From sacred temples to sushi counters, experience our women-only tour
Japan
Book now with $550. Pay the rest at your pace.
10 days starting at $6,645 USD.
Up to 14 solo female travelers.
Our Japan Tour for solo female travelers is a journey through contrasts—where ancient temples meet neon skylines, and peaceful rituals blend with playful pop culture. From Tokyo’s buzzing streets to quiet temple courtyards, this is Japan at its most unforgettable.
Wander through Kyoto’s iconic bamboo grove, slip into a private onsen at a traditional ryokan in Izu, and spend the night in a Buddhist monastery on sacred Mt. Koyasan. Share stories over sushi you’ve just learned to roll, join a Kyoto cooking class, and sit down for an intimate evening with a geisha in training. You’ll sip matcha in centuries-old teahouses, ride sleek bullet trains past misty mountains, and taste your way through Osaka’s famous street food.
This isn’t just a vacation. It’s an adventure in culture, connection, and awe—designed for curious, courageous women ready to experience the heart of Japan in unforgettable ways.
Table of Contents
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Sip matcha from cups up to 500 years old in an intimate, traditional ceremony.
Spend an evening with a maiko, a geisha-in-training, where we’ll learn about her life and play party games.
Master the art of sushi in a private class alongside a skilled local female chef.
Spend a peaceful night in a Buddhist monastery, where candlelit halls and morning chants invite peace.
From sizzling skewers to secret noodle shops, explore Japan’s food capital on guided food tours of Osaka and Tsukiji Market.
Stay overnight in a traditional ryokan with modern amenities, like your own private onsen (hot spring bath).
Wander a hidden bamboo forest few tourists ever find.
Get invited into a local woman’s home for a Obanzai cooking class, a Kyoto-style home cooked meal.
TRAVELER LOVE
INCLUSIONS
Feature stays in a ryokan with private hot springs and a buddhist monastery
Stay in 4* and 5* hand-picked hotels
Most tips included
Arrival airport pickup on day 1
9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners
All activities listed in the itinerary
Twin share rooms
Public transportation on sleek bullet trains
Max group size of 14 solo female travelers
Expert local guide for the whole tour
MEET YOUR NEW BFF
GUARANTEED SOLO TIME
Spend it with friends or explore on your own, but take time to reflect on your incredible journey.
GET YOUR BEAUTY SLEEP
Enjoy our hand-picked accommodation combining the best of design, location and comfort.
TOUR AT A GLANCE
WELCOME TO TOKYO!
Welcome meeting & first taste of local cuisine
DAY 2 - TOKYO
Tsukiji Market food tour, sushi making class, Shibuya crossing, Meiji Shrine & Harajuku
DAY 3 - TOKYO
Sensoji Temple, traditional tea ceremony & wagashi making, Yanaka & solo time
DAY 4 - TOKYO TO IZU
Train to Izu, visit the local bamboo forest, go for a hike, & soak in an onsen at your hotel
DAY 5 - Izu TO KYOTO
Bullet train, Kenninji Temple & an afternoon with a maiko
DAY 6 - KYOTO
Shrine & Temple hopping & a cooking class
DAY 7 - Kyoto
Solo day
DAY 8 - KYOTO TO Koya-San
Okunoin Cemetery, guided meditation & overnight at a Buddhist monastery
DAY 9 - Koya-San TO OSAKA
Food tour, solo time & farewell dinner
FAREWELL FOR NOW
Breakfast, goodbyes and check out
Why Choose SoFe Travel?
Built for Solo Women
Every trip is designed specifically for solo female travelers. That means no awkward third wheels, no feeling like the odd one out—just instant community, shared values, and support from Day One.
Real Connection
Almost everyone arrives solo, and 92% of our travelers stay in touch long after the trip ends. It’s not just a tour—it’s a chance to make lifelong friendships in some of the world’s most unforgettable places.
Space to Breathe
We build in solo time, always. Want to wander a market alone or skip a group dinner for some quiet? Go for it. Prefer a travel buddy? There's always someone ready to join you. You do you—with the comfort of community when you want it.
No Forced Single Supplements
Forget the extra fees. Our roommate matching quiz pairs you with a like-minded traveler, or you can upgrade to a private room if you prefer your own space.
Is The Japan Tour Right for you?
Traditional Accommodation
Some accommodations, like the ryokan and monastery, include shared spaces and traditional sleeping arrangements, such as futons on tatami mats and communal onsen baths. While these are part of the cultural experience, travelers who prefer Western-style hotels or lots of privacy may find it outside their comfort zone.
