9 Things That Make Japan Solo Female Travel A Great Option
Solo female travelers often overlook Japan when considering their travel options. Having visited Japan several times on my own for both business and leisure, I can confidently say it’s one of the best destinations in the world for solo female travelers.
Japan is one of the most remarkable countries in the world.
No matter what kind of trip you’re looking for; Japan has you covered.
Well-known mega cities like Tokyo and Osaka are filled with cultural gems including museums, gardens, shopping, and some of the best food on the planet.
Kyoto and Nara showcase history and culture, as do Kanazawa and Nikko.
In addition, stunning nature abounds throughout the islands.
From the snow-covered mountains in Hokkaido, and the scenic Japanese Alps, to the beaches of Okinawa there is no shortage of activities for nature lovers.
The language barrier, especially the complexity of Japan’s written language, often discourages solo travelers, especially female solo travelers, from including Japan in their travel plans.
But Japan has great things that make traveling solo worthwhile and relatively easy.
In my experience, these 9 things make Japan a great option for solo female travelers.
1. Japan is Safe
Japan has consistently ranked among the world’s top ten safest countries, appearing in the Global Peace Index’s top ten for over 15 years.
It has one of the lowest crime and theft rates in the world, making it a safe place to explore.
From taking trains and wandering through streets after dark, the probability of being hurt or attacked is minimal.
Japan is known for citizens having limited access to firearms, as the Japanese do not view carrying a firearm as an individual’s right.
Even in tourist-filled cities like Kyoto, you will encounter children and solo women walking home alone after dark.
No matter how safe a place is, it’s always important to be careful.
However, Japan has consistently felt like one of the safest places in the world to me.
2. Japan has Excellent Cellphone Coverage
Japan has fast, 4G and 5G Networks, and a reliable cellphone network which makes staying connected easy.
When traveling on my own having cellphone coverage has been a game changer.
Access to Apps like Google Maps, Google Translate, Rome2Rio, Japan’s own Safety Tips, and so many others has made traveling solo as a female so much easier.
Not only do I have a wealth of information at hand but I know I can communicate in case of an emergency.
Talk about peace of mind.
There are many options for tourists to have mobile internet in Japan while visiting.
The easiest is to check if your home carrier has a travel plan that you can activate for your visit.
If you don’t have a cellular plan that includes wifi you can rent a pocket wifi or a SIM Card if your phone supports it.
For more information on your options visit the Japan Travel website.
3. The Infrastructure in Japan is World-Class
Most people know that Japan’s train infrastructure is extraordinary—fast, clean, and always on time.
The extensive train network makes it easy to reach nearly every corner of the country, and it’s one of my favorite ways to travel.
However, when traveling between islands, distances can be very long, sometimes requiring an entire day by train.
In such cases, I turn to Japan’s excellent network of international and domestic airports as an alternative.
Regional airports are scattered across Japan, connecting travelers to remote destinations with ease.
Even more impressively, Japan’s famed punctuality and organization carry over to its air travel.
This makes flying an ideal option for exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations or maximizing your travel time.
At a local level, most cities and towns are either walkable or have very good bus systems.
The caveat with the buses is that many of the signs are in Japanese, making it a bit more difficult to navigate.
On the other hand, you can use Uber or Taxi, which for short trips should not be that expensive.
Taxis and Uber in Japan require the driver to have a state-issued license so don’t be surprised if your Uber turns out to be a Taxi.
I have used Taxis and Uber and felt very safe using both.
Best of all, there’s no need to rent a car or worry about driving.
4. It’s Easy to Eat Without the Pressure of Eating Alone
One of the hardest things for me when I travel alone is eating.
Although I’ve learned to eat by myself in restaurants it is still one of the hardest things to do.
But in Japan, there are so many options for eating well even if you’re not comfortable eating in a restaurant.
There are many cafes where you can enjoy good food and a cup of tea or coffee, comfortably surrounded by others, even when you’re on your own.
