17 Best Things To Do In Tokyo For Female Solo Travellers (2026)

Tokyo is one of those cities that can feel both exciting and overwhelming when you are travelling alone for the first time.

Between the huge train stations, crowded streets, and endless list of “must-see” attractions, it is easy to feel like you need to rush around and tick everything off.

But honestly, the experiences I loved most in Tokyo were not the big tourist attractions.

They were the slower moments that made me feel connected to the city. Sitting in Yoyogi Park with a coffee and a deck of cards. Eating pastries in a tiny local bakery where everyone smiled at me even though we did not speak the same language.

Going to a public bath after a long sightseeing day and realising I had not thought about my phone for over an hour. That was probably my favourite thing to do actually.

If you are worried about visiting Tokyo alone as a woman, I completely get it. I was nervous before my first trip too. But Tokyo ended up being one of the easiest cities I have ever travelled solo. It felt safe, easy to navigate, and pretty unique.

In this guide, I am sharing the best things to do in the city by yourself, including peaceful parks, cosy cafés, cultural experiences, shopping spots, day trips, and a few great ways to meet other travellers too.

Before jumping in, I have to tell you about this hostel in Asakusa (Tokyo) because it was amazing and I even got FREE FACE MASKS! ➡️ Check current prices for Glamping Asakusa here

#1 Visit Yoyogi Park – The Cosiest in Tokyo!

There are many parks in Tokyo but I have to say Yoyogi Park is the one I like the most. While other parks are big and overwhelming, this one is more contained, easy to navigate and honestly beautiful!

Not far from the entrance, there is a beautiful lawn where people gather for picnics, games or chat. I brought my cards and played solitaire with a hot drink. There are loads of really cool cafes nearby such as Little Nap Coffee Stand, which is tiny and cute!

Last time I went it was autumn and walking through the forest part was beautiful, the leaves were in every shade of red, orange and yellow.

Right next to the park, there is Meiji Jingu which is a sacred temple you can visit every day (including weekends).

The location of Yoyogi Park is perfect, pretty central, so after this I always go to Shibuya and get a few things done. Getting here is also extremely easy; there are different train stations around the park. Harajuku Station is probably one of the best on the Yamanote Line.

For this activity, I would allow at least 3 hours of your itinerary to really enjoy the park and relax.

#2 Go For A Good Soak In A Public Bath

Bath Houses have always been part of the Japanese culture.

In ancient times, it was considered the best thing to do to get rid of sins. Some time ago, it was super popular because people didn’t have private bathrooms at home.

Nowadays, even if locals do have private bathrooms, they still go to the public baths.

Why? There is a strong sense of community; sometimes they even organise themed nights, and it’s the best place to go with a friend or family member to relax and let go of the day.

What to expect in a public bath:

First of all, you will be completely naked, but don’t worry, no one is looking at you; everyone minds its own business.

You will be given a small towel for the public baths and strangely, with all the places I could think of covering, it goes folded on your head!

There are 2 kinds of public baths, one is the bathhouse, which you can find easily in big towns in Japan, where they will only use heated water, while the other one is the onsen, which are essentially hot springs, therefore naturally heated.

In terms of pricing, the bathhouse is typically a lot cheaper than the onsens. You can easily pay around $2 as the entry fee, while at the onsen you would pay at least $5.. all the way up, depending on location.

In both cases, there will be different pools with warm temperatures and health benefits. Some of them have a sauna and a steam room too. You also shower all together in one room, sitting on stools.

I know it sounds like a weird experience for Westerners, but you have to try it! You will love it so much, you will go every single day, I promise! For me, it was like a healing experience and it also helped with letting go of the stress of travelling all day.

If you want to try it with a guide on your first day ➡️ book this friendly female guide that will take you through step by step. You will meet her in a bathhouse in Tokyo that is also tattoo-friendly. I highly recommend it, she is lovely and will make you feel at ease straight away.

