A 2-Week Japan Itinerary for Solo Women

When I tell people I’ve spent months traveling through Japan, I get the same reaction:

“Nice! I’ve always wanted to see Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.”

And sure—I’ve had my share of magical moments in those places. I’ve loved my early mornings wandering Kyoto’s bamboo groves before the tour buses arrive, and had more than a few blurry nights belting out 2000s punk pop in Osaka’s tiny karaoke bars. 

But if you want more for your Japan trip than to run from train to temple to tea ceremony with everyone else? 

I’ve also watched the sun rise over the Pacific from a WWII outpost on Chichijima, a remote Japanese island 1,000 kilometers from Tokyo. I’ve bathed in the steamy hells of Beppu, picnicked under cherry blossoms with strangers-turned-friends in Sapporo, learned to fry and fold gyoza in a stranger’s kitchen, cycled through citrus groves on Setoda, and gotten that magical, crystal clear view of Mt. Fuji from a boat on one of the 5 lakes of Fuji.

So this one’s for the women who want to go deeper–more hanami and hot springs, less checking boxes and running from place to place on the well-trodden path. 

My 2-week itinerary still hits major highlights, but leans into the wonderfully authentic and relaxing corners of Japan that travelers often miss. 

Days 1–2: Tokyo

Yes, Tokyo is on this itinerary, but only because I’m a realist. It’s far from my favorite place in Japan, but it makes sense to fly into Tokyo. And even though it can be a hellish nightmare of the overpriced and overcrowded variety, it’s also full of sweet little hideaways and opportunities for authentic experiences. 

Instead of sprinting from Tokyo Tower to Shibuya Crossing, base yourself in Shimokitazawa, Nakameguro, or Koenji—neighborhoods with charm, thrift stores, and coffee shops.

My must-dos in Tokyo:

• Go vintage shopping in Shimokitazawa. You can find neat Americana merch, streetwear, original electronics, and so much more! 
• Grab a coffee and people-watch by the Meguro River
• Visit a jazz bar in Shinjuku (I like Pit Inn or Bar Martha)
• Skip paying to go up inside Tokyo Tower and go to the FREE Tokyo Metropolitan Building. It has 360-degree views and observation decks where you can see Mt. Fuji on a clear day!
• Have a picnic with konbini snacks (yes, the egg sandwiches are that good! I also love the spicy fried chicken at Family Mart as an easy grab and go when I don’t want to stop for a full meal)
  

Don’t rush. You’ll enjoy Tokyo more if you treat it like a long walk with snacks!

Days 3–5: Mountain air, spas, and art: Hakone

Leave the chaos behind and head to Hakone, where forested hills roll out like a painting. There are open-air art museums, cable cars with Mt. Fuji views, and relaxing onsens in charming historic hotels. 

My must-dos in Hakone:

• Ride the Hakone Ropeway for volcanic valley views
• Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum (the rainbow-stained-glass tower is a must, along with the incredible Picasso building). Get tickets here!
• Check out the Venetian glass museum. It’s particularly breathtaking in the summer, and I loved it so much that I brought my mother-in-law there years after my first visit. 
• Soak in the onsen. After a day of forest bathing, art viewing, hiking, or river picnicking, you’ll want to relax. Ryokans are traditional Japanese spa hotels with gender separated onsens. Here’s my favorite budget ryokan in Hakone (and it includes breakfast and dinner!).
• Take the ship across Lake Ashi—cheesy, but iconic for the Fuji views and to enjoy the park
  

Tokyo to Hakone-Yumoto = ~1.5 hrs on the Odakyu Romancecar

Days 6–8: Sake, Slow Streets & Snowy Peaks: Takayama

Ever heard of the Japanese Alps? Takayama is a small mountain town that feels like a movie set with “old town” wooden houses that line quiet streets. Locals greet you with soft smiles and warm cups of amazake, a traditional sweet drink made of fermented rice. 

My must-dos in Takayama:

• Wander Sanmachi Suji (the old town) at golden hour. Everyone visiting Japan wants to see Edo Era buildings, and Takayama is a great place to do it without the stampede of tourists in Kyoto. It’s also a quieter alternative to view cherry blossoms than Kyoto in April!
• Go sake tasting—most spots have English signs and tastings for under ¥300
• Visit the morning markets and grab fresh mochi or local apples
• Take an easy day trip to Shirakawa-go, a fairytale village with thatched roofs
  

Meet other travelers here just by sitting at the bar. Or you can not talk to anyone for three days and feel perfectly whole.

Hakone to Takayama = ~4.5 hrs via Odawara → Nagoya → Takayama

Days 9–11: The heart of the trip: Hiroshima & Miyajima

Hiroshima is heavy, but essential. It’s actually one of my top 3 favorite cities in Japan, evolving from total destruction into a beautiful, coastal, and trendy city. Be sure to walk through the Peace Memorial Park, take a deep breath, and let the city show you what resilience looks like.

My must-dos in Hiroshima and Miyajima:

• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum (give yourself time and bring your tissues). Get tickets here!
• Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (savory, layered pancakes full of crispy pork, onions, noodles, and an umami mayo sauce fried to perfection)
• Ferry to Miyajima Island to see my favorite floating torii gate in Japan!
• Hike up Mount Misen or take the ropeway for epic views
• Watch the deer steal someone’s map (but don’t feed them—trust me)

Takayama to Hiroshima = ~4.5 hrs via Nagoya → Shin-Osaka → Hiroshima
Ferry to Miyajima = ~1 hr round trip

Days 12–14: Ramen carts, river walks, and city buzz: Fukuoka

End strong in Fukuoka, a southern city that’s somehow still under-the-radar for most Western travelers. It’s got warmth, charm, and a deliciously scrappy nightlife scene. And for foodies: welcome to heaven. 

My must-dos in Fukuoka:

• Eat tonkotsu ramen at a yatai stall by the river
• If you’re visiting in November, go to the final of Japan’s Grand Sumo Tournament
• Browse Canal City or chill in Ohori Park
• Visit TeamLab Forest for a smaller, lesser-known immersive light show (these aren’t my thing personally, but they’re very Instagrammy if you’re into that!)
• Grab a drink in Daimyo, then wander wherever the night takes you—karaoke, a third bowl of ramen on the river, or a little izakaya for some delicious fried snacks. 

Hiroshima to Fukuoka (Hakata Station) = ~1 hr by shinkansen

Tips for traveling solo in Japan for women

• Safety: Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. Still, use your instincts, but it’s a great place to not feel like you need to constantly be looking over your shoulder or watching your pockets. Some train cars are even reserved for women only!
• Trains: Give yourself plenty of time to get to your train. Ticketing can be confusing and the train stations are huge! Grab some snacks and beers in the station and enjoy the journey as much as the destination. And don’t forget to keep your eyes on the map as soon as the train starts moving to make sure you’re headed in the right direction!
• Apps: Download Google Translate & Google Maps. 

Looking for more about Japan? Visit our blog to learn more about hidden gems and less-visited Japan destinations!