Best Resources for Planning A Solo Trip to Japan
After reopening its borders in 2022, Japan has steadily climbed its way back up the tourism ladder. According to surveys from American Express, tourism rates have risen so much that bookings have grown by 1,300% from 2019 to 2023. The same study also found that Japan is fast becoming a leading destination for millennials and Gen Z. Data on Forbes also revealed that among Americans, in particular, there was a 110% upshoot in bookings last year. A US-based travel insurance company similarly shared that Japan accounts for almost 1% of all insured trips. In May 2024 alone, Japan Today reported three consecutive weeks where over three million tourists entered the country.
In addition to these impressive stats, Japan has been deemed the best destination for solo travelers in 2024, according to Flash Pack. While group or pair travel is still very popular, solo trips abroad are gaining momentum, with 75% of polled Americans saying they’re thinking of traveling solo this year.
That said, traveling solo can be rather daunting. Since more traditional tourism is geared towards groups or couples, many solo travelers can find it hard to tailor trips that suit their personal needs. Thankfully, online resources have made this much easier. Below, we’ve listed the best resources to help you plan your best solo trip to the Land of the Rising Sun!
Ebooks
Looking for a comprehensive but accessible source of information? Look no further than ebooks. As seen in the ebooks on Everand, this form of digital content covers dozens of categories, including travel. That means you can easily find ebooks about traveling to Japan, like Lonely Planet Tokyo. A comprehensive guide by the world-renowned travel leader, this ebook covers both popular and lesser-known activities, like catching cherry blossoms in bloom or drinking a beer at a local izakaya. Local insights in the book also offer a deeper understanding of the history, people, music, landscapes, animals, and politics so that you can create an in-depth itinerary of the capital city. Another title you can find as an ebook is Japan Travel Guide 2024 - A Comprehensive Journey Through Culinary Delights, Scenic Routes, and Cultural Treasures for All Explorers. This one is especially great for first-timers since it simplifies and answers common travel pain points, like logistics, cultural intricacies, and language barriers.
All in all, having this information available for you in just a few clicks will allow you to make preparations virtually anywhere. An offline feature also means you can keep referring to your ebooks even if you’re in a place with a weaker Internet signal. This is helpful, especially if you’re already abroad and still unsure how to use data services. Moreover, ebooks are available as a subscription service, meaning you can enjoy countless titles per month for a price comparable to a single physical book. That makes them a great and affordable option for solo travelers who don’t have anyone to split fees with.
Vlogs
If you’re more of a visual learner, vlogs are a convenient and digestible option. Japan-focused vlogs on YouTube are especially handy since they’re free. Of course, if you prefer to watch videos without any ad disruptions, you can also opt for a Premium subscription, which will also give you access to more exclusive perks. This can include benefits like early video access or offline viewing, so long as the video is downloaded first. Another reason why vlogs are a great reference is because they’re created from a very personal perspective. This includes honest opinions on topics that may otherwise be sensitive for other people. For instance, a vlogger may feel more comfortable talking about how Japan is for women travelers or if certain viral food destinations are hype.
Vlogs about Japan are often run by people who are either native Japanese or have lived there for a long time. This ensures that you’re getting invaluable insights from a local. For example, HarbLife, a channel run by an expat, posts videos about hidden gems and updated tourist guides. The latter includes how-to videos concerning things like taking the bullet train or using the famous SUICA cards. With each video formatted in a streamlined way, it provides viewers with a straightforward reference that’s easy to remember. Another great channel is Tokyo Kenchan, which is run by Japanese native Kengo. This channel covers several different topics, but some of the most valuable include videos with suggested itineraries. Using these as a starting point, solo travelers can tweak the suggestions to form their own plans.
AI Guides
Sometimes, you’re just too busy to make plans on your own, or you’re just really unsure where to begin. In these cases, an AI-powered planner like Wonderplan is a must-try. At no cost, this service creates bespoke itineraries. By inputting your unique preferences, the AI algorithm can tailor suggestions that fall in line with your interests. What’s more, the algorithm can consider your tentative schedule, so recommendations are aligned with what’s locally available during your visit. These plans can also be downloaded for offline reference so that you can look back at them through every step of your trip. You can even plug in your solo traveler concerns, like where the safest nightlife spots are or where you can eat alone.
The recommendations on these AI-led plans can be so nuanced that they will even weigh your local transportation choice. For instance, if you’re planning excursions in Tokyo, you can find day trip destinations that are accessible via subway or train. These include famed spots like Tsukiji Market, where the freshest seafood has been sold since 1935, Sensoji Temple, which is the oldest in the city, the whimsically interactive Ghibli Museum, and the iconic Shibuya Crossing, where more than two million people are estimated to cross every day.
Solo traveling is a fantastic way to experience a city in a special light. As a nation blessed with a diverse and rich culture spanning history, cuisine, entertainment, and more, Japan is a great destination for everyone, including solo travelers. With the right resources, planning this trip can be easy and stress-free, paving the way for an unforgettable journey.