Japan is a dream destination for solo travellers, offering a perfect blend of modern cities, ancient traditions, and unforgettable food. I recently had the chance to explore Tokyo, Nara, Osaka, and Hiroshima, and in this post, I’ll share a snapshot of my experience, including practical tips on costs, transportation, accommodation, food, and things to watch out for. If you’re planning your own solo journey, this guide will help you prepare for an unforgettable adventure.
Airline choices & costs
I flew with Air China, taking the London Gatwick (LGW) to Shanghai (PVG) route, then connecting to Tokyo. The flight cost me around £400, as I booked during the off-season in January—perfect for getting cheaper fares and avoiding the crowds. However, a quick heads-up: there were no vegetarian meal options on the LGW-PVG leg, though I had vegetarian meals on the flights between Shanghai and Tokyo. If you're vegetarian, be sure to contact the airline between 48 and 24 hours before your flight to inform them of your dietary preferences.
Best time to go
I traveled to Japan in January, which turned out to be an excellent choice. There were hardly any tourists, allowing me to enjoy all the major attractions without the typical crowds. The weather was cold but manageable, perfect for sightseeing without the pressure of peak season crowds. If you’re looking to avoid the busiest tourist times, I’d highly recommend visiting in January or February. You’ll also find more affordable flights and accommodation compared to the popular cherry blossom season in spring or autumn foliage season.
Getting around
Japan’s public transport system is incredibly efficient and easy to use. I relied on the subway in Tokyo, which is one of the best metro systems in the world. In Osaka, the metro was equally straightforward, and I also used buses in Kyoto to get around.
For intercity travel, I used a JR Pass—the Japan Rail Pass—which is perfect for tourists who are traveling across multiple cities. The JR Pass offers unlimited rides on most of Japan's trains, including the famous Shinkansen bullet trains. I used the JR Pass to travel between Tokyo and Hiroshima, and from Osaka to Tokyo. It costs around £150-£200 for a 7-day pass, which provides great value for long-distance travel.
For overnight travel, I opted for Willer Express buses, which are a budget-friendly alternative to the bullet train. I traveled from Tokyo to Osaka using an overnight bus and took another Willer Express overnight bus from Osaka back to Tokyo. These buses are comfortable, with reclining seats, and offer a good way to save on accommodation costs while covering long distances. The Willer buses typically cost around £30-£50 for an overnight journey, and I found them to be convenient, affordable, and safe.
Accommodation costs & choices
Accommodation in Japan can range from budget to luxury, and I chose a mix of both to suit my needs:
Tokyo: I stayed at 9h Nine Hours Akasaka Sleep Lab, a sleek and modern capsule hotel, which cost around £35 per night. Capsule hotels are compact, clean, and efficient, making them a fun and affordable option for solo travelers.
Osaka: In Osaka, I stayed at Hotel Kansai, which cost around £70 per night. It was spacious, comfortable, and well-located for exploring the city. I would recommend staying in this area for easy access to food, shopping, and attractions.
How much to bring
For a week-long trip, I would recommend budgeting around £1,000-£1,500 for a comfortable stay, including flights, accommodation, transportation, food, and activities. Here's a rough breakdown of costs:
Flights: £400
Accommodation: £35 per night (capsule hotel) in Tokyo; £70 per night (hotel) in Osaka = £450 for 7 nights
Transportation: A JR Pass for intercity travel and local metro cards for around £150-£200
Food: Around £10-£20 per day for meals at a mix of restaurants, cafes, and street food = £70-£140
Activities: Budget £100-£150 for experiences and tours like cooking classes and city tours
This budget would cover your basic expenses, but it’s always good to have a little extra for shopping or spontaneous activities.
Food: What to eat and where
Japan is a food lover’s paradise, and as a vegetarian, I had no trouble finding delicious meals. Tokyo and Osaka both offer a wide variety of veggie-friendly restaurants, from sushi spots with vegetable rolls to ramen shops offering plant-based options. In Kyoto, I enjoyed vegetarian curry, which was light but flavourful, and perfect after a day of sightseeing.
Convenience Stores like 7-Eleven are a lifesaver for budget travellers, offering an excellent variety of convenience foods. I relied on these stores throughout my trip for quick, inexpensive meals like onigiri (rice balls), vegetarian sandwiches, and instant noodles. You can get a satisfying meal for as little as £3-£5, and the quality is surprisingly good.
One of my highlights was a visit to Piss Alley (also known as Omoide Yokocho) in Tokyo, a small, narrow street lined with tiny yakitori (grilled meat) and izakaya (pubs) spots. Despite its name, it's a charming area with a great atmosphere. I had a simple but satisfying meal at one of the pubs—an asparagus salad with rice and a Diet Coke for around £10. It was the perfect way to enjoy Tokyo’s street food scene.
Recommendations on What to Eat:
Ramen: A must-try in Tokyo and Osaka. While many places offer pork-based ramen, you can easily find veggie-friendly options in most shops.
Sushi: Don’t miss out on sushi, especially if you’re in Tokyo. Look out for sushi trains where you can try a variety of dishes at your own pace.
Takoyaki: Osaka’s famous octopus-filled dough balls. As a vegetarian, I enjoyed the vegetable-filled ones.
Tempura: Lightly battered and fried vegetables or tofu, often served with dipping sauce.
Kaiseki: Traditional multi-course meal, perfect for experiencing a variety of flavors in Kyoto.
Where to stay
Tokyo: I stayed at 9h Nine Hours Akasaka Sleep Lab, a capsule hotel that cost around £30-40 per night. It’s a great choice for solo travelers and offers an affordable, modern, and central place to stay.
Osaka: I stayed at Hotel Kansai, which was around £70 per night and located close to shopping, dining, and entertainment districts.
Activities & experiences
Japan offers countless unique experiences, and I made sure to book a few memorable ones in advance. One of my favourites was a Takoyaki cooking session in Osaka, booked through Airbnb Experiences. It was a hands-on way to learn about Osaka’s food culture, and I highly recommend it! I also booked a few tours through Viator, such as a visit to Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion and a food tour in Osaka. These experiences cost around £20-£50 per tour and are a great way to dive deeper into Japan’s culture and cuisine.
This was just a snapshot of my solo adventure across Tokyo, Nara, Osaka, and Hiroshima. In future posts, I’ll go into more detail about what to do in each city, where to eat, and how to get around. Japan is a fantastic destination for solo travelers, offering a perfect balance of old-world charm and modern-day conveniences. From its tranquil temples to buzzing city streets, Japan has something for everyone.
Stay tuned for more detailed guides on Tokyo, Nara, Osaka, and Hiroshima!
留言