As a frequent solo female traveler and travel writer, I’ve learned that the details—like good planning and cultural insight—can make all the difference, especially in places where I don’t speak the language. That’s why I joined a 14-night small-group tour with Inspiring Vacations, an Australian company now welcoming North American travelers. Experiencing Japan during cherry blossom season had long been on my bucket list, and this journey delivered. I wandered Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path beneath a swirl of pink petals and stood in awe of Mount Fuji reflected in the still waters of Lake Kawaguchiko—feeling confident, connected, and completely immersed.
This trip was hosted. All opinions are entirely my own.
Why Choose a Group Tour?
Traveling with a small group of 19 removed the stress of navigating trains, booking accommodations, and decoding foreign signage. With logistics handled—hotels, transport, entry tickets—I could focus on the wonders of Japan, not how to get from A to B. The Inspiring Vacations itinerary also allowed free time to explore personal interests, which made the experience feel even more fulfilling.
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But what truly elevated the trip was the camaraderie. Most of our group were women, and bonding came naturally. We shared laughter, encouraged one another, and soaked up the beauty together—like traveling with friends you haven’t met yet.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Download your QR code to enter before arriving in Japan to streamline the immigration process. It makes check-in faster and easier at Visit Japan to get yours!
A Diverse, Well-Balanced Itinerary
Our 14-night tour wove through nine destinations, from Osaka to Tokyo. In addition to sticking to big cities, we explored lesser-known places like Shirakawa-go, a mountain village with steep thatched roofs built to shed heavy snow. We traveled by roomy, comfortable coach and experienced Japan’s famous bullet train—an exhilarating ride topped 200 mph!
Each stop brought something new: tea ceremonies, bento-making, cherry blossoms, onsen baths, and lakeside views of Mount Fuji.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Japan’s reliable trains and airport shuttles make arrivals and departures smooth and stress-free.
Comfortable, Convenient Hotels
Our hotels were modern, clean, and well-located—often just steps from train stations. In Tokyo, we stayed at the Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro, perfectly positioned for easy transit access. While most properties weren’t part of big Western chains, they delivered where it mattered: comfort, convenience, and a good night’s sleep. Rooms were compact, as is typical in Japan, but thoughtfully designed and functional. Some hotels included breakfast only, so we enjoyed exploring local restaurants for other meals.
Handling luggage was easy with elevators, and I managed just fine with a roller bag and personal item.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Respect Japan’s social etiquette—walk on the left, speak quietly on public transit, and avoid jaywalking. Carry a small bag for your trash when out and about—public bins are scarce, and you’ll likely bring litter back to your hotel.
Mealtimes on Tour: What to Know
I’ve always considered myself a bit of a novice in Japanese cuisine—California rolls were more my speed. But traveling through Japan completely changed that. I was blown away by how fresh, flavorful, and artfully presented everything was. Before long, I savored tempura, popped into sushi bars, and got curious about dishes I couldn’t even name.
The included breakfasts offered both Western and Japanese options. We had two group dinners—otherwise, meals were on our own, allowing us to explore Japan’s tempting array of local eats. From ramen shops to yakitori stalls, the variety was endless.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Besides being a great vendor for snack items, 7-Eleven is the perfect place for affordable and quick meals. Their egg salad sandwiches were my favorite!
Feeling Safe and Cared For
Japan is one of the safest countries I have traveled to. People are polite, helpful, and very respectful. Even so, the presence of a local trip leader brought a different level of comfort and confidence. Our guide handled everything, including the train tickets and the cultural pointers, allowing me to fully unwind and enjoy the experience.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Carry some local currency. Not all places take cards. 7-Eleven ATMs are reliable and carry a coin purse—you will get back lots of coins!
Smart Travel Tools
Google Translate’s camera feature saved me more than once—whether I was deciphering a restaurant menu, laundry machine instructions, or a vending machine. I used an Airalo eSIM for mobile data, which kept me connected without worrying about roaming fees. Before I left home, I downloaded the Suica Card to my phone. It worked seamlessly for train rides and small purchases—like snacks, convenience store drinks, and even entrance tickets.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Download the Japan Transit Planner app. It’s a helpful tool for navigating train lines and finding the fastest connections during free time.
Smart Packing Tips (and a Few Surprises)
A few small items made a big difference. Here’s what I’m glad I packed.
- Slip-on shoes: You’ll take them off often: at temples, restaurants, and even hotel rooms.
- A small towel and hand sanitizer: Some restrooms don’t have soap or hand dryers.
- A lightweight scarf or shawl: – Ideal for layering or covering up at cultural sites.
- A foldable tote bag: Great for shopping, snacks, or day trips.
- Basic over-the-counter meds: Japanese pharmacies aren’t always easy to decipher.
- A compact umbrella and raincoat: Spring weather can be unpredictable.
- A power bank and charger: You’ll use more data than expected with Google Maps and translation apps.
- Good news: Most hotel outlets accept U.S.-style plugs, so no adapter is needed.
- Fun surprise: Many hotels provide pajamas! I didn’t expect it, but it was a lovely nightly ritual—and one less thing to pack.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Planning to shop? Visit Don Quixote—a quirky discount store packed with affordable souvenirs. I stocked up on Japanese skincare, bento accessories, and those famous Kit Kat flavors.
Iconic Sights and Cultural Moments
This trip wasn’t just about checking off Japan’s most famous landmarks—though visiting the Great Buddha Hall in Nara and Tokyo Tower was unforgettable. What made it truly special were the hands-on experiences that brought the culture to life: whisking matcha in a Kyoto tea ceremony, assembling colorful bento boxes in a Tokyo home kitchen, and joining the crowds for Hanami flower viewing in Ueno Park.
The most outside-my-comfort-zone moment? Bathing nude in a traditional Japanese onsen. Awkward at first, but by the second visit, I was surprised how natural it felt.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Learn a few simple Japanese phrases. A heartfelt “Arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you) shows respect and often earns a smile in return.
Women Travelers Leading the Way
More women than ever are packing their bags and seeing the world—on their own terms. It’s not just twenty-somethings with backpacks or thrill-seekers chasing the next big adventure. Today’s travelers include women in their 40s, 60s, and beyond—some recently retired, newly solo, or simply ready to explore. A Washington Post article noted that women over 65 now make up 18% of solo travelers, up from just 4% in 2019.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Don’t hesitate to join a group tour solo. You’ll enjoy the freedom to explore independently, with the bonus of built-in companionship. This Inspiring Vacations trip made me feel not just like a traveler but like I belonged. If you’re wondering whether Japan is right for you—go. What you discover might surprise you.
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