solo escorted tours to japan

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10 best Japan solo travel packages

Compiled by

Steff Japan travel expert at TourRadar

9D Splendid Japan with Nagoya (private 3 star hotel rooms)

9 day independent japan, a classic 11 day japan holiday, best of osaka, kyoto and hiroshima 6 days, stunning japan with shirakawa-go (private 3 star hotel rooms), japan golden route with hiroshima, 13-day japan tour: tokyo, mount fuji, kyoto, nara, osaka & beyond, japan classic 10 day - one life adventures, highlights of japan - 7 days, essential japan (7 destinations).

“This is a great tour! The group size was just right. Highly recommend this tour.” Chrisdino, traveled in September 2024

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing
• Explore Todaiji Temple and meet Nara's deer
• Ride the Shinkansen to Hiroshima and Miyajima
• Stroll through Kyoto's Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

“The daily tours we went on were great, and the choice of attractions to visit was excellent.” HORACE, traveled in August 2024

• Christmas & New Year
• Explore Tokyo's iconic landmarks by bus
• Visit Meiji Shrine and Imperial Palace
• Enjoy views from Tokyo Sky Tree's observatory

“Excellent organization. We felt accompanied in every moment and the team was exceptionally responsive.” Alberto, traveled in August 2024

• Explore Tokyo with a full-day city tour
• Learn sushi-making from local experts
• Discover Takayama's historic sites and markets

“The tour was great and well organized despite the small duration. I would definitely recommend.” Gabriele, traveled in September 2024

• Explore Osaka Castle and its historic exhibits
• Stroll through the vibrant Dōtonbori district
• Visit Kyoto's iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine

“Hotels were very nice. Hotel breakfasts were fabulous with lots of selections.” Lina, traveled in April 2024

• Bask in the natural wonder of the towering Mount Fuji
• Uncover unique treasures on Tokyo’s futuristic streets
• Experience a ride on Japan's world-renowned Bullet Train

“The destinations were both diverse and fascinating. A great tour overall!” Luke, traveled in May 2024

• Explore Himeji Castle and its gardens
• Visit Itsukushima Shrine's floating torii gate
• Wander through Nara Park's free-roaming deer

“Japan is an amazing country and being able to see it via the Dragon Trip's 13 day Japan Tour was an incredible experience.” Melanie, traveled in March 2024

• Train & Rail
• Sushi Making
• Hakone & Mount Fuji Views
• Golden Route - Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka

“The tour was fun, and interesting. Also there were no issues with the arrangements.” Ivan, traveled in September 2024

• 2019 TourRadar Tour of the Year - Overall Winner
• Soak up the unique atmosphere of Japan
• Grasp simple Japanese phrases and learn to make sushi

“Great value for money. The accommodation was more than adequate and the tourist spots you see are exactly the same as more expensive tours.” BradMoore, traveled in May 2019

• Meet the friendly locals and feed the deer in Nara Park
• Discover the historical side of Kyoto and admire grand temples
• Travel from Kyoto to Hamamatsu on the world-famous Shinkansen

“Excellent overview of the important places in Japan. Well organised and punctual.” S, traveled in May 2024

• Pass a sumo stadium and spot the stone Jizos in Tokyo
• Visit anime, manga, and gaming heaven, Akihabara
• Explore the geisha district in beautiful Kyoto

More about Japan

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Japan for Solo Travelers: Tokyo, Mt. Fuji & Kyoto

9 days   |   12 days with Kobe extension

4.1 out of 5 stars

Get to know Japan in one deeply immersive week.

Japan dazzles with its natural beauty, rich history, and distinctive cuisine. For many solo travelers, navigating the country’s language and social etiquette alone can feel overwhelming. But on this journey, you’ll spend a week exploring with other solo travelers, and an expert Tour Director who will guide you from bustling Tokyo to majestic Mount Fuji to utterly charming Kyoto. Along the way, you’ll get to know Japanese culture—and your fellow travelers—through cooking classes and other immersive experiences. If you’ve got the time, continue on to Kobe, your bayside base for scenic drives, sake tastings, and excursions to historic Himeji Castle and Hiroshima.

