17 Best Places in Japan for Solo Travel

Are you planning your first solo trip to Japan? It is one of the best countries to travel alone for the first time. As the 14th safest country in the world, Japan has many things to do. From metropolitan cities to rural villages and places off the beaten path, there is something for everyone.

I’ve been to Japan numerous time and spent many months in the country. That’s why I put together a list of the best places in Japan for solo travel so it can inspire you to plan your ultimate solo Japan itinerary. But the list is also useful for travellers who have been to Japan but want inspirations.

Keep reading and I’ll show you all the best cities to visit in Japan for solo travellers who have never been to Japan before.

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Solo travel to Japan: Travel Tips for First Timers

Before taking your first solo trip to Japan, check out my post on everything you need to know before going to Japan. I included many travel information, including how to get around Japan and other travel tips.

Here are a few quick travel tips for travelling to Japan alone:

• Japan is one of the safest country for solo female travellers. The country is rated very high on the Global Peace index.
• Get an IC Card, a rechargeable smartcard that allows you to take public transportation, including trains, buses, subways, streetcars and ferries. You can use the same IC Card throughout your entire trip in Japan
• Instead of exchanging Japanese Yen (¥) at home (which can be higher), take cash from ATMs at convenience stores like Family Mart and 7-Eleven in Japan
• Buy a SIM card when you arrive or rent portable pocket wifi before your trip to Japan so you can stay connected at all times
• The standard voltage in Japan is 100V. The power socket is type A & B. It is the same as North and Central America plugs.

Japan Solo Travel: 17 Best Cities to visit in Japan alone

Here are my 17 best places to visit in Japan for solo travellers. Click on the hyperlink and it’ll take you directly to the description.

1. Tokyo
2. Sapporo
3. Nagoya
4. Takayama
5. Kanazawa
6. Kyoto
7. Osaka
8. Nara
9. Kobe 
10. Himeji
11. Naoshima
12. Kurashiki
13. Onomichi 
14. Hiroshima
15. Miyajima
16. Fukuoka
17. Okinawa 

Best city for solo travel in Kanto Region

1. Tokyo

A must-visit city for a first solo trip to Japan

Tokyo is the perfect city to start your solo trip to Japan. As the capital city and the country’s biggest city, Tokyo has many neighbourhoods to explore, to learn about Japanese culture, and to experience city life in Japan.

And if it is your first time in Tokyo, don’t miss neighbourhoods such as Shinjuku, Harajuku, Shibuya, and Omotesando, where you see all the touristy sites. And if you want to get off the beaten path, visit Kichijoji and Shimokitazawa for a laidback vibe.

You can get a good feel of the city by spending about 5 days in Tokyo.

Best things to do in Tokyo

• Walk across the famous Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest intersection
• Visit many temples and shrines, including Asakusa, Gōtokuji Temple, and Nezu Shrine
• Shop at local boutique shops in Harajuku and Omotesando
• See a large-scale interactive light and art installation at teamLab Planets
• Visit modern art museums such as 21_21 Design Sight and Mori Art Museum

Best city in Hokkaido Region for solo trip

2. Sapporo

Gateway to the island of Hokkaido

Sapporo was once a tiny city in northern Japan. But the city grew and became famous in 1972 because of the Winter Olympics. Today, Sapporo is the fifth-largest city in Japan and is known for its winter attractions, beer and cuisine.

Besides skiing and other winter sports, travellers visiting northern Japan can use Sapporo as a home base and explore other parts of Hokkaido, including many different ski resorts and scenic hotspots.

And you cannot leave Sapporo without trying the local cuisine, including hairy crab, ramen, desserts made with Hokkaido milk and Sapporo Beer.

