Japan solo tours

It’s completely up to you. Rooming on our trips is organised on a twin-share basis, and we pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on their passports.

However, if you'd like your own space, you can pay for an individual room on most of our trips. Just let us know when booking and we'll arrange it for you.

As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. If your gender identity differs from what's indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

On a small selection of itineraries some accommodations are booked on an open-gender, multi-share basis (e.g. on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances, it will be stated in the Essential Trip Information.

The beauty of travelling with Intrepid is that we encourage travellers to explore at their own pace. 

We offer a range of trip styles – Basix, Original, Comfort and Premium – with different levels of inclusions and free time. To give you an idea, our Basix trips tend to have fewer activities included and more time to do your own thing, while Premium trips have more activities included with the group.  

Lean on the expertise of your local leader who can recommend places to explore during your free time or after the trip has finished, whether you choose to do that solo or with someone you met along the way.  

Your Essential Trip Information has more details on what your trip’s itinerary and timeframes permit. 

Our travellers come from different walks of life and age brackets, but they're connected by a love of travel, a curiosity about the world and a respect for the people and places they visit. They’re a friendly, open-minded bunch, and many choose to travel alone (so no third-wheeling, we promise). Because of our small group sizes, it's easy to get to know everyone and make deeper connections.

There’s safety in numbers, so travelling with a group led by a local gives you peace of mind that you’re in good hands. In addition to having built-in company for the moments worth sharing, you’ll also get free time for solo exploration. Plus, you can lean on your local leader to bridge language barriers, teach you local etiquette and handle fussy logistics, like booking accommodation, making dinner reservations and figuring out public transportation.

The easiest way to connect with locals is to travel with one! Like meeting a local family during a homestay, taking a sushi class with an expert and learning from a monk at a guided meditation session. The best way to connect with locals is in intimate spaces and knowing where to go while having someone to assist with any language barriers is a huge help.

Every destination is different, so it's a good idea to do some research before you set off. Here's some general safety advice for solo travellers:

• Share your travel plans with family or a friend

• You can grab a taxi from the airport, but for peace of mind, if you’re travelling with us, we can book a transfer from the airport to your accommodation for you 

• Dress respectfully and according to local customs to draw less attention

• Keep track of travel times to avoid being caught out after dark

• Have a rough idea of where you’re going before heading out. Glance at your phone if you need directions but don't walk around with it looking confused

• Popular tourist areas tend to be a bigger target for pickpockets and scammers, so always be aware of your surroundings

• Solo travel is all about confidence, and if you’re relaxed, you’re more likely to blend in. The most valuable advice for those travelling alone is to consider joining a small group trip, where safety and peace of mind is practically built in.

There aren’t many places we haven’t been, so if you’ve got a destination or trip in mind that isn’t on our list, our Tailor-Made team is here to help.

We'll use our 35+ years of experience and match you with one of our specialist consultants to help you create your perfect adventure.

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. It's important to understand that each country you visit may have its own specific entry requirements, and some destinations mandate travel health insurance for all foreign travellers, regardless of their nationality.

We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation, but minimum coverage may differ from trip to trip, so make sure you check the Travel Insurance section in your Essential Trip Information. You will not be permitted to join the group until your leader has sighted your insurance policy number and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number, and these details will be recorded on the first day of your trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is an essential part of every journey.

For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or the USA, the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However, the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form, recognising personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.

Read more about travel insurance