The Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel in Tokyo: How to Plan the Perfect Trip for One
The idea of solo traveling to Tokyo—Japan’s bustling capital and the largest metropolis in the world—feels… a bit daunting (doesn’t it?).
But I’m here to tell you that Tokyo is a dream destination for solo travelers.
Having been to Tokyo solo multiple times, I can seriously vouch for this city to be at the top of your solo travel bucket list! 🥹
Tokyo’s safety, efficient public transport, and diverse activities (that are friendly and comfortable to do alone) are just some of the top reasons why Tokyo is an ideal city for independent travel.
I know it can be overwhelming to research how to visit Tokyo solo.
However, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first solo adventure, Tokyo offers something for everyone.
A Tokyo solo trip is much easier to pull off than you might think.
But just in case, that’s why I’ve created this guide!
In it, you will find everything you need to know to plan the perfect solo trip to Tokyo, covering everything from must-visit attractions (plus hidden gems) to my insider tips from multiple month-long stays!
The Ultimate Solo Traveler’s Guide to Tokyo
Why Tokyo Is Perfect for Solo Travelers
Safety
For starters, Tokyo is one of the safest cities in the world.
Other than petty theft against tourists in crowded areas, you have very little cause for concern being solo (yes, even as a solo female traveler).
According to GOV.UK, the Japanese police have stated that nightlife districts in Tokyo, such as Kabukicho (the red light district in Shinjuku), Ikebukuro, Roppongi and Shibuya, are the most high-risk areas.
Of course, despite Tokyo being safe, please still practice general solo travel safety:
- Don’t go out after dark partying/drinking alone (and don’t accept drinks from strangers as drink spiking is possible)
- Always inform a friend/family member of your travel plans
- Don’t overshare your plans with strangers
- Consider not telling people you’re traveling alone (especially if you’re a solo female traveler and trying to dissuade male attention)
- Avoid rowdy areas (i.e., Kabukicho red-light district in Shinjuku, Shibuya downtown, etc.) after dark
- Avoid flashing off your valuables; keep personal belongings close
And an extra note for females—while trains/metros can get crowded during rush hours, you can ride in the pink, women-only reserved cars. Sorry, guys!
In addition to a low crime rate, Tokyo boasts a super-efficient and safe public transport system (metro, subway, JR train, taxis, etc.) which makes navigating the city easy.
Compared to other places in Japan (i.e., Osaka, Kyoto), Tokyo is my favorite for its transportation network. It’s so easy, and I’ve never gotten lost getting around (knock on wood!).
The way Tokyo is organized makes getting around super easy.
Notice on a map the green JR ‘Yamanote’ line—this encircles the “heart” of Tokyo. Metro/subway lines also interconnect, making everything just super efficient and easy to understand.
You can cross greater Tokyo (such as the Shibuya in the west to Asakusa in the east) within 30 minutes by public transport.
Ample Activities & Things to Do Solo
As if those aren’t reasons enough, Tokyo’s vibrant, diverse neighborhoods and solo-friendly things to do make exploring alone FUN.
Whether you want to watch an entertaining sumo show with a hot pot lunch, explore the digital art exhibitions at teamLab, or quietly visit Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, doing it alone is comfortable and not judged as weird.
Some of my favorite experiences solo in Tokyo have been:
- Wandering Tokyo’s oldest temple, Senso-ji, in Asakusa and collecting gochuincho (hand-made calligraphy ‘stamps’ from shrines)
- Strolling the Sumida River near SkyTree
- Shopping at Nintendo Tokyo (located in the PARCO building, Shibuya)
- Journaling and working remotely in cute coffee shops
- Exploring Akihabara Electric Town and its multi-level arcades
- Devouring gyukatsu (beef cutlet), sushi, and soba alone in restaurants
- Riding a local Japanese bike on this West Tokyo Food/Cycling Tour
- Dancing alongside locals for the Bon Odori (summer festivals)
- Visiting the ‘Lucky Cat’ temple (Gōtokuji)
And even though I wasn’t solo for this, I’d highly recommend doing the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour in Tokyo if you are a fan of the films/books!
Dining Out Alone Isn’t Awkward
Another reason Tokyo is awesome for solo travel is the comfort of eating alone.
In fact, in Japanese culture, dining alone is very typical; you’ll see locals (both men and women) going about their day entirely solo—from riding on transport to dining to shopping to walking in the park, you name it!
Other reasons you should consider Tokyo for solo travel:
- English Availability: English signage is in most public areas, including metro and train stations. If you speak zero to little Japanese, you can still manage just fine (just use translate for menus and easy questions).