Your tour package includes

• 7 nights in a private room at handpicked hotels
• 7 breakfasts
• 4 dinners with beer or wine
• 1 sake tasting
• 1 food tasting
• 1 cooking class
• 6 sightseeing tours
• Expert Tour Director & local guides
• Private deluxe motor coach
• 1 train ride

Included highlights

• Sushi tasting at Tokyo’s Tsukiji fish market
• Japanese cooking class & dinner
• Kappabashi Street kitchenware market in Tokyo
• Tokyo’s dynamic Shibuya and Harajuku areas
• Iyashi no Sato open-air museum and craft workshop
• Mount Fuji’s Narusawa Ice Cave & traditional villages
• Ride on Japan’s famous Shinkansen bullet train
• Kyoto’s bamboo forest & Golden Pavilion

Overnight Flight 1 night

Day 1: travel day.

Board your overnight flight to Tokyo today.

Tokyo 3 nights

Day 2: arrival in tokyo.

Included meal : Welcome dinner

Welcome to Japan! Settle in to your hotel. Then, gather with your Tour Director and fellow group members at a mixer before enjoying a welcome dinner.

Start planning today

Our travel experts are here to help.

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba

This comfortable hotel is located on Odaiba Island, Tokyo. Guests enjoy a fitness center, restaurant, and room service. Nearby, you’ll find Pallete Town Big Ferris Wheel, Fuji TV Odaiba, and Odaiba Seaside Park.

Fujisan Mishima Tokyu Hotel

This comfortable hotel is located in Mishima with spectacular views of Mt. Fuji. Guests enjoy the top floor communal bath, bike rentals, and sun terrace. Nearby you’ll find Rakujuen Park, Mishima City Local Museum, and the Sano...

Kyoto Yura Hotel MGallery

This boutique hotel is located the vibrant Sanjo district of Kyoto. Guests enjoy the thoughtfully designed décor, on-site restaurant, and the 1867 bar. Nearby you’ll find the Shoren-in Temple, the Kyoto International Manga...

ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe

This modern hotel is located in the heart of Kobe City. Guests enjoy the indoor pool, fitness center, and 8 dining options including world famous Kobe beef. Nearby you’ll find the Kobe City Museum, the UCC Coffee Museum, and...

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare and you’ll get:

• Round-trip flight for your tour
• Airport transfers at your destination
• A great price locked in today
• 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
• Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
• Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

• In order to enter Japan, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of return.
• We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
• If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact Japan’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
• You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code JP6.
• Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Tokyo and depart from Osaka.
• Transfers to and from the airport at the beginning and end of the tour are included for travelers who purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who booked their own flights are responsible for securing their own airport transfers.
• When you arrive in Tokyo, a Go Ahead representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a Go Ahead sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.

Physical Activity Level

This is a high physical activity-level tour. You can expect to be on the move on a regular basis throughout the course of the tour.

Tour Pacing

This is a steady-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:

• One 1-night stay
• 3 full days of included activities in a row (more if you add excursions)
• Most transportation by motor coach, some by train
• About 3 hours of bus time daily

Walking, Terrain & Physical Requirements

• Travelers should be prepared to walk 2-3 miles per day—this includes city streets, cobblestones, stairs, and hills.
• Stone walkways may be slippery even when dry.
• Narusawa Ice Cave requires to walk over unever terrain with low overhangs and many stairs.
• Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
• Please Note: Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.

Climate Considerations

• Temperatures range from 40sF in winter to low-80sF in summer, with occasional heatwaves in the summer months (June-September).
• Summer is the rainy season in Japan and travelers should expect hot, humid days.

