10 Things To Do in Tokyo, Japan as a Solo Traveler

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Tokyo, Japan is one of the coolest destinations I’ve ever visited as a solo traveler. If we haven’t met, I’m Gina, and I’m so excited to tell you all the amazing things I was able to do and experience in Tokyo. I’ve also included some solo travel tips and general info about Tokyo at the bottom. As always, if you have any questions when you’re done reading, use the Contact Me form at the bottom or message me on Instagram!

Japan was the first country I ever visited in Asia, and quickly became one of my favorite countries worldwide. My friend Rachel and I went to Kyoto and Osaka together, and then I ended up doing Tokyo on my own. Unfortunately, my stay in Tokyo got cut short due to 2 incoming typhoons, and I left without getting to experience everything I wanted to do. Don’t worry, I’m already planning to come back! Even with limited time, I was still able to have some incredible experiences that I’ll cherish forever. With that said, let’s discover 10 of the best things to do as a solo traveler in Tokyo!

1. Do a Professional Photoshoot in the City

IMO, Tokyo is one of the best places to book a professional photoshoot. It’s one of the most iconic cities in the world, and there’s no better way to commemorate your experience than hiring a local photographer who knows the city’s best angles. I booked my photoshoot with Photo Trips Japan, and it was hands-down one of my favorite things I did on my trip.

One thing I especially loved about my photoshoot was that it captured multiple sides of Tokyo and showcased the city’s modern energy along with its quieter corners. We were able to highlight Tokyo’s countless neon lights throughout the city center, along with the small alleyways flanked by lanterns that provide a quiet, dreamy glow.

Tips for Dressing for Your Tokyo Photoshoot

Any time I do a photoshoot somewhere, I always try to embody the culture and/or dress for the vibe that a city is known for. However, this was difficult for me in Tokyo because I can’t pull off Japanese fashion trends very well. My original plan was to assess what the locals wore and find an outfit during my trip, but that was easier said than done. After looking for days, I finally found the perfect outfit an hour before my photoshoot that embodied local fashion trends but still felt like me. PHEW!

2. Explore the “Cute Culture” in Harajuku

If you’re a millennial, you likely learned what a “Harajuku girl” was in the early 2000s thanks to Gwen Stefani’s song Rich Girl. I’d be lying if I said this song wasn’t playing in my head the entire time I was exploring this area! Harajuku is famous for being the center of Japan’s kawaii, or “cute” culture. Think bows, ruffles, tulle skirts, Hello Kitty, lots of accessories, etc. It’s eccentric youth street fashion to the max. I loved observing the Japanese girls that embodied this kawaii aesthetic. There’s no way I could pull it off like they do, but if I’m Japanese in my next life, best believe I’ll be a cute culture girlie for sure!

The Best Streets to Explore in Harajuku

TBH, Takeshita Street (Harajuku’s most famous street) was somewhat underwhelming to me, not to mention crowded…but it still deserves a walk-through. Along the way, you’ll find crepes, clothing and accessories stores, and animal cafes (dogs, cats, and even micro-pigs and capybaras!). Had I gotten to experience an animal cafe, I probably would have rated this street a bit higher. Next time, I’m spending an entire day petting all the animals!

One of the shops I really enjoyed on Takeshita Street was Takenoko, which displays eccentric, glittery costumes that remind me of things I’ve seen in Las Vegas. Another is CS T&P, a store that carries a variety of different kawaii-style shoes where I found last-minute combat boots for the photoshoot I mentioned above. If you wander down the side streets that go off of Takeshita Street, you’ll find they have lots of hidden charm. Take a moment to sneak off through the alleyways to find more independent clothing stores and thrift shops, and even a cafe here and there.

My favorite street in Harajuku was Cat Street. It’s much more laid back than Takeshita St. and has cozy cafes and trendy shops. It was easier to find clothes that were more my style in this area – in fact, I found my photoshoot dress in the AllSaints store here. At the end of Cat Street, you’ll find Omotesando St, which is home to a lot of high-end luxury stores.

3. Have a “Treat Yourself” Shopping Day in Ginza

One of the best parts about solo travel is not having to ask permission to treat yourself, and in Tokyo, many people do that in Ginza. This area is home to a lot of high end stores and other malls, along with Michelin-star restaurants and elegant cafes. Even if you don’t plan on making a big purchase, you can still wander through the neighborhood, grab an afternoon tea or matcha, or enjoy a world-class dinner. For a designer-based luxury cafe experience, check out Le Café V on the 7th floor of the Louis Vuitton Namikidori store.

• Pro Tip: I’ll sometimes make luxury purchases during my European travels because the VAT refunds can be substantial. While Japan also offers tax-free shopping for tourists, the savings aren’t quite as significant as in most European countries.

5. See the Famous Shibuya Crossing

The Shibuya street crossing, aka the Shibuya scramble, is the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. I know that crossing the street doesn’t exactly sound like the experience of a lifetime, but it’s one of those tourist things that you can’t miss in Tokyo. In Japan, everyone is very diligent about waiting at the crosswalks and not jaywalking. I would encourage you to get a photo of the people crossing from a good vantage point, but also walking through the crossing yourself. I have to admit, being in the middle of the chaos of hundreds of people crossing the street at once in different directions was kinda fun!

Where’s the Best Place to See the Shibuya Crossing?

