I Traveled Japan SOLO and This Is What I Learned

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Check out this video: Best place to shop in Tokyo (Easy locations) kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6aWiJeljLGCpK8

[@corgolyin]

Both times I've gone I've been solo, I'll be solo again next year for my trip. I love it cause I'm on my own schedule and I don't have to deal with others. I do get lonely sometimes but it's more freeing.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

I love exploring on my own.. I also learn so much about myself! .. i try to meet people when im solo to help

[@JohnM...]

Thinking of doing this next year, but I have social anxiety, and the prospect is making me cra* my pants! I’ve never been abroad, and being alone (even if I know some Japanese), just fills me with terror. Any advice? (I’m a ‘super-worrier’) 😩

[@corgolyin]

@JohnM... Japan was my first solo abroad, normally I'm with family or friends. I kept earbuds in my ears, listening to podcasts or music and it helped a lot. I did tend to eat at places where I didn't have to talk to people to order cause I have social anxiety too, I try to be invisible while out. I did a lot of research with videos, facebook groups, books and more before my first trip and it helped a lot to get me ready.

[@JohnM...]

@@corgolyin thanks! I’m encouraged to know it’s possible! I can speak ‘some’ Japanese, but not the ‘stock holiday phrases’. Can I use my own bank card there? Should I take cash out before I go? Sorry for all the questions, lol 😂

[@corgolyin]

@JohnM... I believe you can, visa and Mastercard... not sure about Amex. I opened an account with Wise and put money in there for my trips and then use the wise card. You can convert usd to yen already and no foreign transaction fees. If you use your bank card to cash use it at 7-11s they tend to give the best rate and not give many issues i hear if used ones outside it. There's another one too but I can't remember it offhand

[@julialim3224]

It's addictive. I have travelled 6 times and always solo to Japan. The experience is very special and wonderful. Going back again, solo!😊

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

haha yes.. it is addictive .. 100%

[@mollygrubber]

I’m just finishing my first Japan solo trip, and it’s been lovely. Yes it’s overwhelming at first, but it becomes more and more manageable as you get used to the processes. Thank you Ninja Monkey, your videos are very helpful 👋🏻

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

I'm glad you enjoyed your trip even though it can be overwhelming to start with

[@JohnM...]

There’s so many things I’m terrified of because I’ve never been abroad. What if I get lost? What if I miss a flight? What if I get on the wrong train and end up nowhere? I love the idea and really want to do it, but there’s SO damn much to worry about 😩

[@lepearcreatif]

Probably the best country to travel by yourself. At least a top 5 for sure.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Agree with

[@Migzter05]

I've never solo travelled before, but we have been to Japan a few times already. And from those experiences alone, I can definitely say that Japan is a perfect place to traverse alone. Friendly (and very helpful) people, very accessible transportation options, relatively very safe even at night, and TONS of different experiences for different types of tourists!

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

You are so right! Japan is so easy to get around, even solo! And lots of options

[@ReportFiled]

Been traveling solo in japan for a week got one more been enjoying it so far

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

thats fantastic! have you been meeting people?

[@FMA-e2o]

I have traveled alone to Japan several times. What I have found is that Japanese people are less intimidated by a solo traveler. I have always had interesting discussions with Japanese people even with the language barrier.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

I agree, they are less intimidated when you are alone

[@psprog]

Yeah I always travel solo and of course you have the ultimate freedom to do what you want when you want. Kudos for filming it in the busy Senso-ji area etc!

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

haha you are right Senso-ji was difficult to film in! lol

[@cvodb]

10x solo, 2x with friends. Prefer solo, but don't mind meeting people for a day or parts of. The one time with friends that was good was when we had a common purpose, we were all going to the same concert. That made for some special memories.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Yes, i think the downside to solo travel is the lack of shared memories you talk about

[@TheRedValue]

Really loved how personal this video felt. I went solo myself to Osaka and Kyoto one time and that ended up being incredible trips. The thing is, you have to make yourself break out of the comfort zone. Then things become epic when you go solo!