A flexible itinerary
Some of the best moments are the spontaneous ones, so while Japan runs on schedule most of the time, be flexible for impromptu photo booth and vending machine stops.
Activity Level: Moderate
This trip includes a fair amount of walking and time on your feet, from exploring busy markets and temples to strolling through historic streets and gardens. While the pace is comfortable and there’s free time to rest, you should feel comfortable walking several miles a day, sometimes on uneven ground or stairs.
Your Japan Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to Tokyo
Check in & first taste of Japan
Konnichiwa, and welcome to Japan’s vibrant capital—a city where ancient shrines sit quietly beneath glowing billboards and centuries-old traditions meet cutting-edge tech. Tokyo is one of the most dynamic cities on Earth, and your adventure begins right in the heart of it.
Fly into Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND), where a pre-booked shared shuttle will whisk you to your hotel in central Tokyo. We recommend arriving by 2 PM to settle in before our first group gathering.
Tonight at 6 PM, we’ll meet for our welcome dinner—your first chance to connect with your travel sisters and dive into Japanese cuisine at a local favorite, handpicked by your guide. It’s your first taste of the journey ahead—and trust us, it’s unforgettable.
Meals: dinner
Day 2 - From Street Food to Serenity
Tsukiji Market food tour, sushi making class, Shibuya crossing, Meiji Shrine & Harajuku
We’ll kick off the morning in the heart of Tsukiji Market, weaving through narrow aisles stacked high with gleaming fish, steaming broths, and sizzling street snacks. We will taste our way through the market before stepping into a private kitchen to try your hand at sushi-making!
From there, Tokyo turns electric. You’ll find yourself in the middle of Shibuya Scramble, that famous intersection where thousands of people cross at once beneath towering neon billboards.
When the energy peaks, we’ll slow it down at Meiji Shrine, tucked inside a quiet forest that feels worlds away from the city outside. Walking beneath its towering torii gate, the air shifts—still, calm, almost sacred.
As the day winds down, we’ll head to Harajuku, Tokyo’s playful heart. Here the streets explode with color—cosplay costumes in shop windows, bubble tea cafés on every corner, and enough quirky storefronts to get lost in. With a little guidance and a little solo time, you’ll get to wander, snack, shop, and soak up the fun of Japan’s most whimsical district.
Meals: breakfast, food tour, and lunch
Day 3 - Temples, Tea, and Tokyo’s Softer Side
Sensoji Temple, traditional tea ceremony & wagashi making, Yanaka & solo time
After breakfast, we’ll begin the day with a visit to Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most colorful Buddhist temple. Lanterns sway, incense drifts through the air, and market stalls spill into the streets—this is where tradition and energy collide.
Then, we’ll slow the pace in Yanaka, a nostalgic neighborhood where old Tokyo lingers. Known for its quiet spirituality, winding alleys, and love of stray cats, Yanaka is a serene contrast to the city’s modern buzz. Hidden among temples and cemeteries, we’ll find an old-world tea shop where you’ll take part in Sado, the sacred Japanese tea ceremony. You’ll also craft wagashi, delicate seasonal sweets that accompany the matcha.
Afterward, the neighborhood is yours to explore—wander its peaceful streets, browse for cat-themed keepsakes, have your fortune told, or opt into a local sake tasting. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to follow your curiosity and experience Tokyo in your own way.
Meals: breakfast
Day 4 - From City Lights to Mountain Stillness
Train to Izu, visit the local bamboo forest, go for a hike, & soak in an onsen at your hotel
Sayonara, Tokyo. This morning we swap neon lights for mountain views as we board the bullet train. Even the ride is part of the adventure—grab some famous 7-Eleven snacks, watch the scenery blur by, and if the skies are clear, catch a view of Mt. Fuji along the way.
In just a couple of hours we’ll be in Izu, a hot spring town loved by Tokyo locals for its mix of coast, mountains, and quiet charm. We’ll stretch our legs on an easy hike through a little known bamboo forest, stop into a few small shops, and enjoy the slower pace of countryside life. This is a special town that skips the tourists traps and crowds and shows you sweeter, more rural side ofJapan.
Tonight, settle into a traditional Japanese ryokan. Expect tatami mats, on-site hot springs, and a multi-course dinner that shows off the best flavors of the region—an evening of culture, comfort, and connection with your travel crew.