#3 Check Out Tokyo Tower Observatory

A visit to the Tokyo Tower Observatory is a must! When I went there, it blew my mind completely, because I had no idea what the city looked like. I mean, look at these roads going one on top of another. By only walking around, I didn’t know what I was surrounded by.

At nighttime, it’s simply magical, there is so much to see on different floors and in addition to that, videos are playing explaining the history of the Tokyo Tower. I enjoy those videos a lot and probably spent more than 2 hours up there!

➡️ Get your official ticket here on GetYourGuide.com. I always book it online so I don’t need to queue inside. Tickets start from $9 depending on what experience you’re looking for, but make sure you select the ticket including Top Deck 🙂

If you want to take really good photos of yourself with the Tokyo Tower, I recommend standing right here and if you want to sit somewhere quiet while still admiring the tower, go to Momiji-dani, which is a tiny park nearby with lots of benches. It’s the best spot to unwind after visiting the observatory.

In case you are super hungry before or after the observatory, check out Pizza 4P’s, which makes an unbelievable pizza. You have to reserve in advance, unless you’re on your own like me and always manage to get a spot by the counter!

#4 Get Your Nails Done At Riverside Custom Nails

I didn’t go too wild with the nail art (as you can see), but you know Japanese people are famous for their extravagant nail art, full of stickers, leaves, add-ons and glitter.

I’ve been to Japan a few times and only last time I managed to find a place where they speak English and do a mean manicure!

The salon is called Riverside Custom Nais located in a residential building, you will feel like you’re going at someone’s house but you’re going to a nail salon! The inside is super cute and the owner is the best!

I know getting a manicure is not the first thing you would think when travelling to Tokyo but I loved interacting with the salon’s owner and get to learn about Japanese culture!

Check their insta to get inspired and don’t forget to book in advance! I booked maybe 5 days prior.

#5 Blow Your Mind At TeamLab Borderless

This is another must in Tokyo, this experience will make you feel like a child again.

TeamLab Borderless is an exhibition that takes you from room to room. Each one with different lighting effects, sounds and tricked mirrors.

The workshops are also worth trying, even if you see children queuing! I actually attended a drawing workshop where you are invited to draw a fish, they will then bring it to life by transforming it into a living character and projecting it in a room. Your fish will swim around the walls! Isn’t that cool?!

➡️ Get your tickets here on GetYourGuide! Needless to say, TeamLab is always busy and you really need to book months in advance. So, make sure to reserve your tickets as soon as you book your flight!

#6 Rent Your Kimono For An Epic Photoshoot (You Deserve It!)

Travelling alone sometimes means being a pro with the tripod in order to get decent pictures or ask strangers to take pictures of you.

I know I’m a travel blogger, but I’m not good with either. My tripod falls flat as soon as I’m ready to take the picture and I’m too shy to ask strangers to take a photo. What to do?

Well, in a magical place like Japan, you have to get a photoshoot with traditional clothes! It’s actually not that expensive. You get incredible clothes and a hairstyle as well as a fantastic photographer.

What I liked the most was observing the work that goes into wearing a kimono. There are so many layers I felt like a mummy! That’s how it’s supposed to be, but I would never have known if it wasn’t for this photoshoot experience.

➡️ Book your photoshoot here. I got so much out of it, I used the pictures for different blog posts and Pinterest, too. Also, I felt like a diva for a day, ok?

You can keep the kimono all day but honestly, I only had it for the photoshoot because I didn’t know how to walk on traditional shoes and most importantly, I didn’t know how to pee. You know what I mean?

#7 Have Breakfast Saison Café

For all the sourdough lovers out there, I’ve got you! This hipster cafe and bakery called Saison is insane. I had the best breakfast there!

I had eggs, roasted veggies, sausages and delish sourdough. It reminded me of Tartine in LA, a similar concept.

If you go to eat alone, let me tell you, you will get entertained all the time.

Starting from the fact they say hello to everyone coming in. Also, the spots at the counter are the best.