Best things to do in Sapporo

• See large-scale ice and snow sculptures at Sapporo Snow Festivals in early February
• Take a guided tour and sample beers at the Sapporo Beer Museum
• Eat fresh Hokkaido seafood at Nijo Market and Curb Market
• Go skiing at Mount Teine or Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort
• Visit Furano and Biei Blue Pond as a day trip

Best cities for solo travel in Chubu Region

3. Nagoya

Culinary city and gateway to Nakasendo Trail

As the capital city of Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya is the fourth most populous metropolitan cities in Japan. The city has many things to do, “Nagoya meshi” (Nagoya cuisine), and is super accessible as Nagoya is linked with Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka by Shinkansen (bullet train).

Many visitors to Nagoya visit the famous Ghibli Park and Inuyama Castle as day trips. And adventure travellers start the Nakasendo Trail, an ancient samurai route between Kyoto and Tokyo, from Nagoya and finish in Matsumoto.

Whatever you choose to do, make sure to stay at least one day in Nagoya and another day to explore other parts beyond the city centre.

Best things to do in Nagoya

• Try a morning set at a kissaten (Japanese-style tearoom)
• Visit Nagoya Castle, a National Treasure
• Try famous Nagoya food like Hitsumabushi (kabayaki eel) and Miso Katsu (fried pork cutlet with miso)
• Meander through Osu Shotengai Shopping Street, a covered pedestrian street
• See the Mirai Tower from Spaceship-Aqua Observation Deck at night

4. Takayama

Historic town in the rural countryside

Takayama is a picturesque city tucked away in the mountains in Gifu Prefecture and is the gateway to the Japanese Alps on the main island of Honshu. The city is known for its historic neighbourhood full of Edo Period houses, Hida Beef, and retro museums.

Besides wandering the charming Old Town of Takayama, most visitors take a day trip to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO Heritage village with hundreds of thatched-roof houses. The charming town can be visited any time of the year but is especially beautiful during winter.

Make sure to time your solo trip to Takayama with either the spring or fall Takayama Festival. They are one of the top three best festivals in Japan!

Best things to do in Takayama

• Wander around the historic Sanmachi Historic istrict in Takayama’s Old Town
• Visit the picturesque Hida no Sato Open Air Museum, a group of thatch-roof houses
• Attend Takayama Festival on April 14 & 15 or October 9 & 10
• Visit Takayama Showa-kan Museum and see all things retro and play old Nintendo games
• Try Hida Beef, a type of wagyu beef from cattle raised in Gifu Prefecture

5. Kanazawa

Historical tea districts and samurai residences

Kanazawa is the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture and is located in the central region of Honshu Island. The city is known for its tea and geisha districts from the Edo Period, restored residences and one of Japan’s three best landscape gardens.

And Kanazawa is famous for gold leaf production as the city has been manufacturing gold leaf for over 700 years. The name, Kanazawa, actually means “marsh of gold”.

Even though Kanazawa is not as well known as other cities in Japan, it is worth getting off the beaten path even if it’s your first time in Japan.

Best things to do in Kanazawa

• See the famous lantern Kotoji Stone Lantern (symbol of Kanazawa) at Kenrokuen Garden
• Wander around different Edo Period-sques tea districts including Higashi Chaya District and Kazuemachi Chaya District
• Eat fresh local seafood from Sea of Japan at Omicho Market
• Try food made with gold leaf like soft serve ice cream
• Wander around the Nagamachi Bukeyashiki District and see how samurais used to live

Best cities to travel solo in Kansai Region

6. Kyoto

Temple hop around the old capital city

Kyoto was once the old capital of Japan and was home to several emperors. And as one of the bigger cities in Japan, Kyoto has many historical buildings and monuments including 1,600 temples!

But you don’t need to see all 1,600 temples to feel the city. You can spend 2 days in Kyoto and visit a few important temples, including Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) and Kiyomizudera Temple.

And don’t leave Kyoto without seeing the famous bamboo forest and walking through hundreds of orange torii gates. And for an added bonus, you can rent a kimono or yukata in Gion and walk around the area in traditional Japanese clothing.

