Imagine stepping into the future, you look up and see sky-high glass buildings and flickering neon-lit billboards – welcome to Japan. Step into the busy Harajuku district with all its pastel colours, adorable lolita dresses hanging up on display and shops that sell ice cream cones in the shape of cute animals. Take a walk on Odaiba island next to a smaller version of the Statue of Liberty, soak in the quiet of Meiji Temple. If you prefer things at a faster pace, catch a bullet train to get you where you need to be. Japan truly is a place full of extremes all existing simultaneously.
I know what you might be thinking: this is all too much for one person? But solo travel in Japan isn’t as daunting as it sounds. Locals here are extremely helpful when asking for directions (and if they don’t speak English, they’ll try to find someone who does!) and when travelling in bigger cities, most street signs tend to be bilingual.
Although the country often gets a bad reputation for being rather pricey, if you go off the beaten path to lesser-known districts and towns, you can really get bang for your buck. Visit local izakayas for great lunch deals or if you’re in a rush, supermarket bento boxes aren’t too shabby (7/11, anyone?).
But Japan is more than just mesmerizing neon-lit cities, solo travellers are also drawn to its mountainous landscapes and hot thermal springs around Nagano. Complete one of the pilgrim walks through lush forests on Kii peninsula or visit the snow-covered mountains of Honshu.