Capital city, Japan
Tokyo for solo travelers
Is Tokyo good for solo travel?
The world's easiest mega-city for a solo trip or long stay: spotless, safe, superbly connected and full of solo-friendly food. Expensive housing, crowds and a language barrier outside tourist zones are the trade-offs.
Solo travel at a glance
| Solo travel | 5/5 · Excellent for solo travel |
|---|---|
| Locals | Polite but reserved |
| English | Limited |
| Safety | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Solo women | Very safe alone at any hour. Groping on crowded trains is the main problem; women-only cars run in rush hours. Refuse tout invitations in nightlife areas. |
How to meet people in Tokyo
Social hostels in Asakusa and Shinjuku, language-exchange nights, Imperial Palace run clubs, izakaya counters, coworking events and Meetup groups in Shibuya.
Good things to do alone
- Eat at ramen counters and standing sushi bars
- Walk Yanaka and Nezu for old Tokyo streets
- Catch sunrise at Meiji Jingu before crowds
- Soak in a sento public bath
- Day trip to Kamakura or Nikko
Where to stay in Tokyo
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Shinjuku–Nakano | First-timers: huge rail hub, nightlife, ramen, mid-range hotels |
| Shibuya–Ebisu–Daikanyama | Nomads: cafés, coworking, restaurants, young crowd |
| Asakusa–Ueno | Budget stays, hostels, temples, old-town feel |
| Shimokitazawa–Koenji | Long stays: vintage shops, live music, cheaper rent |
| Nakameguro–Meguro | Calm riverside cafés and quieter evenings |
Solo travel across Japan
| Place | Solo | English |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | 5/5 | Limited |
| Kyoto | 5/5 | Limited |
| Osaka | 5/5 | Limited |
| Fukuoka | 5/5 | Limited |
| Hiroshima | 4/5 | Limited |
| Nara | 4/5 | Limited |
| Sapporo | 4/5 | Limited |
| Okinawa | 4/5 | Limited |
| Niseko | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Yokohama | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Kanazawa | 4/5 | Limited |
| Takayama | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Nagoya | 4/5 | Limited |
| Kamakura | 4/5 | Limited |
| Kobe | 4/5 | Limited |
| Hakuba | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Ishigaki | 4/5 | Limited |
| Nagasaki | 4/5 | Limited |
| Miyakojima | 4/5 | Limited |
| Hakodate | 4/5 | Limited |
| Otaru | 4/5 | Limited |
| Beppu | 4/5 | Limited |
| Matsumoto | 4/5 | Limited |
| Koyasan | 4/5 | Limited |
| Sendai | 4/5 | Limited |
| Hakone | 3/5 | Limited |
| Kawaguchiko | 3/5 | Limited |
| Nikko | 3/5 | Limited |
| Shirakawa-go | 3/5 | Limited |
| Furano | 3/5 | Limited |
Quick answers
Is Tokyo good for solo travelers?
Excellent for solo travel (5/5). The world's easiest mega-city for a solo trip or long stay: spotless, safe, superbly connected and full of solo-friendly food.
How do you meet people in Tokyo?
Social hostels in Asakusa and Shinjuku, language-exchange nights, Imperial Palace run clubs, izakaya counters, coworking events and Meetup groups in Shibuya. On SoloSquare you can also join small plans with other travelers who are there now.
Do people speak English in Tokyo?
Limited.
Is Tokyo safe for solo female travelers?
Very safe alone at any hour. Groping on crowded trains is the main problem; women-only cars run in rush hours. Refuse tout invitations in nightlife areas.
More about Tokyo
Going to Tokyo solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Tokyo meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.