Solo Travel in Japan: 7-Day Itinerary and Advice
Transportation
During my trip in Japan, I relied on the Suica Card for all my transportation needs. Just add value to the card and tap in or out when boarding or leaving the train. It works across Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Kamakura, making it very convenient for your trip. I mainly used public transportation since taxis in Japan are notoriously expensive. I didn't buy a day pass or a travel pass because it's a bit of a hassle to pick up and only available at specific stations. However, if you don't mind the trouble, purchasing travel passes might be more cost-effective.
I highly recommend using Google Maps. It provides detailed transfer information, including transfers inside and outside the station. The real-time arrival information ensures that you won't worry about missing your stop. Remember to check the signs on platforms, which usually provide English annotations. If you do get off at the wrong stop, just show the station staff the destination name, and they'll guide you.
Accommodation
Hotels in Japan are generally small and usually allow check-in after 3 pm. However, most hotels offer baggage storage services. It's worth noting that hotel rates might go up during weekends, and prices can be surprisingly high. Therefore, I suggest you book your accommodation in advance.
In Tokyo, I stayed at a hotel, Henn na Hotel Tokyo Asakusa Tawaramachi in Asakusa, as shown in the picture below. It's a self-service check-in hotel very close to the subway station, which makes it very convenient to get around. Sensō-ji Temple (浅草寺) and Tokyo Skytree (東京スカイツリー) are just a few hundred meters away! There are also FamilyMart and 7-Eleven convenience stores downstairs. Although the room is not spacious, it's very clean and, most importantly, the soundproofing is great! I also liked its excellent shading performance. I slept until noon the first day, and the room was still very dark. I even thought it wasn't dawn!
In Osaka, I stayed at a guesthouse near Shinsaibashi, as shown below. This guesthouse had a much bigger space. Since I traveled alone, I chose a single bed. It's also close to the subway station. The guesthouse is very clean, fully equipped, and even has a kitchen where I could cook — excellent!
Translation App
Since I can't understand Japanese, ordering food was a big problem. A friend recommended a powerful translation app called KuliKuli. It takes photos to translate menu items and food descriptions, and the accuracy is quite high! It made things a lot easier for me.