Five Reasons to Plan Your Next Solo Holiday in Tokyo

More and more globetrotters are turning to solo travel – and it’s not hard to understand why. Travelling by yourself can be incredibly liberating, offering the chance to experience a destination exactly the way you like and spend memorable moments in your own company.

Tokyo, a city where ancient tradition rubs shoulders with cutting-edge innovation, is an ideal playground for solo travellers. Here are five reasons that Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi invites you to plan your solo vacation in Tokyo:

1. Safety First

Look forward to a stress-free adventure in Tokyo, known as one of the safest cities in the world. Day or night, travellers can walk the streets with peace of mind. (Even young children commute to school on their own here!) Locals are friendly and willing to lend a helping hand, language barriers notwithstanding. Blissfully free of worries around safety, visitors can focus their energy on discovering the city’s countless wonders.

2. Super Solo Culture

The culture of ohitorisama, a Japanese term that translates loosely to “party of one,” is on the rise across Japan. Grounded in the desire for self-discovery and personal fulfilment, ohitorisama celebrates the art of doing things on your own. It’s about being alone, not lonely, and embracing the joys of solitude.

As a frontrunner in super solo culture, Tokyo offers a wide selection of experiences for one. Even activities that were traditionally enjoyed as a group, like karaoke and yakiniku (Japanese barbeque), are now available for individual guests. Additionally, the city is home to several attractions that are suitable for solo travellers – from acclaimed museums and art galleries to historical shrines and palaces. With a number of beautifully landscaped gardens right here in central Tokyo, you can slow down, reflect and connect with nature in blissful solitude.

3. Table for One

Dining alone can be a challenge in some countries, but Japan has adapted to this growing trend beautifully. Eating alone is now par for the course in Tokyo and many restaurants make it a point to cater to single diners. You’ll find ramen shops with individual cubicles, while izakayas often have counter seating for solo guests. Simply say “hitori” or holding up one finger as you enter the restaurant. With English menus and helpful staff on hand, the experience of dining alone in a foreign land feels exceptionally smooth.

Best of all, solo travellers don’t need to compromise on their culinary pleasures. Several fine-dining restaurants, including Michelin-starred spots, are happy to accept individual diners – the Concierge can help you make reservations. There’s something quite special about savouring an award-winning meal on your own, with each moment an opportunity for mindful eating and appreciation. You can start your Michelin journey right here at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi: book a table for one at est, our Michelin-star French restaurant.

4. Effortless Navigation

With Tokyo’s legendary public transport, getting around is not just easy but also enjoyable. Google Maps works seamlessly here, making it easy to navigate the sophisticated subway system, which offers access to attractions across the city. Connections to the Shinkansen bullet train lines bring all of Japan within reach. The subway also opens a window into the rhythms of local life: marvel at the crowds of office executives during rush hour as well as the near-silent etiquette of Tokyo trains.

Taxis are reliable and accept credit cards, providing another great way to get around. Finally, keep in mind that Tokyo is extremely walking and cycling friendly. Guests at Four Seasons can borrow a bicycle from the Concierge and ride around for hours, setting their own pace and following their curiosity down iconic avenues and quaint streets alike. From glamorous Ginza to neon-lit Shinjuku, each neighbourhood introduces you to a distinctly different atmosphere.

5. Tailored Encounters

At Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, solo travellers can enhance their stay with an exceptional range of experiences. Our workshops guide you through Japanese cultural treasures such as Suibokuga, a meditative form of ink wash painting, and Kodo, the classical Japanese art of appreciating incense. Private tours unfold the fascinations of Tokyo, from an excursion covering iconic must-see spots to an after-hours exploration of nightlife.

At THE SPA, guests can ease into solitude and serenity with Japanese-inspired treatments, complemented by steam rooms and Ofuro (Japanese baths). Guests can also embark on a self-guided tour of our in-house art collection, showcasing remarkable creations from Japanese artists.

Dreaming of a holiday on your own? Put Tokyo at the top of your list. Safe, friendly and culturally attuned to solo travellers, this city offers unrivalled opportunities for “me time” as you immerse in an unfamiliar culture.