Ohitorisama. This Japanese word means “party for one” – a celebration of being solo.

And, with the rise and rise of the solo and single traveller, the Japan National Tourism Organisation sees the synergies.

For it is perfectly acceptable – normal – to venture alone into standing sushi bars, stay in small single rooms in capsule hotels and even sing “karaoke for one”.

A JNTO spokesperson says: “The concept of spending time alone has been somewhat of a cultural evolution in Japan, spurred by younger generations and a nation with one of the world’s highest rates of single-dweller households.

“This is the ultimate destination for independent travellers keen to embrace the Japanese version of ‘me time’.

“For solo travellers ready to combine cultural immersion and superb scenery with a journey of self-discovery, personal freedom and the chance to pursue their passions, Japan ticks all the boxes.”

And the JNTO team has identified these seven reasons that Japan is ideal for solo travellers, in their own words …

It’s super safe

Japan consistently ranks among the top 10 countries in the world for safety, and with a lively entertainment scene and fantastic public transport, you won’t be alone exploring after dark or travelling by train.

Cute capsule hotels

Don’t need much space? Just somewhere clean, compact and convenient to lay your head? Then check out one of Japan’s many capsule hotels, which often also include communal spaces to connect with fellow solo travellers, speedy wi-fi, luggage storage spaces and tasty snacks. There are also female-only capsule hotels or female-only floors in both capsule and more conventional hotels for women travelling independently.

Adventures after dark

From tachinomi (standing bars) serving local beer, sake and affordable snacks, to the rise of single-person karaoke parlours such as 1Kara in response to growing demand from those who want to belt out a tune or two on their own terms in the privacy of their own booth, Japan’s nightlife offers diverse options for individual travellers. independent travellers.

Memorable meals

There’s no stigma attached to dining solo in Japan, in fact, there are style of dining specifically designed for it. From standing sushi bars, known as tachigui, where solo diners can enjoy authentic, affordable sushi to ramen restaurants where diners sit side-by-side between partitions watching the chefs in action, there’s no need to miss out on a magnificent meal if you’re travelling solo. Even yakiniku restaurants have evolved to welcome solo diners by adding personal grills at the counter to cook your own sizzling cuts, whilst conveyor belt venues make it easy to mingle with fellow diners.

Slick public transport

Japan’s train network is second to none: clean, reliable and on time, literally down to the second. You can easily navigate to the right station entrance with Google Maps and pay using your phone by downloading the Welcome Suica Mobile app (iPhone only).

Cultural experiences

From art galleries and museums to temples and creative classes in everything from calligraphy and lacquerware to silk painting and sushi-making, there are endless cultural and historic activities to enjoy as a solo traveller, and many are free.

Wellness for one

Onsen bathing is delightful as a solo activity, providing an opportunity to enjoy the serenity and focus on self-care and wellness. Most onsen offer single-sex bathing options, and some ryokan and onsen towns also allow bathers to book a kashikiri buro (private bath) for the ultimate solo soak. If you have a tattoo, no worries, there are tattoo friendly onsens too.

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When I heard that my favorite cousin was planning a family reunion halfway across the country, I was super excited to RSVP “yes.” My only hesitation: I’d just welcomed a baby four months earlier, and I wasn’t ready to leave him behind. I knew it would take planning and preparation to pull off traveling with a baby by myself.

Enter eight life-saving travel companions that helped me fly from Florida to Chicago on my own with an infant and as few bumps in the road, er, sky as possible. As a mom of six, I had some ideas about what I’d need: a car seat travel bag that didn’t break the bank (or my back), a truly fashionable (I swear!) nursing tank I wore throughout my entire trip, hair products that pulled together my look (even when I only had one free arm), and more. I highly recommend checking out these must-haves for the next time you take a trip with a tot sans an extra set of helping hands.

Infant Car Seat Travel Bag

I decided my baby would travel as a lap child, since he’s so small and I was likely to hold and breastfeed him often during the flight. I checked my car seat—there was no way I could carry it on my own to the plane, especially with the base, and we’d need it for transport from the airport to where we were staying.

This universal infant car seat travel bag was easy to use and stood up well to the bag-checking process at the airport on both sides of our journey. The low price is also a win, since I don’t know if I’ll end up reusing it.

Infantino Flip Advanced Baby Carrier 

I wasn’t feeling the vibe of using a travel stroller on my own, so I used this baby carrier that I’d recommend to any parent. First, consider that the Infantino Flip Advanced Carrier is a serious bargain at under $50, when many carriers are prohibitively expensive. 

Weeks later, I’m still having flashbacks to my kid’s spit-up and diaper accidents, but they’re not evident on the carrier, which is machine washable. It also features multiple positions I could use when my guy was sleeping, and when he wanted to face out and do some people watching at the airport.

HelloBaby Video Monitor

This video monitor packed up well and had good range when I was on the patio enjoying a meal while my baby slept inside my cousin’s home. Although I brought the charging cord on the trip, it also features solid battery life. 

I agree with one reviewer who said, “Love this monitor. We bought it to use around the house and while traveling. Very easy to set up, picture quality is good. And we can hear the baby clearly.” What more can you ask for?