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Thanks 🙏 I’d love to make more walking talking videos like this if this works out

[@skyline308]

Tried solo travelling in Japan for the first time earlier this year; and going back again the next. Thanks for the video!

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Awesome that you're going back!

[@giovannidelacruz5165]

Just came back after a 4 week solo trip. Had a blast. Perfect country for an introvert like myself.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Japan is perfect for solo travel!

[@Armadaonion]

I did two weeks solo in Sept 2023. Never traveled abroad alone. Only knew a few Japanese phrases. But I did my trip research, and channels like Ninja Monkey helped out a lot. It was the best experience of my life. So good, I'm going back in spring 2025.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Amazing you are returning!

[@OnlyOneNights]

Another banger, dude!

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Thanks!

[@RA-ot6yr]

This video came at the right time. Never been alone and I am terrified but that's part of the thrill of it for me so I have to do it! I am afraid to order food in Japan.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

I’m glad it came out at the right time.. check out my japanese language videos for tips on ordering

[@RedZ1900]

I love travelling solo. I love the flexible schedule and doing the things I want to do.l

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

its awesome that you found your flow solo travelling.

[@Mfishtheman]

Did solo once and loved it. It’s fun but it can be nerve wracking sometimes. I went recently with a friend and it was much better. I think the next time I go i will go for a longer time so will probably be solo again.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

It’s definitely a great way to see the country.. there isnt a wrong way to do it

[@shpeen8835]

I've gone with groups and family, but I enjoy my solo trips. I don't have to visit places I've been before and I can spend time with friends!

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

I love the freedom of solo travel too! but there are times when travelling in groups is also fun.. just depends on how things pan out

[@YamiViolet]

I just came back from my first trip to Japan. As it was my first time travelling overseas, I did join a tour group but I arrived a few days earlier as I wanted to feel what it was like going solo. Definitely planning to go back to Japan one day and do the whole thing solo. Being part of the tour group was fun but I did find that I wanted more of the flexibility of being able to do what I wanted, when I wanted and for how long. Some places we went to, I wished we had more time to explore and look around or had arrived at a different time when it wasn't so crowded or in the case of Miyajima Island, I probably would've enjoyed it a whole lot more then I did if I had more time to get over my sea sickness before needing to get back on the ferry to leave.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

That sounds like a great start to your solo travel journey! I agree the time constraints of a tour can be annoying but if a tour works for a traveller and gets them to experience japan thats great and worth the cost

[@froglady4360]

I love this video! It’s not just good advice for solo travellers but couples as well. I always travel with my husband but we sometimes do seperate things. I will go for long walks and shopping by myself. He will go out and look at other things while I’m shopping. Eating by yourself is so good sometimes as you can just eat and not worry about having a conversation unless you want to. I also agree with frequenting the same places as we do this often. We usually stay at the same place, if not then the same area. People remember us from previous trips and that is a nice feeling. Everyone will get lost at some point but I just embrace that and see something I’ve never seen before. We were going to Nara one day and got on the train to Kobe instead. We just changed our plans that day and enjoyed Kobe for the day. Don’t get stressed out if things don’t go according to plan because it is only you that is inconvenienced. Give yourself plenty of time in case things don’t go right and just enjoy it, after all it is your holiday!

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

so true about sometimes doing things separate! .. and yes heading to familiar places makes a difference huh

[@southcoastinventors6583]

How do you get lost with google maps other than finding what floor a restaurant/shop is on

[@froglady4360]

@@southcoastinventors6583 by just going on an adventure and not using Google maps 🤣

[@southcoastinventors6583]

@@froglady4360 Kobe is in the opposite direction of Nara and apart from shopping and the good teppanyaki would had been better if you went to Himeji instead lots more to do. Looks like you made a mistake at Osaka-Namba station as far as I can tell but they announce the stops and the finally station as you travel.

