A Japanophile who has survived 15 solo trips to Japan. His visits focus on discovering the country’s lesser-known attractions.

25 practical tips for your first solo trip to Japan.

The 25 tips and suggestions in this article are for anyone who is planning their first solo trip to Japan. All are based on my personal experiences; I've been taking solo trips to Japan since 1998. I've learned a lot from each one, and never once have I regretted exploring this wonderful country all by myself.

Note: I’m excluding easily researchable topics such as how to get cheap WiFi, where to find cheap accommodation, etc. In other words, topics that are applicable to any travel situation will not be part of this article.

Traveling Alone in Japan: 25 Tips

Carry details of your lodging accommodations and departure dates. Always carry cash. Be well-informed about Japanese cultural taboos. Manage your luggage with Japanese travel facilities Learn some basic words and terms. Theme your itinerary accordingly Be prepared for hotel curfews. You don't always need a JR Pass for a Japan solo trip Prepare to experience culture shock. Stay safe.Be aware of scams too. Learn about Japanese tattoo taboos. Smoke at designated places. Enjoy Japanese Bento and Ekiben. Do adequate background research beforehand Check seasonal forecasts. Be aware that you might not be able to enjoy tax exemption when shopping Be punctual when using Japanese public transportation. Learn how to ride Japanese buses. Use proper etiquette when visiting Shinto shrines. Be ready for a strenuous climb when visiting Japanese castles. Respect Japanese-only establishments. Strategically visit theme parks. Know where to go during bad weather days. Learn about Japanese tipping practices—or lack thereof. Experience Japan as a foreigner.

1. Have Proof of Departure and Accommodation Details With You Before Immigration Checks

When entering Japan, you will need to declare your intended period of stay on a disembarkation card. You will also need to write down one Japanese address as well as a contact number.

In additional, the immigration officer might require you to display proof of intended departure, for example, a return air ticket. The short of it, have all these information with you before boarding your flight. Of course, Japan isn’t going to imprison you if you can’t provide the information but the immigration officer might request a “special” interview in a separate room to ensure nothing suspicious is going on. That can be a really upsetting way to start your Japanese solo trip. That can easily eat up an entire hour too.

2. Always Carry Sufficient Cash

While many Japanese establishments now accept international credit cards, the country is still predominantly cash-based. This is made worse by the fact that many Japanese ATMs still do not accept foreign bank cards.

To save yourself the panic and hassle of desperately hunting for an ATM that does welcome your cards, always carry sufficient cash with you when traveling in Japan. Needless to say, you should also include a daily buffer for unexpected situations.

As one of the safest countries in the world, carrying large amounts of cash when traveling alone in Japan is not a safety concern.

3. Take Note of Important Japanese Taboos

I could easily write a 3000-word article about the top 100 taboos to be aware of during a solo trip to Japan. But seriously, there’s really only a few taboos that foreigners need to be mindful of:

Always, always remove your shoes when you are expected to do so. For example, when entering homes, traditional ryokans, certain spas and onsens, etc. (You’d know you need to do so when you see shoe racks, lockers, and so on)

Don’t talk on your cell phone when using public transportation. If you can’t avoid taking the call, whisper and terminate the call quickly.

Never stick chopsticks vertically into food. Throughout East Asia, this represents an offering to the dead.

Do not gesture at people with just one finger.

Please queue when you see others doing so.

You are expected to wear a cold mask when having a cold or a cough.

Please do not discuss or criticize the Japanese royal family.

Over the years, I’ve read about other Japanese taboos such as blowing your nose in public, eating while walking, etc. The confounding thing is that I’ve actually seen a lot of Japanese people doing these things during my trips.

My conclusion, therefore, is not to be overly worried about specific taboos. Instead, follow the golden rules of Japanese public conduct i.e. avoid distasteful and disruptive behavior that annoys others.

Japan also prides itself on being orderly and socially conscious. No matter what the Japanese themselves might be doing, you should avoid making a nuisance of yourself. This is especially important to keep in mind when you’re traveling alone and without friends to intervene.

Additional Guide to Japanese Shoe Removal Etiquette.

Never wear outdoor shoes into a Japanese household or traditional ryokan.

Almost all places that require shoe removal offer indoor slippers for you to change into. Do so and leave your outdoor shoes at the entrance pointing outwards.

Do not wear indoor slippers into the restroom. There will be special toilet slippers for you to change into. Obviously, you should change back into indoor slippers after you’re done using the restroom.

