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 41 experiences

Things to do

4.9/5

Safety

4.9/5

Food

4.8/5

Budget-friendly

3.1/5
Ashley

Ashley

France

Solo travel experience

Best country in the world. Having lived there as well, I’ve never felt safer as a women. The people are amazing, the views are breathtaking and the food is delicious. This country is so efficient, clean and overall just fun to visit.

Posted: July 25, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 5/5
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Steph

Steph

Australia

Solo travel experience

Japan felt super safe as a female solo traveler. I recommend traveling to north and south islands , Hokkaido and Okinawa. Hokkaido is beautiful during the snow festival in Sapporo, and Okinawa has beautiful islands, both have culture unique to the mainland as well.

Posted: July 10, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Japan is a very safe country for solo female travelers. I have lived here for a year and visited many places. I felt very safe. Not many people speak English but with Google Translate it's not a problem. Learning basic polite words will be appreciated. Don't rush to see everything. Tourism in Japan is basically temples, food and shopping (if you're into that). Often, taking your time to explore a less touristy area will allow you to live an exceptional experience which, in my opinion, trumps seeing yet another temple (no matter how beautiful it may be).

Posted: July 9, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Dana

Dana (23)

Mexico

Solo travel experience

Hello! It’s not a surprise that Japan it’s a great destine for girl solo travelers. I highly recommend to visit Japan! It’s great country to connect with the nature and at the same time get to know the futuristic side of humanity, also it’s great to inspire you to do better in life. You’ll see how civilians are and you’ll think about how to be like them as civilization. There are many activities, they could go from espiritual activities to the most insane ones. It’s a great place for aventures. As a girl I never felt insecure, most people there are nice and gentle. I highly recommend to visit.

Posted: July 2, 2024Experienced: March, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

It’s a very safe place, I never felt threatened in any way as a woman travelling alone. I went on a few walks by myself at night as well. Never in super dark or quiet areas, usually there were some people around. I went to Tokyo, Hakodate, Sapporo, Hachinohe, Noboribetsu, Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Hiroshima, Himeji, and Narita. For me, the most brilliant part of the trip was simply experiencing the public transportation. I enjoyed the train rides so much and fully took advantage of the rail pass. Good was incredible and good value. You can spend as much or as little as you want, but even the very cheap meals (fast casual places, konbini, supermarket food) was quality stuff. I stayed in some budget hotels as well as hostels. Cleanliness is unparalleled, I also appreciated the availability of baths after a long day. The hostels were generally very comfortable, although not particularly social, at least not in the time that I was there. I enjoyed my spontaneous day trips immensely (Hiroshima and Kobe), and would love to return to these places. My favourite spot on the trip was the Herb Garden in Kobe. It’s absolutely stunning and I spent so much longer than I expected just relaxing, wandering through the gardens, enjoying some food and people watching. It is a truly special place

Posted: June 7, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Joana

Joana

Portugal

Solo travel experience

I felt extremely safe throughout the trip, both in Tokyo and Kyoto, day and night. Be prepared to walk a lot (A LOT!) although the subway network in Tokyo was the best I’ve ever experienced in the world. All kinds of food (not only sushi!!) are excellent and not as expensive as one might think. If you don’t have a lot of time, plan and organize each day as much as you can. Especially Tokyo, being such a big city, if no planning is involved, you waste a lot of time and miss out on wonderful things.

Posted: April 8, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Traveling in Japan as a solo woman traveler was a breeze. I have travelled to a few countries for study/conferences and mostly alone, and Japan definitely tops the list in terms of overall great experience. It's so safe, anytime of the day and night and people are extremely helpful. Although, in bigger cities like Tokyo, some passersby might be quite busy to stop and help you out if you need any help. But almost everyone would stop and try their best to help you out

Posted: April 5, 2024Experienced: May, 2018
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 5/5
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Erin

Erin (21)

United States

Solo travel experience

Japan was an amazing country. I was there for 5 months studying abroad. I felt absolutely safe to walk around. I am kind of an introvert and the country suited my personality. The foods were amazing and affordable if you know where to look!

Posted: April 5, 2024Experienced: January, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Josi

Josi

Germany

Group travel experience

I was three weeks in Japan. Starting from Tokyo to Nagasaki. I had such a great time in Japan. I felt really safe there. Clean streets, nice people, the only thing I’m sad about i the non existence of vegetarian food.

Posted: April 1, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 2/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Ella

Ella

Japan

Solo travel experience

Japan is beautiful and super safe country. There are so many amazing things to do , one trip is never enough. From ancient temples to futuristic skyscrapers, tranquil tea ceremonies , relaxing hot springs and amazing food. Great service and everything on time.

Posted: March 20, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Is Japan safe for women?

Safety rating

4.3 /5

Based on 4 experiences

Crime rates rating

1 /5

Based on 4 experiences

Kumy

Kumy

Even though walking alone after 11pm, it's safe. Some drunk man might talk to you, but you can just ignore them. It's the safest country in the world, most of time you lost your wallet or phone, it's delivered to a police station.

Posted: April 1, 2024
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Tukta

Tukta

Japan is best known for its safety and easy access to public transport for travelers around the world. Walking alone after dark is safe in the big city, but in the countryside in general, people commute to schools or work by buses, cars or trains. Japan has the safest records of using public transports in the world; furthermore, the time schedules are very punctual including planes, trains (Shinkansen included), buses, boats, etc.

Posted: February 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.
Hikari

Hikari

About Me

Hi I’m Hikari from Japan. Now I’m 21 and a university student. I love cooking, reading, walking, and traveling so much! Though I’m not a great English speaker, interacting and talking with people from different countries and who have different backgrounds is surely my favorite thing because it’s so interesting to know other cultures, lifestyles, values, thoughts, etc. I also want to practice speaking English. About my personality, I’m active and very curious! Many of my friends say like that. I think I’m easygoing and sociable too. I’d love to make many friends during my travel.

Speaking

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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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Local tips

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. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
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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Shu

Shu

Tokyo

Can host for:

2 days

About me

I’m Shu. I love art and learn languages!

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Japan

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

Carly

About Me

I’m a digital nomad who’s been to 9 countries and counting. Now I’m back in the US visiting Miami. Upcoming: San Francisco (Aug 6-9) Tokyo (Aug 9-23) Bali (Aug 23 on) Looking for travel buddies, hosts, or meetups!

Speaking

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Prae

Prae

About Me

Grew up in five countries, speak 2.8 languages

Speaking

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Explore Japan