[@neubro1448]

I enjoyed personal freedom in Japan. More places I wanted to go on my next trip in spring.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Spring is a great time to visit Japan! but it can get rather busy!

[@neubro1448]

@@NinjaMonkeyguy Yeah it is! I'm actually planning on May after Golden Week and long after cherry blossom season.

[@diamonddoom1538]

I traveled SOLO in June/July this year to Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. I'm SO glad I did not take a family member. Leaving my hotel room to visit either 7/11 or a family mart at 2am was so beautiful. I felt safe but did not feel the most welcome at a local restaurant. Yoshinoya and Kura made me feel welcomed as a solo American traveler. Team SOLO!!!

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

#teamsolo

[@madameyong2765]

I have been travelling Solo for decades but I do travel with friends and family occasionally. But, such freedom to do your own thing. I chat easily with strangers and they always find me super entertaining. Walk wheneverrr,eat wheneverrrr….relax when tired… I am in my 60s and find lots of help from strangers especially when I use a Walker. I don’t go to noisy club areas and back at my hotel before 9pm. Always be mindful of your surroundings and watch where you walk as there can be pot holes especially where it’s cobblestones. Have to be extra careful as if I get injured, it’ll be troublesome 😮

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

I'm glad you've had such positive experiences with strangers in Japan!

[@vaultboi76]

I’ve done it twice now- I was in Japan two weeks last month. ❤

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

You got the Japan travel bug!

[@geralt7144]

Solo is the way. Watch while booking hotels though. Just learned something new. Solo rooms are almost always smoking rooms. Non smocking are twinbeds, which can cost more.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

I’ve never come across this in 10 years of solo travel Japan, I’ve always been able to choose between smoking or non smoking for the same price at least the hotels I’ve used :)

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

But thanks for the warning so we can look out in case!

[@geralt7144]

@NinjaMonkeyguy It really seems to depend on where you go. Just like the train station toilet. Could be the nicest station, but once you open the stall, it is a squat toilet

[@southcoastinventors6583]

This really only happens if a hotel is mostly full.

[@southcoastinventors6583]

I would add to your list learn or have a list of common dishes on Japanese menus so you have some idea what your ordering. Sometimes translation apps don't contain descriptions of food items also many restaurants will have good items written on paper that are not on the menu and many places have English menus that haven't been updated. Plus Airbnb is usually your best bet to save money on accommodations plus usually don't need to book that far in advanced except Tokyo and Kyoto those cities are tough to find good deals with short notice. I would say if you do travel with someone in Japan make sure they are not a picky eater, slow walker, drinker, or overplanner otherwise it easy to travel alone on with one other person.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with common dishes in Japan, and remember to check for English menus that may not be updated. In terms of AirBnB Ive never found this to be an affordable option for a solo traveller compared to hotels

[@ce_rouse]

Tokyo Banana brings us all together!

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

🍌

[@gallaghim]

Great video. When I travel it's always solo, not necessarily by choice, more out of necessity. I don't have anyone to travel with and I find that it can get very lonely. A trip to New Zealand quite a few years back in particular was hard because of this. But if you were to ask me if it was worth it I'd say most definitely. For me going and getting lonely sometimes is better than missing out altogether. I think you have to be mindful going in that this could happen, especially if you're someone who gets lonely, or isn't 100% comfortable with themselves. Doing it anyway is better than not at all, and it's likely you'll learn a bit about yourself in the journey. Besides, as touched on in the video, you can challenge yourself a little by going out to eat on your own, or find a quiet bar, or even go on a booked tour. I know it feels like a spotlight is shined on you in these situations, but no one cares, even though it doesn't feel like that sometimes. If you want to go somewhere and don't have a travel partner, please just go do it anyway. Missing out is the worst part, believe me.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

"missing out is the worst part" thats what I also tell people! I do think that the big charm of japan is how easy it is to travel around it too

[@gallaghim]