Best things to do in Kyoto

• Admire historical temples like Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) and Kiyomizudera Temple
• See thousands of bamboo in Arahiyama Bamboo Grove
• Walkthrough hundreds of orange torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine
• Rent a kimono or yukata in Gion
• Take a day trip to Uji or hike the scenic trails of Kurama and Kibune

7. Osaka

The third-largest city with a vibrant nightlife

Osaka is one of Japan’s top-visited cities and it attracts millions of visitors yearly because of its abundance of history, vibrant nightlife, and unique local Osaka cuisine.

And the city is well situated in the centre of Honshu Island. Located in the Kansai Region, international travellers can fly directly into Kansai International Airport (KIX) and arrive in Osaka within an hour.

It is possible to see all the best sites in Osaka in 2 days while travelling in Japan alone. But if you want to stay longer, you can use Osaka as a home base for day trips to Nara, Kyoto, Himeji, and Minoo Park.

Best things to do in Osaka

• See hundreds of cherry blossom trees in full bloom (late March to early April) at Osaka Castle
• Make a wish and pour water over the green moss Fudo Myo-o statue at Hozenji Temple
• See all the bright lights and signages, including the Glico Running Man in Dōtonbori
• Visit Shinsekai, an old district in Osaka with cheap eateries and entertainment
• Try a few Osaka food including takoyaki (octopus ball), okonomiyaki (savoury pancake with noodles and cabbage) and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewered food)

8. Nara

Oldest Buddhist temples + friendly deers

Just outside of Kyoto and Osaka is a small quaint town called Nara. As it was the ancient capital city of Japan in 710, many Buddhist monasteries and temples were built in Nara. This is why Nara has some of Japan’s oldest and largest shrines and temples. And many of these are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

But most people visit Nara because they want to see wild deer. Many of them hang around Nara Park and other green areas on the temple grounds. And you can even buy crackers to feed them.

Most visitors take a day trip to Nara from Kyoto or Osaka. But if you are slow travelling through Japan, consider spending more than a day in this quaint town.

Best things to do in Nara

• Visit Tōdai-ji Temple, the world’s largest wooden building with a bronze Buddha statue
• Attend Omizutori (March 1 to 14), the oldest annual Buddhist event at Nigatsudo Hall
• Wander around Old Nara City and see local shops and eat local Nara food
• Watch a live demonstration of the making of yomogi mochi at Nakatanidou
• Hike the ancient Yamanobe-no-Michi Trail between Sakurai City and Tenri City

9. Kobe

Try the best beef in Japan

You may have heard of the world-famous Kobe beef, a type of Wagyu beef with tender and very juicy meat. It is from Tajima black cattle raised in Hyogo Prefecture, where Kobe is located.

Besides trying Kobe beef, there are many things to eat and do in the busy port city. When you visit Kobe as a day trip from Osaka, wander around the culturally influenced districts and neighbourhoods, hike up the nearby mountains, and see panoramic views of Kobe.

And if you have more time in Kobe, explore Japan’s oldest hot spring town and try the famous “Kinsen golden hot spring,” where the spring water turns reddish-brown once the water touches the air.

Best things to do in Kobe

• Try a teppanyaki Kobe Beef lunch set at Steakland
• Visit several foreign residences in the historic Kitano-cho district
• Stroll around Kobe Harbour in the evening and see the tall and bright Kobe Port Tower
• Hike up Mount Rokko to see a panoramic view of Kobe
• Experience the famous “Kinsen golden hot spring” in Arima Onsen

10. Himeji

One of the top three most beautiful castles

One of the highlights of Himeji has to be Himeji Castle, one of the top three most beautiful original castles (meaning it survived wars and natural disasters and remained in its original state) in Japan. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Besides, see the “white heron castle,” there are also beautiful Japanese gardens, art museums and temples hidden away in the mountains.

Himeji City is a compact city and can be visited as a day trip from Osaka. The city is only 100km west of Osaka, and if you take the Shinkansen (bullet train), you can be in the quaint city in less than half an hour.

