Japan : Safety by CityJapan is a sovereign island state in East Asia.
Located in the Pacific Ocean, the “Land of the Rising Sun” stretches from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and China in the southwest.
Now, a geographically interesting aspect of Japan is that it’s actually a stratovolcanic archipelago consisting of about 6,852 islands.
The four largest are Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku, and they makeup about ninety-seven percent of Japan’s land area and are often called home islands.
Japan is known and talked about as a country that successfully combines tradition and the contemporary, and there are many traditional structures and practices preserved, matching perfectly with the modern structures and practices that will definitely prevail during your exploring of Japan.
It was the first Asian country to independently modernize, and it didn’t stop there: the country continues to follow contemporary flows, embrace new technologies and architecture, but with a unique touch typical only for Japan.
Yet, unlike many countries, Japan never insisted on removing older technologies and structures.
New ideas just pile up beside the old ones, and oddly enough, they make a perfect match.
Warnings & Dangers in Japan
OVERALL RISK: LOW
Generally, Japan is a very safe country to travel to, probably one of the safest. Still, never let your guard down, and be wary of pickpockets and scammers as you would in any other country.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Public transport and taxis are safe and reliable, but it is recommended that you be very careful with your valuables in public transport, since that's where pickpockets operate. Women on crowded trains should bear in mind the existence of chikan, which means molesters, or gropers, though they usually target local women since they're less likely to make a scene.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
Pickpocketing and bag snatching are common in tourist landmarks and crowded areas, as in any country. Be vigilant at all times and never leave your belongings in plain sight. Be careful in crowded areas, in railway and bus stations and especially in public transport. Still, compared to major Western countries, pickpocketing is not nearly as common in Japan.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
As a complete opposite to the calm criminal situation, natural disasters are common and mostly occur in the form of earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic activity.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
You shouldn't worry too much about being mugged or kidnapped in Japan since it rarely occurs. However, never accept drinks from strangers, and avoid entering shady bars and clubs in red-light districts.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
Even though there haven't been any terrorist attacks in Japan's recent history, they shouldn't be ruled out, so remain aware of your surroundings at all times.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
Scams are very common in Japan, like in any other country that is a top tourist destination. Still, even scammers do not operate here as much as they do in the West. There have been reports of fraudulent credit card charges, especially in the areas of Roppongi and Kabuki-Cho in Tokyo, so it is highly recommended not to allow waiters or vendors make any transactions with your credit card on their own. Keep an eye on your credit card all the time
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Women traveling solo are completely safe in Japan. If you have your wits with you and follow your common sense, avoid dark and desert alleys or walking alone with strange people at night, your trip should go smoothly.
So... How Safe Is Japan Really?
Japan is extremely safe, in fact, it’s probably one of the safest countries in the world, with crime rates much lower than in most Western countries.
Street crime is extremely rare, even late at night.
Of course, this does not mean that Japan is completely crime-free without any dangers and, and you shouldn’t let your guard down.
Pickpocketing exists here as in any other country: be wary of pickpockets bumping into you on the streets, and generally be careful with your valuables, especially in crowded places, such as trains and at Narita Airport, and if you follow common sense, your trip should go fine.
Another issue, more annoying than anything else, is that there is a lot of drinking in the evenings, so during the day, you may start running into drunks on the streets, even though this is not too big of danger because alcohol-related violence is extremely rare.
Then there are red-light districts, mostly in large cities, that seem a little shady, but are actually never dangerous for visitors, but you should bear in mind that some smaller backstreet bars have been reported to astronomically overcharge customers for drinks.
There have even been reports of foreigners being drugged at those places and then charged as ¥700,000, or close to $7000, usually for something they don’t even remember ordering.
Just avoid going into places suggested by someone you’ve never met, and you shouldn’t have any similar problems.
How Does Japan Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Japan | 83 |
| Morocco | 54 |
| Austria | 92 |
| Croatia | 83 |
| Botswana | 77 |
| Finland | 86 |
| Spain | 83 |
| United Kingdom | 77 |
| New Zealand | 90 |
Useful Information
Visas
Most countries do not need a visa for any stays shorter than 90 days. If your nationality is one of the following: China, Russia, CIS countries, Georgia, or the Philippines, you will need to obtain a visa. However, if you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
Currency
Japanese yen is the official currency in Japan. It is recommended that you exchange your money in official post offices or banks, in order to get the best rate possible. Credit cards are accepted at most major establishments, but it's still advised to keep your cash with you at all times.
Weather
Japan generally has a temperate climate, characterized by four distinct seasons: in winter, from December to February, the weather is dry and sunny along the Pacific coast and the temperatures rarely drop below 0°C. The best time to visit Japan is in late spring, from March to May and late autumn, September to November, since there is little precipitation, the skies are clear, and temperatures are mild. To top it all off, spring's when the delicate cherry blossom leaves everyone in awe and vivid colors of autumn are visually jaw-dropping.