@@NinjaMonkeyguy I'm considering an 8 day trip this time next year, centered around Tokyo, with day trips to Enoshima/Kamakura and Mt. Fuji. I've already got a second trip in mind, a longer one for when i'm in a better position financially. But one trip at a time, huh. :P

[@Apocalyptic382]

Went solo for the first time 2 months ago. was so nervous initially and after 3 days in Japan i relaxed and was not nervous. had struggles from time to time. Got on the wrong train a couple of times heading to Kanazawa. Was an adventure of a lifetime. I will say I didn't like Sakura Mobile when traveling. I had poor signal/signal loss several time and it was so slow..

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

It sounds like you had a great time, and I am glad you were able to relax in Japan!

[@nateshf9303]

At 17, I took a semester off from Berkeley in the 80s and spent a month exploring Japan. I immersed myself in the nightlife of Kakukicho and Roppongi, creating unforgettable memories.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

sounds like a great adventure!

[@southcoastinventors6583]

Must of had a lot of money because the yen was very strong at that time especially in Tokyo.

[@nateshf9303]

@@southcoastinventors6583 Just the opposite. It was around 1USD vs. 200 JPY but I actually worked half a year to save up $$$.

[@Archangelicajul]

I did it last month, kinda accidentally tho. I went into mountains, remote town, small villages.. almost couldn’t get home 😂 Survived without google translate, only depended on broken japanese from anime

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Broken Japanese from Anime! well done!

[@Ryomou1980]

I went for this first time this year and I’m planning on going solo in 2026. It’s a daunting thought for sure, but I’m an introvert so I think I’ll be fine.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

you'll do great!

[@adibmajid9886]

Solo travelling is the best way to travel at your own pace and flexibility of time. Even an introvert can happily travel the world. However, having a companion travelling together can cut cost like accommodation, foods etc. But on the downside, you need to think of other people too 😂. But in the end, travelling solo will always be worthwhile...just bring your portable tripod stand, place your phone on timer and connect it with your watch live view to take the nicest angle. Amazing photos and memories 😉🎉 Of course, loneliness can be a minor problem but let the adventure entertain you along the way.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Solo travel is great, but a companion can be fun too!

[@jaybee4288]

The loneliness thing really depends on you. I’ve travelled solo across much of the world and never felt lonely and always met people on my travels. It all comes down to your personality. I think a lot of people who solo travel to Japan particularly are not very socially adept in general but have this idea that Japan is some magical place where everyone will chat to them and they’ll feel at home, when in reality the language and culture makes it even more isolating than going to a western country would be. Basically if you can go to a hotel in your home country and chat to the reception staff, and get talking to random people in bars in your country, you probably won’t be lonely in Japan. And if you can’t, you probably will. Solo Japan isn’t a fix for social ineptitude.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

I think you have a point, your personality wont change just because you are in a different country, but I do feel that because you are in a different environment you might try more things

[@krisxaero]

always be aware that locals are living their own lives and most are working long hours. the majority don't have the time or the energy to entertain and chat with a solo travelling stranger like you. i don't get the expectations that some tourists have when it comes to meeting people.

[@towada1066]

hmmm,... for solo travel I would avoid some neighborhoods in Tokyo and definitely anywhere in Kobe around the Yamaguchi-gumi. Then too, hiking alone, especially in Akita and Hokkaido Prefecture forest is too dangerous I think, even with a bear bell. If a wild boar sees you and charges, you are doomed. For melon-pan, you may like Kimuraya in Ginza.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

I think it's best to be aware of your surroundings but still enjoy your solo trip. Japan is a safe country overall.

[@towada1066]

@@NinjaMonkeyguy ww! ... In Japan most of the crime is committed by the LDP (they don't like any competition). I don't think foreign tourists see much of the crime but the information is easily available from the NHK evening news. As long as you don't bother them the local mafia will definitely leave you alone. In Chiba at least they specialize in gambling, loan sharking and prostitution.