Best things to do in Himeji

• See a view of Himeji from the top level in Himeji Castle
• Visit the traditional Japanese gardens in Koko-en Garden
• Take the Shoshazan Ropeway up to Mount Shosha and wander around the 1,000-year-old temple complex called Engyō-ji Temple
• Try local food like Himeji oden stew, a Japanese one-pot dish

Best cities for solo travel in Chugoku Region

11. Naoshima

The modern contemporary Japanese art island

Yayoi Kusama. Tadao Ando. James Turrell. Walter De Maria. If these names mean anything to you, then you must visit Japan’s best art island, Naoshima.

The small island in Kagawa Prefecture became a contemporary art centre in the 80s when Japan wanted to revolutionize the art scene and create a world-class attraction.

Today, you will find a famous polka dot art installation on the island. Yayoi Kusama’s Yellow Pumpkin became the iconic symbol for Naoshima. Some people might even call it the Naoshima Pumpkin.

Moreover, the island is full of modern architecture designed by Tadao Ando, a Japanese architect known for his modern design and concrete architecture.

As contemporary art lovers, you do not want to miss all the museums and art installations on the small island in the Seto Inland Sea. You can easily see all the art exhibits and museums on Naoshima Island in one day.

Best things to do in Naoshima

• Take photos with the famous Yellow Pumpkin and the Red Pumpkin
• See contemporary art and installations by Claude Monet, James Turrell and Walter De Maria at Chichu Art Museum
• Admire Tadao Ando’s contemporary concrete building at Lee Ufan Musem
• See the permanent and temporary modern art collection at Benesse House Museum
• Visit Teshima, another (but smaller) contemporary art island

12. Kurashiki

A picturesque historic canal town

Kurashiki might be one of the best off-the-beaten-path cities in Japan. Known for its picturesque canal with weeping willow trees, distinctive local architecture style, and delicious local cuisine, Kurashiki has many things to do and is a city you should not miss!

Located in Okayama Prefecture, the charming little town was an important point along the distribution route for Japan’s most prized commodity, rice. Today, you will find many old rice warehouses converted into restaurants, cafes and local retail stores.

Even though Kurashiki is not as famous as other cities in Japan, it is worth visiting, especially if you enjoy the small-town charm and see a preserved historic town.

Best things to do in Kurashiki

• See a picturesque canal with weeping willow trees in Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
• Hike up Tsuragatayama Hill and see an unobstructed view of Kurashiki
• Take note of the traditional Kurahiski houses that have an austere white-wash wall with black and white latticework patterns
• Try a blue-coloured food on Kurashiki Demin Street

13. Onomichi

Gateway to Japan’s best bikeway

Onomichi is a quaint port town known for its temples, cats and cycling. Many people may not know about this small town in Hiroshima Prefecture, but if you are looking for off-the-beaten-track places in Japan, Onomichi is one of the best places to visit.

While there are many things to do in Onomichi as a solo female traveller, you can comfortably see everything in a day or two.

But you should set aside two days in your itinerary and cycle Japan’s best bike route, Shimanami Kaido. The 60km bikeway connects six islands in the Seto Inland Sea where you can cycle from Onomichi to Imabari. It takes a full day to cycle to Imabari and another day back to Onomichi. But if you have limited time, you can still cycle Shimanami Kaido in one day.

Best things to do in Onomichi

• See 25 temples along Onomichi Temple Walk, including Tennei-ji Temple
• Take the Senko-ji Mountain Ropeway to the top of Senko-ji Park, where you can see a view of Onomichi and cherry blossoms in the spring
• Hike up Jodo-ji Mountain and see Onomichi from another angle
• Try a bowl of Onomichi ramen (soy sauce-flavoured soup stock with flat noodles)
• Rent a bike and bike along Japan’s best bikeway, Shimanami Kaido

14. Hiroshima

The “City of Peace”

Most travellers visit Hiroshima to see the monuments dedicated to Hiroshima’s legacy of surviving the atomic bomb during World War II. And the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park monuments commemorate those affected and remember peace.