Knuckleheads Infant Baseball Cap 

I can’t say enough good things about this alternative to a bucket hat for a baby’s sun protection. The adorable trucker hat stays on so much better than any other hat I’ve tried, fitting securely over my little one’s head while keeping him safe from the sun, and even a sprinkle of rain.

We got several compliments on the hat while traveling. I’ll also assure parents that the hat washes well since I learned it is possible for my son to get spit up on his head.

Skims Fits Everybody Maternity Nursing Tank 

I live in these things, if I’m being honest, and own several colors. So naturally, I brought several of my Skims breastfeeding tanks on my trip, and wore them under jackets and button-downs. I was able to nurse my baby on the plane, and everywhere in between, discreetly and without sacrificing my style, since the tanks are seamless and don’t show under clothing. 

P.S. They are also comfortable for working out and sleeping in! 

Primasole Fold-up Yoga Mat

I love this find so much, I bought one for my sister who travels a lot with her small kids. Why? The mat, which comes in a variety of fun colors, folds up small enough to fit in a carry-on bag, and offers a convenient solution for a busy parent like me who still wants to fit in a workout. 

Pro tip: The mat also doubled as a play mat for my baby to roll around on when we were away from home.

DAE Styling Cream + Frizz Taming Hair Wand 

During the trip, I didn’t have much time to shower or get ready (although plenty of relatives offered to hold him at various points, I was still short on alone time). This sweet-scented taming wand saved me for a dressy family party. It’s small and provides quick polish to any style, even when you only have one hand to work with, while the other wrangles a drooly baby!

Not Your Mother’s Dry Shampoo 

During my trip, I ended up buying dry shampoo after it proved to be so challenging to get time to wash my hair. I love this well-priced and pleasantly fragranced option by Not Your Mother’s. I achieved clean hair even though all I had a chance to do was rinse off in the shower while an aunt got in her baby cuddles. While I bought a full-size bottle, it comes in a mini, travel-friendly option that I plan to purchase ahead of my next adventure.

A new survey of more than 330 women, primarily in their 50s, 60s and 70s, reveals a clear evolution in what mature travelers are seeking: cultural immersion, meaningful connection, and purpose-driven travel experiences designed specifically for them.

The survey, conducted by Girls’ Guide to the World, a leading upscale women-only travel company, highlights the growing demand for small-group, women-only journeys that offer both luxury and intention. Far from the cookie-cutter packages of the past, these travelers are looking for immersive, transformational adventures, often solo, but not alone.

The survey gathered responses from 333 women travelers, with the majority aged 60+, and provides insights into the motivations, preferences, and priorities shaping the future of women’s travel.

Over 60% of respondents listed cultural immersion as their top travel priority in 2026, outpacing relaxation (56%) and adventure (43%). The results reinforce what Girls’ Guide to the World has long believed: women want more than a vacation. They want personal growth, connection, and joy.

“Women don’t just want to check places off a list, they want to be moved by them,” says founder and award-winning travel expert Doni Belau. “These aren’t just vacations. They’re opportunities to rediscover who you are, surrounded by beauty, belonging, and a circle of like-minded women.”

Additional key insights from the 2025 survey include:

• Solo Travel Is Rising—but Women Don’t Want to Go It Alone: 48% have already experienced a women-only group trip, and nearly 40% cited a lack of travel partners as a major barrier, making small-group, women-only travel a liberating solution.
• Luxury with Purpose: The majority of women surveyed are willing to invest $7,500–$10,000 for a premium week-long, once-in-a-lifetime trip. But they’re not interested in traditional luxury. Instead, they value private rooms, expert local guides, immersive cultural experiences, and thoughtfully curated itineraries.
• Cultural Curiosity Tops the List: When asked what type of experience they most crave, cultural immersion led the way, followed by relaxation, adventure, and culinary experiences, pointing to a generation of women eager to explore with all five senses.
• Freedom to Explore on Their Terms: 59% of respondents are retired and unbound by traditional responsibilities, choosing to spend their time and resources on travel that is intentional, transformative, and aligned with their values.
• Expertise Matters: Respondents prioritized access to local knowledge, vetted guides, and private rooms, showing a clear preference for thoughtful, seamless itineraries over mass-market tours.

“These women are curious, confident, and ready to explore,” said Doni. “They’re redefining what solo travel looks like, and proving that age isn’t a limitation, it’s an invitation.”

In an interview with us earlier this year, the founder shared that the reason solo travel is becoming more popular among women, especially over 40, is down to a few key cultural factors and changing trends.

“53% of women in America are single [and that is] a huge factor. Also women now more than ever before have money and most of the time they’ve worked for it or supported a partner who did while staying at home and taking care of everything else. Over the past 10 years, solo travel has become more normalized in our society as women continue to gain power and influence despite recent setbacks,” she explained.

Conducted in June 2025, this new survey is part of Girls’ Guide to the World’s ongoing effort to better understand the evolving needs of solo-minded, group-oriented female travelers.

With more options available for women to travel solo but not feel entirely alone, if you are looking to take the first step, you can visit the Girls Guide To The World website to see if it is the right fit for you.