Meals: breakfast and dinner
Day 5 - A Journey to Japan’s Cultural Heart
Bullet train, Kenninji and Kiyomizudera Temples & an afternoon with a maiko
After breakfast, we’ll board the shinkansen (bullet train), Japan’s high-speed legend that whisks us across the country in just a couple of hours. Just like locals, you can grab an ekiben bento box at the station—beautifully packed with regional specialties—to enjoy as the scenery flies by.
Our destination is Kyoto, once Japan’s imperial capital and still its cultural soul. With thousands of temples, shrines, and gardens, the city hums with tradition and quiet beauty.
This afternoon, we’ll experience something unforgettable: a private encounter with a maiko (geisha-in-training). She’ll share her art through dance, answer your candid questions about life in her world, and guide us through a ritual that has been passed down for centuries.
We’ll continue to Kenninji Temple, Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple.
As evening sets in, we’ll wander the lively lanes around Kiyomizudera Temple, where historic wooden shops sell everything from hand-painted fans to sweet yatsuhashi treats. You’ll have time to browse, sip tea, and soak in the atmosphere before the lanterns flicker on and the old streets glow, revealing Kyoto at its most magical.
Meals: breakfast
Day 6 - Gates, Goddesses, and a Taste of Home
Shrine & Temple hopping & a cooking class
This morning, we begin at the serene Sanju-sangen-do Temple, home to 1,001 golden statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The stillness of this sacred hall, filled with rows of watching deities, is breathtaking.
In the afternoon, we’ll head to a local woman’s home for a truly special experience—an obanzai cooking class, where you’ll learn the secrets of traditional Kyoto-style home cooking. It’s not just a meal; it’s a taste of everyday life, shared with love.
Lastly – it’s time for one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks: Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its seemingly endless path of scarlet torii gates winding up the forested hillside. It’s a place where travelers for centuries have come to seek blessings—and you’ll walk in their footsteps.
Meals: breakfast and lunch
Day 8 - Sacred Mountains & Spiritual Stillness
Okunoin Cemetery, guided meditation & overnight at a Buddhist monastery
Today, we journey into the spiritual heart of Japan. A 2.5-hour train ride takes us to Mount Koya, nestled within the Koya-Ryujin Quasi-National Park—one of Japan’s most sacred and atmospheric sites, and our home for the night.
This afternoon, we’ll walk the winding paths of Okunoin Cemetery, Japan’s largest and most otherworldly resting place. Here, ancient moss-covered tombs of emperors and monks stand beside gravestones shaped like rockets, coffee cups, and other curious symbols of modern devotion. It’s surreal, peaceful, and quietly profound—like stepping into another realm.
Tonight, you’ll stay at a shukubo, a traditional Buddhist monastery perched in the forested mountains. Before dinner, we’ll join a meditation session with resident monks, allowing the stillness to settle in. Then, we’ll share a Buddhist shojin ryori meal—a beautifully prepared vegetarian feast that nourishes both body and spirit.
Meals: breakfast and dinner
Day 9 - From Morning Chants to Dotonbori Lights
Food tour, solo time & farewell dinner
Begin your day with a choice: join the monks in morning prayers at the monastery for a moment of calm and reflection—or sleep in and savor your last peaceful morning in the mountains. After breakfast, we’ll take a 2.5-hour train ride to Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city and its unofficial culinary capital, where the motto is kuidaore—“eat until you drop.”
Arriving just in time for lunch, we’ll head straight to Dotonbori, the city’s most iconic food and entertainment district. On our guided street food tour, you’ll taste your way through sizzling stalls and neon-lit alleys—crunchy karaage, piping hot takoyaki, sweet treats, and savory bites you’ll dream about later.
After a few free hours to explore on your own or do some last-minute shopping, we’ll come together one last time for a farewell dinner—a final feast to celebrate new friendships, unforgettable memories, and the journey we’ve shared through the heart of Japan.
Meals: breakfast, food tour & dinner
Day 10 - Farewell Japan
Depart from Osaka
All good adventures must come to a close—but the memories are just getting started. Enjoy one last Japanese breakfast, and take a quiet moment to soak it all in.
Check-out is by 10:00 AM, and your guide will be happy to help arrange transportation to the airport or your next destination.
As you head off, don’t be surprised if your mind is already spinning with ideas for your next journey. Once you’ve traveled Japan like this, the world feels even more magical.
