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I'm a female solo traveller - here's what no one warned me about Japan
How well do you know Japan? One solo traveller has revealed a few of the things that shocked her when she arrived in the country.
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Solo British Traveler's Japan Impressions Go Viral, Sparking Cultural Debate
A recent viral video by British solo traveler Millie Mclay has sparked considerable discussion online, as she shared her unfiltered first impressions of Japan. Uploaded on August 23, 2025, the video, which has garnered over 416,000 views, highlights several distinctive cultural norms that surprised the vlogger. Mclay noted the unexpected prohibition on eating or drinking while walking in public, a contrast to many Western countries. "You're not allowed to eat or drink and walk," she observed, detailing how people typically consume food or beverages while stationary. Another striking observation was the profound quietness on public transport. "Everybody silent on the trains? This is my Nirvana," one commenter enthusiastically echoed, reflecting a common sentiment among viewers. The vlogger also praised the overall cleanliness of the country and the respectful demeanor of its citizens, describing it as "a country where everyone is respectful and clean." However, she did point out the scarcity of public bins, a detail that resonated with many in the comments section. One user noted, "the lack of bins was driving me crazy," while another offered a local tip: "just put it in the bins in 7/11 or what ever shop your stood outside of quite simple." Mclay's video has prompted a lively debate among viewers, with many drawing comparisons between Japanese and Western social standards. Several comments, such as "UK could learn a lot from Japan," underscored a desire for similar societal values in their home countries. The video also includes a promotional mention for "Feel Free Travel," for which Mclay provides a discount code.