Airports
Tokyo International Airport, often referred to as Haneda Airport or Tokyo Haneda Airport, is one of the two primary airports that serve the Greater Tokyo Area. It is located in Ōta, Tokyo, 14 km south of Tokyo Station.
Travel Insurance
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Japan, since it covers not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
Japan Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 30 | 30 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 31 |
| Low °C | 22 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 22 |
| High °F | 86 | 86 | 86 | 88 | 88 | 90 | 91 | 91 | 90 | 90 | 88 | 88 |
| Low °F | 72 | 72 | 72 | 73 | 75 | 77 | 77 | 77 | 77 | 75 | 73 | 72 |
Japan - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Hiroshima | 68 |
| Kanazawa | 83 |
| Kyoto | 83 |
| Nagasaki | 96 |
| Nara | 88 |
| Osaka | 79 |
| Sapporo | 92 |
| Sendai | 88 |
| Tokyo | 80 |
| Yokohama | 87 |
“NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : LOW” ???
Hello, it’s mistake…
I’m Japanese and I agree with your idea. There might be a large earthquake.
Wrong rating level about NATURAL DISASTERS RISK
And the other mistake is:
It places South Korea as High Risk in terms of NATURAL DISASTERS RISK (https://www.travelsafe-abroad.com/south-korea/):
“When it comes to natural disasters, South Korea has had a history of earthquakes, but most of them caused little damage. Another issue when it comes to natural disasters is typhoons that may occur in August and September, as well as tsunamis.”
South Korea is less prone to typhoons, letting alone tsunami.
If it gives low rating of natural disasters risk to Japan, NO RISK should be given to South Korea.
Also, Japan Weather Averages (Temperatures) is terribly wrong! Winter is way colder even though Hong Kong is about 16C – 20C in winter!
Great but...
Natural disasters need to be medium-high because Japan is in the Ring of fire and that means Japan can get struck by earthquakes. Typhoons can also hit the area too.
I think so too.
Not as safe as you think
Overall, I feel equally as safe living in Japan as I do in my rural hometown in the US. That being said, some crime is on the rise here and you should be careful when you’re walking around some major cities late at night. Japan happens to be the only place where I’ve been the victim of a completely unprovoked armed assault (with a knife). The mental health situation in Japan is a bit of a black mark on the “perfect” image that lots of westerners often attempt to attribute to it, and it seems like more and more disturbed people are committing horrible acts of mass murder or assaulting people at random.
This isn’t meant to scare anyone; enjoy this unique and beautiful country if you’re visiting. Just please don’t assume you’re going to some perfectly harmonious place where crime doesn’t exist; there is still crime, and you should never put yourself in a situation where you could be vulnerable. Drink responsibly (or don’t drink alone if you’re really going all-out), stay smart, and take special care in the major urban areas.
Get to know the Real Japan in 2021.
Japan is not a bad destination but like all Nations be wary of Scammers and Pickpockets.
Knife attacks are somewhat Common especially the Big Cities of the Nation.
Average temperatures are unrealistic also natural disaster are not low
Safe 🙂
I have been scammed in Tokyo, and had my wallet stolen in Harajuku. I still feel extremely safe in Japan. I moved to Kyushu a few years ago and even built a home here. While you should obviously practice common sense, It’s a wonderful place to visit. I’ve seen people leave their cars running while they go into a convenience store, leave purses/laptops unattended while the owner orders or uses the restroom. People will go out of their way to help you, though I feel like this is more common in the countryside than it is in the Larger tourist areas. I highly recommend visiting the countryside, lots of hidden gems to be found. 🙂
A more accurate view of the weather
The temperate guide is totally wrong. 30C in January? Maybe in Okinawa.
The summer is hot in most places – that part is right. It hits over 30C daily, and almost never falls below 20C, even at night. The humidity is also extreme! You will sweat… imagine New Orleans or Cairns in summer.
Winter, on the other hand, is cold. Frosty, snowy cold often. Depending on where you are, the winter could range from south of England/London style, with little snow but frequent nights that get below zero, and days that rarely see low double digits, right down to more North American style winters with deep, long lasting snow, and nights that could get into the double digits below zero.
The temperature is not even that high in Okinawa (16C-20C) in winter!
Very Safe
Japan Is Very Safe
Corrections
Many wrongs, it should be
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH, earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, volcanic eruptions, you name it. EVERY year. It is possibly the country with the Highest Risk for Natural disasters.
MUGGING RISK : LOW, what, it almost never happens, really low risk.
TERRORISM RISK : LOW, it has happened just once in almost 80 years or more.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW!? THERE IS SO MANY TSUNAMIS AND THYPHOONS IN JAPAN
Really beautiful country!! But I think it isn’t THAT safe, I had men stalk me, so I suggest to not go into dark street corners- and when someone IS following you, don’t go to your home/hotel, they’ll come back tomorrow or will try to unlock the door.. Try to go to public and crowded places! They might lose you and give up.. Overall I think it’s a 56 for me.. 95% of the women who got stalked don’t speak out.. and the police dont even do anything abt stalkers either.. but I love my country though! =^^=
sexual harassment
It is true what Miya says sexual harassment is a big risk and most do not speak out. Because people are super sexually repressed in Japan, many can act out in frustration. Men will steal your underwear off the clothesline, stalk you or try to look up your skirt on an escalator – it is also not uncommon to get touched on the metro or have someone openly masturbating…I even had a young man brave enough to try reaching up my skirt as I was ascending a stairway, midday in public with a group of friends!…in all these situations, most Japanese people will be uncomfortable however, they tend to look the other way and pretend it is not happening. Look them in the eye, yell, scream, laugh, shout, cry, in any language – take a photo or video with your phone – do anything other than pretend it is not happening and they are generally so shocked they just run away. Post the photo or video on social media to shame them and report to the police. They have to understand that what they are doing is not okay and not acceptable.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : LOW???? You must make your website and research data reliable instead of nonsense.
Japan is the most dangerous country as in natural disasters, rated one star our of five.
If you do that again against common sense, I will never use you and spread the words.
you do know you put 4 stars don’t you?
One of the safest places you can visit, but it is still on Earth with normal humans. Violent crimes against random people are relatively rare, in particular against tourists but of course like anywhere with humans they can and do happen.
Pickpocketing is one of the more common crimes overall, but keep your wits about you among crowds of suspicious people in high traffic tourist areas. Transportation is efficient but crowded in major cities and can be a place for gropers or pickpockets. Once again its a rare occurrence against tourists as they are more likely to make a scene than locals. Another is taking advantage of others especially in shady areas. Spiked drinks are a frequent concern in a number of places and like anywhere else, never take a drink directly from a stranger, staff only. Similarly the various Red Light districts have become popular tourist destinations for a variety of reasons. These places are indeed quite dangerous if you are not careful and almost all of the more “colorful” services are not afforded to foreign people. These areas also tend to feature heavy drinking and bars looking to take advantage of that, especially tourists who do not know better.
Weather and natural disasters can vary greatly. Summer to mid fall can have a number of typhoon hit or come in close to the country with a wide range of strength so keep an eye on the alerts. They are detected weeks in advance. Earthquakes are frequent but once again can vary in strength and be felt anywhere. Heavy rains can be a factor in late Spring and Summer which lead to localized flooding.
It’s fairly safe for women but once again keep your wits about you. People being followed or otherwise unwanted advances can happen. Police, transportation staff, and many store staff are trained to handle these situations and should be approached if you are feeling threatened. Similarly at night convivence stores operate with bright lights as a safe place to enter and call for help if needed.
In short, its an extremely safe country in terms of other human interaction, particularly as a tourist due to the language barrier and various perceptions of foreigners being a deterrent against interactions (in this case crimes). Keep your wits about you and follow the usual “keep safe” ideas and strategies as any other place and you will be fine. Natural disasters do happen and frequently but it is a well prepared country in most cases.
RELATIVELY A SAFE PLACE
I been to Japan many a times and I can safely say that the article is fairly accurate in reporting level of safety, crimes rates in Japan etc…. EXCEPT:
1. Weather – the weather reported is pretty linear…lol. it has 4 seasons….hello??
2. Natural Disasters – Goshh…. where oh where did you obtained this data/info from?
PS : was the editor high on Chivas?……which explains
Japan is not that warm. (Excluding some areas)
Sorry.I live in Japan. Japan is not that warm. (Excluding some areas)Winter is cold.(3℃)
Summer is very hot. Japan has a long vertical climate difference, so there is a big difference in climate.
Corrections:
Natural Disasters risk: HIGH
Womens’ risk: Medium
World travler
Never Nevvvvveeeeerrrrrr!!!!!!!!
Never go! If anyone asks, I’ll ask you to go to South Korea!
Can my family have a good time?
I’d love to visit Japan, it has been a life goal of mine for the longest time!
But recently, my family have been reconsidering our plans including our younger children.
Is Japan safe enough for us parents to not to stress too much for the safety of our kids?
Especially with the idea of creepy people and stalkers about, I’m a bit weary if the trip is worth the potential threat.
We will be stressing regardless but I thought I’d ask for some reassurance.