- Cultural Openness: As I mentioned, solo dining and solo activities are standard and not frowned upon, so you’ll feel comfortable wherever you go!
- Affordability: Tokyo (and Japan at large), often feels like it could be expensive, but there are so many opportunities to eat cheap and stay in decent hostels for a relatively low price ($20-30/night).
I like to call Tokyo the dream city for *adventurous introverts* (like me!).
While social meet-ups are available, it’s easy just to do your own thing in Tokyo, not bother anyone, and still have the best time.
If you’re a social solo butterfly, you may feel a bit isolated at times, with Tokyo being so enormous and full of possibilities!
Best Time to Visit Tokyo Solo
Timing your solo trip to Tokyo can really influence your overall experience and impression of this city.
Tokyo is fun year-round, but again, you should plan in advance for your solo trip due to crowds, seasonal events, activity availability, and prices.
🌸 Spring (March-May): Undoubtedly the busiest time to be in Tokyo, which may feel overwhelming for first-time solo travelers. However, you’ll get to see the iconic cherry blossoms at Ueno Park or Meguro River, and that’s a worthy reason to go! Just note that accommodation will sell out months in advance (and get extra expensive).
🎇 Summer (June-August): This is when I housesitted for free in Tokyo, and I LOVED it. While scorchingly humid, summer is a fun time to be in Tokyo with its vibrant summer festivals (bon odori).
🍂 Fall (September-November): An ideal time to explore Tokyo with fewer crowds in the shoulder season, autumn foliage (especially for day trips), and a warm-mild temperature.
❄️ Winter (December-February): I’ve stayed in Tokyo twice for winter, and while potentially freezing, it’s such a beautiful and magical time to be in the city with illuminations, snowfall, and fewer crowds.
Things to Do in Tokyo for Solo Travelers
Of course, there are the overall most popular places to visit in Tokyo—for all travelers—but what should you REALLY focus on solo? 🤔
While I wouldn’t necessarily recommend bar-hopping alone in Shinjuku’s Golden Gai (try a guided food/drink tour there instead), anything you want to see or do is possible when soloing in Tokyo.
Since Tokyo is such a city of glorious contrast, I recommend exploring its traditional neighborhoods and modern counterparts to get the full depth and experience of Tokyo.
Too often, solo travelers make the mistake of spending only a few days or enough time just to do the activities between Shibuya and Shinjuku.
But those places are only two out of 23 wards to discover in Tokyo!
Below are a few personal recommendations for places to visit and activities to experience, specifically as a solo traveler in Tokyo.
(On that note, I’m omitting common and well-known activities such as Shibuya Crossing or Harajuku).
Cultural Workshops & Classes
Without a group to travel with, I love taking myself on little cultural dates.
In Tokyo, there are opportunities to take cultural workshops such as calligraphy or kintsugi (pottery repair with gold lacquer).
Another opportunity to meet others is through food tours/classes like this 7 Japanese dishes cooking class.
From sushi-making to ramen-tasting, Tokyo (typically) has options for every tastebud and traveler.
In short, locally-led tours and workshops are some of my favorite ways to get immersed in the Japanese culture while exploring safely with a group.
Tip: I will sign up for group-guided tours within the first week of arriving in a city like Tokyo, so I can quickly familiarize myself with my new surroundings!
Visit Tokyo’s Shrines & Temples
Located in Asakusa, Senso-ji is Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. I love coming here solo, even though it gets crowded.
While the oldest and most well-known, there are many, many more temples to discover in Tokyo.
I particularly enjoy visiting Shinto shrines in Japan, as they’re (Shintoism) specific to Japanese culture.
Among the most popular Shinto shrines in Tokyo is Meiji Jingu.
However, if you just open your Tokyo map and start looking around your neighborhood, you’ll find many more!
Yanaka and the greater ‘Yanasen’ area are especially concentrated in temples (e.g., Nezu Shrine).
Ameyoko Street Food (Ueno)
For classic Tokyo street food (among its finest), head to Ueno. From there, walk down the bustling Ameyayokocho Street (nicknamed “Ameyoko”).
Take cash and go on a hungry belly—you’ll want to try everything!
If you’d like, walk it off with a self-guided tour of Tokyo’s sprawling (and oldest) urban park, Ueno Park.
Coffee Shops & Thrifting on Cat Street
Okay, this one is technically still in Harajuku.
However, leave the hoards behind on Takeshita Street while you explore secondhand stores and cool coffee shops on Cat Street.
