Glad you might be planning a solo journey in Tokyo! Listed below are my golden suggestions for navigating this large metropolis, from 10 years of touring out and in of Tokyo.
1. Solo journey in Tokyo is extraordinarily protected!
Solo journey in Tokyo is remarkably protected, making it one of many prime locations for solo adventurers searching for each city exploration and cultural immersion. Tokyo constantly ranks first (actually #1!) most secure cities on the planet.
Public areas are clear, well-lit, and all the time bustling, offering a safe atmosphere at any time of the day. The Japanese tradition of respect and politeness additional contributes to this sense of security, with locals usually prepared to assist misplaced or confused vacationers.
Whereas Tokyo is protected, customary journey precautions apply: pay attention to your belongings, particularly in crowded areas like practice stations and fashionable vacationer spots, and keep knowledgeable about native customs and etiquette to keep away from unintentional disrespect.
Emergency companies are responsive, and there are quite a few vacationer police stations and assist facilities that cater particularly to the wants of holiday makers.
2. One of the best place for nightlife in Tokyo is Golden Gai
Tokyo’s nightlife in Golden Gai is a should for solo journey in Tokyo. Golden Gai, nestled within the coronary heart of Shinjuku, is a warren of slender alleys lined with over 200 tiny bars, every with its personal theme and character, catering to a various crowd.
This space embodies the allure of outdated Tokyo, with many bars seating solely a handful of patrons, offering a uncommon alternative for solo vacationers to have interaction in significant conversations with locals and fellow vacationers alike.
The attract of Golden Gai for solo vacationers lies in its welcoming environment, the place the compact dimension of the institutions breaks down obstacles, making it simpler to work together and share tales.
Every bar in Golden Gai has a definite persona, whether or not it’s devoted to punk rock, cinema, classic Showa-era decor, or providing a choice of uncommon whiskeys.
Exploring Golden Gai additionally presents a protected and immersive strategy to get pleasure from Tokyo’s nightlife, as the world is well-regarded for its pleasant atmosphere and respect for patrons.
3. Pasmo or Suica Card is crucial for solo journey in Tokyo
For solo journey in Tokyo, having a Pasmo or Suica card is indispensable. These sensible playing cards streamline your journey throughout the town, permitting for seamless transitions between numerous modes of public transport, together with buses, trains, and even some taxis.
The comfort of not having to buy particular person tickets for every experience not solely saves time but additionally spares you the effort of navigating ticket machines and fare changes, particularly when language obstacles come into play.
These playing cards are rechargeable and refundable, making them a versatile choice for managing journey bills. They lengthen their utility past transportation; you should use them to make purchases at comfort shops, merchandising machines, and even some eating places.
Scared to journey alone? Why not be a part of my journeys?
Change the way in which you journey and spend your cash on journeys that matter – journeys that you’ll always remember. My group journeys are extremely targeted on accountable journey, supporting native communities, and avoiding the compulsory touristic circuit.
4. Tokyo is pedestrian-friendly!
Tokyo’s pedestrian-friendly nature enormously enhances the expertise of solo journey in Tokyo, providing a protected and satisfying strategy to discover the town’s numerous neighborhoods. Town is supplied with intensive sidewalks, pedestrian zones, and well-marked crosswalks, guaranteeing protected passage for walkers.
Moreover, Tokyo boasts a powerful array of pedestrian-only streets, notably in procuring and leisure districts like Ginza and Akihabara, the place you possibly can wander with out fear of vehicular visitors.
5. One of the best time for solo journey in Tokyo is throughout cherry blossoms
Visiting Tokyo through the cherry blossom season is a magical expertise, particularly for solo journey in Tokyo. Town transforms underneath a cover of pink and white, with quite a few spots to benefit from the fleeting great thing about sakura.
This era, usually from late March to early April, symbolizes renewal and is well known throughout the town with hanami (flower viewing) events in parks, gardens, and alongside riverbanks.
For solo vacationers, this season presents a novel alternative to partake in a deeply cherished cultural custom. If you wish to be a part of me, I host solo vacationers for a group journey in Tokyo Cherry Blossom!
6. Eat at konbinis to save cash
Consuming at comfort shops, or ‘konbini’, is an important facet of solo journey in Tokyo. Konbinis supply a shocking number of high-quality, reasonably priced meals choices that cater to a variety of tastes and dietary wants, making them a godsend for solo vacationers on a price range or in want of a fast meal.
