WHAT SOLO TRAVELING TO JAPAN TAUGHT ME ABOUT FEAR, FREEDOM, & MYSELF
I didn’t tell my family I was going to Japan… again. Not because I was doing anything wrong but because I was tired of explaining why I’m not afraid to live my life. Japan was a dream trip for me one of those places you imagine as a kid when you say, “When I grow up, I’m going to travel the world.”and the fact that I can actually use my flight benefits to make that happen? Still feels unreal.
When I think of Tokyo, I think of the fashion, the skincare, the sushi, the matcha… the entire vibe. After constantly seeing Japan show up on lists as one of the safest destinations for solo female travelers, I took it as my sign. I didn’t overthink it this time I just went and I didn’t invite anyone either. This time, I wanted it to feel different because my first solo trip to Barcelona felt like I was just dipping my toe in the water. This time, I wanted to be present. To really pay attention to how I move, how I feel, how I navigate the world alone. Surprisingly, I wasn’t scared. I hopped on that 13 hour flight like it was nothing.
What did give me anxiety? Lying to my family again. I told them I was traveling with coworkers just to avoid the “what if” conversations the fear, the assumptions, the projections. But I made a promise to myself. After this year, I’m no longer shrinking my experiences to make other people comfortable.This is my life.
It actually makes me sad how much fear people live in. Sometimes I wish my family could just sit in my back pocket and watch me navigate the world see how I move, how I figure things out, how much I actually enjoy my life in these moments. I’m just a girl from Newark trying to break barriers. Traveling the world as a Black woman, learning different cultures, seeing life from a completely different lens and still being looked at like I’m doing something crazy. But when I really sat with it, I realized fear comes from how we’re wired. Our brains are built to protect to think “what if” in order to survive. If anybody understand I do. I’ve lived in the projects. I’ve lived in shelters. I’ve been in environments where being alert wasn’t optional it was necessary.
But my upbringing didn’t teach me to stay small. It taught me to be aware, to be smart, and to keep learning not to live in a box. What solo travel is teaching me Solo traveling has changed me more than I expected. It made me slow down. It’s made me journal more. It made me actually sit with myself instead of constantly needing noise or people around.
I’m learning how to enjoy my own company in a real way not just saying it, but actually living it. And sometimes I sit there like…Wow, I really created this experience for myself. Without waiting. Without needing anyone else to validate it. Without needing to feel “comfortable” first.
If you’re thinking about solo traveling to Japan…Here’s what my experience actually looked like:
📍 Where I Stayed
I stayed at a social hostel called UNPLAN in Shinjuku completely unplanned, last-minute booking. It was co-ed, but they had female-only floors which made me feel more comfortable.
There was a bar downstairs, breakfast daily, and they hosted events like comedy shows so it was super easy to meet people. I literally met people my first night… and that’s how I ended up celebrating my birthday doing karaoke in Japan.
📍 Why I Loved the Location
• 7-Eleven right across the street - if you know, you know
• A mix of locals and travelers
• Everything felt walkable
• Easy access to the train system
I didn’t use Uber or taxis at al the train system in Tokyo made everything accessible
📍 What I Did in Tokyo
• Shibuya Crossing– the busiest crossing in the world, felt like stepping into a movie
• Sensō-j i– one of the oldest temples, rich in culture and history
• Japanese Karaoke – private rooms, food, drinks… one of my favorite experiences
• Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden – peaceful, quiet, perfect for solo reflection
• Anime District (Akihabara) – full of anime culture, arcades, and energy
• Takeshita Street – bold fashion, street style, and creativity everywhere
• Omoide Yokocho – small alley filled with local food spots, very authentic vibe
• Sompo Museum of Art – calm and artistic experience (no filming allowed inside)
📌 Tips I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Japan
• The train system looks confusing at first but it’s actually easy once you get used to it
• 7-Eleven food is REALLY good not like the U.S. at all
• Carry some cash some places don’t take cards
• You don’t need to know Japanese, but basic phrases help
• It’s one of the safest places I’ve ever felt traveling solo
🎥 Watch My Full Japan Vlog
If you want to see the full experience and real-time moments from my trip: