Pack Light & Buy Some Street Wear
Japan’s street fashion scene is globally recognized but only practiced by the best of the best. If you’re packing for your trip during the winter time, you might want to consider heavy boots and your trusty Northface. But, if you’re going to Japan during the Spring, Summer, or Fall seasons, pack lightly because you’ll definitely want to indulge in some of the creative looks while you’re there. Japanese Street Wear is all about expressing yourself no matter how wild the outcome may be. Sweet Lolitas usually opt for floral head pieces, pastel colors, and Alice in Wonderland inspired dresses, while Mori Kei girls dress like they are mythical creatures from a Midsummer Night’s Dream. The streets of Tokyo are specifically crawling with the various subcultures of individualistic fashion. Get out there, throw away those skinny jeans, and try new, foreign look.
Transportation For The Girl On The Go
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. So safe, that the 2016 Global Peace Index ranked Japan as the 9th safest country in the world and this benefits female travelers enormously – especially if you’re going solo. When you’re wandering around Japan you’ll want to do so fearlessly and you can use the train system as a sure fire way to get to whichever destination you want. The metro stations are cheap, easy to navigate, and heavily secured. Take a look around when you’re aboard a train and you’ll notice security cameras guards at every terminal. Just remember that Japan is densely populated country and even though you’re fairly safe from harm’s way, it’ll still be a crowded trip no matter which direction you head in.
Dress Like A Geisha
Real talk for a minute – We’re all girls, here. When you were little you totally wanted to be Mulan, didn’t you? In Kyoto, you have the option to dress up like a traditional, Japanese Geisha at MAICA. MAICA is one of the few businesses in the Miyagawa Geisha district of Kyoto that will style your hair, do your makeup, and put you full-fledged Geisha attire. Then, you have the option to have a few snapshots taken of you at a historic location or two. Of course, there is a fee involved but it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country for a reason. You can also go to Studio Shiki, Kyo, or Yumeyakata.
The Cherry Blossom Festival In Hakodate
If you’re crazy about Cherry Blossoms, then you’ll get a kick out of the Cherry Blossom Festival that happens each year from April to May in Hakodate. As you can see from the picture below, it’s quite a sight to behold. The star-shaped island is decked out in pink, green, and purple, which is enough to make any female traveler in Japan feel like a princess. During the festival, the streets of Hakodate become lined with food and drinks carts, and people sing and dance to honor the blooming of the Cherry Blossoms.
Osaka’s All Female Cafe
If you feel like getting in the feminist vibe while traveling around Japan, you stop in at Ataraxia Cafe in Osaka. It’s an all-female cafe for girls who want to indulge in their personal hobbies without feeling judged or to be frank, hit on by members of the opposite gender. Ataraxia has a “nerdy” vibe for females looking to indulge in their favorite interest; the walls are decorated with manga, comics, and magazine shelves. You can sit at a workstation and sew your own cosplay outfit, play video games on your laptop or other portable device, and create your very own doujin! This cafe is definitely a spot to take advantage of while you’re in Osaka.
The Ultimate Alone Time
If you’re a solo female traveler making her way through Japan, you’ll find that the experience is an enlightening one. The country’s most ancient sites and attractions aren’t just historic, they’re religious landmarks that most travelers pilgrimage to. Being solitary in Japan isn’t mutually exclusive to a spiritual journey, though. It’s the cultural norm. You can explore the city of Tokyo, check into a hot spring, and ride the trains independently. You’ll have the opportunity to get to know yourself as a person and find confidence in your ability to navigate a foreign country. If you find yourself at one of the 80,000 shrines the old world of Japan has to offer, it’ll be prime real estate for self-reflection and faultless relaxation.