Besides seeing all the monuments in the “City of Peace,” Hiroshima has many things to do, including a castle, art museums, and Japanese gardens. And you can comfortably see the best attractions in Hiroshima in 2 days.

And if you are a foodie, try Hiroshima’s local cuisine, which includes oysters, conger eel, ramen and Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.

Best things to do in Hiroshima

• Visit WWII monuments in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, including the Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims, the Flame of Peace, the Children’s Peace Monument, and the Atomic Bomb Dome.
• Admire contemporary Japanese artwork at the Hiroshima Museum of Art and Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum
• See shrines, stone guardian statues and fall foliage at Mitaki-dera
• Try local Hiroshima cuisine like Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, Hiroshima Tsukemen, oysters, and anago (eel)

15. Miyajima

Easy day trip from Hiroshima

Miyajima Island is easily accessible from Hiroshima and you can see all the best Miyajima highlights in one day. During your day trip, visit Itsukushima Floating Torii Gate, a giant orange torii gate seems to be floating on the water near Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Besides seeing the floating giant torii gate during high tide, hike up Mount Misen or take the ropeway and see a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea and friendly wild deers roam around the island.

Best things to do in Miyajima

• Admire Itsukushima Floating Torii Gate during high tide (in the morning)
• Get up close to the giant orange torii gate during low tide (late afternoon)
• Wander around Itsukushima Shrine, Momijidani Park, Daishoin Temple
• Hike up Mount Misen and see a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea
• Try local culinary delights such as oysters, anago meshi (conger eel), fried fishcake and momiji manju (small cake shaped in Japanese maple leaf with different fillings).

Best cities to travel alone in Kyushu Region

16. Fukuoka

Eat your way around Fukuoka city

Fukuoka is the biggest city on Kyushu Island and the 7th biggest city in Japan. And while Fukuoka has many things to do, the best highlight has to be its culinary scene.

The city is known for its Hakata Ramen or Tonkotsu Ramen. You can get a creamy pork bone broth with thin ramen noodles anywhere in the city. And since Fukuoka is udon noodle’s birthplace, you must try a bowl or two because it is oh-so-delicious!

Besides soup noodles, try other Fukuoka food including as motsunabe (hot pot with beef offal), mizutaki (hot pot with local jidori chicken), fresh squid sushi, mentaiko (spicy pollock roe), Hakata Amaou strawberries and pair all your meals with delicious local sake.

Best things to do in Fukuoka

• Try the Hakata Ramen at Ippudo, a famous ramen restaurant in Fukuoka
• Sample other local Fukuoka delights like motsunabe, mizutaki and mentaiko
• Grab a seat at one of the yatai open-air food stalls and eat Japanese food with locals
• Visit local attractions such as Hakata Old Town, Maizuru Park, Fukuoka Asian Art Museum and Hakata Machiya Folk Museum.
• Hop on Nishitetsu Railway and spend a day in Dazaifu

17. Okinawa

Tropical paradise with white sand and crystal clear water

There are more than 150 islands in the East China Sea between Japan’s mainland and Taiwan at the south end of Japan. And the largest one and one of the most famous islands is Okinawa.

While the island has many cultural sites, monuments, and unique Okinawan food, most visitors travel to Okinawa for its subtropical climate and beautiful white sand beaches with crystal blue water.

Plus, you can travel in Naha alone and the surrounding areas even if you don’t have a car. Public transportation system in Okinawa is pretty good and an excellent option for solo travellers.

Best things to do in Okinawa

• Wander around Naha and try some of the best Okinawan cuisine
• Swim in the crystal blue water and play on the white sand beaches of Okinawa
• Participate in many water sports, including snorkelling and diving
• See marine wildlife in the massive fish tank at Churaumi Aquarium, Japan’s largest aquarium
• Take a day trip to Yomitan Village and Mihama American Village

Want to travel like a minimalist? Learn how to pack a 7kg carry-on luggage by following my minimalist travel packing list

Which cities are you including for your first solo trip to Japan?

