Solo travel in Japan

Japan is a country that’s well-suited to the solo traveller, as well as the solo diner and the solo singer. It’s very safe – in fact, Japan has one of the lowest crime rates in the world – and it feels it, too, as Japanese culture is bound up in hospitality and politeness to guests. The public transport system is so widespread and punctual that getting around is very easy, once you’ve got a handle on how it works. Mobile data is essential as you will be reliant on your translation and map apps, but most hotels, large restaurants and bullet trains offer Wi-Fi. But there are downsides to Japan solo travel, too.

Japan’s public transport network is complex and can be a little bewildering to the first-time visitor. “There are English signs in major train and bus stations in the cities, but the stations themselves can be large and difficult to navigate,” says Kanata. “And while staff in hotels and restaurants in cities like Tokyo and Osaka may be more accustomed to welcoming guests from English-speaking countries, in rural areas the locals will be less confident with their English, and English signage will not be as frequent.”

And some things are meant to be shared. “The private cultural performances we include such as the Iwami Kagura, which has been a form of local entertainment since ancient times, would come at a considerable cost if arranged for one person,” says Kanata. “Not to mention that it might be a bit awkward to be an audience of one.”

Itinerary-planning is another complexity that can pose difficulties if going it alone. While you can certainly create a two-week route of Japan with your own research, that takes a lot of time, and if something goes wrong – a missed connection, say, you’re the one who has to sort it out. On our Japan small group tours, however, all the logistical wrinkles are ironed out for you while you enjoy the journey. That convenience, and the heightened sense of enjoyment that comes from sharing your experiences with others, make this kind of trip ideal for solo travellers.

Anyone can arrange their own visit to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, or a hike up Mount Fuji. What our Japan solo tours do so well is create memorable moments for you between the sights, with expert organisers developing ideas that are born from years of travelling in Japan themselves and making indispensable local connections. In the rural town of Kameoka, you might be invited to stay in your guide’s own family home. Spending a night at a Buddhist temple on Mount Koya you might join the monks in their morning rituals, and you can also enjoy an interesting tour of a former samurai’s residence.

“One of the things we're really proud of is in Kyoto, where our groups can spend time with a maiko, a junior geisha,” says Tim. “A lot of travellers are really interested in how the maiko come to choose that lifestyle, because it's something that you must train for from a very young age, and you make a lot of sacrifices. It can be quite enlightening and difficult to really understand through just reading about it. But you can't just pick up the phone and set up that meeting without being introduced, so one of the advantages of a small group tour is that you get access to this very exclusive experience that we've built the relationship for.”

Japan has many customs and rules of etiquette that it’s considered polite to abide by. Researching them all is a voluminous effort, but on our solo group tours of Japan we ensure that the need-to-know stuff is condensed in the trip notes we supply beforehand. Coupled with a local guide who will brief you at every stop, with this information you can be confident of not putting a foot wrong.

“Each guide must go through a rigorous selection process,” says Kanata. “They need to demonstrate a wealth of knowledge on Japanese culture and history, as well as regional culture and cuisine, while being able to communicate this knowledge to the group in an interesting and engaging way.”

Our small group tours are structured based on years of experience in knowing what does and doesn’t work, with activities arranged well in advance. Free time is usually built into the itinerary so that you part ways with the group for a while to explore on your own terms. And if you want more time to yourself but still within the structure and support of a group tour, you can often drop out of an organised activity, as long as you stay in contact with your tour leader.

Are you a front-and-centre, mic-hogging wannabe Taylor Swift? Or do you confine yourself strictly to backing vocals duties, unless you hear the irresistible strains of Toto’s Africa? We can let you know whether a karaoke session is a likelihood, or a possibility, during your trip, so that you can prepare your performance, or your excuses. Although, if your ability to carry a tune is anything like my own, solo karaoke might be the only way to go.