From sushi and bento bins to sandwiches and salads, the choice is just not solely handy but additionally displays the native delicacies, offering an genuine style of Japan with out the necessity for a restaurant setting.
Konbini is ubiquitous all through Tokyo, open 24/7, guaranteeing you possibly can have meals irrespective of the time of day or night time.
7. Conveyor Belt Sushi eating places (kaiten-zushi) are nice for eating alone
Conveyor belt sushi eating places are a quintessential eating expertise for solo journey in Tokyo. These institutions, often called kaiten-zushi, supply an informal and welcoming environment the place you possibly can comfortably dine alone, sitting on the counter and selecting dishes as they cross by on the conveyor belt.
This setup eliminates the necessity for ordering from a menu, making it best for many who could face language obstacles. Moreover, the clear pricing system, usually indicated by the colour of the plate, permits for simple price range administration.
You possibly can various kinds of sushi at your personal tempo, making it a versatile eating choice that caters to particular person preferences and time constraints.
Kaiten-zushi presents a novel perception into the native meals tradition, offering an genuine expertise the place solo vacationers can observe the bustling vitality of Tokyo’s culinary scene.
8. Keep in capsule inns!
Capsule inns in Tokyo supply a novel and cost-effective lodging choice for solo journey in Tokyo. These inns present a compact, futuristic sleeping pod, adequate for one particular person. This reveals the effectivity and minimalism attribute of Japanese design!
The communal areas, comparable to bogs, lounges, and generally kitchens, supply alternatives to fulfill different vacationers, making it a sociable alternative for these touring to Tokyo solo.
Moreover, many capsule inns are strategically situated close to main transit hubs and fashionable districts, offering quick access to discover Tokyo by your self.
The privateness and safety of particular person pods cater to those that prioritize private area and security, two essential issues for solo journey in Tokyo!
9. Shinjuku is the best place to remain in Toky for solo vacationers!
Shinjuku, with its dazzling neon lights and ceaseless vitality, stands out as an exhilarating base for solo journey in Tokyo. This district presents an immersive dive into Tokyo’s multifaceted persona, combining skyscrapers, bustling procuring streets, and vibrant nightlife.
For solo vacationers, Shinjuku’s numerous array of sights means you’re by no means removed from the primary sights and landmarks.
Lodging choices are plentiful, catering to each price range, from luxurious inns to capsule hostels, guaranteeing solo vacationers can discover a comfy place to remain.
10. Print or write your resort tackle in Japanese
Printing your resort tackle in Japanese is a sensible tip for solo journey in Tokyo. Regardless of Tokyo’s cosmopolitan nature, not everyone seems to be fluent in English, and having your vacation spot written within the native script can bridge the language hole, particularly with taxi drivers, native shopkeepers, or when asking for instructions on the road.
Many buildings in Tokyo, together with inns, would not have distinguished English signage, making it difficult to determine your vacation spot even in case you’re in the fitting space. A written tackle in Japanese could be proven to passersby or used with a map to navigate the densely packed streets and sophisticated tackle system of Tokyo.
11. Tokyo trains cease at midnight. Keep away from getting stranded!
For solo journey in Tokyo, it’s essential to know that almost all trains and subways begin wrapping up companies round midnight and resume operations round 5:00 AM. This schedule can barely differ relying on the road and station, with the final trains departing between 12:00 AM and 1:00 AM.
Planning your adventures with this timetable in thoughts is crucial to keep away from being stranded or having to go for costlier late-night transportation choices, comparable to taxis.
Be sure you know the final practice instances on your route, particularly in case you plan to remain out late. That is all the time a difficulty for first-time solo vacationers in Tokyo as they get stranded (together with me) after midnight with no alternative however to take the tremendous costly taxi.
12. Use day passes in trains
The Tokyo Subway 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour limitless journey tickets is a strategic transfer for solo journey in Tokyo, particularly if you wish to preserve your transportation prices low.
These tickets supply limitless entry to the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway traces, which cowl most areas of curiosity throughout the town, from historic websites and cultural sights to procuring districts and eating areas.
