For years, I’ve dreamed of visiting Japan, and I finally had the chance to spend two weeks in this beautiful country. As a seasoned travel expert, I’m excited to share my LAX to Tokyo Solo Travel Guide with you. In this guide, I’ll highlight my favorite dining spots, must-do activities to enrich your days, and the best places to stay while exploring Tokyo.
Why solo travel to Japan?
If you are planning your first solo travel adventure and you are looking for a country that is safe, clean, and beautiful, then Japan should be your next destination. Whenever I solo travel, I always do some research online to see if the country I want to visit is safe for female solo traveling. I also see if the country is friendly to tourists and Japan checks every box.
Japan has the sweetest, honest, and kindest people. If you lose something on the train, someone will probably try to run after you to return the item back to you. If you get lost, there are so many kind people who will stop what they are doing to help you. It is so refreshing and makes for a safe environment for a solo traveler.
A few other reasons to travel to Japan solo include efficient transportation around the country, delicious food, and their reputation of being a safe country.
Honestly, I felt very comfortable going to Japan because my boyfriend lived there for a few years and loved it. He felt very safe and knew that sending me off to Japan would also be safe.
When to Visit Japan?
The best time to visit Japan is March, April, October, or November. In other words, visiting Japan in the spring and fall months are wonderful because you get to see the cherry blossoms or changing of the leaves color. Plus, the weather is comfortable and cool.
I decided to visit Japan in August because I wanted to hike Mount Fuji. For reference, Mount Fuji has a hiking season that is usually July, August, and the beginning of September. It differs every year though, so check the schedule online.
I will be very honest, the weather in Japan in August is hot, muggy, and humid. Most Japanese people travel or go north to escape the heat. During my time in Japan, I was quite hot and sweaty almost all day long. However, I did manage to keep my body cool using some special techniques (a portable fan, cold water bottles, and comfortable clothing).
LAX to Tokyo Solo Travel
I flew to from LAX to Tokyo (solo travel) to Tokyo on American Airlines. The flight was almost 8 hours and it was non-stop. Make sure you have plenty of activities to keep you busy. I enjoyed watching a movie (or two) and also sleeping.
Remember that Japan has a different time zone to where you live. Since I am from California, I knew I was going to feel jet lagged after landing. Sleeping on the plane is helpful, but challenging if you can’t sleep on a plane in economy (like me).
I would also recommend bringing some snacks with you on the plane just in case you don’t like the meals that they serve. In my opinion, airplane food is always disgusting, so having a backup is key. These Raw Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are a great option as they are perfect for on-the-go. Plus, they are gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and dairy-free.
How to get to Tokyo from Haneda Airport
Tokyo has two main airports you can fly into. The first is Narita Airport, located about an hour’s drive from central Tokyo. Sometimes, you can find cheaper flights to Narita. The second is Haneda Airport, which is where I landed. The commute from Haneda to central Tokyo was quick and seamless. I purchased a shuttle bus ticket at the airport for ¥1000, and the bus left on time, getting me to Shinjuku in just 30 minutes. In my opinion, this is a fast, easy, and affordable transportation option.
If you have large luggage, there’s a compartment on the bus for storage. I was traveling light with just a backpack, so I placed it on the seat next to me since the bus wasn’t crowded. One nice perk of the ride was the free Wi-Fi on the bus. If you’re getting a physical SIM card upon arrival, make sure your network connection is working before leaving the airport Wi-Fi. In case it’s not, you can always use the bus’s Wi-Fi and sort it out when you arrive at your hotel.
When I first arrived in Japan, I wasn’t receiving text messages, and my internet wasn’t working due to a SIM card issue. The bus Wi-Fi was a lifesaver, allowing me to stay connected until I reached my Airbnb.
You can also take a public train to central Tokyo, depending on where you’re coming from. I chose the bus, as I didn’t want to navigate the train system right after a 10-hour flight. The bus just seemed like an easier option at the time.
However, I later found out that Japan’s train system is incredibly easy to use.
