Like many of you might feel, I always thought solo travel was something cool but challenging. Finally, on my 30th birthday, I gathered the courage to fly to Tokyo for my first solo trip. To be honest, I was extremely nervous before departure, as this was my first time traveling abroad alone, and I only knew basic Japanese phrases. Looking back now, that nervousness actually made the whole journey more interesting. This trip taught me that solo travel isn't difficult at all; instead, it's full of surprises and opportunities for growth.
The night I decided to go to Tokyo, I immediately started researching extensively. After a month of preparation, I've gathered some super useful tips. Honestly, the more thorough your preparation, the smoother your journey will be.
First, regarding the visa process. While Japan's visa policies have become more relaxed, the documentation still needs to be taken seriously. I recommend starting your preparation 45 days in advance, as visa appointment slots often require 2-3 weeks of waiting. I was extremely careful with my documents - employment certificate, bank statements, itinerary, hotel reservations, etc. I checked each item multiple times. The visa center staff commented that my documentation was particularly complete, which was a huge relief.
Next, accommodation. I found a guesthouse near Ginza with a 9.2 rating, perfectly located just 3 minutes' walk from the subway station. This really eased my concerns about my first solo international trip. You know what? While Ginza accommodations are about 20% more expensive than Shinjuku, the convenience is absolutely worth it. My guesthouse was a 40-square-meter apartment with complete amenities and even a small balcony. Best of all, there was a Family Mart convenience store downstairs, perfect for late-night snacks. The host was a super nice Japanese gentleman who not only sent detailed check-in guides in advance but also recommended many local restaurants.
After securing accommodation, I spent a week planning my itinerary. Honestly, Tokyo has so many attractions that it's impossible to see everything. My advice is to plan according to your interests rather than just ticking off popular spots. I divided my itinerary into themes: food exploration, cultural experiences, shopping sprees, and anime pilgrimages. I kept each day's schedule flexible, leaving plenty of room for spontaneous adjustments when I found interesting places.
From Narita Airport to the city, I chose the N'EX Narita Express. This train showed me just how punctual Japanese railways are. Standing on the platform, the train arrived at exactly 14:02, precisely as scheduled. Such punctuality is hard to imagine in our country. The carriages were spotlessly clean, the seats super comfortable, and every seat had a USB charging port - perfect for us battery-anxious travelers.
The views from the train were spectacular, showcasing Japanese architecture and neat farmlands. Sitting by the window, watching the scenery pass by, time seemed to slow down. The train announcements were in Japanese, English, and Chinese, so there was no worry about missing stops.
Interestingly, I met a lady from Guangzhou who told me she had been to Tokyo eight times. She said each visit brought new surprises. This made me even more excited about my upcoming journey. She kindly shared some local tips, like checking temperature indicators on vending machines since they offer both hot and cold drinks. Isn't it amazing how solo travel actually makes it easier to meet new friends?
Arriving at Ginza Station, walking the familiar yet strange streets with my suitcase felt surreal. Though it was my first visit, everything seemed familiar from all the travel guides and videos I'd watched. The streets were surprisingly clean, with a subtle matcha scent in the air, and people moved quickly but without chaos. This was my first impression of Tokyo: orderly with a touch of elegance.
I fell in love with Tsukiji Market's sushi on the first day. You must try Daiwa Sushi's signature set - for 198 RMB, you can taste melt-in-your-mouth tuna belly. I counted eight restaurants I tried at Tsukiji Market, with average wait times around 40 minutes. But the waiting never felt boring because there was so much to see in the market. Fresh seafood, exquisite wagashi, and countless snacks - just looking around made time fly.
Most memorable was an 8-seat sushi restaurant. The owner, a sushi master in his 60s, moved with such fluid grace that I was completely mesmerized. His tuna was personally selected at the 4 AM market auction, and the salmon was air-shipped from Hokkaido. Each piece of sushi was made to order, with perfect rice temperature and vinegar ratio. Though there was a language barrier, the owner used simple English and gestures to explain the best way to eat each type of sashimi.
Besides sushi, ramen is a must-try. I found a 24-hour ramen shop near Shinjuku's Kabukicho that had a queue even at 2 AM. Their pork bone broth, simmered for 12 hours, was so rich I wanted to drink it all. The noodles had perfect texture, and with soft-boiled eggs and chashu pork, it was late-night dining heaven.
For shopping, I discovered Ginza's Uniqlo was about 30% cheaper than in China, with more styles and seemingly better quality. Don't forget tax-free shopping - I saved over 2000 yuan in tax refunds. Speaking of shopping, drugstores are a must-visit. Products like Rohto CC Whitening Essence, Kao eye masks, and Lion toothpaste, which are expensive in China, are reasonably priced here. I spent an entire day at Matsumoto Kiyoshi and Don Quijote, filling two bags with skincare products and snacks.
