Japan, the True Paradise for Solo Adventures

Are Western cultures really individualistic?

We often hear that Western societies are individualistic, while Japan is known for being group-oriented. Growing up, I believed this too.

In many Western cultures, children are encouraged to express their opinions and make decisions independently. In Japan, however, we’re often taught to read the room, avoid standing out, and prioritize harmony. From school trips to company dinners, the idea of doing things “together” is deeply rooted.

So, I was surprised when I spent time abroad and realized something: in everyday life, Japan might actually be more accepting of people being alone.

Is eating out an occasion for food or for conversation?

When I stayed in countries like Spain, France, and Switzerland, I often found myself hesitating before entering a restaurant alone. Everyone seemed to be chatting in groups, laughing over drinks and shared plates. It wasn’t that solo diners were unwelcome—but sitting alone felt awkward.

Even while traveling with friends, I sometimes wanted to explore or grab a drink on my own. But I’d worry: is it safe? Will I find a place where solo diners are welcome? Not knowing the area or customs made me second-guess myself.

I still remember one night in Barcelona, walking past a bar where people were enjoying pinchos with sangria, the whole scene visible from the street. It looked amazing, and I wanted to go in so badly. But I couldn’t bring myself to step inside, and ended up going back to the hotel.

Japan’s solo-friendly culture: How far can you go alone?

In contrast, Japan has developed a wide range of services for solo customers. From solo ramen shops and karaoke rooms to single-traveler plans at hotels, there’s an infrastructure that makes doing things alone feel completely normal.

Of course, even in Japan, doing something solo can feel intimidating. So here’s a lighthearted ranking of “solo activities” based on my personal (and very biased) sense of difficulty. How far could you go?

Solo Activity Levels (Purely Personal Ranking)

Level 1: Solo Ramen (e.g., Ichiran) ☆☆☆☆☆
Counter seats with dividers. Even if you go with a friend, you end up eating alone. Zero awkwardness.

Level 2: Solo BBQ (e.g., Yakiniku Like) ★☆☆☆☆
Grilling meat at your own pace is a joy. Still, being seen alone might make you feel self-conscious, especially if you’re a woman.

Level 3: Solo Karaoke ★☆☆☆☆
Great for stress relief and practicing new songs. Some people might still associate it with loneliness, but it’s actually super fun.

Level 4: Solo Bar ★★☆☆☆
Sometimes you just want to enjoy a quiet drink. But it takes courage, especially if you’re worried about being approached.

Level 5: Solo Theme Park, Solo BBQ, Solo Fine Dining ★★★☆☆
Standing in line at a theme park or walking into a fancy French restaurant alone can be daunting. These are next-level solo missions.

Solo Travel: Beyond any ranking

Where does solo travel fall in all this? Honestly, it can’t be ranked.

Every part of the experience—meals, sightseeing, transportation—is solo by default. And while there’s a freedom in that, it also means facing loneliness head-on. Wanting to share a view with someone, or feeling unsure in an unfamiliar place, comes with the territory.

Choosing to travel alone, even knowing those challenges, is something I think deserves its own category:

Solo travel isn’t Level 5—it’s god-level.

Not ready for full solo travel? Try a “Solo Day.”

Super Solo Travel in Japan sounds appealing—but jumping into it might feel overwhelming. Instead, why not start with a single Solo Day?

Even if you travel with friends or family, you can carve out a few solo moments:

• Eat one meal on your own
• Spend an afternoon exploring solo
• Take a free day just for yourself

Having space to move at your own pace can make your entire trip feel more fulfilling. And sharing your solo adventure stories afterward can be just as fun.

A little solitude might be exactly what you need

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, constantly navigating social interactions or needing a break from the noise—maybe it’s time to step back.
In Japan, it’s totally okay to eat alone, walk alone, sing alone, and just… be.

Try a Super Solo Day in Japan.

It might become your favorite part of the trip.