Going solo in Japan ... 7 reasons why it’s a top spot

Ohitorisama. This Japanese word means “party for one” – a celebration of being solo.

And, with the rise and rise of the solo and single traveller, the Japan National Tourism Organisation sees the synergies.

For it is perfectly acceptable – normal – to venture alone into standing sushi bars, stay in small single rooms in capsule hotels and even sing “karaoke for one”.

A JNTO spokesperson says: “The concept of spending time alone has been somewhat of a cultural evolution in Japan, spurred by younger generations and a nation with one of the world’s highest rates of single-dweller households.

“This is the ultimate destination for independent travellers keen to embrace the Japanese version of ‘me time’.

“For solo travellers ready to combine cultural immersion and superb scenery with a journey of self-discovery, personal freedom and the chance to pursue their passions, Japan ticks all the boxes.”

And the JNTO team has identified these seven reasons that Japan is ideal for solo travellers, in their own words …

It’s super safe

Japan consistently ranks among the top 10 countries in the world for safety, and with a lively entertainment scene and fantastic public transport, you won’t be alone exploring after dark or travelling by train.

Cute capsule hotels

Don’t need much space? Just somewhere clean, compact and convenient to lay your head? Then check out one of Japan’s many capsule hotels, which often also include communal spaces to connect with fellow solo travellers, speedy wi-fi, luggage storage spaces and tasty snacks. There are also female-only capsule hotels or female-only floors in both capsule and more conventional hotels for women travelling independently.

Adventures after dark

From tachinomi (standing bars) serving local beer, sake and affordable snacks, to the rise of single-person karaoke parlours such as 1Kara in response to growing demand from those who want to belt out a tune or two on their own terms in the privacy of their own booth, Japan’s nightlife offers diverse options for individual travellers. independent travellers.

Memorable meals

There’s no stigma attached to dining solo in Japan, in fact, there are style of dining specifically designed for it. From standing sushi bars, known as tachigui, where solo diners can enjoy authentic, affordable sushi to ramen restaurants where diners sit side-by-side between partitions watching the chefs in action, there’s no need to miss out on a magnificent meal if you’re travelling solo. Even yakiniku restaurants have evolved to welcome solo diners by adding personal grills at the counter to cook your own sizzling cuts, whilst conveyor belt venues make it easy to mingle with fellow diners.

Slick public transport

Japan’s train network is second to none: clean, reliable and on time, literally down to the second. You can easily navigate to the right station entrance with Google Maps and pay using your phone by downloading the Welcome Suica Mobile app (iPhone only).

Cultural experiences

From art galleries and museums to temples and creative classes in everything from calligraphy and lacquerware to silk painting and sushi-making, there are endless cultural and historic activities to enjoy as a solo traveller, and many are free.

Wellness for one

Onsen bathing is delightful as a solo activity, providing an opportunity to enjoy the serenity and focus on self-care and wellness. Most onsen offer single-sex bathing options, and some ryokan and onsen towns also allow bathers to book a kashikiri buro (private bath) for the ultimate solo soak. If you have a tattoo, no worries, there are tattoo friendly onsens too.

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