It’s pedestrian-friendly and a great, laid-back way to explore the Jingumae/Harajuku area.
Alternatively, if you don’t want to explore alone, you can join in on a half-day “kawaii” tour of Harajuku so you don’t miss out on all the cute places (rainbow grilled cheese, anyone?).
Skyline Views from Tokyo Tower or Skytree
Tokyo’s skyline is unmatched, whether day or night!
Choose one vantage point (Tokyo Tower or Skytree) to experience sunsets or evening lights over Tokyo.
If you’re on a budget, you can also head to the top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (45th floor) for free skyline views.
By the way, the 8th floor of the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, while not overlooking the whole city, is also lovely to get up-high views of Senso-ji and neighboring Skytree.
Experience a Local Sento (Bathhouse)
While Japanese onsens (hot springs) are more well-known and popular, I find that local bathhouses, or sentos, are such underrated and culturally immersive experiences.
Tokyo’s large, popular bathhouses are called “Super Sentos” and are larger, feature spa-like amenities, lounge rooms, etc.
If you’re solo, though, going into something big can be even more discouraging. Like with onsens, you go without your clothes in sentos.
For a local sento experience, head to the ones located in the Yanaka neighborhood in old-town Tokyo. (I loved Fuku-no-yu.)
The sentos there are very retro, and super welcoming to foreigners and solo travelers.
Where to Stay in Tokyo as a Solo Traveler
If it’s your first time solo in Tokyo, then I recommend staying in one of these neighborhoods for ease of getting around, local atmosphere, and range of activities/attractions:
Asakusa, Ueno, Yanaka (Taitō City, East Tokyo): Perfect for those wanting to immerse in traditional, old Tokyo with historic temples, quaint streets, and a preserved Edo-era atmosphere.
I’ll usually stay close to this area when solo (and even when not solo, since it’s such a great base from which to explore Tokyo).
Plus, you’ll be 1-2 stops from Akihabara and a few stops from central Tokyo (Ginza, Odaiba, etc).
- $, Hostel Chapter Two (closest to Asakusa Sta.)
- $$, Hanare Hotel (Yanaka)
- $, Resol Poshtel (Asakusa)
- $, Nui Hostel (Kuramae)
Ebisu, Daikanyama, Nakameguro (Shibuya’s outskirts): Underrated, more local neighborhoods in West Tokyo, each with unique characteristics.
These areas are super hip, chic, and full of character.
Plus, you’ll be very close via the metro/train to Shibuya/Harajuku, on up to Shinjuku. You’ll also be near Shinagawa Station (for Shinkansen travel) and Minato City (Tokyo Tower).
- $, Waves Nakameguro (where I stayed for two nights)
- $$, Do-C Ebisu (Ebisu)
- $$$, Trunk Hotel (Cat Street, Jingumae/Shibuya)
Asagaya, Koenji, Nakano (Shinjuku’s outskirts): This whole area is off the beaten path yet a lively hub with underground rock and jazz izakayas, anime/manga otaku culture (plus quick access to major stations, like Shinjuku).
- $$, Unplan Shinjuku
- $, Grapehouse Koenji
- $$, APB (aparthotel near Nakano City)
Of course, this isn’t an exhaustive list!
I have also really enjoyed staying in Nihonbashi as a solo female, in the CITAN Hostel (sister hostel to Nui).
The Bakurocho/Nihonbashi area is quaint, quiet, and nice, and it’s an easy walk to the metro line and the JR line.
Rule of thumb: Aim to have a metro/JR station within a 10-ish minute walk anywhere you stay in Tokyo!
Tokyo’s Social Scene & Meeting Other Travelers
While Tokyo is great for solo exploration, meeting other (solo) travelers is fun and can break up the (solo) routine.
During my Tokyo housesit over the summer, I joined a soirée meeting fellow digital nomads at a co-working space (S-Tokyo).
From that encounter, I made a Japanese friend (who travels solo), and, believe it or not, we met up four months later in Morocco! ✨
So, if you begin to feel lonely in Tokyo during your solo travels, know that there are many opportunities to get out and meet other travelers.
Tokyo is such an international hub, and the digital nomad community is growing.
Here are some other ways I’ve met travelers while traveling solo in Tokyo:
- Hostel Common Areas: Sometimes unexpected connections come from hostel common areas. From group dinners to organized outings, you never know what can come out of a spontaneous conversation!