The counter is round, and in the middle, you will see the chefs cooking. Mostly cool girls cooking like it was the easiest thing in the world. The food is phenomenal.

You might need to queue outside. If you do so, make sure you’re on the list, which is right by the entrance door.

#8 Go For A Walk In Ginza

Ginza is a modern and classy (sometimes overwhelming) neighbourhood that will make you go “oh yah I’m in Tokyo”.

You’ve got to visit Muji while you’re there because it’s massive and it also includes Muji hotel on the top floor.

This is as cool as you are imagining right now. If you can afford it, reserve it A LOT in advance because it’s always fully booked!

#9 Visit Unplugged Café (hot chocolate and work-friendly spot)

Ok, Unplugged is my favourite cafe in Tokyo, I went there every day last time I was in town.

#11 Head To @cosme Store For The Best Japanese and Korean Skincare

Alright, I’m not ashamed to say I spent hours here. I normally go to Korea to get skincare but this time I was really impressed by Japanese skincare too!

I got quite a few face masks, hair products, skincare and yes, they also sell Korean face masks. If you like taking care of yourself, you can’t skip @cosme! Remember you also get your tax back straight away, which is lovely.

As soon as you get in, there is a list of the most sold items to get inspired. However, I did my research on YouTube so I was fully prepared 😀

#12 Try Yummy Bakery (traditional Japanese bakery near Oimachi)

First of all, Japanese bakeries are really good.

If, like me, you have allergies, Yummy Bakery, is one of the few places where you can get a better idea of what each item contains as they add an ingredients list on each pastry.

This local bakery is magical. Here I met a lot of locals from the neighbourhood meeting with friends for a coffee and sweet treats. We also tried to communicate through gestures and smiles.

Once you finish your food you are supposed to put the trash in the plastic bag provided at the till and give it back to the cashier.

#13 Have A Karaoke Experience Alone

Have you always dreamt about performing and singing on stage like a pop star? I certainly have, that’s why a karaoke experience in Tokyo is a must!

You might wonder if you should do it alone. But let me ask you, are you not on your own when you sing in the shower or sing into your broom when cleaning in the weekend?

What about upgrading that with a proper microphone, lights and a full wall with lyrics? You will also have enough room to perform your moves without slipping in your shower cubicle.

The place I always go to is Karaoke Big Echo Shibuya, which is right next to Shibuya Crossing. So you get 2 birds with one stone.

#14 Try Japanese Sushi And Ramen Here

These are the best spots if you really want to try local food. Most of these places are actually super affordable too:

Food Type	Place Name	Best For
Sushi	Sushi Choshimaru	Affordable conveyor belt sushi
Sushi	Kyotatsu	Sushi near train stations
Sushi	Kura Sushi	Budget-friendly sushi
Sushi	Uogashi Nihon-Ichi (Shibuya)	Quick standing sushi in Shibuya
Ramen	Ramen Kiccho	Rich, comforting ramen
Ramen	Tokishirazu	Seafood-based ramen
Ramen	AFURI Ebisu	Light yuzu ramen
Tonkatsu	Tonkatsu Mitake	Deliscious crispy tonkatsu

If you have allergies like me, try Green Brothers! It’s a chain so you can easily find one near you. I normally order custom salads here and I found it pretty safe as I had control on what was going on my plate.

#15 Book Your Traditional Tea Ceremony

Some rituals help you feel grounded and bring more intention into your life. Making your cup of tea will never be the same after this!

I loved this experience so much, I got my own matcha and whisk from Japan and I make my own tea every day.

This is not just a way to learn the fantastic Japanese culture but it’s also a good opportunity to learn something to integrate into your daily routine!

➡️ Check out this tea ceremony in Asakusa. You can totally combine this experience with the Kimono rental and get 2 birds in one stone! This place is also in Asakusa and you will love it!

#16 Go For A Sound Healing Class Here

As someone who lives in Bali, I had to find a sound healing place. If you have some free time and want to fully relax, I highly recommend this place called studio PLAYA.

