Japan Solo Highlights: My best experiences and unexpected moments

Japan had been a dream since childhood — the kind of place I imagined through anime/manga, sushi menus, and pictures of sakura blossoms. With only 17 days and a whole country to explore, I had to make choices. So I stuck to the classic first-timer route: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka.

My goals were simple: See some culture, eat everything and leave room for spontaneous wandering (as always). 

Tokyo Part 1 - Culture meets modern life

I landed in Tokyo and gave myself the gift of a slow start. Days 1 and 2 were all about adjusting, exploring, and eating convenience store food in bed. Romance!

I stayed in Ueno, which turned out to be a great base. I spent my first afternoon at the Tokyo National Museum — totally worth it if you enjoy art, history, and have a little time at hand. 

Day 2 was my birthday, and I had one request: visit Meiji Jingu.

The sun was shining, the air was warm, and walking through the park to the shrine felt magical — like the perfect reset button. Afterward, I wandered around Shinjuku and treated myself to dinner at a traditional standing Japanese BBQ. Yes, standing. Yes, delicious.

Shinkansen to Osaka – Cue the Mount Fuji Sighting

I boarded my first ever bullet train like a kid in a sweet shop.
Window seat? Check. Headphones on? Check. Mount Fuji view? Absolute magic.
 It lived up to every bit of the hype. 

Kyoto - Serenity & Sore Feet

Looking back, Kyoto is the one I slightly under-planned… and slightly over-walked.

But that’s part of travel too — sometimes, you miss a few things. Here’s what I did love:

  • Arashiyama: Yes, the bamboo grove is iconic, but don’t skip Tenryu-ji Temple. Sit on the terrace, take in the gardens, and breathe.

Want something quieter? Okochi Sanso Garden is just up the hill. A peaceful estate with gorgeous views and a complimentary matcha at the end. 

  • Kyoto Royal Palace: Now a public park with a mapped route. Pretty, structured, and calm — a nice historical pause.


  • Nishiki market: Walked there from the palace (Google Maps lied about the distance). My reward? A seat, a matcha latte, and a solid people-watching session.

By week two, my feet quit. Even with great shoes, I hit the “please no more stairs” stage. I took a rest day and only left my room for food. Highly recommended. 

Highlights and Tips: 

  • Download a suica card on your phone. You can use it in all 3 cities for all transports.

  • Try all the food you want especially the egg sandwich, kobe beef, melon pan, ramen, sushi (search for sushi in japanese for local spots).

  • if you wear glasses - get them in Japan. Fast, affordable, and stylish 

  • Skip the JR Pass. It is pricier than just booking individual train tickets, and it doesn’t cover every route. Plus, for the Shinkansen, you’ll need two tickets — one for the seat and another if you’re bringing a suitcase. (Yes, really.) Don’t forget to reserve luggage storage in advance — it’s required if your bag won’t fit overhead.

Osaka: 

  • Hotel Apa Namba: great location in Dotonburi 

  • Rikuro: best cheesecake 

Kyoto: 

  • Hotel the M’s: great location + comfort

  • Arashiyama: best for culture and scenery 

  • Kurozakura Hachijoguchi: best kobe beef 

Tokyo: 

  • Tokyo Sky Tree: best view 

  • Loft, Itoya: crafty souvenirs 

  • Donki: best for souvenirs

Osaka - Food, Fun and a bit of Culture 

I based myself in Dotonbori, right in the heart of all things neon, foodie, and slightly chaotic.

On my wish list: Half day trip to Himeji castle, visit Dotonburi and Osaka castle, try kobe beef and the famous skewers. 

  • Dotonbori was buzzing at all hours. Great food, crowded streets, and sensory overload in the best way. Wander a little, and you'll find covered shopping arcades, snack shops, and that famous jiggly cheesecake.


  • Osaka Castle surprised me. Honestly? Skip the inside if you’re short on time. The grounds are lovely, especially in the morning, and there’s a peaceful park to stroll. 


  • Himeji was a must for me — and not at all what I expected. The inside of the castle is completely empty, but the architecture is stunning. Just a warning: the stairs are steep and slippery, use the slippers provided, your thighs might be sore the next day.

The town itself? Super charming and worth a wander.

Personal rant: Why do hotel breakfasts end so early? I’m not waking up at 7 a.m. on holiday for eggs on toast, sorry.

Tokyo Part 2: Shopping, Shrines, and Skyline Views

Returning to Tokyo felt like coming full circle — and now I had a better sense of what I wanted to see (and buy). 

  • Sensoji temple: still an active temple. Great for souvenirs and snacks. 

  • Ginza: a shoppers’ dream.

Uniqlo (12 floors!), Muji, LOFT, Itoya for the kind of stationery that makes you consider becoming a pen person if you aren't one already.

  • Tokyo Sky tree: Go for sunset into night. You’ll feel tiny in the best way. Bonus: excellent dining and shopping below.

Shibuya: Disney store, mega Donki, Shibuya crossing: That famous crossing you’ve seen a thousand times online

From my travel notebook: This trip was everything I had dreamed of and more. Japan definitely got my heart. Till next time…