Share article
Last updated
Just like traveling, traveling alone is something everyone should experience at least once in their life. It's enlightening to step outside of your comfort zone, trust your instincts, and realize that you're capable of so much more than you think.
But once you finally convince yourself to take the plunge, the next big deciding factor is where to go first.
This can be a big headache if you need to explore the whole world.
Your questions have been answered as Japan has been named the top destination for solo travelers in 2024, according to experts. Visits from the United States will increase in 2023 and are expected to continue on a growth trajectory.
As part of its efforts to promote bilateral relations, the Japan Tourism Bureau announced the “2024 Japan-U.S. Tourism Year'' initiative in hopes of promoting tourism and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
With its modern skyscrapers, snow-capped Mount Fuji, and breathtaking coastal cities, it's no wonder Japan is a popular choice for 2024.
Tokyo and Osaka are both trending in the new year, with searches up more than 200%.
With one of the most efficient transportation systems in the world, Tokyo is the perfect starting point for solo travelers to explore the country. History buffs will admire Osaka's ornate buildings and rows of cherry blossom trees.
While these two gems are certainly popular among travelers, there are many other beautiful spots around Japan for solo travelers.
The big draw here is undoubtedly the safety ratings that Japan receives every year. As one of the safest destinations in the world, it's no wonder backpackers and solo adventurers flock to it.
Most regions and cities are known to be very safe, but as with any place, it's important to continue to exercise caution while traveling.
If something goes wrong, you'll notice that there are “police boxes” dotted around your neighborhood. This is essentially a “koban” used to contact local authorities as soon as possible.
Another victory for this country is the flourishing of tourism and nomadic communities. Depending on where you stay, dorms can cost between $15 and $30.
For those of us solo female travelers who don't feel comfortable sharing accommodations with men, Tokyo has introduced the concept of “women-only hostels'' to provide peace of mind for many women.
A capsule hostel that is clean, safe, and low-cost, allowing women to travel comfortably. Prices range from $20 to $40, which may seem pricey for a hostel, but if safety and comfort are your priorities, this is the one for you.
Of course, Japan is a different country, so you're sure to find a variety of unique experiences to try. But what about unique experiences, especially for solo travelers?
There are plenty of other options besides strolling through food markets on your own (which is an experience in itself) or cherry blossom viewing. According to Flashpack, popular options for solo travelers include having lunch with a sumo wrestler or meditating with a monk in Kyoto. Can you imagine? !
If hotels and hostels aren't your thing, why not immerse yourself in Japanese tradition from the get-go?
If you want a taste of normal life, there are many companies that offer homestays to travelers. Most of them are aimed at students, but if you do a little research, there are some options for others as well.
With so much going out and meeting new people, it's normal to want to relax a bit. A classic solo experience involves relaxing in one of Japan's many heated pools. Cultural and calming, perfect for enjoying some alone time or meeting other travelers, these pools can be found all over the country (Kurokawa Onsen being the most visited).
read more:
Top 5 travel insurance plans starting at $10 a week
How to easily earn points with free travel
↓ Please join the community ↓
of Travel Off Pass Community FB Group Get the latest news, conversations and Q&As about reopening every day.
Subscribe to latest posts
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path's latest travel news straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are those of the author alone and not of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any organization included in the post.
