I don't think it is 'brave' to travel alone--at least not in a place like Japan. I did it in France.

The thing about traveling alone, even though you don't have someone to fan-girl with, you get to go where you want, when you want, change your schedule without warning, eat all the weird stuff that might scare your traveling companions, check out that sketchy-looking club, sit under a tree and do nothing for as long as you please, etc.

Traveling with friends is fun, but there's a freedom you get traveling alone that adds a different dimension to your trip.