[@southcoastinventors6583]

Hiked alone in both no big deal, bear bells are a joke and organized criminal don't interact with tourist only thing bad that can happen to certain tourist is getting overcharged. Good melon-pan in most bakery in Japan.

[@towada1066]

@@southcoastinventors6583 " Your mileage may vary " ... I'm guessing you don't read local news; bear attacks have increased,.. you hear about these things even in Nagano Prefecture. Of course, unless you go out of your way to make trouble, the various mafia families in Japan will leave you alone; they're too busy making money off of citizens (and of course, imported women from Russia and the Philippines). The quality of melon pan in Kimuraya is extremely good, but you'd need to try a few different stores to compare.

[@AVigil-mb2yb]

Wal-Mart parking lots are more dangerous than Shinjuku!😂

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

lol

[@axios101]

Eating alone is ok, but.... some of the more "distinguished" options (es: yakatabune, some reservation in slightly more upscale places, etc...) are only available for a minimum of two people...😅 Anyway: that's a great idea (also) going to familiar places as You suggested.... I personally loved a certain "Torikizoku" because it is located in a very nice place, easy to reach and very "reassuring" to me those times, in the evenings, I returned "home" a little bit tired after a long tourist day in Tokyo... Anyway the very first days in Tokyo (first time, solo traveller after quite some time, awful weather, jet lag, etc...) had been a little bit "hard" for me too, not particularly because of loneliness, but just for mere stress and disorientation (and have I already mentioned the awful weather???)...😅 I am back to my Country and I definitely belong to those people who "need" to do something at least one time before they really start to somewhat get comfortable (and less tense) about it... so I will be definitely back to Japan and I think I will really be more and more at ease... I suppose that also many Japanese people are this way: it seems to me that they "hate" to do something they are not 100% sure of mastering... just as it happens with english language: many people surely know a lot of basic words and they are able to understand basic phrases... but, since it is english and they are not used to it and they "fear" to make some mistakes, they "close" their minds (and ears) to it....😁

[@ihaveseverefrootsnackism]

LOL your first point is very true! I looked into Wadakin Sukiyaki before my trip when I thought I might go to Mie prefecture, and that is exactly what happened, so I had to cross it off my list.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

I think that eating specific cousins comes with its own problems for solo travelers, but this would account for a very small percentage of places overall. There is a way around this, paying for two meals! crazy but I know of people who do it because they are determined to dine.. and yes the first time can be so disorienting!

[@ihaveseverefrootsnackism]

@@NinjaMonkeyguy LOL WHAT xD that's wild! cool

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Here is a video I found of a solo traveller eating at that exact restaurant *I think anyway kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXSwdZagnKuJY9k

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

@@ihaveseverefrootsnackism check out the link i replied with! they eat as a solo traveller at that restaurant!

[@jimross7648]

Great video Nathan. I agree with everything you said in this video. The important thing is to just do it solo. If you always wait for people to accompany you, many if not most trips will never happen. Japan is very open to the solo traveller. Best tip eat or drink at the same establishments (if they're good and I haven't found one that isn't). The staff will acknowledge at the very least, or become friendly acquaintances at the very least.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Going to the same establishments will mean a familiar face and that can help a lot too!

[@Oreo-m4t]

how much money would you actually need to travel solo to Japan is it more cheap then the us

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

it can be.. especially with no tipping!

[@medibbs]

Solo travel is the bast way in my option I don't think I could travel with other if I want a lasy day I have one if I want an Active day I have one and if I want to jump on a radom train and see where I end up , No need for a schedule. Or an itinerary. Or on your body else is ideal of what you should be doing it's freedom. To do as you like.here is only one person to blame if ot goes wrong

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

everything has a pro and a con, its how you look at it, and after all when you are solo.. best to look at the positives huh

[@mishainwonderland8970]

i like travelling solo, i dont have to accomodate other 😁

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

hehe yes that the big plus.

[@LuigiTore]

👍👍