Physical Activity & Tour Pace Questions

• Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
• This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
• Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers will be difficult to use and are not recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring these on tour with you.
• If you have mobility concerns or tour pacing questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team.
• This tour includes various modes of transportation, including trains and private motor coach. Some modes of transportation will have raised platforms or steps and often not provide access to ramps or lifts.
• A high-speed train transfer from Odawara to Kyoto is included in the price of your tour. (The tour extension also includes a round-trip, high-speed train ride between Kobe and Hiroshima.)
• All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
• Japanese train stations typically operate similarly to airports: Security measures, such as baggage and body scanners, are common. Additionally, platforms are often spread across large distances and require travelers to carry their luggage up and down escalators or stairs. Porterage services aren’t offered and storage space is extremely limited. Please keep in mind that trains may only stop at each station for a few minutes; quick boarding and deboarding may be imperative.
• Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and trains.
• Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
• Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights.
• Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
• Travelers must be able to manage their luggage throughout tour; porters aren’t guaranteed at hotels, airports, and boarding trains.
• Luggage storage on trains is extremely limited, and only hand luggage is allowed. Larger luggage will be shipped to each hotel and typically arrives the following day so an overnight bag is recommended.
• We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
• A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
• You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
• It’s preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs or shoulders. Entrance may be denied on this basis.
• We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using a hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
• In case of emergencies, we also recommend packing your medical insurance card in your carry-on.
• Go Ahead handpicks every hotel you’ll stay at, striking a balance between comfort, location, and local charm.
• Specific properties will vary based on your departure date, but are typically three-to-four-star hotels; always include private bathrooms; and usually have in-room safes for valuables. Additionally, your hotels will have Wi-Fi, but access may be limited to common areas. There may also not be elevators.
• Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that your accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with your hotels once they’ve been confirmed, about 30 days prior to departure.
• Some hotels on this tour are situated on narrow streets; as such, our buses can’t drop you off right out front. In these instances, you’ll have to walk your luggage to the property, no more than a few blocks.
• Please be advised that the air conditioning in Asian hotels and buildings is often not as strong or cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada.
• Japan operates on 100 volts and uses a Type A plug, the same as in the U.S.
• Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date.
• Onsens, or hot spring baths, are a huge part of the Japanese lifestyle. With more than 3,600 hot springs across the country, locals and visitors alike make visiting an onsen a priority. Guests should be aware of onsen etiquette before visiting.
• Guests will undress and leave their belongings in the locker room before entering the bathing room. Some onsens are starting to offer policies for the more modest guest, but they are still not common.
• Guests must wash and rinse themselves completely before entering a shared baths. Be mindful of otherwise while washing yourself so as not to spray others in the bathing room.
• A small white bathing towel will sometimes be provided or available to rent, and are used as a cover-up, to wash your body, and dry yourself. Shampoo and soap are commonly provided, but many guests bring their own.
• Keep your bathing towel with you at all times. Most guests fold the towel and keep it near them while in the baths, or keep it folded up on top of their heads. The bathing towel must never touch the bath water.
• Hair should be worn up and should not your towel or the water.
• Onsens are a relaxing and tranquil experience, be sure to speak quietly and be respectful of others who are relaxing. There is no swimming, diving, or running in the baths.
• You may soak, exit, and reenter the baths at your leisure. It is recommended you don't spend more than 30 minutes in the baths.
• Dry off completely before entering the locker room to change back into your clothes.
• Be sure to check an onsens tattoo policy before visiting. While many onsens are becoming more relaxed about tattoos, and some offer cover-up patches or private baths for those with tattoos, there are still many that do not allow guests with tattoos. While most people in Japan do not have an issue with tattoos themselves, many establishments keep conservative business practices surrounding tattoos being visible.
• Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app for an additional $10 USD.
• We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
• Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled by Go Ahead Tours, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
• Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
• At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
• If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
• If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
• Most of our itineraries include headsets used during certain sightseeing tours so travelers can hear their guides or Tour Director. If you use an assisted listening device, such as a hearing aid or cochlear implant, please visit our Help Center for more information or contact our customer experience team. Please note that at this time not all our destinations offer headsets due to supplier limitations.
• This tour includes 4 dinners: They may be set menus, buffets, or family-style meals, depending on the location. Dinners also include one glass of beer, wine, or a soft drink, as well as water, coffee, and tea.
• Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
• Most Japanese meals are based around rice or noodles with fish, meat, and vegetables flavored with soy sauce and miso. You may recognize popular dishes, like sushi, tempura, and hot pot.
• At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in USD.
• We recommend tipping $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and $3USD per person per day for your driver.
• If applicable, we also recommend $2USD per local guide.
• Tips can only be paid in cash.
• If you are traveling to multiple countries with different currencies and the same Tour Director, ask them what currency they prefer for their tip.
• The cost of porterage is included in your tour price, and it is not necessary to tip baggage handlers.
• You will use the Japanese yen in Japan.
• Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
• We strongly advise that you take debit and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
• You can use most cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
• International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you don’t already have at least one card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
• Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your Tour Director, local guides, and bus drivers.
• To help you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend downloading the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. It’s free and provides information about important deadlines and entry requirements, as well as your detailed itinerary, packing tips, and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the app’s chat feature.
• Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
• There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
• Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
• Your Tour Director will be leading your group throughout your journey. You will have the same Tour Director throughout your tour.
• The role of the Tour Director is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each days’ activities and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and cannot provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
• One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is our on tour emergency support team.
• Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
• This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
• As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
• Japan is 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and 14 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
• When it’s noon on Monday in New York, it’s 1am on Tuesday in Japan.
• When you travel with Go Ahead Tours, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
• Travel, when done responsibly, can have an enormous socioeconomic impact on communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at small businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
• Prepare for your trip: Be aware of monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market; learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette; and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
• When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
• Go Ahead Tours encourages travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single-use plastics. You can cut back on generating plastic waste by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.

