Conquering My Fears As A Solo Black Girl in Tokyo

Hey Besties!

Have you ever wanted to visit Japan but felt unsure about traveling solo? As a Black woman traveling the world, I understand how intimidating it can feel, especially when you're venturing into places with different cultural norms and unfamiliar environments. But let me tell you—Japan is a place where you can not only thrive but conquer fears and find your confidence as a solo traveler!

In this post, I’ll share my personal tips and experiences from my solo trips to Japan. From navigating Tokyo’s bustling streets to embracing the quiet moments in traditional temples, here’s how I overcame my fears and fell in love with this amazing country.

Navigating Tokyo’s Busy Streets

Tokyo can feel overwhelming at first. It's fast-paced, neon-lit, and full of people moving quickly in every direction. But the energy of the city is contagious. My first day in Tokyo was all about exploring the Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest intersection, where I faced my fear of being lost in the crowd.

As a solo traveler, I learned that the best way to conquer this fear is to embrace it! I threw myself into the chaos, capturing the vibrant scene on camera, and soon I found my rhythm, confidently navigating the crowded streets. If you’ve never been to Japan, Shibuya Crossing is a must—it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in Tokyo’s electric energy.

Joza's Pro Tip: Use Google Maps or download a translation app to help with directions and language barriers. It makes navigating the city so much easier!

Finding Peace at Sensoji Temple

After the excitement of Shibuya, I headed to Sensoji Temple in Asakusa for a complete change of pace. This ancient Buddhist temple is one of Tokyo’s most iconic landmarks, and stepping inside feels like entering another world. The temple grounds are peaceful and serene, providing a space for reflection and calm.

At first, I was nervous about how I would be received in such a sacred place, but the beauty of Japan is that the people are incredibly welcoming. As a Black woman traveling solo, I found that people were curious and respectful, often going out of their way to make me feel comfortable.

Joza's Pro Tip: Be mindful of the customs when visiting temples—bowing in respect, wearing modest clothing, and removing your shoes in certain areas is important.

Lunch: Solo Dining with Confidence

One of the challenges of solo travel is eating alone, especially in a foreign country. But Japan makes solo dining easy with its cozy ramen shops and sushi counters. I found an intimate ramen spot in Harajuku where solo diners are common, and enjoyed the experience of dining at my own pace without feeling self-conscious. Japan’s dining culture is perfect for solo travelers. The focus is on enjoying your meal rather than conversation, so you’ll often find counters designed for single diners. Plus, the food is incredible—nothing beats a bowl of steaming ramen or fresh sushi!

Joza's Pro Tip: Many restaurants in Japan have vending machines where you can order your food without having to speak—perfect if you're still working on your Japanese!

Overcoming Heights at Tokyo Skytree

Although I am not afraid of heights, I have tons and tons of friends that are. What is one of the best ways to conquer your fear? Do it abroad! I decided to conquer Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower in Japan. Standing 634 meters tall, the views from the observation deck are breathtaking, and though my legs were shaking at first, the beauty of the cityscape quickly distracted me.

Sometimes, traveling solo means pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, and standing at the top of Tokyo Skytree was one of those moments for me. Overcoming my fear of heights while taking in one of the most incredible views of Tokyo was a triumph I’ll never forget.

Joza's Pro Tip: Plan your visit in the late afternoon (4:30pm-ish) so you can see the city in daylight and watch the sunset from the top—trust me, it’s magical!

Enjoying a Solo Trip to Tokyo Disney: Friends, Fun, and Magic!

Visiting Tokyo Disney as a solo traveler was honestly one of the most magical experiences I’ve ever had! I know, I know—theme parks are usually considered group activities, but let me tell you, going solo allowed me to truly soak in the magic without any distractions. Plus, by the end of the day, I had made tons of new friends with other park-goers and even some of the amazing Disney staff.

Getting There

Getting to Tokyo Disneyland is incredibly easy, especially if you’re already exploring Tokyo. I hopped on the JR Keiyo Line from Tokyo Station and arrived at Maihama Station in about 15 minutes. From there, it’s a short walk to the entrance of the park. If you're coming from other areas of Tokyo, the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines also connect seamlessly to the JR lines, making the trip a breeze. The signs are in English, Japanese, and other languages, so no need to worry about getting lost!

Buying Tickets

Now, about tickets! I highly recommend booking your tickets in advance to avoid long queues at the park. I bought mine through Klook.com, which not only offers great prices but also allows you to skip the line at the ticket booth. It’s super convenient, especially if you're on a tight schedule. Ticket prices typically range from ¥7,400 to ¥9,400 (approximately $50 to $65 USD), depending on the day of your visit. You can choose between Disneyland and DisneySea, but if you have time, I suggest doing both!

Making Friends at Tokyo Disney

As soon as I stepped into the park, I was greeted by that signature Disney magic. The staff, or “Cast Members,” were so welcoming, often waving and greeting me with the friendliest smiles. As a solo traveler, I found it easy to strike up conversations, especially while waiting in line for attractions. In fact, I made friends with a group of locals who were just as excited as I was to see the parades. We bonded over our mutual love for Mickey Mouse!

One of the highlights of the day was when a Cast Member noticed I was exploring alone and invited me to be part of the front row audience for a character show! It felt like such a special moment, and it’s those little touches that make Tokyo Disney an unforgettable experience. By the end of the day, I had exchanged social media info with several fellow Disney fans from different countries, all of whom were solo travelers, too. It’s amazing how Disney brings people together no matter where you’re from. I even met a beautiful little girl who wanted to trade Disney ears with me-- of course I said YES! :)

Exploring Solo: No Worries!

At first, I was a bit nervous about exploring such a big park alone, but Tokyo Disney is designed for everyone—whether you’re in a group, with family, or, like me, flying solo. And guess what? Going solo actually has its perks! Many rides have single-rider lines, which means shorter wait times. I jumped on Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, and Splash Mountain faster than groups had to wait! The freedom to move at my own pace and take breaks whenever I wanted was priceless.

By the time the day ended, I had experienced everything from magical parades to exhilarating rides. Plus, I made some wonderful connections along the way. Going to Tokyo Disney solo didn’t just make me appreciate the park itself, but it also showed me how easy it is to make friends when you’re open to new experiences.

Whether you’re a solo traveler or in a group, Tokyo Disney is a must-visit! Trust me, you’ll leave with a heart full of magic and, if you're like me, a phone full of new friends' contact details.

In a nutshell...

Japan is a place where you can conquer fears, discover new strengths, and embrace solo travel with confidence. From the hustle and bustle of Tokyo’s streets to the peaceful temples and exciting karaoke nights, every moment in Japan is an opportunity to grow and experience something new.

If you’ve been dreaming of traveling to Japan but feel uncertain, I encourage you to take the leap! You won’t regret it.

What are some fears you want to conquer on your next trip? Let me know in the comments below, Besties!

Traveling to South Korea or Thailand soon? Check out these other posts about how to solo travel and live your best life abroad! :)

Make sure to check me out on TikTok and Instagram to experience even more adventures with me! :)