepted like Toica, Icoca, etc.. Not only does it make your fare cheaper on trains and buses, but you can make purchases at shops, restaurants, convenience stores, vending machines, etc. For day-to-day life in Japan, cash is still pretty much king for daily purchases. If you don't want to deal with all the coins, using an IC card is much more convenient. At the end of your stay, you can go to the station's green ticket window and get your deposit as well as the remaining money on your card back before you leave.

Posted: February 5, 2024
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Demona

Demona

Japan

Discount Tickets There are various discount tickets available to foreigners visiting Japan. JR Pass All-you-can-ride in Japan (nationwide) for a set duration of time. This is for only JR affiliated trains, shinkansen, and fairies. JR Regional Pass Similar to the above mentioned JR Pass, but restricted to a particular area. City Pass You can get one day or more all you can ride. There are various passes available in larger cities. For example, a bus/ train/metro pack, bus/metro, train/bus, or different combinations. Purchases If you can make a purchase online at an amusement park, event, highway bus tickets, or the like, it'll be sometimes cheaper. Also, as a result of the pandemic, some establishments require a purchase prior to arriving at a venue and there are limited tickets sold on the day. If you make a purchase online, your credit card may or may not go through. If you have a Visa or a MasterCard, try both. Be very specific with how you write your name as well. They will mention whether it needs to be in all caps, full width / half width, or even may need your name in Japanese characters. If your credit card doesn't go through, you can still try to make your purchase at the reception window.

Posted: February 5, 2024
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Japan is very safe. I lived there for 2 years and walked and traveled by trains everywhere. In Okinawa, for a year I drove a car, went on hikes, and swam all over the island, mainly alone. I didn't have any problems nor did I encounter any obstacles from other people.

Posted: March 30, 2023
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Stay with locals in Japan

Stay with local women in Japan who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Hospitality exchange is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
Chiz

Chiz

Osaka

Can host for:

2 days

About me

Hi, I love meeting people from all over the world I like cooking especially sweets and chatting

Speaking

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Tukta

Tukta

Japan

Can host for:

5 days

About me

Hi. My name is Amy Mizutani and I’m an English teacher. I live in a rustic house in Inabe city in Mie Prefecture, situated between Nagoya and Osaka. It is a quiet and beautiful place surrounded by nature where you can experience the day-to-day lifestyle of the locals and their community. You are welcome to stay at my place, explore the surroundings, and share your experiences with the locals. Please let me know if you are interested; you are more than welcome to stay at my place.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Japan

Connect with upcoming visitors to Japan who are looking for travel buddies or meet ups.
Laëtitia

Laëtitia

About Me

Hi I'm Laetitia (レティーシャ), I am French but I've been working in Japan for 1 year now!

Speaking

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Explore Japan