Overall rating based on 44 traveler reviews

Showing 1 - 6 of 44 traveler reviews

5 out of 5 stars

3rd-time traveler Iris, traveled in Sep 2024

This was a great tour. We got to see so much of the country and learned the history. The hotels were excellent and local guides added to our experience. I recommend adding the tour extension to Kobe. I think traveling in spring or later fall would be best as weather in September... Read more of Japan solo tour 2024

1st-time traveler Alisa, traveled in Sep 2024

Our tour guide AI really made the trip wonderful she was very knowledgeable and helpful and made sure we got whatever we needed to be on time. She could also answer any questions that we had. I wish part of the trip had to do with nightlife but we were really on our own and also... Read more of Exceptional tour guide

EF Go Ahead

Thank you for your feedback! We're thrilled to hear that your tour guide, Ai, contributed to making your trip wonderful with her knowledge... Read more of the response to Exceptional tour guide

1st-time traveler James, traveled in Sep 2024

We may be a little loud for their taste, but the Japanese are wonderful hosts and the country is magical, beautiful, clean, safe and full of centuries of history. The EF tour lets you experience it all. You will see a lot of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines because they are... Read more of Japan is wonderful

1st-time traveler Wendy, traveled in Sep 2024

My first trip to Japan was an amazing mix of technology, culinary delights, architecture, modernization, history, spirituality, nature, and pop culture! All of my senses were stimulated in Japan! We were always on the move and made memories everywhere we went thanks to our... Read more of Amazing First Trip To Japan

1st-time traveler Shauna, traveled in Sep 2024

I recently returned from an unforgettable trip to Japan, and I wanted to take a moment to recommend it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The journey was filled with a perfect blend of culture, nature, and fun, making it an adventure I’ll never forget. One of the highlights... Read more

Thank you for sharing such a beautiful description of your experience with us in Japan! We are so glad that you were able to become fully... Read more

1st-time traveler Anonymous, traveled in Sep 2024

A week of adventure was presented to me through EF and what an amazing week it was! So many activities and things to see. It was my dream to see Japan but I was not sure what I wanted to see. EF helped with that and I saw parts of Japan I never thought of seeing and learned so... Read more of A Dream Come True

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Japan solo tours

It’s time for a Japanese adventure; party of one…

…until you meet the rest of the sushi-seeking, anime-loving and shrine-appreciating travellers on your small group tour. From shopping ‘till you drop along Tokyo’s neon-lit streets and  eating your heart out in Osaka  with newly made friends to wandering through Hiroshima’s Memorial Peace Park while your local guide tells you the story of its past, our solo tours in  Japan  mean shared experiences and memories made between people just as ready to explore this captivating country as much as you are. 

