Solo Tripping in Japan – The Beginning!

Konichiwa, Japan! Once again, history repeats itself!

Here’s the gist. In April of last year, with an envelope full of printed documents, I travelled to the South Korean embassy to apply for a visa. I was turned away because the embassy was not yet open to receiving applications (even though other South Korean embassies worldwide had reopened).

Disappointed, I returned home but I reapplied a few months later and got the visa to enable me to travel in the Fall Season. Well, the same thing happened with Japan. I went to the embassy in April and couldn’t apply due to an issue with my work permit. I sorted that out and reapplied in September for travel in November. It would seem as though Fall is my lucky season for East Asia travels 🙂

Nara Deer Park in Autumn

And what a fantastic time to go too. The weather is cool, the crowd is less(er) and the prices are generally more affordable than in the Sakura (spring) season. I cannot begin to express how wonderful this trip to Japan was! This is a destination Mark and I have been looking forward to visiting (I know I say that every time 🙂 but hey, I said I would say this now too!)

While Mark’s dream for a Japanese adventure is to explore destinations off-the-beaten-track, go on week-long hikes and basically “vagabond”, mine was to visit the popular cities, including Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka first. Since we cannot currently take month-long vacations, we decided that I could visit first, solo, and then we could take another trip together in the future.

This worked perfectly and I was able to enjoy my time in these cities. Making them my base destinations, I went on day trips to Nikko, Kamakura, Hakone (overnight trip), Nara, Hiroshima and Miyajima. I’ll dedicate the next few posts to writing about these places.

I’ll also share a trip and cost breakdown for this two-week trip to Japan on my Buy Me a Coffee page. You will need to be a supporter (for as little as $5) to access the article. While this was not a particularly budget trip, I will highlight ways to reduce costs if you plan to travel on a lesser budget than I did.

Asakusa Temple Tokyo

Getting a Visa to Japan as a Nigerian Citizen…

Applying for visas usually causes me a bit of anxiety and this one was no exception. When the lady at the embassy told me my documents were fine this time around, I nearly leapt for joy. But I would wait another ten working days before truly celebrating.

I have written an extensive post about how to apply for a Japanese visa in the linked article. While I applied in Kenya, I have included the process of doing so in Nigeria as well.

Tokyo Famous Shrine

Booking Accommodations & Activities…

For accommodation, I stayed with my friend, Dee (Thanks, Girl!), in Tokyo and booked the rest of my stay in Japan via this site. I also used it for my visa application, opting for accommodation with free cancellation options – just in case my application was not approved.

I pre-booked two activities directly with the vendors before leaving Nairobi and enjoyed many free options during my trip and paid for other activities on the day of.

Travelling in Japan as a Black Solo Female Traveller

After travelling solo to a few other Asian countries in the last 2 years, including South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia, I felt very confident to travel alone in Japan. It also helped that the country is often listed as one of the safest places to visit as a solo female traveller and I couldn’t agree more.

Travelling solo in Japan was easy, fun and safe! I enjoyed every moment of it and I am looking forward to revisiting with Mark.

Holm Cafe Zamalek

Trip Planning Resources

Book your accommodation: Find accommodation options for any budget on Booking.com

Purchase Travel Insurance: I use SafetyWing for both my travel and visa application needs

Activities: Find fun activities and tours in your destination via Get Your Guide, Viator or Klook Travel

Gion District Kyoto

I am excited to share more about Japan in the next few weeks. If there’s anything you’d love to know about visiting the country as a tourist, leave me a comment below and I’ll be sure to get back to you!

I’d also love to hear about your experiences travelling in Japan if you have been there before. If you have visited some wonderful destinations off the beaten path, please share them with me as well!

13 comments

  1. Japan is one of my dream destinations, especially for Kyoto, but I would also like to do a little walking in the country. It looks very beautiful from photos I’ve seen. I’ve never actually costed it as a destination but it’s not one that I would expect to be cheap, especially to fly there from Europe.