Playing with slippers is one of the most detested taboos in Japan. So it’s said, samurais have engaged in death duels after being slapped with slippers. Never, ever mess around with yours or those of others.

4. Plan Your Luggage Storage and Movements

Packing sensibly i.e. having minimum luggage is paramount for any solo trip. For Japan, this is doubly important as Japanese cities and transportation facilities are often crowded. Long distance trains also tend to have minimal storage space for large bags.

Fortunately, Japan has two useful facilities to assist travelers with cumbersome luggage.

Coin Lockers: Coin lockers are plentiful at major Japanese bus and train stations. In fact, seasoned visitors to Japan even consider them an unavoidable sight of Japanese transportation hubs. Note though, there’s always the risk of lockers running out. Many stations also have limited large-size lockers that are capable of storing 30-inch suitcases.

Coin lockers are plentiful at major Japanese bus and train stations. In fact, seasoned visitors to Japan even consider them an unavoidable sight of Japanese transportation hubs. Note though, there’s always the risk of lockers running out. Many stations also have limited large-size lockers that are capable of storing 30-inch suitcases. If you run into a locker crisis, and there is no left-luggage service nearby, head to a large department store. Some of these stores, such as those in Shinjuku, offer luggage storage services.

Alternatively, you could try your luck at whichever attraction you’re heading to. Staff of temples and shrines typically aren't willing to help, but ticket offices of theme parks and museums might be willing to hold your luggage for a short while. Note that it's best not to depend on these options, though.

Takuhaibin Delivery Services: If you must travel with big bags, consider using Takuhaibin (宅配便) i.e. delivery services. For a small fee, you could have your luggage collected from you or deposited at a convenience store (Konbini), then delivered to your next destination the following day. In major cities, there will always be Takuhaibin services for you to send your luggage to the airport too in advance.

Japanese train station lockers. I highlight once more the largest ones are often the most sought-after.

5. Learn Some Japanese Words and Terms Beforehand

English (Eigo) is taught in many public and private schools in Japan. However, a variety of reasons prevent many Japanese people from fully mastering the language. One reason is obviously the lack of daily opportunities to practice.

If you need to speak to a Japanese person in English, remember to do so slowly and clearly. When listening to replies, be mindful of the fact too that many Japanese people are influenced by how their mother tongue transliterates and condenses English words.

The Japanese language has a different pronunciation system from English, so a word like “ticket” become “chiketo.” Other terms like "department stores" and "toilet" become “departo” and “to-yee-re” respectively. In short, patience and understanding are necessary for such conversations to work. You can make it easier for yourself by learning some basic Japanese words and travel phrases beforehand.

Confusion When Using Japanese Public Transportation Systems

Japanese public transportation systems are confusing not only because English is not universally used, a lot of times, services with similar-sounding names are clustered together. To give an example, the Hankyu Kyoto Line has express, rapid express, and limited express services, all departing from the same platform. To save yourself a world of inconvenience, learn the differences between these services beforehand. Better yet, store their English names and translations in your phone for easy reference.

6. Theme Your Itinerary to Make It a Wonderful Solo Adventure

Japan is not a large country but it still has a bewildering amount of attractions to choose from. Vice versa, there is also the possibility of you getting bored at an attraction either because you’re all alone or because you didn’t know what to expect.

Thus, to inject life, direction, and “purpose” into your Japanese solo travel itinerary, consider theming it.

You could go on mini-quests. The Japanese travel industry is very fond of listing famous mountains, love “power spots,” pilgrimages for luck, etc. Pick up the right quest and it could be a day no package tour is capable of providing.

If you are fond of Japanese video games, movies, Manga, or Anime, visiting spots associated your favorite titles could take up an entire holiday.

Major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto offer numerous day-courses for tourists to learn or experience classic Japanese art forms. For example, tea ceremony and Ikebana courses. Not having disinterested or impatient friends with you while attending these courses could be a plus.

For a country that places extraordinary emphasis on social conformity/cohesion, Japan has a surprising amount of facilities perfect for solo travelers. For example, solo dining booths in cafes and restaurants, Manga cafes, solo karaoke rooms and boxes, capsule hotels, and so on. It could be an adventure to check and rate all these facilities.

For my most recent Japan solo trip itinerary, I went about exploring all the famous travel spots featured in the video game series, Ryu ga Gotoku.