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

Japan can be an easy country to move around on your own but by doing it in a small group tour, you’re not only getting the convenience that comes with having everything already organised for you but you’re also being provided with on-the-ground knowledge about cuisine, culture and customs from your own local leader. 

While Japan is prone to a natural disaster or two (think earthquakes and tsunamis), the country itself is actually incredibly safe in terms of crime rate so you shouldn’t come across any problems but all of the universal travel cautions apply; keep an eye on your belongings, stick to well-lit areas and travel in groups after dark.   

There’s almost no point in exploring a country as cool as Japan if you don’t have anyone to share amazing experiences and unforgettable memories with. On a group tour, you don’t have that problem. You’ll automatically have a bunch of new people to meet from all over the world, even if you’re travelling solo.  

Whether it’s knowing exactly what time you need to catch the  shinkansen (bullet train)  to checking you into your  traditional ryokan , our tour leaders handle all of the fiddly organizational stuff so that all you have to do is keep your eyes peeled for Mount Fuji and prepare your stomach for the amount of udon noodles you’re going to eat. 

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Japan Highlights

Essential Japan

Will I have my own room?

It’s completely up to you. On our trips rooming is organised on a twin-share basis and we pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. But if you'd like your own room, an individual room is available on the majority of our trips (it’s just a small extra charge). Just mention this to our  customer service team  when booking your trip and they'll arrange it for you.

As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please  contact us  so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

On a small selection of itineraries some accommodations are booked on an open gender, multi-share basis (for example on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances it will clearly be stated in our Essential Trip Information prior to booking and travelling.

How does group time work?

Whether you’re travelling solo or with a partner, our trips have a set itinerary. But within that there’s time set aside for your own exploration (if you want to – no pressure). The amount of free time depends on the  travel style  - you can ask your guide for a few tips then head out alone, or hang out with the group and see where the day takes you.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Can I use my mobile while in Japan?

Mobile phone coverage is excellent in Japan but be aware that talking loudly on your phone in public places (like in train carriages) is frowned upon. You will be expected to hide your mouth behind your hand if you must take a call in public. If you want to use your mobile phone, ensure global roaming is activated before you arrive (but be aware of the fees this may incur).

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travellers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

How to stay safe while travelling solo

Share your itinerary

Good advice for us all, but particularly for people travelling solo. Make copies of your itinerary, contact details, passport and travel insurance, then email them to yourself and to one or two friends/family at home. Check-in on social media when you can so people can keep track of where you are. 

Remember the little things

If you’re arriving late in a city by yourself, book a hotel with a front desk or concierge service (many hotels also offer private transfers that don’t cost the earth from the airport or train station).

If you're travelling with us, we can help you organise an  arrival transfer.  Read your maps before you head out for a walk (you can use a map app on your smartphone – or take screenshots of where you’re going if you don’t want to use up your precious data). If you need to check your map when you’re out and about, duck into a shop or café to do it.

Leave the blingy jewellery, wedding rings and designer clothes at home, and aim to dress like the locals do – hit up the local markets if you haven’t packed the right outfits. Aim to keep track of travel times, so you’re not caught out after dark.

Roam if you want to

Most mobile/cell providers now offer travel passes to help manage your international roaming costs (which, let’s face it, are expensive!).

For a few dollars a day, you’ll have access to data, which means you can log into your apps (like Skype, email and WhatsApp) when you’re out of WiFi zones and quickly get in touch with someone – a friend at home, someone in your group, or the police – if you need to.

It might also be worth checking out the local cell/mobile providers as these can be quite cost effective. 

Fare's fair

Solo travellers are way more likely to be ‘taken for a ride’ at the airport by unscrupulous taxi drivers, so do your research before you arrive. Make sure you get a cab from the airport/station taxi rank – if you’re not sure where to go, just head to the information desk for help.

Touts tend to hang out in the arrivals area and promise cheaper rates, but can often be dodgy. When you get to the cab rank, ask the driver to use the meter or request a cost estimate before you hop in the car – if it’s way higher than it should be, pick another vehicle.

A lot of airports have train stations attached as well, so consider public transport if you want to save a dollar or two.