    1. It is a very beautiful country for sure and worth visiting. The flights are also on the high side travelling from Africa, but I found the experience there to be worth every penny!

  2. It’s good to see you explore the world girl,just know that you are source of inspiration to me,if you can do it as a Nigerian citizens.i can.love to hear you talk about the food you can eat in Japan in future.

  3. Amazing! You’re the 3rd blogger I know to visit Japan in the past month or 2, and you’ve all succeeded in raising Japan a little higher on my bucket list. That photo with the deer is amazing! I look forward to the rest of your posts

I love to hear from you, Leave a comment here!

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Aesthetically pleasing spaces in Kenya 🍂🦒
Aesthetically pleasing spaces in Kenya 🍂🦒
16 hours ago
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1/9
Kenya had dropped the paid ETA requirement for most Africans, including Nigerians. 💃🏾🎉

And in celebration of that, I'm sharing some of my favourite places to include in your Kenyan holiday itinerary!

Will you be visiting or have you been to any of these places?
Kenya had dropped the paid ETA requirement for most Africans, including Nigerians. 💃🏾🎉 And in celebration of that, I'm sharing some of my favourite places to include in your Kenyan holiday itinerary! Will you be visiting or have you been to any of these places?
1 day ago
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2/9
This lodge in Taita-Taveta was such a great last-minute find for me!
___________________

I needed a quick break from Nairobi and thought to visit Diani and Tsavo. While finding accommodation in Diani was fairly easy, I struggled to find a place that fit my schedule, budget, and preference in the Voi/Tsavo area.

When I stumbled upon The Hildana Lodge, I couldn't be happier. Luckily, they had availability for the exact dates I wanted, a resident's rate, and no single supplement!

I stayed here for 2 nights but could have easily stayed longer! This place is magical, and I can't wait to return! ✨️
This lodge in Taita-Taveta was such a great last-minute find for me! ___________________ I needed a quick break from Nairobi and thought to visit Diani and Tsavo. While finding accommodation in Diani was fairly easy, I struggled to find a place that fit my schedule, budget, and preference in the Voi/Tsavo area. When I stumbled upon The Hildana Lodge, I couldn't be happier. Luckily, they had availability for the exact dates I wanted, a resident's rate, and no single supplement! I stayed here for 2 nights but could have easily stayed longer! This place is magical, and I can't wait to return! ✨️
2 days ago
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3/9
As someone who enjoys travelling and pursuing a fulfilling career, I don't believe that you have to give up one for the other. ✈️🍂✨️

You can maintain a healthy travel life without forfeiting a career you love, and here's one of the best ways to do so ⤵️

Taking advantage of public holidays, combined with your vacation days. For example, there's a public holiday coming up next month.

It'll be a 2-day holiday, and if you take only 2 days off work, you'll get 6 vacation days! - perfect for this "Beach and Bush" holiday in Kenya! 🐚🐘🌊

Work-life balance is key, so find ways to do the things that are important to you now that you can!💙
As someone who enjoys travelling and pursuing a fulfilling career, I don't believe that you have to give up one for the other. ✈️🍂✨️ You can maintain a healthy travel life without forfeiting a career you love, and here's one of the best ways to do so ⤵️ Taking advantage of public holidays, combined with your vacation days. For example, there's a public holiday coming up next month. It'll be a 2-day holiday, and if you take only 2 days off work, you'll get 6 vacation days! - perfect for this "Beach and Bush" holiday in Kenya! 🐚🐘🌊 Work-life balance is key, so find ways to do the things that are important to you now that you can!💙
4 days ago
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4/9
Weekends in Kenya that look like this! 🐘💙🦒

How wonderful!
Weekends in Kenya that look like this! 🐘💙🦒 How wonderful!
4 days ago
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5/9
Here's what you can expect when you ride the premium class train from Nairobi to Mombasa and vice versa 🚅

It's a slow but scenic ride to the coast, but I love it and rather prefer it to flying. ✨️

PS: If you want great views of Tsavo National Park as you pass through (Nairobi > Mombasa), sit on the left side of the train (i.e., even numbered seats)

But be aware that some seats have partial window views. Seats 26, 21, 25, 15, and 6 are great!(Nairobi > Mombasa)

Seat on the opposite side on the Mombasa > Nairobi train. I couldn't keep track of all the good seats on this train 🥹.

