travel

5 tips for women traveling solo in Japan

8 Comments
By Rachel Hartwick

As an expat, there are many reasons you might choose to take a solo adventure in Japan. Maybe your new friends don’t have the same days off work as you. Maybe you’ve been living in Japan for years and have grown tired doing the same things with the same people. Or maybe traveling alone just fits your personality.

When I moved to Japan, my English-teaching job placed me in Fukui, notorious for being the least-visited prefecture by international tourists. So once I’d settled in and a week-long fall break from work came around, I was eager to escape my prefecture’s cold, rainy days and explore the southern islands of Okinawa. My friends didn’t have the same days off work as me, so I booked a flight on a bit of a whim and set off on my first solo trip in Japan. It was a nerve-racking experience and lonely at times (and surprisingly took a lot of courage just to bring myself to eat at a restaurant alone), but 100 precent worth it.

Considered one of the world’s safest countries, Japan has been in the top 10 countries of the Global Peace Index for the last 10 years. No matter the reason, solo female travel in Japan is incredible and the trials and tribulations of traveling alone as a woman shouldn’t deter you from the adventure ahead. Here are five things to keep in mind before departing on a solo trip in Japan.

1. Choose your accommodation wisely

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HostelWorld, CouchSurfing and Airbnb accommodation apps

Generally, I look for a place that’s closest to the city center. This way, I can avoid walking in low-lit, low-traffic areas when possible. There are many platforms for cheap accommodation in Japan that make it easy for women to find private or women-only rooms, especially when on a budget.

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8 Comments
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my advice for women coming here, bring some mace for when you get touched up on the train by a salaryman.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

watch your back on trains and esculators... and understand how morally inept some people can be.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Choose your accommodation wisely

I recommend the Park Hyatt in Shinjuku where women traveling solo might meet nice men like Bill Murray.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

@zichi - yes, Japan does have it's problems, but not everyone is like those guys. And don't forget the murders committed by US forces personnel here.

If you just be as cautious as you would within your own Country then, you should, be okay. And trust your instinct - if the Guy/Girl looks like a Weirdo... then they probably are avoid them.

Also consider taking a look at Google Maps assess the area where you may stay.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

The first time I came to Japan was for a solo three month trip. Just follow the same safety rules you would at home and you should be OK, but I would always recommend;

Don't be afraid to say 'No' to anything you do not feel comfortable with. Don't worry about coming across as impolite.

Booking accommodation in advance so you can go straight there on arrival. Wandering around looking for accommodation makes you vulnerable to creeps and crooks.

Never leave your drink unattended and don't ever get drunk.

Never do drugs.

Never be alone with a man you do not know - this includes the bloke you met two days ago in the izakaya who seems really nice.

Don't do anything you would not do at home.

And, I hate to say this as it should not be an issue, don't wear shorts/short skirts and low cut tops as men with thinking difficulties think this is some kind of invitation.

I had a great time, saw loads of Japan and met some lovely people. Got home in one piece too.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

don't ever get drunk.

Never do drugs.

What a boring life.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Actually, they have noting to worry about. In Japan, based on the news I see here on JT, it's mostly family members doing harm to and killing family members. Japan is still mostly safe for tourists.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Every woman I know has had a run-in with some type of pervert. It's less likely to happen when you're on vacation, since as the length of time increases so does the chance of meeting a pervert, but women should still be warned and know what to do.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

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