Ginza's night scenery is truly beautiful. Especially on weekend nights, the entire Ginza street becomes pedestrian-only, filled with shoppers. Major brand stores have creative window displays, some with interactive installations. My favorite was the Mitsukoshi Department Store's neon sign, which looked particularly dreamy at night.
Tokyo's subway system looks complex but becomes familiar after two days. My tip: download Google Maps and get a PASMO card. Google Maps shows precise transfer routes, while PASMO eliminates the need to buy tickets each time. Honestly, when I first saw Tokyo's subway map, I nearly gave up. The colored lines intertwined like tangled noodles. But in practice, the system is very user-friendly.
Every platform has clear signs, mostly with English translations. Electronic displays in carriages show real-time information about the next station and which exits lead where. Most helpfully, complex transfer stations have colored lines on the floor - just follow them to reach your destination.
One day, I took the wrong subway trying to reach Sensoji Temple. A 20-minute journey became 40, but this "mistake" led me to an amazing ramen shop. The owner, an elderly man who had been making ramen for 40 years, told me he only serves 100 bowls daily, each made with care. His shop was hidden in a small alley - without getting lost, I might never have found this treasure. His ramen broth, made from chicken bones and vegetables, was delicately flavored, completely different from other shops' heavy tastes.
The PASMO card is truly a time-saving miracle. You can use it for subways, buses, and even convenience store purchases and vending machines. It's incredibly satisfying to smoothly swipe through station gates. Remember to check your balance and reload when needed. Reloading can be done at station ticket machines, which have Chinese language options.
While Japan is safe, certain precautions are necessary. I kept passport copies and cash separate, with important documents in the hotel safe. I saved the consulate's phone number on my phone for emergencies. When traveling, safety always comes first. My principle is: better to spend extra time preparing than regret later.
Did you know there's a koban (police box) next to every police station in Japan? If you have any problems, just go to a koban for help. Once when I got lost, the police officer not only gave me directions but drew me a map. Japanese police are very approachable - don't hesitate to ask for help. While their English might not be fluent, they'll patiently try to solve your problems.
In Tokyo, walking alone at night doesn't feel particularly scary. Streets have many surveillance cameras, and there are 24-hour convenience stores at regular intervals. If you feel unsafe, you can enter any convenience store for help or to wait. Store staff are professionally trained to handle emergencies.
Another tip: always carry a fully charged power bank. In an unfamiliar city, your phone is your most important tool. With a power bank, you won't worry about getting lost due to a dead phone. Also, download offline maps for when you don't have network access.
Keep your wallet in a secure inner pocket and avoid counting money in crowded places. When using ATMs, be aware of your surroundings and prefer those inside convenience stores or banks. If you suspect someone is following you, enter a nearby store or convenience store.
The biggest takeaway from this trip was discovering I'm braver than I imagined. While being alone in a foreign country had its awkward language moments, I encountered more kindness from strangers than difficulties. Once when lost in a subway station, a Japanese grandmother voluntarily offered help. Though she didn't speak English, she used gestures and simple Japanese to guide me to the right platform.
During these days in Tokyo, I learned a lot. Like how to stay calm in unfamiliar environments, communicate with basic English and body language, and plan daily itineraries. These skills have made me more composed in work and life even after the trip.
The best part of solo travel is following your own rhythm. Sleep in if you want, shop all day if you feel like it, without considering others' preferences. I found that when you're alone, it's easier to immerse yourself in local life. I often sat in cafes, sipping matcha lattes while watching passersby.
On the last day, I met a group of travelers from around the world in Akihabara. Sharing our travel stories, that cross-cultural friendship touched me deeply. A German girl said she'd been solo traveling Asia for three months. Hearing about her experiences in different countries gave me a deeper understanding of solo travel. Travel isn't just about seeing sights; it's about pushing your boundaries.
In Akihabara, I joined an anime fans' meetup. Despite language differences, our shared interests quickly brought us together. We visited maid cafes, raided anime merchandise shops, and played arcade games until midnight. These spontaneous encounters and shared joys are hard to experience in group travel.
The night before returning home, I visited Tokyo Tower alone. Standing on the observation deck, watching the city lights twinkle below, I felt indescribably moved. This city gave me so many beautiful memories: delightful food surprises, shopping joy, strangers' warmth, and the sense of achievement from handling everything alone.
So, if you're hesitating about solo travel, my advice is: just do it. You might face small challenges, but they'll become precious memories. After all, shouldn't your first solo trip be to a place that excites you?
During my time in Tokyo, I experienced both a modern metropolis's prosperity and Japanese traditional culture's charm. From Sensoji Temple's morning and evening bells to Akihabara's anime world; from Ginza's luxury to shitamachi's everyday life. This city is like a huge kaleidoscope, showing different scenes with each turn.
So here's the question: which city would you choose for your first solo trip? The artistic Paris, the romantic Bali, or like me, a Tokyo that blends modern and traditional? Wherever you choose, I believe solo travel will give you new perspectives on yourself and the world.
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