You should purchase these tickets as quickly as you arrive at Narita Airport. Many kiosks promote the Tokyo Subway Tickets. You may additionally buy beforehand on this web site nevertheless it solely permits buy if you’re outdoors Japan.
Listed below are the costs for the subway tickets in US {dollars}:
- 24 hours: $6
- 48 hours: $8
- 72 hours: $10
13. You possibly can drink faucet water in Tokyo (use MyMizu app)
Ingesting faucet water is completely protected for solo journey in Tokyo, and it adheres to strict high quality requirements guaranteeing its security and cleanliness. Town’s faucet water undergoes rigorous purification processes and is often examined to fulfill worldwide security requirements.
This makes it as protected as bottled water. This not solely presents a handy and cost-effective strategy to keep hydrated as you discover the bustling metropolis but additionally reduces the environmental impression related to buying single-use plastic bottles.
Carrying a reusable water bottle and refilling it all through the day from faucets in your lodging, public restrooms, or consuming fountains present in parks and public areas is a sensible tip.
The style of Tokyo’s faucet water is mostly impartial and nice, missing the heavy chlorination present in some cities, making it palatable for consuming and cooking.
14. Strive Ramen in Shinjuku’s well-known Ramen Alley
Shinjuku’s well-known Ramen Alley is a culinary journey that solo journey in Tokyo ought to undoubtedly embody.
From wealthy, pork-based tonkotsu broth to the soy-infused shoyu selection, the variety of flavors out there permits you to discover the depth of Japan’s ramen tradition in a single handy location.
For solo vacationers, the intimate setting of those ramen outlets, usually with counter seating dealing with the kitchen, gives a novel eating expertise the place you possibly can watch cooks at work, making ready steaming bowls of ramen with precision and aptitude.
This setup not solely makes for a memorable meal but additionally eases the intimidation of eating alone, as you’re seated amongst locals and fellow ramen fans, all there to savor the comforting embrace of a scrumptious ramen bowl.
Moreover, Shinjuku’s Ramen Alley is ideal for these seeking to dive into Tokyo’s meals scene with out the necessity for intensive Japanese language abilities. Menus are sometimes displayed with footage or in English, making it straightforward to order.
15. Tokyo has Uber however it’s barely completely different
Sure, you should use Uber in Tokyo, nevertheless it’s price noting that the service operates in another way in comparison with many different cities all over the world.
For solo journey in Tokyo, Uber primarily presents premium and luxurious automotive companies quite than the usual rideshare choices present in different international locations. Which means that utilizing Uber could be costlier than conventional taxis or public transportation choices out there in Tokyo.
It’s notably helpful in case you’re unfamiliar with the native language, because the app permits you to enter your vacation spot with out having to speak it verbally, minimizing potential miscommunications.
Utilizing the app JapanTaxi is best than Uber. That is the place you’ll discover cheaper and native taxi companies in Tokyo.
16. Tokyo boasts quite a few 24-hour eating places
One of many delights of solo journey in Tokyo is the town’s abundance of 24-hour eating places, providing a novel eating expertise at any hour, good for the versatile schedules that solo adventurers usually get pleasure from.
These institutions vary from conventional ramen joints to trendy cafes, guaranteeing that irrespective of the place your explorations in Tokyo take you or when starvation strikes, a meal is all the time inside attain.
It’s additionally a protected and welcoming choice for solo diners, as many of those locations are accustomed to people having fun with a meal alone, reflecting the town’s inclusive method to eating tradition.
17. Keep away from speaking loudly on public transportation
When embarking on solo journey in Tokyo, a key facet of that is to keep up a low quantity throughout conversations on public transportation. Tokyo’s trains and buses are marvels of effectivity and punctuality, usually serving as quiet refuges for commuters who use this time to relaxation, learn, or work.
In contrast to in lots of different cities, the place full of life chatter is frequent, in Tokyo, the collective quiet is a shared duty, fostering a peaceable atmosphere for all passengers.
This follow not solely reveals consideration for others but additionally permits you to observe and recognize the calmness and order that outline Tokyo’s public life. As a solo traveler, adopting this conduct might help you mix in additional seamlessly with the locals.
18. Money remains to be king in Tokyo
A vital tip for these on a solo journey in Tokyo is to all the time carry money. Regardless of its popularity as a technologically superior metropolis, a lot of Tokyo’s smaller outlets, eateries, and even some temples don’t settle for bank cards.
