Friendly, safe, and exceptionally beautiful, Japan is one of the best countries to travel to for an unforgettable vacation. Whether craving to lay eyes on the country's fascinating sights or seek enlightenment, Japan offers a heavenly excursion that a visitor will cherish for years to come. Filled with exceptional museums, natural wonders, and ancient sights, taking a solo trip to Japan is a perfect option for culture-loving travelers.

From metropolitan cities to rural villages, here are eight must-visit destinations for solo travelers in Japan.

8 Tokyo

Tokyo is the perfect place to start as a solo traveler. From iconic temples and shrines, world-class museums, and boisterous arcades to quirky shops, this is the place to be. As the capital and biggest city in Japan, it has several neighborhoods where visitors can explore and understand Japanese culture. For travelers seeking to explore touristy sites and brush on their Japanese history, communities such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, and Omotesando are ideal. Shimokitazawa and Kichijoji, off the beaten path, are places to tour with a laidback ambiance.

A visitor can also take a trip to the famous Tsukiji market for a wide variety of mouth-watering seafood feasts.

Related: Wondering What To Prepare For A Japan Trip? Here's Where To Start

7 Nara

Nara is dominated by well-known historical and iconic sites, making it a rewarding stopover for a solo adventurer. Since it was the ancient Metropolitan city of Japan in 710, this quaint town has many temples and Buddhist monasteries. It also has some of Japan's largest and oldest temples and shrines. Additionally, traveling alone will allow visitors to touch and greet Nara Park's ingeniously mercenary deer.

6 Osaka

Osaka is a suitable place for solo tourists who are more into shopping. As the third-largest city in Japan, Osaka attracts millions of visitors all-year-round with its rich history, unparalleled local cuisine, and vibrant nightlife. Apart from the reputation of its savory delicacies, this city is also known for its beautiful and charming streets.

To crown it up, Osaka has many extraordinary attractions to offer solo travelers, including Universal Studios Japan, Osaka Castle, and the futuristic Floating Garden Observatory.

Related: Best Time To Visit Japan & Other Helpful First-Time Tips

5 Kyoto

Kyoto is one of the world's safest cities, making it an excellent destination for solo tourists. As an old Capital of Japan and one of the biggest cities, it has plenty of historical constructions and monuments, including 1600 temples that link the city's ancient past to its modern life. For vacationers who are undecided on what to do, a visit to the Shigamo shrines is an impeccable idea. The shrines look like they have been adjourned in time and have a remarkable spiritual power that helps heal a troubled soul. Also, a guest can enjoy a traditional geisha presentation and delicious meals at a restaurant overlooking the Kamo River. A solo adventurer can rent a yukata or kimono in Gion and explore the area in traditional Japanese clothing.

4 Kobe

Renowned for its tender and luscious beef, Kobe is a flourishing Metropolitan port city with an overwhelming international feel. Besides trying the Kobe beef in Kobe, this city has a lot in store for tourists traveling alone. Here, a guest gets a glimpse of the city's charming houses with its collection of Western-style homes. The city also has many incredible parks and landscapes, such as Meriken Park, Kobe Tower, City Hall Observation Deck, and Weathercock House. Adventurers can also go hiking up the nearby mountains and watch the panoramic scenes of Kobe. In the evenings, strolling around the Kobe Harbor and viewing the tall and dazzling Kobe Port Tower is an excellent way to end the day.

3 Hiroshima

A solo tour starts by stopping at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. Travelers can make their vacation even more memorable by visiting the exquisitely rebuilt historical sites, such as the Hiroshima Castle and Shukkei en Garden. Also, exploring the Itsukushima Shrine on the nearby Miyajima Island is an exciting way to spend time at this fantastic place. A trip to Hiroshima is not complete without trying local cuisine like oysters, Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki, and Hiroshima Tsukemen.

2 Okinawa

Okinawa is the largest island in Okinawa Prefecture. While the island has many monuments and traditional sites, most vacationers travel to this place for its beautiful white sand beaches with sparkling water and subtropical climate. With plenty of activities, a guest enjoys swimming, surfing, diving, snorkeling, and seeing all the coral reefs in the area. Taking a scenic drive around the island is another splendid way to enjoy a solo vacation. Additionally, visiting the Shuri Castle, a royal place when Okinawa used to be a Ryukyu kingdom, should be on every traveler's bucket list.

1 Takayama

Solo tourists who thirst for a breathing space away from the bustling monuments of the country's big cities may want to head to Takayama. The town is the entrance to the Japanese Alps on the island of Honshu. In addition to roaming the old town, a visitor can explore the Shirakawago, a UNESCO ancestry village with many thatched-roof houses. During the warmer months, a guest can take a hiking trip in Kamikochi, situated in the Chubu Sangaku National Park.