Meals: breakfast
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
We handpick every stay to blend comfort, beauty, and unbeatable location, creating a true home base for your adventure. From stylish city hotels with skyline views to peaceful mountain retreats and traditional ryokans, each property offers a unique window into Japan’s culture and hospitality.
These photos are from our collection of favorite 4- and 5-star accommodations, chosen for their design, charm, and sense of place. Whether it’s a soak in a private onsen or waking up steps from a temple, you’ll rest well—and remember it forever.
Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince Hotel
We love how this hotel feels both creative and calm, with a design that mixes Tokyo’s funky edge with clean, modern lines. The lobby and shared spaces are full of little details that make you want to linger, while the rooms themselves are big (by Tokyo standards) with soft beds you’ll sink right into. Tucked on a quiet street, it’s the perfect retreat in the middle of the big city—stylish, welcoming, and beautifully thought out.
Sora Togetsuso Kinryu
This ryokan is all about understated beauty—quiet spaces, clean lines, and a design that feels deeply Japanese. Every room has its own private onsen, so you can soak under the open sky without leaving your space, and there are larger baths to enjoy as a group. Dinner is a multi-course feast made with seasonal ingredients, served with the kind of care that makes you slow down and savor every bite. It’s the perfect place to experience Japan’s hospitality at its most authentic.
Ekoin Buddhist Monestary
Spending the night at Ekoin Temple is less about luxury and more about stepping into another way of life. Rooms are simple, with tatami mats and sliding screens, but the atmosphere is unforgettable—quiet halls, lantern light, and the rhythm of monastic life all around you. You’ll join the monks for morning prayers and meditation, and sit down to a beautifully prepared vegetarian dinner called shojin ryori, a tradition as nourishing as it is meaningful.
We match you with your most compatible roommate
We get it—sharing a room with a stranger can feel like a gamble. That’s why we’ve partnered with a professional matchmaker and psychologist to create a bespoke roommate matching quiz, designed to pair you with someone you’ll actually click with.
Whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, a social butterfly or someone who values quiet time, our quiz helps ensure you’re matched with the best possible roommate. And if you prefer your own space, you always have the option to upgrade to a private room.
No stress, no awkward surprises—just a trip made better by great company.
MEET ADDIE
YOUR GUIDE FOR THE TRIP
With 15 years of experience as a tour guide, Addie knows how to create unforgettable adventures. When not leading tours, Addie doubles as a ventriloquist and a clown, bringing joy and laughter to everyone around.
Passionate about helping others, Addie lives by the motto: “Fun experiences and memories for all.”
Join Addie for a journey filled with excitement, discovery, and a touch of fun!
What Our Travelers Say
Join 1,500+ women who’ve embraced adventure, found their people, and taken the trip of a lifetime on a tour with us, the largest global community for solo female travelers.
Sarah M.
“The included meals and dining experiences were spectacular! Our guide truly went above and beyond, and made each day of the journey amazing! She had such an upbeat personality and terrific sense of humor. She laughed with us and infused many of our mealtimes with personal stories and mementos. Plus, the female empowerment aspect of this group really sets it apart!”
Jean P.
“SoFe truly covers every single aspect once you land at the destination right up until you leave for the airport on the last day. Having Addie as our tour guide just made the whole trip. We were all so happy to be there.”
Amanda B.
“I had so much fun. I made some really good friends, and finally experienced Japan, a total bucket list tick. I loved all the food, because I am such a foodie, loved all the spontaneous stops to photo booths and funny vending machines. I really loved this tour. Our guide was great and it was so well done.”
Anna D.
“Can’t say enough good things about the two tours I’ve taken with SoFe. I went to Egypt and Japan and still rave about my experiences. The Guides were incredible, I don’t know how they accommodated everyone but we all felt like the VIP traveler. I was really nervous that the group may not be nice or I wouldn’t make friends but both times that was so far from the truth…I’m signed up for Morocco next year and I can’t wait!!”
Sadie D.
“Thank you so much for this trip. I loved every day and every meal.”
Kimberly C.
“I got home from Japan just a few days ago, and I already booked my second tour with SoFe. Going to Egypt!”
Dates & Prices
Prices listed in USD
We sell out fast!
Hold your spot with a $550 deposit that goes toward the total cost of your tour.
Flexible payment plans
Pay what you want when up want with the balance due 90 days before departure.
Free transfer
Change your dates or your destination one time for free, just give us at least 90 days notice.