I hope you find this list of Japanese cities useful for planning your first solo trip to Japan. These are some of the best cities in Japan and are perfect for solo female travellers.

So the big question is: which cities will you visit during your first solo Japan trip? Let a comment below. Or if you have other suggestions, leave that in the comment too!

Ready to plan your trip to Japan? Here are some of my go-to travel planning resources:
* Book your flight: find flight deals on Skyscanner 
* Book accommodation: find the best Japan accommodations on Agoda or Booking
* Buy insurance: Safetywing is my go-to provider for travel insurance, as it covers many things. I will never travel without the Nomad Insurance Package because it protects me against unforeseen events. Get a quote today.
* Order a SIM card: order a SIM card in advance and set up your mobile phone before arriving in Japan.
* Join tours: check Klook or Get Your Guide for the best tours around Japan.

Thank you for reading my Japan solo travel post

I have many posts on Japan and you might also like these other posts on solo travel in Japan:

Introduction to Japan

• Things I wish I knew before going to Japan
• Off-the-beaten-path places in Japan
• One month in Japan: from Tokyo to Hiroshima

Kanto region

• 5-day Tokyo itinerary for first-time visitors
• Where to stay in Tokyo for solo travellers
• Tokyo Food Guide: 42 best places to eat in Tokyo

Chubu region

• Nagoya day trip: What to see in one day
• Nakasendo Trail Guide: 1 to 3-Day Itinerary for hiking on your own
• Best things to do in Matsumoto: 1-day itinerary
• Takayama 2-day itinerary for first time solo travellers
• Shirakawa-go Solo Guide: How to get there & Itinerary
• Kanazawa Itinerary: 1 to 2 day Itinerary for Solo Travellers
• Toyama 1-Day Itinerary for Solo Travellers
• Karuizawa Itinerary: 1 or 2 Days

Kansai region

• Kyoto 2-day itinerary
• Where to stay in Kyoto: Best Areas & Hotel Reviews
• Kyoto Food Guide: What and Where to Eat
• Kurama to Kibune hiking itinerary
• Uji day trip from Kyoto
• Nara day trip from Kyoto or Osaka
• Nara famous food: Where and What to Eat
• Hike Yamanobe-no-Michi Trail in Nara Prefecture
• 2-day Osaka itinerary
• Where to stay in Osaka for first time traveller
• Where and What to Eat in Osaka, Japan
• Minoh Waterfalls Trail: easy day hike from Osaka
• Osaka to Kobe day trip: 1-day itinerary
• Best food in Kobe: Where and What to Eat
• Arima Onsen day trip itinerary
• Himeji day trip from Osaka

Chugoku region

• Naoshima Art Island: 1-day itinerary
• How to spend one day on Teshima Island
• Best things to do in Kurashiki Japan
• Top things to do in Onomichi Japan
• Okunoshima Island: 1-Day itinerary on Rabbit Island
• Shimanami Kaido: how to spend one day cycling Japan’s best bike route
• Hiroshima 2-day itinerary
• Day trip to Miyajima from Hiroshima

Kyushu region

• 10-day Kyushu Island itinerary
• Best things to do in Fukuoka Japan
• Fukuoka Food Guide: What to Eat
• Where to stay in Fukuoka for Solo Travellers
• Day trip to Dazaifu from Fukuoka
• Kumamoto City in one day
• Day trip to Mount Aso from Kumamoto
• 11 Top things to do in Kagoshima Japan
• 1-5 day Okinawa itinerary without a car
• Where to stay in Naha Okinawa: 5 boutique hotels
• Okinawa food guide: best food to try

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queenie mak

Hi, my name is Queenie, and I’ve been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!