Where to stay in Tokyo
Some of the most popular areas to stay in Tokyo include Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Minato City. During my trip, I stayed in both Shinjuku and Minato City.
If you enjoy city lights and nightlife, I’d recommend staying in Shinjuku or Shibuya. These areas are full of restaurants, bars, and bright lights right outside your door. My Airbnb in Shinjuku was tucked in an alley just off a busy street. I chose that location because it was close to a train station, making it easy to travel anywhere in Tokyo. I also loved Shinjuku’s vibrant atmosphere, with plenty of great places to eat and interesting shops to explore.
When I stayed in Minato, it felt like I was in a completely different city. Minato is much quieter and more laid-back. It’s close to Ueno Park, which has a lovely lake, art museums, and cozy coffee shops. One evening, I walked back to my accommodation after dinner, and the streets were completely empty and peaceful. It was 7:30 p.m., and I felt 100% safe. Minato is more of a residential area, so some people prefer to visit for the day and stay in livelier neighborhoods like Shinjuku or Shibuya to be closer to the nightlife.
No matter where you stay, I recommend booking accommodation near a train station. It will make your commute around the city much easier. If you have to walk 20 minutes just to catch a train, it can become tiresome—trust me, you’ll already be getting plenty of steps in!
For this trip, I chose Airbnb for my accommodation, but next time I visit Japan, I might look for hotels. Many hotels in Japan are reasonably priced, so you won’t have to spend a fortune even if you don’t stay in the most popular spots.
One thing to note about Japanese hotels and accommodations is that the rooms, furniture, and bathrooms tend to be smaller than what you might be used to, especially if you’re from the U.S. I remember reading reviews for my Airbnb, and almost everyone mentioned that the room was “Japanese-sized,” meaning it was very small. Since I expected it, the lack of space didn’t bother me. Plus, being on the smaller side myself, I didn’t need much extra room anyway!
What to do in Tokyo
It’s nearly impossible to see all of Tokyo in just a day or two. The city offers an endless variety of neighborhoods, restaurants, cultural sites, shrines, museums, gardens, and hidden gems. I spent three days in Tokyo and barely scratched the surface. Here’s what I managed to do during my stay. At times, I felt like I was rushing just to check off everything on my itinerary. If you have more than three days, I highly recommend exploring as much as you can, at a more relaxed pace.
One of my favorite things about Japan is how you can step outside and simply get lost in the streets. You’ll always stumble upon incredible cafés, shops, and experiences, and you’ll never be bored.
For those who prefer a bit more structure, here are some ideas of places to visit:
Tsukiji Outer Market
If you love fresh seafood, the Tsukiji Outer Market is a must-visit. Though the original market burned down years ago, it was rebuilt and continues to operate. If you arrive early (around 5 a.m.), you can even catch the famous tuna auction.
Both locals and tourists come to buy wholesale seafood and sample small bites of the freshest tuna and wagyu beef. I tried a slice of wagyu that melted in my mouth and indulged in fatty toro tuna, which was divine.
Don’t forget to try matcha and matcha ice cream, which I fell in love with while in Japan.
Ginza Six Rooftop Garden (Free with Amazing Views!)
There are many sky decks in Tokyo that charge for incredible city views, but I found a free alternative at the Ginza Six Rooftop Garden. It’s a bit tricky to find the right elevator, but the guards will happily help.
Once there, you’ll enjoy a peaceful garden with beautiful plants, a pond, and amazing views, including Tokyo Tower. I could have stayed there with a book and some green tea from 7-Eleven if it wasn’t so hot.
BicCamera Yurakucho Store
Tokyo’s department stores are an experience in themselves. BicCamera Yurakucho has 10 levels, selling everything from electronics to cosmetics and office supplies.
It’s fun to explore each floor, and it feels like stepping into a new store on every level. It’s free to walk around and well worth checking out.
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Shibuya Crossing is one of the busiest intersections in the world. When the light turns green, people flood the crosswalks from every direction.