7. Be Aware That Small and Traditional Hotels Might Impose Curfews

This is important, especially if you are staying at budget facilities. Smaller, family-run enterprises tend to impose a night-time curfew, with lock-up time typically between 2200 hours and midnight. Some establishments might be willing to loan you a special key for entry after curfew, but it’s wise to never bet on this. In short, always check a hotel's curfew policy before booking accommodations.

8. Know That a Japan Railways Pass Is Only Cost Effective When Visiting Multiple Cities

The passes sold by the Japan Railways (JR) group are among the best deals in the global travel industry. Particularly attractive for traveling alone in Japan too because they perfectly complement solo traveling itinerary flexibility.

That said, JR passes only provide savings if you take enough long-distance rides on premium trains. To give an example, the 7 Day JR Pass only makes financial sense for a solo trip to Japan if you intend to take at least two long distance bullet train (Shinkansen) rides. Otherwise, you end up paying more for the pass than you would for individual rail tickets.

In addition, take note of the following too when using JR passes:

Reservations are not mandatory for many services, although they're recommended. In any case, reservations are free with JR passes. Simply head to the Midori no Madoguchi (みどりの窓口) ticketing office to get one.

Services that don't require reservations will always have “free-seating” carriages. This are known as "自由席 (Jiyuseki)" in Japanese.

Take note that some train services require supplemental fees. This happens when part of the journey utilizes tracks that are not owned by JR.

Other than airport services, Japanese trains have limited storage space for large suitcases. This is a major reason to travel light in Japan.

JR passes permit free travel on some inner city service such as the Yamanote Line in Tokyo and the Loop Line in Osaka. However, these services are among the most heavily used services in the world. They will almost always be crowded.

To repeat, a JR pass is only worth it if you are visiting multiple cities. Preferably, more than two cities too.

JR Pass Tip You can easily estimate the cost of all your intended Japanese train rides at hyperdia.com. Work out the total cost and decide for yourself whether a JR Pass enables savings.

9. When in Rome—or Japan—Do as the Locals Do?

In truth, few Japanese expect foreigners, especially tourists, to completely talk and behave like them. Some might even find it condescending, if not downright creepy. The latter situation especially so when you are a lone stranger on the streets.

The short of it, as long as you observe and respect major taboos, you won't be harshly judged for not behaving like locals. Keep in mind too that Japan has a distinct culture and it is frequently easy to get overwhelmed by culture shock when in a different country – a doubly nasty situation when you do not have the comfort of fellow travelers. You might want to familiarize yourself with common aspects of Japanese culture before your trip to decrease the severity of culture shock-related discomfort.

A Clash of Cultures Culture shock is the feeling of disorientation experienced by someone who is suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life, or set of attitudes.

10. Is Japan Safe for Solo Travelers?

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, which makes it a great destination for solo traveling. However, it is very stupid, incredibly stupid, to assume there is no crime in the country. Safety practices such as avoiding dark alleys, being mindful of pickpockets in crowded places, avoiding drunk people, not going on risky hikes alone, etc., apply everywhere in Japan.

Additionally, and especially so for solo travelers, visitors must be mindful of the Japanese nightclub scam. These scams are perpetrated by street touts who’d invite you to visit a certain host or hostess club. Once inside, you would be spoiled rotten and showered with attention, and before you know it, you would have chalked up a few hundred thousand yen ordering drinks and snacks. Once that happens, the friendly touts turn hostile. They will continue to be hostile, even threatening, till you pay the cutthroat bill.

Such touts mostly operate in nightlife areas such as Tokyo’s Kabukicho. Unless you know the Japanese nightlife scene inside out, I recommend you avoid these scammers like the plague. Simply walk away when you're approached. Or say, kyomi nai. Be comforted by the fact that even if they persist, they won't do so for long. The key is to just walk away.

Additional Safety Advice for Female Solo Travelers in Japan Ladies, you might want to avoid Japanese public transportation during peak hours. Sexual harassment and gropers are well-known issues on crowded Japanese trains. As formal response, some cities offer ladies-only carriages during peak travel hours. Look for signs highlighting such carriages on the platform floor.

11. Know That Tattoos Are Still an Issue at Hot Springs and Spas

Practically all Japanese hot springs and public pools forbid usage by anyone with tattoos. This is due to tattoos being traditionally associated with the Japanese criminal underworld.

In recent years, though, I’ve personally seen foreigners with tattoos inside touristy hot springs and spas. (Those who are admitted usually don't have elaborate tattoos. Small and subtle tattoos could be deemed as more acceptable than large, intricate pieces.) To be safe and to avoid disappointment, you ought to be upfront and check with the staff beforehand if you have a tattoo. While no one is going to scream bloody murder and drag you out, getting ejected because of tattoos is a really unpleasant experience you do not need when traveling alone in Japan.

Some onsen (hot spring) ryokans offer kashikiri yu, which are private onsen rooms for rental. That's your solution if your bodily beauty isn't welcomed elsewhere.

12. Smoking in Public Is Increasingly a Challenge in Japan

Do you smoke? Or do you tend to smoke or smoke more when you are alone?

If your answer is a yes for any of the above questions, take note, many Japanese cities have taken aggressive steps to curtail smoking in public locations. In some parts of Tokyo, you could even be fined if caught smoking outside designated smoking points. It’s thus a good idea to search online for these designated smoking spots before embarking on your solo trip to Japan. This is especially so if you’re the sort of smoker who needs to light-up every other hour.

13. Japanese Bento and Ekiben – Meals Perfect for Dining Alone

When you tire of queuing and dining alone at restaurants, or if your travel budget is running low, head to a Japanese supermarket or convenience store (Konbini) and grab a Bento.

These classic Japanese takeaway meal boxes are intended for a variety of situations, one of which being when you’re alone. Those sold at supermarkets and Konbini stores tend to be affordable, attractive, and yummy too, making them the perfect go-to when you just can’t bring yourself to wait half-an-hour for a café seat.

And for travelers with a bit more dining budget, check out Ekiben, or train travel meal boxes sold at train stations. These elaborate meal sets are a beloved institution in Japan, with Japanese aficionados traveling all over the country to sample classic or new versions. Exploring a new Ekiben each day, by yourself beside a bustling train station, will take the tedium out of solo dining.

An exotic, lovely Ekiben bento meal sold at Nagano train station. Such meal boxes are perfect for any solo trip to Japan.

14. Do Research Beforehand, or Risk Boredom

Japan experienced an international tourist boom in recent years. In spite of that, many minor tourist attractions still lack English signs and pamphlets.

If not, information displayed in English is woefully minimal, barely communicating any details. It is thus beneficial to always do some research before visiting Japanese attractions; otherwise, you are going to be bewildered and bored throughout. Needless to say, not having travel companions to talk to will much worsens such boredom.

15. Check Seasonal Forecasts When Planning Your Itinerary

For any trip to Japan, the two most important forecasts are the Sakura Forecast and the Autumn Leaves Forecast. Even if you aren’t into viewing Japan's seasonal colors, it’s still a good idea to refer to these forecasts because they indicate peak travel periods and trends. It is not unusual for hotels in cities like Kyoto to be fully booked during peak Sakura season. Rates would often be higher as well, with some establishments even rejecting single customers.

In addition, it is always a bad idea to travel in Japan during Golden Week and the Obon festival. These are the days when Japanese domestic travel is at its most intense – good luck securing transportation or accommodation during these days. Lastly, it’s generally a good idea to avoid major attractions during the final days of school breaks. On such days, queues at locations popular with young people could be frighteningly long.

* Golden Week is a series of consecutive Japanese public holidays during late April or Early May. Obon is always in the middle of August.

Japan is breath taking during spring and autumn. But be ready for crowds, crowds, and crowds.

16. Know That It Might Be Hard to Enjoy Tax Exemption for Your Purchases

Many Japanese retail chains offer tax exemption for foreign visitors. One example is the highly popular Don Quijote chain.

However, in order to qualify for such exemptions, you must fulfill various conditions, the key one being your purchases must add up to a certain amount before taxation in order to qualify. For solo travelers, this could be a challenge; you wouldn’t have the purchases of travel companions to “add up” to the requisite amount. To be certain you qualify for the exemptions, check the websites of the stores you intend to visit before going. Or simply forget about the exemption, if you do not intend to shop that much to begin with.

About Don Quijote I personally consider Don Quijote the best place to buy gifts and souvenirs because you can get everything you need in one visit. Splurge a little, and it’s easy to hit the tax exemption qualifying amount too.

17. Don’t Ever, Ever Be Late

The full sentence is, don’t ever, ever be late when using Japanese public transportation, be it a solo trip or when with friends.

Japanese train operators aren’t exaggerating when they say you can set your watch using Japanese train departures. I would say the same goes for most bus services too. Turn up half a minute late, and you’d be extremely lucky to even see the rear of your bus scooting away.

