Solo travel offers a unique opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth, away from the influence of companions. It really is all about you—from choosing the destination, to deciding when to head to breakfast. With a peerless public transportation system and diverse neighborhoods, combined with an enviable reputation for being one of the world’s safest cities, Tokyo is an ideal destination for the single traveler.
TRUNK(HOTEL) CAT STREET
TRUNK Hotel’s youthful yet sophisticated vibe meshes perfectly with its surroundings in stylish Shibuya. Located in a quiet street, the boutique hotel is housed in two adjoining four-story buildings. Trunk’s commitment to social contribution shines through, with thoughtful attention to reusing and repurposing of resources. The interiors in both the public spaces and guestrooms make innovative use of upcycled materials, and even the bicycles for guest use have been salvaged from around the city and meticulously restored to perfect working order. Each spacious guestroom has a unique design, adorned with works by local artists and locally-sourced amenities. The all-day restaurant serves Japanese-Western fusion cuisine, including terrace seating, and the bar is an inviting space to reflect on the day’s adventures over a cocktail. Appealing as much to locals as it does to visitors, the atmosphere at TRUNK invites connections and creativity, making it ideal for the gregarious solo traveler who loves to meet new people.
Asakusa Kokono Club
The Asakusa Kokono Club delivers boutique accommodation in one of Tokyo’s most traditional neighborhoods, making it a great choice for solo travelers who relish immersive experiences yet still value solace. Famed for Sensjoji Temple with its imposing vermilion Kaminarimon gate, Asakusa retains a decidedly nostalgic vibe, as local residents rub shoulders with tourists in the bustling streets. Asakusa Kokono Club Hotel is a stone’s throw from Sensoji and within easy reach of multiple attractions. Explore on foot or take advantage of the hotel’s bicycles, available free-of-charge to guests. The guestrooms feature a Japanese-style motif and showcase the works of local artisans. Breakfast is served at the fourth-floor café, leaving guests free to choose from the plethora of dining options in the surrounding area for the rest of the day. Asakusa Kokono Club Hotel combines convenience and comfort in equal measure, offering a peaceful oasis after a day exploring colorful, eclectic Asakusa.
Ascott Marunouchi Tokyo
Are you planning to combine your solo sojourn in Tokyo with business? Or perhaps you’re considering an extended stay and want some extra space and home comforts? The serviced apartments of the Marunouchi Ascott Tokyo are just the ticket, hitting the sweet spot between a high-end hotel and the privacy of independent living. The apartments come in a range of sizes, although most single travelers will find their needs are more than met by the studios with fully-stocked kitchenettes, or the one-bedrooms, which come with the addition of a living room. Guest facilities include a business center, gym, swimming pool and a lounge, and the delightful rooftop terrace is a green oasis offering panoramic views of your temporary home. The Marunouchi Ascott Tokyo provides direct access to Otemachi Station, and is within easy walking distance of Tokyo Station and the sophisticated shopping mecca of Ginza.
Shibuya Stream Hotel
Everything is at your fingertips at the Shibuya Stream Hotel, which occupies the upper portion of the Shibuya Stream shopping complex, with flexibility in the form of both superb in-house dining and a well-equipped guest kitchen. The vintage modern design concept starts in the welcoming lobby and lounge area on the fourth floor, and is carried through to the guestrooms, with furnishings carefully curated for both function and form. Indulge your tastebuds at Torrent, where Chef Nobuto Nagatsuma dishes up a French-inspired take on Japanese fare, then move to the bar to enjoy signature cocktails and live music. Guests can also take advantage of thoughtfully planned communal spaces, which include a gym and a spacious kitchen. The latter comes equipped with a microwave, rice cooker and toaster, for those times when you prefer a quiet night in. And when you’re ready to play, you’re just a short walk away from Shibuya Station and the iconic Shibuya Scramble Square.
Top Image: TRUNK(HOTEL) CAT STREET