Train stations are an integral part of the culture of Japan and in just about every station you will find an extensive selection of restaurants to eat in.
You will also find stores where you purchase food and bento boxes to eat on the train.
A favorite and cheap alternative is the Konbini. You can find breakfast, snacks, lunch, and dinner for a reasonable price.
Family Mart, 7-Eleven, and Lawsons are everywhere. Not only do they sell food, but they also provide microwaves for heating it, if you want to enjoy it back in your room.
A lesser-known source for ready-to-eat food is the basement level of major department stores.
In addition to supermarkets, the underground floors of these department stores offer a variety of deli items and prepared foods that you can easily take back to your hotel.
These options make eating a breeze when traveling solo in Japan.
5. Convenient Accommodation Options
It is well known that accommodations in Japan are expensive, even for locals.
However, there are now more accommodation options available, with a wider range of price points.
At the low end, you’ll find capsule hotels and hostels.
Somewhere in the middle, you’ll find business hotels, major chain hotels, sustainable stays, and local inns.
Of course, if you want a memorable stay and have the money you can splurge at some of the high-end ryokans and hotels.
During my last trip, I found some reasonably priced boutique and sustainable hotels.
These are easier to find as you move outside of Tokyo and Osaka to cities like Kanazawa and Kamakura.
6. The Japanese Service Mentality
Something that I have always loved about the Japanese is their service mentality.
They may find it difficult to communicate with you but they will do everything in their power to help you.
You will find they are polite and helpful.
A great Japanese phrase to know is sumimasen, which means both excuse me and I’m sorry.
This mentality makes travelers, especially women traveling on their own, seen and safe.
7. Locals Are Friendly
Many Japanese people may seem shy with strangers, often because they don’t speak English fluently. However, most are willing to help.
If you need information, make use of information offices and store owners. In many of these places, employees can understand and speak English.
Another great source of information and interaction, especially for solo female travelers, is talking to students and their teachers.
Except in very remote towns, teenagers in Japan usually study English and are open to practicing with English-speaking visitors.
8. Japan has an Excellent Healthcare System
No one wants to have an accident or fall ill while traveling.
But if it happens, knowing that the healthcare services are modern and reliable provides great peace of mind—especially as a solo female traveler.
In Japan, many larger hospitals and emergency rooms in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka have English-speaking staff, making it easier to seek help if needed.
Additionally, some travel insurance companies partner with Japanese hospitals, ensuring you won’t face out-of-pocket expenses.
We always get travel insurance before we leave home, you should too.
For minor issues like colds, stomach flu, or small injuries, pharmacists are well-equipped to provide assistance.
The three largest chain pharmacies in Japan you can visit are Matsumoto Kyoshi, Yuyu Pharmacy, and Don Quijote.
For more information and guidance on what to do if you get ill in Japan, you can read this article on Live Japan Perfect Guide.
Oh! The emergency number in Japan is 119.
9. Stunning Places to Self-Reflect and for Self-Care
Japan offers seven incredible pilgrimage trails that provide stunning walks for self-reflection.
Whether you choose the UNESCO World Heritage Kumano Kodo, the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, or one of the other five remarkable trails, you’ll find beauty and peace along the way.
These trails are renowned for their natural beauty and deep cultural and spiritual significance, offering a chance for reflection and personal growth.
Zen gardens and shrines in every town and city provide serene spaces for introspection, even in bustling environments.
For ultimate relaxation and self-care, Japan’s Onsen tradition is the perfect way to unwind and rejuvenate.
Japan as an Option for a Solo Female Traveler
Choosing a country to visit when you’re a woman traveling alone is not an easy thing.
Safety, staying connected, and ease of movement are essential in choosing a place to visit.
My experience having traveled around Japan is that it is easy, safe, and fun.
The differences in culture and language can seem overwhelming but it can be turned into excitement with some planning and an open mind.
I hope after reading this post you realize that Japan for a solo female traveler is a great option.
You can do this! Now let’s pack those bags and go explore Japan!