In fact, don’t even turn up on the dot. Or a minute before. When taking trains, arrive at the station way before departure time. Know that this would seldom be a waste of your precious travel time as most Japanese transportation hubs are full of shops and eateries, or surrounded by them. In some cases, these bustling facilities might even be better places to pick up souvenirs than at tourist attractions. Buy them, stuff them into your bags, and you’re off to your next destination.

18. All About Japanese Buses

Many Japanese buses use a ticketing system that’s utterly baffling to the uninitiated, beginning with how passengers board from the middle. To avoid embarrassing yourself, a situation that is triply unbearable when alone, know that the correct ticketing procedure is:

Board from the middle and collect a small slip of paper with a number from the dispenser next to the entrance. This slip is your ticket. There is a large electronic board with ever-changing numbers at the front of the bus, diagonally above the driver. Before alighting, refer to the electronic board. The fare to pay is the amount displayed under the number corresponding with the one on your ticket. Before alighting, deposit the fee and the ticket into the collection box next to the driver. Many Japanese people would also thank the driver. If you’re short on change, you could break your bills using the same collection machine beside the driver.

Nagano Station at evening time. Major Japanese train stations are always surrounded by shops, cheap accommodation, and restaurants. They are wonderful places to hang out at when traveling alone in Japan.

Electronic fare guide found on Japanese buses. This baffled me during my very first solo trip to Japan, because I didn't collect the entrance ticket. (PS: Note the no handphone notice)

19. Practice Appropriate Behavior When Visiting Shinto Shrines

There are specific worship rituals in the Shinto religion. Generally, engaging in the following actions will suffice for any foreign visitor.

There will always be a trough with running water for you to “cleanse” yourself. Use the trough respectfully. At the trough, use the provided ladles to collect some water. Wash your left hand, then your right. Finally, pour some water into one hand and use that to rinse your mouth. Under no circumstance should you spit into the trough or wash your hands above it. At the offering hall, deposit a coin into the offertory box. Bow twice, clap your hands, bow again, and pray/pay your respects.

Needless to say, to observe the ritual is an act of respect. No one will fault you for not doing so.

As for Japanese Buddhist Temples Buddhist temples have less structured worship procedures. To offer respect, you simply buy and burn incense.

The distinctive colors and architecture of Shinto shrines.

20. Wear Comfortable Clothing and Shoes When Visiting Japanese Castles

As beautiful as they are, Japanese castles were originally fortresses. As a result, it’s usually quite an uphill trek via meandering passages before you reach the keep (i.e. the most distinctive, photogenic part of them). Once within the keep, the steps will be even steeper, with exhibits usually of little interest to foreigners. In short, be ready for quite a workout when visiting a Japanese castle. The panoramic view at the top of the keep might not be worth the strenuous climb too.

If you're not great with slopes and steps, minimize the climb by only visiting Japanese castles built on flat land. Such as Okayama Castle (shown above) and Matsumoto Castle.

21. Don’t Be Offended If an Establishment Rejects You

Don’t be offended if you encounter an izakaya or pub that rejects foreigners when traveling alone in Japan. Most of these establishments do so because they feel they lack the cultural and language skills to handle foreign customers. Naturally, some are also concerned that their usual clientele might mind the foreign presence. Whatever the reason, just forget about it and move on. Never, ever create a scene. That is exceptional dangerous when you are alone.

22. Get a Theme Park Fast Pass If You Can Afford It

If you can afford it, and if it’s available, buy a fast pass when visiting a Japanese Theme Park. Having one wouldn't save you from having to queue, but it will at least reduce your waiting time.

To really speed things up, consider visiting during “starlight” hours too i.e. in the evening. Tour groups and most families would have left by then, significantly freeing up rides and at shows. Note though that if you visit a theme park during starlight hours, you will have to do some pre-planning beforehand to ensure that you can enjoy all the attractions you're keen on. You will typically have no more than four hours. Rides also tend to stop an hour or so before evening closing time.

I visited Universal Studios Japan at the end of school spring break in 2015, and finished reading a paperback while queuing alone for rides. Not my best Japanese travel experience, by a long shot.

23. If You're Caught in a Sudden Downpour...

There is no reason to sulk. Simply head to the nearest Konbini. Practically all Japanese convenience stores sell cheap umbrellas for a few hundred yen.

