By MOOK Scenic Spots Home / Kumiko
In today’s society, while there seem to be many ways to make friends, there are actually quite a few people who enjoy being alone or often find themselves solo. As a result, around the world—especially in Asian markets—there are more and more restaurants and leisure spots tailored for solo visitors. Online, there’s even a circulating International Loneliness Chart with 10 levels. Although definitions of loneliness, solitude, and feeling lonesome vary from person to person, in this chart, solo travel covers as many as six levels.
The state of living alone and traveling solo is becoming increasingly common. (Photo / Pixabay, the same below)
Level 10 Shopping at the supermarket alone
When traveling abroad, it’s common to visit local supermarkets to buy local goods and souvenirs. So if you find yourself shopping at a supermarket solo while traveling, it shouldn’t feel unfamiliar. Even in daily life, going to a supermarket or convenience store alone to shop is a pretty regular occurrence.
Level 9 Dining at a restaurant alone
Many people dislike or are hesitant to dine at a restaurant by themselves, either because ordering can sometimes be less convenient, or because seeing others dining in groups makes them feel out of place. However, when you’re traveling solo, eating alone is just part of the routine. Ordering, dining, and paying the bill solo at a restaurant—after a few experiences—it’s really not a big deal.
Level 8 Visiting a café alone
This is similar to dining out alone. Some people feel uneasy because they’re easily influenced by their surroundings. But if you can focus on why you went to the café—to unwind, handle work or assignments, read a book, etc.—you’ll be less aware that you’re alone. During solo travel, having a cup of coffee in a café by yourself can be uniquely enjoyable, even if it is a bit lonely.
Level 7 Watching a movie alone
It’s common to hear people express disbelief at the idea of “watching a movie alone,” thinking that movies must be watched with company or friends so you’re not alone when entering or leaving the theater, and have someone to discuss the film with. But in recent years, more and more people are enjoying solo movie outings—even choosing off-peak showtimes to fully immerse themselves in the film without distractions.
Level 6 Eating hot pot alone
This is quite similar to Levels 8 and 9. What’s unique is that hot pot is typically associated with groups of people gathering around one pot. The image of someone eating hot pot alone might seem a bit bleak. But nowadays, there are plenty of individual hot pot options and single-person hot pot setups that are actually quite popular. So eating hot pot solo is probably becoming more and more common.
Level 5 Singing karaoke alone
The fact that this is even a level means some people have definitely done it. There are various reasons for singing karaoke solo: maybe you couldn’t find a friend who also wanted to sing, or you just want to practice, or you want to belt out your favorite songs without inhibition, or you’re tone-deaf but still want to sing without anyone knowing. Nowadays, there are many private karaoke pods, so singing solo isn’t difficult or strange at all. Singing alone in a private karaoke room can be a bit more involved—you have to choose songs, sing, and maybe eat—but only those who truly enjoy it can pull it off.
Level 4 Going to the seaside alone
The sea often evokes feelings of wanting to relax or reflect. Add the word “alone,” and it might take on a slightly sadder tone—or even draw jokes about whether you’re going through something. But in reality, most people feel uplifted when they see the ocean. Many enjoy going to the seaside alone, or sitting in a seaside café and taking in the view (which ties into Level 8). The potentially awkward part is when others nearby are playing in the water or enjoying beach activities, which might make you feel a bit lonelier—or if you’re already not in a great mood, the sea view might make you feel even more down. So going to the sea alone isn’t inherently lonely—it mostly depends on your own mindset. (laughs)
When traveling solo, you might see the sea from a moving train or arrive at a seaside destination. That sense of solitude can sometimes carry a unique kind of beauty.
Level 3 Visiting an amusement park alone
Amusement parks are usually associated with couples, friends, or families having fun together. Going alone seems pretty sad, right?! But in truth, there are indeed people who go to amusement parks solo. For example, Tokyo Disneyland has many annual pass holders who frequently visit to watch shows and buy souvenirs. Some visitors just go to shop—possibly even as resellers. A slightly more awkward scenario is when certain rides have double seats—solo riders might have to sit alone (which could be nice?), or share with a stranger. These are situations you might encounter when visiting amusement-park-like attractions during solo travel.
A certain proportion of visitors to Disneyland actually go alone. (Photo / Disney)
- 1
- 2