Traveler Reflects on Insights Gained from Solo Trip to Japan

In November, after three months of interviews, I lost out on a job and decided it was time for a travel break. I set out on a three-and-a-half-week trip to Japan.

The timing worked out — the favorable dollar-to-yen exchange rate, mild weather, and vibrant autumn foliage made it a great time to visit.

With little time to find a travel companion, I embraced the freedom of solo travel and the ability to make plans on a whim. However, this trip to Japan proved to be more difficult than expected.

My trip included exploring the "golden triangle" of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, with day trips to nearby destinations like Nikko, Mount Fuji, Nara, and Himeji. It also included visits to Hiroshima and Miyajima Island, and a week in central Japan.

The trip cost about $3,400, not including the airfare, which I paid for with credit card points. As a cost-conscious backpacker, I stayed in pod hotels or hostels and mostly ate street food, convenience store fare, or noodles at ramen shops.

My biggest expense was accommodation, which totaled more than $915 for 24 nights. On-the-ground transportation added up as well. Local trains were fairly inexpensive, but tickets for the Shinkansen bullet train were costly. My rides ranged in prices, with Tokyo to Toyama at about $100, Hiroshima to Osaka at about $70, and Osaka to Tokyo at about $90.

A few indulgences included attending a kimono tea ceremony, a Kobe steak dinner, and visits to themed cafés.

While I loved the trip, I identified three things I would have done differently.

1. **Logistics Over Activities**: My pre-trip research was heavily focused on sites and activities, not the logistics. I didn't book anything in advance aside from the first few days in Tokyo, leading to missed trains and unnecessary stress.

2. **Accommodation Planning**: I would have booked accommodation ahead of time, particularly on sites with a free cancellation policy, which would secure lodging while allowing flexibility.

3. **Transportation Cards**: Securing my IC card at the airport would have facilitated easy travel among public transport systems, alleviating stress after a long flight.

Many people think solo travel involves being alone; however, one of my favorite aspects was meeting new people along the way. Although I found pod hotels serene, they were less social compared to hostels. Luckily, I made friends at hostels, which significantly enriched my experience.

I wish I had dedicated more time to Nikko and Osaka. Nikko's shrines and temples deserved more than a rushed visit, and Osaka's vibrant energy and cultural sites warranted additional exploration.

Ultimately, my trip to Japan was memorable. Yet, it's clear that better planning could have enhanced my experience.