Tokyo guide · October 2026

Japan packing list for solo female travelers

Japan is one of the easiest countries to travel alone, and you don't need to pack much: convenience stores and drugstores sell almost everything. But a few things make a solo trip noticeably smoother, and a few are surprisingly hard to find once you're there. Here's what to bring, what to skip, and the apps worth setting up before you fly.

Documents and money

Passport. You'll need it to check in at hotels, and shops ask for it for tax-free shopping. Keep a photo of it on your phone too.
Some cash in yen. Cards are widely accepted now, but small restaurants, shrines and some local shops are still cash-only. Convenience store ATMs accept most foreign cards.
A card with no foreign transaction fees. Bring two cards and keep them in different places, just in case.
Travel insurance details. Save the policy number and emergency phone number somewhere you can find quickly.

Clothes and shoes

Comfortable walking shoes. You'll walk a lot, and lots of stairs in train stations. Shoes that slip on and off easily help at temples, some restaurants and fitting rooms.
Nice socks. You'll take your shoes off more than you expect, so socks without holes are worth it.
Layers. Trains and shops are heated or air-conditioned, so a light layer you can take off is better than one heavy coat.
Season extras. A small umbrella in the June rainy season, breathable clothes and a hand towel for the humid summer, a warm coat and scarf from December to February.
Something a little modest for temples. Not required everywhere, but shoulders covered feels comfortable at shrines, temples and a tea ceremony.

Toiletries: bring these, buy the rest

Bring any prescription medicine. Some common medicines from abroad are restricted in Japan, so check the rules before you fly and bring your prescription.
Bring your usual deodorant. Japanese drugstores have it, but the choice is small and often milder than travelers expect.
Bring foundation in your shade if it's not light. Japanese ranges can be limited for darker skin tones.
Buy the rest there. Sunscreen, skincare, sheet masks, tampons and pads, hair ties and travel-size everything are easy to find in drugstores and convenience stores.

Phone and tech

A plug adapter. Japan uses Type A plugs (two flat pins) at 100V. Most phone and laptop chargers work fine with just an adapter.
A power bank. Maps, photos and translation drain your battery fast on long days out.
Mobile data. An eSIM set up before you fly is the easiest option. Pocket Wi-Fi works too if you're traveling with others later.
An IC card in your phone wallet. Suica or PASMO in your phone works on trains, buses and at most convenience stores.

Apps worth setting up before you fly

Google Maps. The train directions are excellent, including platform and exit tips.
A translation app. The camera mode is great for menus and signs.
A way to meet people. If you'd like some company on a solo trip, Buy Me a Matcha is a friends-only app for meeting one new person over a matcha or coffee in Tokyo, all in English. Pick your area by station, send a matcha, and if they send one back you meet up. You can set it to only women if you prefer.

What you can skip

A big towel. Hotels and ryokan provide them, and public baths rent them.
Lots of outfits. Coin laundries are everywhere and many hotels have washing machines.
A full-size toiletry bag. Most hotels provide shampoo, conditioner, body soap and toothbrushes.

Small things that help a lot

A small hand towel. Many public toilets have no paper towels or dryers.
A small bag for trash. Public trash cans are rare, so you'll carry your rubbish for a while.
A coin purse. You'll get lots of coins, and they add up quickly.
Share your plans. Send your itinerary to someone at home, and meet new people in cafés and busy public places.

The app

Traveling to Tokyo on your own?

Buy Me a Matcha is a free, friends-only iPhone app for meeting one new person over a matcha or coffee, all in English. No dating, and you can choose to meet only women.

Friends only, never dating
Everything in English
One person at a time, at a café you pick
Optional "Only women" setting
Free on iPhone

Get it on the App Store Not a dating app. Made in Tokyo.

A Matcha Plan card in a chat on Buy Me a Matcha: near Nakameguro Station, tomorrow

Questions people ask

Is Japan safe for solo female travelers?

Japan is generally considered very safe for women traveling alone. Normal care still applies: watch your drinks at night, keep valuables close in crowds, and use women-only train cars at rush hour if you prefer.

Do I need cash in Japan?

Cards work in most places now, but carry some yen for small restaurants, shrines, temples and local shops that only take cash.

What plug does Japan use?

Type A plugs with two flat pins, at 100V. Most phone and laptop chargers work with a simple adapter.

How can I meet people on a solo trip to Japan?

Hostel common rooms, walking tours, language exchange nights, and friends-only apps like Buy Me a Matcha, where you can meet someone in Tokyo over a matcha or coffee in English.