As an extroverted traveler, I learned to appreciate sitting in silence.

I slide my screen across to the bartender with a pitifully earnest facial expression, clearly craving human interaction.

He offers me a smile and quickly returns to garnishing a cocktail.

A person stands in the infinite crystal universe room

Credit:Courtesy ofTeamLab Planets Tokyo

I want to say, “Where do I go to make friends?”

That hasnt bothered me much: Ive always preferred my alone time in brackets.

What if I dont like myself as much as I like my friends?

A landscape view at Aman Kyoto and two women walk in traditional dress in Kyoto streets

Sophie Dodd/Travel + Leisure

What if Im a less savvy traveler when I dont have someone to explore with?

The responsibility of being entirely in charge of my own itinerary seemed daunting.

Thats right, I flew 14 hours to spend an entire day inside.

Interior room at The Tokyo EDITION hotel

Nikolas Koenig

Suites on the upper levels boast their own private terraces, all the better to admire the stunning skyline.

(But seriously, the cake was fantastic.)

This dilemma was solved entirely by my first-ever omakase experience, a meal built entirely around single-bite courses.

Author with Chef Katy and friends in Japan

Sophie Dodd/Travel + Leisure

That, and the view of Mount Fuji in the distance.

TeamLab Planets Tokyo

There are few places that combine culture with unbridled childlike joy likeTeamLab Planets.

Making my way through the exhibits, I was struck by how much fun everyone was having.

Mount Fuji seen on a clear day and a sushi chef preps at Sushi Ojima

Sophie Dodd/Travel + Leisure

Or, when youre told to bump into enormous color-changing globes?

The museum is a memorable experience thats a must-see in Tokyo.

With two restaurants and an indoor-outdoor onsen, I found it hard to tear myself away.

Interior room with sunlight coming in at Aman Kyoto and the infinity pool with a view

Sophie Dodd/Travel + Leisure

This offered unparalleled access to a centuries-old tea room and a one-on-one lesson with a Japanese tea master.