Stick together

It’s one of the advantages of travelling solo on a group tour: safety in numbers. The big, 50-person bus groups stand out on the road, but a small  Intrepid group  of eight or nine people, with a local leader showing the way – including areas to avoid and getting around safely – won’t draw much attention.

Plus, it’s a great way to see parts of the world you may feel uncomfortable exploring on your own. If you want to do things on your own, consider a  day tour  to familiarise yourself with a city and get to know the local way of life. 

Trust your instincts

Solo travel is all about confidence. If you’re relaxed and self-assured on the street, you’re more likely to blend in. When you meet new people, don’t assume they’re all out to get you, but be sensible too and trust your gut. If it feels wrong, it probably is.

Remember: the popular tourist areas are often the most well-lit and secure, but they’re often a juicier target for pickpockets and scammers. Just use your common sense; half of travel safety is simply being aware of your surroundings.

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Singles Holidays & Solo Tours to Japan

Japan Escorted Tours for Solo Travellers

Combining the comforts of a high-tech culture with ancient traditions, Japan is a fascinating country to visit; any trip to the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ promises to show both sides of this incredible nation. Everywhere you go, you get a sense of heritage; even within the dynamic capital of Tokyo, centuries-old Japanese customs are alive and well. From traditional tea ceremonies to painted Geishas; sumo wrestling to long-standing festivals, you’ll be able to embrace so much in a short space of time on your Japan tour for solo travellers. Just You is pleased to be able to offer exciting experiences across this remarkable country; whether you’re a city slicker or much prefer the countryside, we’ve got you covered. If you want to go on a solo Japan tour to remember, Just You is sure to have exactly what you’re looking for. On Just You singles holidays to Japan, you’ll get to explore everything that makes this country truly unique. The natural beauty of Mount Fuji will be yours to admire, and you’ll also get the chance to travel on a bullet train – their astonishing speed is celebrated all over the world! Be sure to discover the numerous temples and shrines of old tradition; they’re all cultural icons that definitely shouldn’t be missed. And if you’re a history buff, the city of Hiroshima has more than enough to keep you entertained. Choose Japan singles holidays with Just You for the ultimate Far East adventure!

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Featured Japan Solo Escorted Tour Holidays

Japan revealed.

From the natural beauty of Mount Fuji to the spectacular skyline of Tokyo, enigmatic Japan offers a unique holiday experience. Discover ancient temples, scenic landscapes and travel on the famous Bullet Train.

• Return flights
• 9 nights in 4-star hotels, 2 nights in flight
• 17 meals: 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SOLO GUIDED HOLIDAYS IN JAPAN

Japan is the land of modern and ancient. With so much to see you’ll need to go on our Japan Revealed tour, where you’ll come back with a wide list of unforgettable memories.

The adventure starts in the capital, Tokyo and ends in Kobe, along the way you’ll take in stunning views from the Observation Deck of the Tokyo Tower, experience an authentic rickshaw ride, discover the beauty of Mount Fuji, cruise on Lake Ashi before travelling by Bullet Train to Kyoto, where you'll stay for three nights and visit the Gion area, a famous Geisha district, to take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. You will also visit the historic city of Nara and Osaka, with it’s beautiful Osaka Castle, take in Miyajima Island and see poignant sights dedicated to the nuclear bombing of the Second World War, before spending the last night of your holiday in the pretty port city of Kobe.

Japan is full of amazing highlights to see, to the point that it feels like there is one around every corner but the ones’ you definitely do not want to miss are:

• Miyajima Island - Japan has some beautiful islands but Miyajima tops the list. It’s an ancient pilgrimage site that is now a national park inhabited with wild yet friendly deer
• The Shinkansen - The Iconic bullet train – carrying 10 billion passengers a year at speeds of 200mph.
• Osaka building and Floating Garden - This 173-meter tall building consists of 2 towers that are linked to each other by a Floating Garden Observatory. The observatory offers a great viewpoint to see all of the city. You will also find a special restaurant in the basement that that imitates a town in the early Showa Period.