- Walking Tours: Or really any tour with a group dynamic; I have done several tours (tea ceremonies, biking tours, workshops, etc.), and always had a wonderful time hanging with strangers, even if we don’t stay in touch the majority of the time.
- Meetup Events: This is how I found the digital nomad meet-up in Tokyo! Instagram and other social networks are also great for finding social events or cultural or language exchange meetups.
Sometimes, it’s nice to have company! Especially if you’re traveling solo for an extended amount of time (like I often do, for 1+ months).
Solo Dining in Tokyo
Tokyo’s food scene is unbeatable, and solo dining is not only widely accepted but welcomed!
I’ve never felt judged walking into a crowded noodle bar or restaurant in Tokyo (so far). ☺️
Noodle Bars (i.e., Ramen, Soba, Udon)
For me, noodle bars or any place with kitchen-front counter seating are the most solo-friendly feeling places; just walk in and sit at the counter or wait until a seat opens up.
Solo travelers often make a bee-line to an Ichiran Ramen for their renowned solo-friendly individual booths and vending machine tickets, designed for dinner for one.
But! And I say this with extra care…
Do try to explore other noodles (as in type: soba, udon) and establishment!
There are LOTS of independent, small, locally-owned ramen/noodle shops in every corner of Tokyo—you don’t need to line up 2-3 hours just to go to the Instagram-famous one.
Pro Tip: When picking your place to eat in Tokyo, search by food category first (e.g., shabu shabu, ramen, soba, sushi, yakitori, okonomiyaki, etc) rather than by restaurant rating (as that gets quickly overwhelming)!
Sushi (Conveyor & Omakase)
Sushi bars, in most cases, are also very solo-friendly.
Most conveyor-belt sushi restaurants will have some form of tablet ordering system so it’s super easy to just go in and not have to communicate with anyone (other than a friendly hats-off to the chef!).
For a more upscale and handcrafted sushi experience, go to an omakase sushi restaurant.
These are renowned for having specialty sushi with creative dishes by the chef. As such, they’re typically less easy to immerse in “without being seen,” as it’s a more intimate experience.
It also helps to know Japanese (at least for ordering), in this environment!
Once, I went for omakase sushi in Ueno and couldn’t read “squid” on the chef’s set menu (and, unfortunately, ate it despite REALLY not wanting to! 😭).
Izakayas
Locals often cram into cozy izakayas for yakitori (grilled skewers) and beer.
For some reason, this makes it feel a bit daunting when alone (at least for me).
Nevertheless, it pays to be curious and brave!
Some of my favorite meals came from ducking inside a very local izakaya without English menus and just going with the flow.
You may have heard that Omoide Yokocho (Shinjuku) is a cute spot for izakaya-style grilled skewers. However, this narrow alleyway, although atmospheric, is SUPER touristy and expensive (and, as such, I’d avoid actually dining here).
For a more local izakaya strip, head to Ebisu Yokocho (in Ebisu), which also has lots of izakaya shops. A few spots inside also have English menus.
While I went with friends, I saw many men and women eating solo here!
Themed/Animal Cafes
Themed cafes (e.g., Pokemon, robots, ninja, etc) and animal cafés (e.g., pig cafes) are big attractions in Tokyo, but they’re not where you’d go to dine.
Even cat cafés, where you might have tea, are more about spending time with the cats rather than enjoying a bite to eat or drink.
You will also likely have to reserve a time to visit these types of cafes in advance. Places like the Robot Restaurant or Pokemon Cafe are also popular and require advanced reservations.
On this note of quirky cafés in Tokyo, I would just advise you to consider avoiding wild animal cafés altogether, as those are questionably unethical.
Cats, dogs, micro pigs, and other… “domestic” animal cafés tend to be more ethical and humane (the otter and owl cafés are just plain sad!).
Last Tips for Solo Traveling in Tokyo
Learn Basic Japanese: A few words like “arigato gozaimasu” (thank you) and “sumimasen” (excuse me) can go a long way. In fact, those two are essential!
Carry Yen: While you can pay with tap or credit card in most places, small shops and snack stands prefer yen.
Tap In, Tap Out: Download (via Apple Wallet) a digital version or get a physical Suica or Pasmo card for easier travel on trains and buses. If not, it’s such a headache to try and figure out individual metro/train tickets!
Be Mindful and Respectful of Local Customs/Culture: Small acts, big consequences! Please do as the locals do—keep quiet on public transport and follow etiquette at shrines and temples.
I could add so much more, but for now, let me know if you have any questions about traveling solo in Tokyo.
I hope this post has been helpful for planning your own solo adventures! 💃