Although most yoga classes are in Japanese only, there is no talking in sound healing, so you can fully enjoy it with lots of locals!

#17 Get Your Tickets For A Sumo Fight Show

I mean, you will probably meet Sumo fighters on the train. I certainly have and felt very intrigued.

It was definitely no free advertisement, as they are living humans and need to go places, but regardless of whether you see them or not, you should definitely go watch the show because it’s a very unique experience!

➡️ Book the Sumo fight show here. It’s easy to book and you go directly to the show without needing to queue.

How To Meet Other Girls In Tokyo

I honestly met girls very easily! The majority at hostels in Tokyo, others in cafes or on sightseeing tours.

But if you are not an extrovert and are freaking out about the idea of travelling alone, well, I’m going to tell you exactly how to make friends in no time!

Nomad Her App

I have used this app since 2023 and made really good friends. I’m still in touch with most of them right now! It’s free and it’s female-only.

I created my profile and announced I was going to Tokyo at some exact dates.

From there, other travellers visiting Tokyo at the same time as me messaged me and we met!

You can also check who is going to Tokyo at the same time as you and DM them. I always look at their profile first to see if we have similar interests and that’s it!

Nomad Table App

This app is still free but it’s for men and women together. You can see what other nomads are up to and if there is any activity of interest, you can jump in their WA group and join them.

I don’t use it too much because I’m 35 and I think people are younger than me here but sometimes it’s not the case, so, give it a go!

Join tours

As mentioned before, tours are a great way to make new friends. I always select my tours on GetYourGuide.com and take it from there.

Some hotels in Tokyo would also organise activities and that’s another way to meet people for sure.

Don’t forget to get data on your phone! I absolutely love Ubigi eSIMs. It works EVERYWHERE even on remote villages in Japan or on the bullet train! ➡️ Get your eSIM here with 10% off or read my review here if you want to know more about my experience with this brand in Japan.

Best Day Trips From Tokyo For Female Solo Travellers

The second time I visited Tokyo I really wanted to go beyond the city and explore a few other destinations nearby on my own.

I have to say it was really easy and I had a lot of fun. Some places were closer than others but still worth it!

Kamakura – 45 min from Tokyo Station

Very famous for Kotoku-in temple, which is where you will find the massive bronze Buddha (in picture above). You can actually go inside the statue too which blew my mind!

There are some more temples to visit too like Tsurugaoka Hachimangu and Hase Temple, which are worth visiting. But if you’ve already been to Kyoto before and feel a bit templed out, skip these and just visit the big bronze Buddha.

For lunch, go to the Seedless Bar and have a great meal with a sea view! I love that place so much! I had a burger while watching surfers.

Yokohama – 26 minutes from Tokyo Station

In Yokohama you can turn into a child again, I most certainly did. You know why? There is Cup Noodles Museum! I had so much fun I can’t even describe it.

Part of the building is a proper museum showing you the history of cup noodles, you can also watch a video explaining who invented them.

But the part I loved the most it was the “make your own cup noodles” experience. I chose the cup, coloured it and chose the ingredients and noodles that went in it! I would highly recommend it!

➡️ Get your tickets for the Cup Noodles Museum here to skip the line because it gets really busy!

Hakone – 1 hr and 40 minutes from Tokyo Station

Many people would say Hakone has the most beautiful onsen in Japan, but let me tell you they are surely nice but extremely pricey. You can’t even rent the towel there, you have to buy one (unless you bring your own).

Hakone Yuryo is my favourite Onsen there, but like I said, it’s expensive! The entry ticket starts from $10 each and there are many add-ons from there.

In places like Mt Fuji, Okinawa or Kyoto, there will be similar places for a fraction the price.

Hakone is also pretty touristy but the reason why I’m still recommending visiting is because the nature there is fantastic and I found the most beautiful temples I’ve ever seen in Japan.

They are pretty small but lovely and free to visit. Take a look on my YouTube video here below: