Before embarking on my solo trip to Japan as a person of color, I did not know what kind of experience I was going to have. I consider myself an open-minded traveler, and I enjoy experiencing the essence and soul of whichever country I visit. With this being my first trip to Asia, I chose Japan for many reasons. Besides Japan being rated a safe destination for solo travelers, one of my main reasons was how fascinated I was with the culture, the food and their simple way of living.
From the first day I landed there to the last day of my trip, I was amazed in so many ways, from their way of being organized and the architecture to the way the women carried themselves. There was a beautiful aura of peace around them, an aura of softness and gentleness. As someone who grew up in Ghana, West Africa, and moved to NYC in my teen years, I've had my fair share of the Western world as well as living with the simple ways of life, but Japan was much different.
I was constantly left in amazement by everything, even down to the Japanese symbols I saw around me. Everything is just so aesthetically pleasing. As a foodie, my main goal for this trip was to indulge in different flavors I wouldn’t have back home. From having my first bowl of ramen, which transported me back home to Ghana through the rich, intense flavors, down to melt-in-your-mouth wagyu at the Tsukiji fish market, everything reminded me of home in a way. The food was prepared with care and love. The cleanliness of everything left me amused. I am sure we have all heard of the no trash can situation in Japan, but I was also impressed at how everyone collectively worked hard to keep everything as beautiful as possible. From the locals to the tourists, everyone was respectful of not leaving anything dirty.
I did not have a set itinerary planned for myself. I stayed in Yokohama, which is a bit farther from Tokyo, so every time I was in Tokyo, I had to make the best of my stay. As an art lover, I indulged in experiences that resonated with me, like seeing Tokyo from the Shibuya Sky, which offered 360-degree views of the beautiful city of Tokyo. I visited the teamLab Borderless, which also offered many immersive experiences for art lovers like myself. You cannot miss the rich history of the beautiful shrines and the serene nature it presents. This is a feeling of true peace and tranquility in every aspect.
Out of everything I did, my favorite experience was my day trip to Mt Fuji. I did this adventure on Mother’s Day, which was May 11, 2025. I initially got a ticket for DisneySea, but something within me said "No, we are going to see Mt Fuji, and this is the perfect day." Now we all know the chances of seeing Mt Fuji throughout the year are actually very low, so I was happy to hear from our guide that we were in luck and Mt Fuji was fully out to see us! From the moment we got to Hakone, I was in awe from the scenic drive, seeing the farmers working hard on their fields to seeing tourists riding bikes all around. Our tour guide knew the best spots to get the most Instagram-worthy pictures. I was completely blown away by everything I saw. One thing I believe is that every country has an energy it gives off, but the energy in Mount Fuji was nothing I have ever experienced.
I was paired up with another solo traveler who I became friends with by the end of our tour. She was also traveling from Germany, and we just hit it off. Seeing Mount Fuji with my own eyes is an experience no one can take away from me. It looked exactly like the picture I had on my work desktop for inspiration. We had the best onigiri and a local Japanese buffet, which did not disappoint. My new friend and I came back to Tokyo and enjoyed some Soju and explored Shibuya at night, which was an interesting experience. We ended the night with a fun karaoke experience.
My takeaway from this trip as someone who is very impatient, always rushing and always in a hurry, was to slow down and enjoy life’s moments. You may miss the best parts of life if you are rushing and not fully allowing yourself to feel. I stayed away from all the tourist spots because you’re looking at about two-hour waits for some of these places.
Japan has been imprinted in my heart; it’s a core memory I will never forget. It’s no wonder I got back home and was looking for my next flight back. I am currently learning Japanese and looking to go back as soon as possible. Japan is what you make it; it’s an experience of a lifetime you will never forget.
To my fellow solo female travelers who are considering Japan, I'm telling you to plan that trip now! It will leave you beyond impressed. I love you Japan, and I will see you soon. Arigato for the beautiful experience (Arigato means thank you in Japanese btw!).
Gillian Boateng
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