While the actual experience of crossing wasn’t particularly thrilling, it was cool to witness so many people moving in sync. Shibuya itself is a vibrant and cultural hub, full of lights and energy.
Yoyogi Park
If you’re looking for a break from the city’s hustle, Yoyogi Park is a great spot for greenery and nature. The park has plenty of trails, benches, flowers, and trees. It’s also home to shrines, including Meiji Jingu, which is worth a visit if you’re already there.
Meiji Jingu Shrine
Located within Yoyogi Park, Meiji Jingu Shrine is a peaceful escape. It takes about 20 minutes to walk to the entrance, but once inside, you’ll find a beautiful red shrine adorned with paper slips tied around it, representing fortunes purchased by visitors. Walking around the shrine and admiring the history was a wonderful experience.
Godzilla (Super Cool at Night!)
If you’re in Shibuya, don’t miss the giant Godzilla head peeking out over the skyscrapers. I stumbled upon it by accident while taking photos of the city lights. Seeing Godzilla towering over the buildings was both surprising and exciting!
Takeshita Street (Shopping!)
Takeshita Street is a bustling shopping street lined with unique stores and cafés. It can get incredibly crowded, especially in the summer, so I recommend going early in the day to avoid the rush.
I bought some souvenirs, including a handmade hair clip, and saw a pig café where you can pet baby pigs while enjoying a drink! Don’t miss the coin-operated machines in some of the stores, which dispense fun prizes like plush toys, keychains, and anime merchandise.
Tokyo Skytree
Visiting Tokyo Skytree was an unforgettable experience, starting with the panoramic views from the observation decks at 350 and 450 meters, where I could see all of Tokyo and even catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji. I braved the glass floor, looking straight down from dizzying heights, which was both thrilling and terrifying.
Tokyo Solamachi, the shopping complex at the base, was perfect for browsing unique souvenirs and grabbing a quick snack. As night fell, the tower’s stunning light display added a magical touch, making it the perfect way to end the day.
Buy your tickets in advance here.
Where to eat in Tokyo
Menshou Taketora Main Branch (Ramen!)
Tokyo is known for its abundance of fantastic ramen spots, and you can hardly go wrong with any choice. Since it was my first time in Japan, I wanted my first ramen experience to be memorable. I chose Menshou Taketora, a small, cozy, and intimate spot with just six seats at the bar, perfect for solo diners.
It was clearly popular with the locals, many of whom had just gotten off work. I ordered the cold ramen, a summer special, paired with a miso dipping sauce—absolutely delicious!
Just be careful when ordering toppings. I accidentally added five extra ones that were already included in the dish! Make sure to read the menu closely, as extra toppings usually come at an additional cost.
Tsukiji Outer Market (Sashimi, A5 Wagyu Beef, and Eel)
For a unique and delicious breakfast experience in Tokyo, I highly recommend starting your day at the Tsukiji Outer Market. You’ll find an array of fresh seafood, fish, and meats prepared right in front of you.
It was one of my favorite experiences on my first day, and the vendors were incredibly friendly. You can’t beat the freshness or the experience of watching your food being prepared on the spot.
Flipper’s Japanese Soufflé Pancakes (Amazing!)
If you’re in Japan, trying Japanese soufflé pancakes is a must! These thick, fluffy pancakes are unbelievably light and delicious with every bite. I visited Flipper’s in Shibuya and had to wait about 20 minutes during a busy time.
A heads-up: these pancakes take around 40 minutes to prepare due to their delicate cooking process. I even tried making them at home when I returned to the U.S., but they sadly deflated on me! That said, the original pancake stack is worth the wait. They also offer savory options, but I went with the classic sweet version for the full, authentic experience.
LAX to Tokyo Solo Travel Conclusion
I hope you have an amazing trip to Tokyo, Japan, and don’t forget to capture lots of photos! If you are flying from LAX to Tokyo (solo travel style), then get ready for a long flight. It’s always fun to relive those memories once you’re back home. Trust me, after your first trip to Japan, you’ll definitely want to go again.
Watch my solo travel vlog in Tokyo Japan