If you want to get the iconic Shibuya crossing photo, you have a few different options. Many people go up to Shibuya Sky, a 360 degree observation deck that offers one of the best views of Shibuya crossing and the entire city. But it costs ~$18 to enter, not to mention it’s often crowded. Many people love it though, and I would encourage you to check it out – especially if you want panoramic Tokyo views. Other people go to the rooftop of MAGNET by Shibuya109. It’s cheaper (~$12) and you get a free drink with entry, but it’s not quite as high up as Shibuya Sky.

A free option to see the Shibuya scramble is the 11th floor lobby of Shibuya Hickarie, which is where I went (head towards the back corner by the theater). While this was conveniently located right off of the subway station and not at all crowded, it was a little far from the crossing. I had to zoom into the 5x setting on my iPhone camera to get the photo below. I don’t necessarily regret seeing the scramble from here, but if you have an older phone or camera that doesn’t zoom in as far, you may not get a great shot.

6. Walk Through Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane)

If you asked me the best place to romanticize your life in Tokyo, I would tell you to head to Omoide Yokocho, aka Memory Lane. These 2 narrow alleyways are lined with dreamy lanterns, tiny bars, and izakayas, and are also famous for yakitori (grilled skewer) stalls. I walked through here every night when I was in Tokyo because it was so beautiful.

• Pro Tip: An izakaya is is a traditional Japanese gastropub where locals gather to unwind over drinks and a variety of small dishes. It’s one of the best places to experience Japanese nightlife and casual dining culture.

Omoide Yokocho was the last spot we went to on my Tokyo photoshoot. If you decide to book a photoshoot, this is a great place to grab some traditional Japanese street food and drinks afterwards.

8. Dine With Live Owls at L.Verus Cafe & Bar

L.Verus Cafe & Bar is a unique, jungle-themed restaurant located on the 5th floor of a building in Japan that has live owls and a mini-golf terrace upstairs. I first found this place because I was craving a Western meal for breakfast (side note – a Western breakfast can be hard to find in Japan!) and ended up coming back twice. This was partially because of the food, and partially because of the owls. Owls are my favorite animal, and being able to eat while watching them perched in their little home was such an enjoyable experience!

9. Visit the Senso-Ji Temple

Although Kyoto is considered the temple capital of Japan, you can also see temples in Tokyo as well. The most famous is Senso-Ji, which is the city’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple. Before you get to the entrance, you’ll walk through Nakamise-dori, a lively street lined with traditional snack vendors, souvenir shops, and and handmade goods. Make sure you notice the painting on the ceiling of the temple once you enter!

Once inside the temple grounds, you can immerse yourself in traditional Japanese customs by wafting the smoke from the large incense burner over yourself for good health, offering a prayer at the main hall, or drawing an omikuji (paper fortune). Hopefully your fortune is good, but if it’s bad (like mine was ☹️), simply tie it to the wire rack nearby to be burned later!

10. Check Out One of Tokyo’s teamLabs

There are 2 different teamLabs in Tokyo: teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless. Both offer completely different experiences, so explore the individual websites to decide which is the best fit for you. TeamLab is an immersive digital art museum that combines light, color, sound, and technology to create interactive, out-of-this-world exhibits. This was another activity that I wanted to do in Tokyo but unfortunately didn’t get to. However, I did do teamLab Botanical Garden in Osaka, and the ones in Tokyo look just as fascinating.

Other Tips for Traveling in Tokyo

Is Tokyo Safe As A Solo Traveler?

Overall, I felt pretty safe as a female solo traveler in Tokyo. One area I would like to mention is Kabukicho, known as one of Tokyo’s red light districts. While this isn’t the same type of red light district you’d find in Amsterdam, there are some things to be aware of here. The entertainment in this area is more diverse and can be anything from girls’ bars to host/hostess clubs to adult entertainment venues. I encountered many men throughout this area that called out to me to try and get me to come into their bars or clubs. (My advice: always keep it moving! 🏃‍♀️) Although Kabukicho has a heavy police presence, I was told by a couple different locals to be aware of my surroundings when walking through here. I never felt unsafe, but it’s advice I’d pass along to anyone visiting the area.

Another cool area to check out in Kabukicho is Golden Gai, a maze of 6 alleys that contain around 200 tiny, hole-in-the-wall bars. Some of them can only sit 5-8 people at a time! Many require climbing up a narrow, dimly lit staircase to get to the 2nd floor. This area felt a bit grungier to me than some of the other spots in Tokyo, but in a charming, historic way. Even if you don’t stop for a drink, it’s really neat to walk through!

How Many Days Do You Need in Tokyo?

TBH, I think you need at least 4-5 days in Tokyo because there’s just so much to do. Plus, a lot of things are really spread out, so you may have some long subway rides depending on where you’re staying. I was only here for 2 & 1/2 days, which wasn’t nearly enough time to see and do everything that I wanted. Don’t worry – I intend on coming back!

What’s the Best Way to Get to Tokyo?

If you’re flying to Japan from another country, you’re likely flying into one of Tokyo’s 2 airports: Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT). But if you’re coming to Tokyo from another Japanese city, the best thing to do is take the Shinkansen, aka the bullet train. I booked all my Shinkansen tickets on Klook and it was seamless and easy!

• Pro Tip: Tokyo has 3 major Shinkansen stations – make sure you pick the one closest to your hotel!