Other things to try if you find time are a rickshaw ride, Japanese Uji tea ceremony, sushi-making and a cruise on Lake Ashii

There are several good months in which to visit Japan, for example January has nice weather and sightseeing spots are not over crowded. New Year is popular but it’s worth noting that many shops, restaurants and tourist attractions are closed for a few days between December 29th and January 4th.

Like January. February is a good as the weather is usually sunny and dry and sightseeing spots are not very crowded. The downside is the short days, with sunset at around 5:30pm in Tokyo. March brings with it the early signs of flowering plants and trees, yet the weather gets noticeably milder.

April is often considered a pretty time to visit Japan because the cherry blossom season takes place in most regions and the weather is agreeably mild. One of Japan's busiest travel seasons, takes place at the end of April and beginning of May making all areas more bustling. However, the remainder of May calms down and is a lovely time to visit as the flowers and vegetation are lavish, and the temperature is comfortable. That being said, the rainy season typically runs from early May to mid-June so pack your waterproofs.

June is the main month of the rainy season. While it doesn’t rain all day, every day, the weather tends to be more gloomy. July marks the end of the rainy season with it typically drying out by mid-July. However this does make for the most hot and humid month and you will break a sweat by just standing outside.

August is equally hot and humid with higher altitudes being the more comfortable places to spend your days. Many local festivals with fireworks are held in August. September marks typhoon season. Typhoons cause intense bursts of rain and wind that usually last for about 2 days, mainly striking the coasts of Okinawa, Kyushu and Shikoku. Oddly, once the typhoon passes you usually find the weather sunny with crystal clear skies.

October is without a doubt, one of the most pleasant months for traveling to Japan as the weather remains warm, but it’s not humid anymore. November is a also great time to visit Japan, as the weather is comparatively mild and the humidity is dry. The autumn colours are at their peak and are spectacular. Equally, December is a good month for traveling thanks to the generally dry weather conditions.

Japanese food is delicious and due to its popularity it has been making its way all over the world. As a bonus, because of its high plant, vegetable, fruit and seafood ingredients it benefits from being healthier than most Western food.

However, many of Japan’s culinary dishes originally came from other countries such as China, Korea and Portugal. Rice, being the main candidate! The rice introduced to Japan from China was short-grain, which when boiled for a prolonged period becomes sticky and sweet making it easy to pick up and eat with chopsticks. The Japanese hold rice in high regard, so much so that it is not to be flavoured or seasoned with spices or sauces. It is boiled in pure water so that the rice’ own aroma and natural flavour can radiate as nature intended. Other foods, such as meat or vegetables may then be added on top of the rice.

Another candidate is Tempura, which is a simple process of coating food in a batter and frying and originates from Portugal. The Portuguese were one of the first to fry their fish in batter. Japan is surrounded by water; therefore the ease of local fishing means the majority of Japan’s cuisine is based around fish and seafood, with those more religious for example Buddhist monks opting for a vegetarian diet. Sushi started out as a way to preserve fish but soon became a delicacy enjoyed by many.

Popular dishes to try when in Japan are:

• Sushi - A popular dish in Japan. Sushi generally consists of raw seafood placed on/or in vinegared rice, or wrapped as rolls in dried sheets of seaweed, rice paper, or soybean skin. There are some cooked sushi dishes, however, most sushi is served raw
• Tempura - Tempura is deep-fried prawns, seafood or vegetables coated in a batter consisting of egg, water, and wheat flour. The fried coating is delicate, golden and delicious.
• Sashimi - Sashimi is similar to Sushi in that it is based around raw seafood or meat thinly sliced and served with a dipping sauce like soy sauce. Sashimi is always raw and is served alone, no rice or vegetables.
• Miso Soup - A traditional soup of a soy-based paste placed in stock. Chefs then add a selection of local ingredients for personal taste.
• Noodles - Japanese noodles are delicious and are available in many varieties. Udon noodles are made from wheat flour, Soba noodles are made from buckwheat flour, and Rice noodles are made from, you guessed it…Rice! All can be served in a broth or coated with meat, fish or vegetables or even dipped in sauce. For those with gluten allergies Soba noodles are gluten-free, as are rice noodles, giving you two options for dinner.

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