When withdrawing money in ATMs in Tokyo, notice that there’s a 500,000 yen ($3,600 USD) each day withdrawal restrict, which is larger in comparison with different cities in Asia.
19. Store in Tokyo’s 99 yen outlets
For these embarking on solo journey in Tokyo, discovering the town’s 100-yen outlets presents a pleasant and budget-friendly procuring expertise. These shops are treasure troves for locating each souvenirs and on a regular basis necessities on the outstanding value of simply 100 yen ($0.65 USD).
One can find EVERYTHING in these outlets, from conventional Japanese ceramics that may function elegant items, to quirky stationery. 100-yen outlets are situated all through Tokyo and essentially the most well-known chain known as Can*Do.
In case you forgot one thing like toothbrush, sopa dispensers, toiletry bag, and so on, that is the place you store on your journey necessities!
20. English is NOT extensively spoken in Tokyo
Solo journey in Tokyo is especially difficult for some as a result of English is just not extensively spoken in Tokyo. In fashionable vacationer areas like Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Asakusa, you’re more likely to discover English-speaking workers in inns, eating places, and main sights. Indicators and menus might also have English translations.
Tokyo’s practice and subway stations usually have indicators and bulletins in English, making it straightforward to make use of public transportation. Ticket machines and workers at main stations often perceive important English phrases.
Studying a number of Japanese phrases, comparable to greetings and customary questions, can go a great distance in enhancing your journey expertise and speaking with locals.
Whereas English proficiency is just not common in Tokyo, the town is welcoming to vacationers, and plenty of locals will make an effort to help you, even when their English is proscribed.
21. Tokyo is a giant metropolis
Tokyo, the bustling capital of Japan, is expansive, making it a captivating vacation spot for solo journey in Tokyo. Protecting an space of about 2,194 sq. kilometers (847 sq. miles), it’s one of many largest and most densely populated cities on the planet.
The metropolis is a mix of tightly packed residential areas, sprawling enterprise districts, huge procuring facilities, and serene parks, every providing a novel slice of Tokyo life.
For solo vacationers, navigating Tokyo’s vastness is made accessible by its world-class public transportation system, together with an in depth community of trains, subways, and buses that join all corners of the town.
Regardless of its dimension, Tokyo’s environment friendly transport and the group of its districts into distinct neighborhoods make it manageable and surprisingly straightforward to discover.
22. Don’t eat and drink whereas strolling
A useful tip for solo journey in Tokyo is to chorus from consuming or consuming whereas strolling in public locations.
Tokyo is understood for its immaculate streets and public areas. Consuming or consuming whereas strolling can result in littering, which is taken into account rude and disrespectful in Japanese tradition.
In Japan, consuming is a sacred ritual. They don’t seem to be like us in North America who stroll round with takeaway espresso or sandwiches. They sit down and take their time to get pleasure from their meals. It’s unusual for them to see foreigners strolling or consuming whereas strolling.
Tokyo gives designated areas like parks and benches for picnics or out of doors eating. If you end up having to do takeaway, discover the closest park and sit down.
22. Day journeys from Tokyo are tremendous straightforward!
Solo journey in Tokyo opens up a gateway to exploring a lot of Japan with outstanding ease, due to the town’s strategic location and distinctive public transportation community.
Tokyo serves as a central hub from which solo adventurers can embark on day journeys to quite a lot of different cities and sights.
The environment friendly Shinkansen (bullet practice) can whisk you to additional locations comparable to Kyoto and Osaka in only a few hours, making much more distant explorations possible inside a day.
Moreover, the Japan Rail Cross is especially cost-effective, providing limitless entry to a variety of trains together with the Shinkansen. That is notably an ideal solo journey in Tokyo function as you don’t must relocate or pack for in a single day stays.
23. Queue up for trains and buses in an orderly trend
For solo journey in Tokyo, it is very important know that queuing up in an orderly trend for trains and buses isn’t just a courtesy—it’s an important a part of navigating the town like an area.
Tokyo’s public transportation system is understood for its punctuality, effectivity, and the disciplined method wherein passengers board and alight. Markings on the platform flooring point out the place to face, guaranteeing that queues kind neatly and that everybody boards in a peaceful and arranged approach.