The train also has a first and economy class coach, which are significantly cheaper than premium class. And once you're back in Nairobi, all "premium services end" 🤭😋

Have you gone on this train before? What was your experience like? 💬

Are team train 🚆 or flight ✈️?
Here's what you can expect when you ride the premium class train from Nairobi to Mombasa and vice versa 🚅 It's a slow but scenic ride to the coast, but I love it and rather prefer it to flying. ✨️ PS: If you want great views of Tsavo National Park as you pass through (Nairobi > Mombasa), sit on the left side of the train (i.e., even numbered seats) But be aware that some seats have partial window views. Seats 26, 21, 25, 15, and 6 are great!(Nairobi > Mombasa) Seat on the opposite side on the Mombasa > Nairobi train. I couldn't keep track of all the good seats on this train 🥹. The train also has a first and economy class coach, which are significantly cheaper than premium class. And once you're back in Nairobi, all "premium services end" 🤭😋 Have you gone on this train before? What was your experience like? 💬 Are team train 🚆 or flight ✈️?
5 days ago
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6/9
The most relaxing staycation ever! Coastal vibes in Diani Beach and a wonderful safari in Taita-Taveta county! 🐚🐘

This trip was so easy to plan and embark upon from Nairobi. I travelled by rail from Nairobi to Mombasa and then to Diani. 🌊

On my return leg, I stopped in Voi and transferred to a super gorgeous lodge, where I spent the weekend enjoying massages, spotting elephants 🐘 and giraffes 🦒, and just having a swell and relaxing time!

Sharing details on my blog and IG stories!✨️
The most relaxing staycation ever! Coastal vibes in Diani Beach and a wonderful safari in Taita-Taveta county! 🐚🐘 This trip was so easy to plan and embark upon from Nairobi. I travelled by rail from Nairobi to Mombasa and then to Diani. 🌊 On my return leg, I stopped in Voi and transferred to a super gorgeous lodge, where I spent the weekend enjoying massages, spotting elephants 🐘 and giraffes 🦒, and just having a swell and relaxing time! Sharing details on my blog and IG stories!✨️
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
The Best of Both Worlds! 🥰

Just took the SGR again, and I got to try out the Premium Class coach - I loved the experience!

I'll be sharing all about this experience in my next blog post on www.travelwithapen.com -  what to expect from this train ride, the best seats for unobstructed views and elephant sightings in Tsavo National Park, and notable changes in the journey from Nairobi to Mombasa and Diani!

#diani #dianibeachkenya #sgr #railtravel #tsavo #tembeakenya
The Best of Both Worlds! 🥰 Just took the SGR again, and I got to try out the Premium Class coach - I loved the experience! I'll be sharing all about this experience in my next blog post on www.travelwithapen.com - what to expect from this train ride, the best seats for unobstructed views and elephant sightings in Tsavo National Park, and notable changes in the journey from Nairobi to Mombasa and Diani! #diani #dianibeachkenya #sgr #railtravel #tsavo #tembeakenya
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Bougainvillea in full bloom in Nairobi 🌸, always a highlight of our strolls!
Bougainvillea in full bloom in Nairobi 🌸, always a highlight of our strolls!
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
Latest Posts
  • Safari and the Beach – Part 1: Diani Beach

  • 7 Best Day Trips to Take from Nairobi!

  • Naivasha Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know!

  • My 2025 Wish List: 10 Places I Hope to Visit

  • An Afternoon at the Picturesque Kiambethu Tea Farm

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