With 85,000 temples and 95,000 shrines, Japan is home to many magical and meditative places. These peaceful religious sites encourage introspection and solitude, making them great places to go as a solo traveler.
The smaller temples were my favorite — not the famous ones full of tourists from all over the world — but the little ones somewhere hidden, where locals stop to say a prayer on the way home from work. Visiting them gave me a rare chance to be alone with my thoughts and reflect on my solo journey. There wasn't a day I didn't want to pinch myself. I couldn't believe how much fun one person could have all by themselves.
On the way to Osaka, I accidentally got off the train many stations too early. It was the first time on the trip I found myself completely confused, but I found strength and calm in that moment I've been able to carry with me since. When I finally got to my hotel — after taking more trains, subways, and finally a taxi — I was so glad I decided to take this journey alone. I discovered a resilience within myself I didn't know still existed.