Book now with $550. Pay the rest at your pace.
March 16, 2026
Arrive on Monday
March 16, 2026
Arrive on Monday
March 25, 2026
Depart on Wednesday
March 25, 2026
Depart on Wednesday
$6,745
with a private room +$2,700
$6,745
with a private room +$2,700
May 11, 2026
Arrive on Monday
May 11, 2026
Arrive on Monday
May 20, 2026
Depart on Wednesday
May 20, 2026
Depart on Wednesday
$6,645- Sold Out
with a private room +$2,700
$6,645- Sold Out
with a private room +$2,700
September 14, 2026
Arrive on Monday
September 14, 2026
Arrive on Monday
September 23,, 2026
Depart on Wednesday
September 23,, 2026
Depart on Wednesday
$6,645- Sold Out
with a private room +$2,700
$6,645- Sold Out
with a private room +$2,700
October 19, 2026
Arrive on Monday
October 19, 2026
Arrive on Monday
October 28,2026
Depart on Wednesday
October 28,2026
Depart on Wednesday
$6,645
with a private room +$2,700
$6,645
with a private room +$2,700
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT ARE THE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DETAILS FOR THE JAPAN TOUR?
Arrival: Fly into one of Tokyo’s main international airports, Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND).
- On arrival you’ll take a shared shuttle bus going to central Tokyo where you check in to your hotel. The shared transfer is included when you arrive between 6am and 10pm on Day 1.
- If you arrive a day or two early, the airport transfer is not included. Please email us directly if you book flights outside this window so we can assist with arranging a transfer and an early night in the hotel.
- Our tour starts at 6pm, so we recommend that you arrive no later than 3pm on day 1 so that you have extra cushion time. However, we will schedule your shuttle anytime in between 6am and 10pm.
Departure: Kansai International Airport (KIX). You can leave anytime on the last day. Check out is at 10am.
- If you are extending your trip on your own and need to fly domestically (back to Tokyo), you can also fly out of Osaka International (Itami) Airport (ITM).
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN THE WOMEN ONLY TRIP TO JAPAN?
- Airfares
- Visa fees if applicable
Travel insurance (mandatory) - Airport drop off
Tips for your tour guide
WHAT IS THE PAYMENT & REFUND POLICY?
- A non-refundable $550 deposit is required to hold your spot.
- Final payment is due 90 days before departure.
- Pay as much as often as you like until the due date.
- If you cancel your spot earlier than 90 days before departure, you can apply your payment to any trip within the next year.
- No refunds on deposits.
DO I NEED A VISA TO GO TO JAPAN?
Many nationalities do not require a visa for visits less than 90 days, including citizens of the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia.
For the latest update of what is required in order to enter Japan, please check your government’s foreign travel advisory or contact the embassy for more information.
If you are from a country that does require a visa to enter Japan, you may be required to submit a few documents along with your visa application form. SoFe is able to provide you with these documents upon request. Please request them from us and provide correct passport details and your email.
WILL THE ITINERARY FOR THE JAPAN TOUR CHANGE?
The itinerary is subject to change due for any reason – weather, unexpected cancellations, impromptu local opportunities, or surprise additions.
All bookings are subject to our terms and conditions.
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory or you may be refused to join the tour. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation.
Here is the link to our favorite Travel Insurance provider for citizens of the USA and Canada. We recommend enrolling in travel insurance before you book your flights, in case you need to make any changes to your flight plans.
HOW MUCH LUGGAGE CAN I BRING?
There are size restrictions for luggage on Shinkansen trains. Luggage over 160–250 cm may require an additional USD 10 fee per train journey. Luggage over 251 cm will NOT be permitted on the Shinkansen trains at all. Please notify your group leader at the welcome meeting if your luggage is over 160–250 cm so they can help you make the necessary arrangements. Additionally, each piece of luggage cannot exceed 30 kilograms.
On Day 4, we will send your main luggage to Kyoto, as you will use a lot of public transportation over the next couple days. You will need to prepare a light overnight bag for your stay at a traditional ryokan. 1 piece of luggage is included in the luggage forwarding service. If you have extra luggage you’d like to be forwarded from Kyoto to Osaka, the cost will be about 1800-2300 JPY depending on the size. Your leader will be able to advise the exact amount whilst on your trip.
Because of this, we recommend packing 1 checked bag and another smaller backpack to use as your overnight bag.
PHOTOS FROM THE ROAD
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