I have spent my entire career in travel, and the way I explored Japan alone for three weeks is impressed on me for life. This trip was something very special – not only because of the combination of tradition and modernity, the people, nature and the incredibly great experiences, but also because exploring Japan alone gave me the freedom to discover it at my own pace. This allowed me to fully immerse myself in the cultural and scenic highlights and experience everything intensively. I fulfilled a long-held dream because Japan has always been at the top of my bucket list

 

 

I grew up in Brand-Erbisdorf, a small mountain town in central Saxony, known as the gateway to the Middle Ore Mountains. Living in a small town grounded me, taught me to appreciate the little things in life, and developed a deep appreciation for nature. 

 

My favorite subject at school was geography. I have always been passionate about other cultures, countries and the topography of the world – so much so that I knew all the world’s capitals by heart. After graduating from school, it quickly became clear to me that I wanted to see the world before I started studying. 

Since then, I have traveled to almost every continent in the world and also live out this passion professionally by working in the tourism industry. For me, traveling is more than just a hobby – it’s my life. 

 

 

I left to explore Japan alone in October 2024, and my absolute favorite place on the trip was Koyasan. This place has a very special, spiritual atmosphere that really impressed me. I was lucky enough to stay in a traditional ryokan, which was an unforgettable experience in itself. From the futons on tatami mats to the traditional Buddhist cuisine – it was just amazing! 

 

 

The highlight of the trip was definitely the morning services at 6 a.m. with the monks. The silence and meditation at this early hour, accompanied by the rhythmic chants and the scent of incense, triggered a deep gratitude in me. It was a moment where I felt completely connected to the place and its spirituality. 

 

 

Another impressive place in Koyasan is the Okunoin Cemetery – the largest and most mystical cemetery I have ever seen. It is embedded in an ancient forest and stretches over thousands of gravestones and memorials, some of which are covered with moss. The cemetery takes on a magical aura, especially at dusk when the lanterns come on. I highly recommend this place

 

 

While I explored Japan alone, I had many unforgettable encounters with the locals, who deeply impressed me with their respect, warmth and hospitality. I have a particularly fond memory of the monk in Koyasan who patiently waited for me before dinner because I was late. When I arrived, he greeted me with a warm smile and the words: “Thank you for waiting.” The funny thing was that he was waiting for me, and not I for him. 

 

I also had a great moment in Kyoto when I saw two older men in front of their workshop doing simple sports exercises next to each other early in the morning. They grinned at me as if inviting me right into their morning ritual – a small but heartwarming encounter.

 

Another unforgettable situation occurred in a parking garage when I asked for a toilet. Two security guards took the opportunity to personally accompany me almost to the door and said goodbye with several polite bows.

 

Another highlight was the inn owner who voluntarily gave me some of my money back when I changed my travel plans and had to leave early. This honesty and respect impressed me deeply and reflects the high value that mutual trust has in Japan. Encounters like this have shown me how meaningful small gestures of kindness can be – and that’s exactly what made exploring Japan alone so special to me.

 

 

Culinary

 

In Hiroshima I took part in a fantastic food tour, which was one of the culinary highlights of my trip. My guide, an American who has lived in Japan for seven years, took me through some of the city’s best spots and let us experience the local cuisine in a variety of ways. I tried local craft beer, mild sake, fried oysters, the Manji snack, yakitori skewers with cheese and tomatoes, okonomiyaki at the famous Okonomimura food court and to top it all off, a hot taiyaki snack with creamy filling. Each station was a taste experience in itself!  

 

My guide not only told a lot about the food, but also about the history and culture of Hiroshima. His enthusiasm and knowledge made the tour very special. He even showed me a hidden pizza machine – so crazy! 

 

 

Transport

 

While exploring Japan alone, I only used public transport – local and long-distance trains, the Shinkansen, metro, buses, long-distance buses, ferries and even an e-bike. The transportation system in Japan is incredibly efficient and well organized. Thanks to clear signage at train stations and helpful apps, navigating the country was surprisingly easy. I have never really traveled as easily and perfectly organized as in Japan! 

 

 

Language

 

Even if English isn’t spoken everywhere, a few basic Japanese words and the friendliness of the locals are often more than enough to get around. Apps like Google Maps, Google Lens and translation apps were indispensable companions for me.

 

Security

 

One aspect that really impressed me while exploring Japan alone is the extraordinary sense of security I felt everywhere. Whether in a busy city like Tokyo or in a quiet, rural area, I felt safe at any time of the day or night. Even late at night in remote corners or dark subway stations, I felt safe at all times.

 

This is not only due to the low crime rate, but also to the culture of consideration and respect that is deeply rooted in Japan. Lost items, such as a bag or cell phone, are often taken directly to the lost property office or left where they are until the owner picks them up. Even on public transport, even when it is packed, it remains respectful, quiet and orderly – by the way, part of the culture that silence reigns on public transport. 

 

Reflections

 

“An investment in travel is an investment in yourself.” – My travels have significantly changed my perspective on life and shown me the value of experiencing new cultures and broadening my horizons. Exploring Japan alone was no exception. Traveling has taught me that it’s not just about discovering new places, but also about getting to know yourself better. I have discovered how important it is to remain open and flexible, especially in unfamiliar situations. Also, I learned to face challenges calmly with an appreciation for the lessons and how valuable the present moment is. Often in everyday life you live so much in the future that you overlook the present moment. While traveling, especially while exploring Japan alone, I have often been able to concentrate entirely on the present – be it over a leisurely dinner or marveling at the beauty of nature. This mindfulness has helped me to live more consciously and presently in everyday life, and made me a more open, reflective person with much greater happiness towards every moment.

 

To achieve this richer experience of life, during my travels, I used various methods to capture and later document my experiences. I keep a handwritten diary on every trip. In this I write down everything that moves me, what I have seen and what impressions I have collected during my travels. It is my very personal memory book in which I record not only the big events but also the small details.

 

Just the journals are not enough for my blog, as I also have to collect a lot of practical and theoretical information here. That’s why I usually use a notes app on my cell phone to quickly jot down everything important on the go – such as information about sights, costs or tips for getting there. This app is very convenient for me because I can access it at any time, no matter where I am.

 

On longer trips, I also take my laptop with me so that I can work on my blog articles during the trip. This helps me to keep track of things and record experiences in a timely manner.

 

Thank you for your attention to my article, if you would like to see more details about my trip to Japan, or any of my other trips, click the link below. Of course you are welcome to come and say hello on my socials and ask me anything there too. 

 

Photography and Authored by Meike Helbig

 

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