Alternatively, check out this list of things to enjoy in Japan during bad weather days. Most of these activities are perfect for enjoying alone.

If an Earthquake Occurs During Your Solo Trip to Japan There will be public safety announcements. Unfortunately, though, most would likely not include English instructions. The best thing to do is thus to follow the locals to designated safe spaces.

24. Don't Tip in Japan

Tipping is not a practice in Japan. According to some travel writers, it might even be considered offensive. Whatever it is, just know that Japanese hospitality and service staff do not expect you to give extra. On the other hand, a sincere "arigatou" is always appreciated.

25. Experience Your First Solo Trip to Japan as a Foreigner

I’ve mentioned quite a number of dos and do-nots. So that these do not come across as some sort of stifling list to remember, I reiterate, as long as you respect key Japanese taboos, few Japanese will fault you for not knowing their culture in and out.

Repeat: The above tips will make your solo trip to Japan easier. But not remembering, not doing all, will not make your visit a disaster.

Japanese travel facilities are also among the best in the world, with Japanese travel industry staff devoted to total customer satisfaction. Admittedly, some facilities will require a bit of know-how to use, however, all such facilities will also have staff eager to assist you. Even if they do not speak your language, be assured that they will go all out to help you with what you need.

The key to enjoying Japan alone is thus to take it easy. Know that you’re in a safe country, one that’s eager to share its highly unique culture too. The most enjoyable memory of your first solo visit of Japan could be your daily discoveries of what this country is all about.

Enjoy your solo trip to Japan!

Questions & Answers

Question: As Americans who don't speak Japanese, can we travel in Tokyo and Kyoto without a guide?

Answer: You most certainly can. Tokyo and Kyoto are well-accustomed to tourists and most signs at attractions and facilities would, more or less, have English translations. Most Japanese will also go out of their way to direct you if you ask.

The only thing you probably need to do is to figure out your route and transportation in advance. Doing so largely eliminates any possible hiccups.

Question: Which part of Japan will you recommend for first-time solo trip females? Tokyo or Osaka?

Answer: This is a tough question and I can only answer it this way. Japan is uniformly safe for solo females, provided you take the usual precautions. Where to go thus depends on your preferences.

Tokyo and Osaka are equally metropolitan and well-geared for tourism, although Osaka has a more down-to-earth, vivacious feel.

In Tokyo, the main "threat," if I could put it that way, would be bar scams at areas like Kabukicho and Roppongi. But even these areas are pretty gentrified nowadays. Just ignore the pimps and avoid dark alleys.

In Osaka, the area to avoid, according to some, is the Kamagasaki area, which is a slum of sorts. But unless you are looking for dirt cheap accommodation, there is no reason at all to venture into the district.

Personally, I think the challenge for any solo traveler in Japan is that of language and culture. English is often used at popular tourist spots but the moment you venture away from those, it's all Japanese script. No issue of this, however, in Tokyo or Osaka. In fact, I believe you'd be stunned how far the Japanese would go, if you approach them for help.

Question: Can you recommend some cheap accommodation near substations in Kyoto, Tokyo, and Osaka, Japan?

Answer: It really depends on what you consider cheap and what is acceptable when it comes to accommodations. For me, I usually go for Japanese business hotel chains like Super, Toyoko, and Dormy, which are outstanding in service and often chock-full of amenities.

Most of these business hotels surround the train and major subway stations like moons to a planet, too.

Question: How much do business hotels charge in Japan?

Answer: It varies quite significantly, depending on the chain and city. I would say it could range from 4000+ Yen to 15000+ Yen? Within the same hotel or chain, prices could also vary a lot. There are discounts for early 45 day/60 day advance bookings. Sometimes there are promotions too.

To give an example, I just booked three nights in Osaka. My charges are 4500/4500/8350 yen for the three nights.

© 2017 Scribbling Geek

Scribbling Geek (author) from Singapore on April 08, 2020:

Thanks for commenting! Glad that my write-up is of help.

Rahul Sharma from Manchester, UK on April 08, 2020:

I love tourism and Japan is great country to visit. I got really much needed information about traveling through Japan. Thanks!

Scribbling Geek (author) from Singapore on February 06, 2020:

You're welcome, Sopihe. Before going, remember to check weather forecasts too! Summer is hot in Japan. There are often heatwaves and mozzie attacks. Following which, Japan enters into Typhoon season.