This follow enormously contributes to the sleek movement of the large variety of commuters, particularly throughout rush hours. You will note many individuals within the station on a regular basis however additionally, you will discover how organized everyone seems to be.
24. Obtain Yurekuru Name app for earthquakes
An important app for solo journey in Tokyo is the Yurekuru Name app, particularly in case you’re involved about earthquake security.
Tokyo is situated in an earthquake-prone area, and being ready is crucial. The Yurekuru Name app gives real-time earthquake alerts and knowledge, permitting you to remain knowledgeable about seismic exercise within the space.
The app presents early earthquake warnings, providing you with useful seconds to arrange. This may be essential for private security, particularly in case you’re alone in your lodging or out exploring the town.
Yurekuru Name gives earthquake-related data particular to Tokyo and its surrounding areas, guaranteeing you obtain related alerts and updates.
25. Tipping is just not a customized in Tokyo
Solo vacationers in Tokyo ought to be conscious that tipping is just not a customized in Japan and may even be perceived as impolite or complicated.
In Japan, distinctive service is taken into account the usual, and tipping implies that service high quality must be rewarded individually. This may be offensive to service suppliers, because it suggests they aren’t performing their finest always.
This says A LOT about our tipping tradition in North America the place service folks solely carry out effectively as a result of they’re anticipating to be tipped.
PService trade professionals in Japan take satisfaction of their work and don’t anticipate extra compensation past their common wage. Plus, their wage can also be excessive.
For those who didn’t learn this earlier than your solo journey in Japan, service workers could refuse suggestions, and chances are you’ll not know the right strategy to deal with such conditions.
26. Pointing at folks or objects is taken into account impolite
When embarking on solo journey in Tokyo, it’s essential to bear in mind that pointing at folks or objects is taken into account impolite in Japanese tradition.
Pointing immediately at somebody could be seen as invasive and disrespectful of their private area. Japanese tradition locations a robust emphasis on sustaining concord and never inflicting discomfort to others.
Japanese society depends closely on nonverbal communication, comparable to gestures and physique language. Pointing could be seen as an absence of consideration for these subtler types of expression.
As a substitute of pointing, use your complete hand or an open palm to gesture within the route of one thing or somebody. That is thought-about extra well mannered and fewer intrusive.
27. Use the tray offered at money registers to put your cash when paying
When touring solo in Tokyo, it’s useful to make use of the tray offered at money registers when paying on your purchases.
Inserting your cash or bank card on the tray is an indication of respect for Japanese cultural norms. Utilizing the tray helps preserve cleanliness and hygiene in transactions.
It prevents direct hand-to-hand contact between you and the cashier, which is especially essential in conditions like flu season or throughout well being considerations.
28. Take away your footwear in sure conditions
One essential cultural etiquette to watch for solo journey in Tokyo is to take away your footwear in sure conditions, particularly if you’re staying in a ryokan.
In conventional Japanese properties and a few ryokans (conventional inns), it’s customary to take away footwear earlier than getting into. This not solely maintains cleanliness but additionally reveals respect for the property and its tatami (straw mat) flooring.
Some eating places, particularly conventional ones serving kaiseki (multi-course meals), could require visitors to take away their footwear and put on offered slippers.
When visiting temples and shrines, chances are you’ll be required to take away your footwear earlier than getting into particular areas or buildings. This can be a signal of respect and reverence.
I’m Asian so that is already a default for me in my own residence. Simply to make clear, the removing of footwear is all about hygiene and cleanliness – not some dangerous luck or superstitious perception. Japanese tradition locations a excessive worth on cleanliness.
29. Journey insurance coverage for solo journey in Tokyo
Don’t journey to Tokyo with out insurance coverage. Whereas it isn’t required in customs, you’ll by no means know what can occur to you! I exploit Ekta for complete journey protection (from 0-99 years outdated).
Trisha is a kind of individuals who left their comfy life to journey the world and find out about life. Her fashion is to remain in a single place she likes for 3 months (or extra) to know what it feels wish to eat, prepare dinner, converse, and sleep in one other tradition that isn’t hers. She’d wish to consider she’s not historically touring however she simply chooses to be some place else on a regular basis. In no specific order, her favourite cities on the planet are Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Hong Kong, Mexico Metropolis, and Tel Aviv.
