A 2-Week Japan Itinerary for Solo Ladies

Once I inform folks I’ve spent months touring by way of Japan, I get the identical response:

“Good! I’ve at all times needed to see Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.”

And certain—I’ve had my share of magical moments in these locations. I’ve liked my early mornings wandering Kyoto’s bamboo groves earlier than the tour buses arrive, and had quite a lot of blurry nights belting out 2000s punk pop in Osaka’s tiny karaoke bars. 

However if you’d like extra to your Japan journey than to run from practice to temple to tea ceremony with everybody else? 

I’ve additionally watched the solar rise over the Pacific from a WWII outpost on Chichijima, a distant Japanese island 1,000 kilometers from Tokyo. I’ve bathed within the steamy hells of Beppu, picnicked below cherry blossoms with strangers-turned-friends in Sapporo, realized to fry and fold gyoza in a stranger’s kitchen, cycled by way of citrus groves on Setoda, and gotten that magical, crystal clear view of Mt. Fuji from a ship on one of many 5 lakes of Fuji.

So this one’s for the ladies who wish to go deeper–extra hanami and sizzling springs, much less checking packing containers and operating from place to put on the well-trodden path. 

My 2-week itinerary nonetheless hits main highlights, however leans into the splendidly genuine and stress-free corners of Japan that vacationers usually miss. 

Days 1–2: Tokyo

Sure, Tokyo is on this itinerary, however solely as a result of I’m a realist. It’s removed from my favourite place in Japan, but it surely is smart to fly into Tokyo. And although it may be a hellish nightmare of the overpriced and overcrowded selection, it’s additionally filled with candy little hideaways and alternatives for genuine experiences. 

As a substitute of sprinting from Tokyo Tower to Shibuya Crossing, base your self in Shimokitazawa, Nakameguro, or Koenji—neighborhoods with appeal, thrift shops, and low outlets.

My must-dos in Tokyo:

• Go classic procuring in Shimokitazawa. You’ll find neat Americana merch, streetwear, authentic electronics, and a lot extra! 
• Seize a espresso and people-watch by the Meguro River
• Go to a jazz bar in Shinjuku (I like Pit Inn or Bar Martha)
• Skip paying to go up inside Tokyo Tower and go to the FREE Tokyo Metropolitan Constructing. It has 360-degree views and statement decks the place you’ll be able to see Mt. Fuji on a transparent day!
• Have a picnic with konbini snacks (sure, the egg sandwiches are that good! I additionally love the spicy fried rooster at Household Mart as a straightforward seize and go after I don’t wish to cease for a full meal)
  

Don’t rush. You’ll get pleasure from Tokyo extra should you deal with it like a protracted stroll with snacks!

Days 3–5: Mountain air, spas, and artwork: Hakone

Go away the chaos behind and head to Hakone, the place forested hills roll out like a portray. There are open-air artwork museums, cable vehicles with Mt. Fuji views, and stress-free onsens in charming historic motels. 

My must-dos in Hakone:

• Journey the Hakone Ropeway for volcanic valley views
• Go to the Hakone Open-Air Museum (the rainbow-stained-glass tower is a should, together with the unimaginable Picasso constructing). Get tickets right here!
• Take a look at the Venetian glass museum. It’s significantly breathtaking in the summertime, and I liked it a lot that I introduced my mother-in-law there years after my first go to. 
• Soak within the onsen. After a day of forest bathing, artwork viewing, mountaineering, or river picnicking, you’ll wish to chill out. Ryokans are conventional Japanese spa motels with gender separated onsens. Right here’s my favourite funds ryokan in Hakone (and it contains breakfast and dinner!).
• Take the ship throughout Lake Ashi—tacky, however iconic for the Fuji views and to benefit from the park
  

Tokyo to Hakone-Yumoto = ~1.5 hrs on the Odakyu Romancecar

Days 6–8: Sake, Gradual Streets & Snowy Peaks: Takayama

Ever heard of the Japanese Alps? Takayama is a small mountain city that looks like a film set with “previous city” picket homes that line quiet streets. Locals greet you with delicate smiles and heat cups of amazake, a standard candy drink made from fermented rice. 

My must-dos in Takayama:

• Wander Sanmachi Suji (the previous city) at golden hour. Everybody visiting Japan desires to see Edo Period buildings, and Takayama is a good place to do it with out the stampede of vacationers in Kyoto. It’s additionally a quieter different to view cherry blossoms than Kyoto in April!
• Go sake tasting—most spots have English indicators and tastings for below ¥300
• Go to the morning markets and seize contemporary mochi or native apples
• Take a straightforward day journey to Shirakawa-go, a fairytale village with thatched roofs
  

Meet different vacationers right here simply by sitting on the bar. Or you cannot speak to anybody for 3 days and really feel completely entire.

Hakone to Takayama = ~4.5 hrs by way of Odawara → Nagoya → Takayama

Days 9–11: The center of the journey: Hiroshima & Miyajima

Hiroshima is heavy, however important. It’s truly certainly one of my prime 3 favourite cities in Japan, evolving from complete destruction into a ravishing, coastal, and stylish metropolis. Make sure to stroll by way of the Peace Memorial Park, take a deep breath, and let the town present you what resilience seems like.

My must-dos in Hiroshima and Miyajima:

• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum (give your self time and produce your tissues). Get tickets right here!
• Attempt Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (savory, layered pancakes filled with crispy pork, onions, noodles, and an umami mayo sauce fried to perfection)
• Ferry to Miyajima Island to see my favourite floating torii gate in Japan!
• Hike up Mount Misen or take the ropeway for epic views
• Watch the deer steal somebody’s map (however don’t feed them—belief me)

Takayama to Hiroshima = ~4.5 hrs by way of Nagoya → Shin-Osaka → Hiroshima
Ferry to Miyajima = ~1 hr spherical journey

Days 12–14: Ramen carts, river walks, and metropolis buzz: Fukuoka

Finish robust in Fukuoka, a southern metropolis that’s one way or the other nonetheless under-the-radar for many Western vacationers. It’s acquired heat, appeal, and a deliciously scrappy nightlife scene. And for foodies: welcome to heaven. 

My must-dos in Fukuoka:

• Eat tonkotsu ramen at a yatai stall by the river
• When you’re visiting in November, go to the ultimate of Japan’s Grand Sumo Match
• Browse Canal Metropolis or chill in Ohori Park
• Go to TeamLab Forest for a smaller, lesser-known immersive gentle present (these aren’t my factor personally, however they’re very Instagrammy should you’re into that!)
• Seize a drink in Daimyo, then wander wherever the night time takes you—karaoke, a 3rd bowl of ramen on the river, or a bit izakaya for some scrumptious fried snacks. 

Hiroshima to Fukuoka (Hakata Station) = ~1 hr by shinkansen

Suggestions for touring solo in Japan for ladies

• Security: Japan is likely one of the most secure international locations on this planet. Nonetheless, use your instincts, but it surely’s a terrific place to not really feel like you must consistently be wanting over your shoulder or watching your pockets. Some practice vehicles are even reserved for ladies solely!
• Trains: Give your self loads of time to get to your practice. Ticketing may be complicated and the practice stations are big! Seize some snacks and beers within the station and benefit from the journey as a lot because the vacation spot. And don’t overlook to maintain your eyes on the map as quickly because the practice begins shifting to be sure you’re headed in the fitting path!
• Apps: Obtain Google Translate & Google Maps. 

On the lookout for extra about Japan? Go to our weblog to study extra about hidden gems and less-visited Japan locations!