Sopihe on February 06, 2020:

Hi, thanks for creating this super useful list. I am planning a japan trip this summer and needless to say your tips are very handy. Thanks

Scribbling Geek (author) from Singapore on November 24, 2018:

Hi Josh T!

That’s a difficult question to answer as it really depends on what you’re looking for. And I could run into one full article if I were to be comprehensive. But in general:

Exciting City Life, Night Lights, etc

- Tokyo’s Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, Odaiba areas

- Osaka’s Dotonbori, Shinsekai areas.

- Fukuoka’s Tenjin area, Sapporo’s Odori Park surroundings, Kyoto’s Shijo Street and station area, Nagoya’s Sakae and station area

Famous Temples and Shrines

- Tokyo’s Asakusa Temple

- Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion and Kiyomisu Temple

- Mount Koya

- Miyajima Island

- The many, many ancient temples of Nara, esp Todaiji

Historical Sites

- The A-Bomb museums and sites

- Gunkanjima

- Shirakawa-go

- The Asakusa District of Tokyo

Great Gardens

- Kenrokuen in Kanazawa

- The Gardens of Adachi Museum of Art

- Okayama’s Korakuen

- Kumamoto Suizenji Garden

- Tokyo’s Rikugien

- Hokkaido, with its many National Parks, is in a way, one huge Japanese garden

Fantastic Castles

- Osaka Castle, Matsue Castle, Matsumoto Castle, Himeji Castle, etc

There are many locations to view Mount Fuji. Thing is, she’s concealed by clouds and fog up to four months a year. It’s very much a hit and miss when going to see her.

Josh T on November 24, 2018:

Are there some must-see locations you could recommend that aren't too touristy? I am only planning for maybe a week and a half in Japan and can't decide on where to go.

Scribbling Geek (author) from Singapore on November 07, 2018:

Thanks!

James Repdos on November 07, 2018:

This is very detailed. Thanks very much!

Scribbling Geek (author) from Singapore on September 17, 2018:

Hey Thomas, thanks. I hope you get to visit beautiful Japan soon.

Nguyen Hong Phuc from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on September 16, 2018:

This article is really informative and useful, though I haven't had a chance to hang out in this beautiful country. Thanks a lot for your post and I hope I can make it to Japan ^^

Scribbling Geek (author) from Singapore on August 13, 2018:

Hi Dred, thanks for commenting! Japan is, IMO, the must-visit destination of Asia. Because it is so exotic, so unique, and so tourist friendly.

Travel Chef from Manila on August 11, 2018:

I haven't been there so I find all of these tips handy. I've been to different parts of Asia but wasn't able to visit Japan. One of my must-visit places on my bucket list.

Scribbling Geek (author) from Singapore on May 17, 2018:

Hi Lee. Your qn is hard to answer for it depends on which city or which part of Japan. However, in general, the whole country is one of the best for solo traveling because:

1) It's very safe

2) Tourist facilities are highly developed, and yes, popular destinations all have English signs

3) Many Japanese restaurants actually have seats for single patrons. Even places like Restaurant 634 at the Skytree

4) Many, many hotels, such as business hotels, have single rooms.

5) The legendary Japanese customer service. Most service staff will go out of the way to help you.

A lot of this is due to there being a huge domestic market in Japan. Also, because of domestic business travel (often done alone).

lee on May 17, 2018:

which areas are best stay in as a solo traveler?

Scribbling Geek (author) from Singapore on May 06, 2018:

Hi Doris, glad you enjoy reading this. Heh, yeah, on my first trip, I was quite disappointed with the vending machines. Unfortunately, I read that silly Pink Samurai book before going and truly believe everything it said. (Panties ... included ... though I had no intention of buying, I swear!)

And that bus system. Very embarrassing the first time I used it for out of boredom, I tore up the slip. Luckily the driver was so polite and helpful, and even bothered to speak to me in English.

Doris Sorgar on April 30, 2018:

Great article! The vending machine part is so true... we went to Japan last year and were majorly disappointed when 90% of the vending machines sold drinks only. Well, Melon soda never disappoints, but while we did not expect used panties, we did expect more snacks, etc. And that bus ticket machine confused the bamboozle out of us.

I think this is a great and informative article - enjoyed reading it and found it quite relatable.

Scribbling Geek (author) from Singapore on August 10, 2017:

Thanks AliciaC! I'm more than happy to share.

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on August 10, 2017:

What an interesting and informative article! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. You've taught me a lot of new things about Japan.