Although Japan is considered a very safe destination for tourists, you should still use your common sense to avoid trouble. We recommend a few simple precautions to keep you safe on your travels: Avoid going out by yourself at night to quiet or unlit areas, especially when you don't know your way around.
Late-night entertainment is an important part of Japan's culture, which is part of the reason the country has such a vibrant and diverse nightlife scene. Drinking and dining often go hand in hand.
Is it safe to walk around Tokyo at night? The short answer is a solid Yes. Generally, Tokyo is safe to walk around, even very late into the night. Tokyo is one of the safest cities in the world for a reason, more often or not you should be more concerned about missing the last train in Tokyo rather than getting mugged.
Shinjuku is a 24-hour neighborhood and extremely well lit, so there is a sense of safety in that. Be wary, however, of following touts into bars or clubs (especially in Kabukicho!); extortion and drink spiking has been known to happen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solo Travel in Japan
Japan is a phenomenally safe country to travel — one of the safest countries in the world, including for solo female travelers. Most travelers who watch their belongings and use common sense have zero safety issues in Japan.
Tokyo is ranked the safest city in the world. Safe enough even to walk around alone at night. That doesn't mean you should, just that you probably could. Japan has some of the strictest gun laws in the world, making it overall, one of the safest countries.
Is it safe to travel to Japan now? The simple answer to that question is yes. In many ways, Japan is among the safest international destinations. We've compiled the following data on many travelers' foremost concerns so you can rest easy and enjoy your Japan vacation.
Crime. Although Japan is considered a very safe destination for tourists, you should still use your common sense to avoid trouble. We recommend a few simple precautions to keep you safe on your travels: Avoid going out by yourself at night to quiet or unlit areas, especially when you don't know your way around.
Walking around Osaka at night is generally safe. The area is well-lit and monitored by police officers on foot patrol who are always ready to help. However, as with any big city, it's important to use common sense and remain vigilant when out after dark.
Top 3 Areas in Tokyo with the Lowest Number of Violent Crimes. Places one and to go to Ota and Minato Ward, defined by Haneda Airport and Odaiba with the Tokyo Bay area respectively. These are areas where few people live and even though they do get crowded with people, violent crimes are few.
Japan has relatively fewer crimes than other countries and compared to other large cities it is generally considered quite safe, but as with anywhere you still have to keep your basic street sense up. Here we go over a few points to keep in mind concerning public safety and security of Tokyo.
Japan Is The Only Country That Promotes Sleeping In Public
The country with the least amount of sleep in the world has made micro-sleeping in public something of a ritual, going so far as to call it "inemuri", literally "being present while sleeping".
If you have the flexibility, then I think a 5-day Tokyo itinerary is ideal. You can spend four days exploring Tokyo's top attractions and restaurants, then on the fifth day, you can go beyond the city as there are many fascinating places you can visit on a day trip from Tokyo.
PDA or public displays of affection might be common in your country but in Japan most couples will avoid kissing or hugging in public. Holding hands is popular, though. Even when first meeting up with a girlfriend or boyfriend or saying goodbye at the end of the night, Japanese people rarely hug or kiss.
Japan has some great nightlife options to offer and the big cities all offer have a wide range of options, from trendy nightclubs to private karaoke, Japan's nightlife caters to everyone's taste. For the best experiences head to Tokyo or Osaka, home to some of the world's most colorful nightlife scenes.
Pursuant to Article 15-4(1) of the Tokyo Ordinance, no parent/guardian shall permit a minor to go out between 11.00pm and 4.00am for reasons other than commuting to work/school or some other justifiable reason.
Expect to carry your trash with you. Eating while walking is considered bad mannered. Sit down or at least stand in a place away from pedestrian traffic when enjoying a meal or snack.
With that said, both Osaka and Tokyo are very safe for tourists and locals alike. However, Tokyo is consistently rated as the safest city in the world, so we have to give this one to Tokyo.
According to Gallup's Global Law and Order 2021 report, the Emirates scored 95 per cent when it came to feeling safe about walking alone at night. Norway was second on the index, with 93 per cent. In the highest law and order index, the Emirates came second with a score of 93 points.
Three largest syndicates
The Yakuza are still active in Japan. Although Yakuza membership has declined since the implementation of the Anti-Boryokudan Act in 1992, the Japanese National Police Agency estimated in 2022 that approximately 11,400 Yakuza members were engaged in illegal activity in Japan.
Japan clubs now able to open till 5am after 67-year-old law lifted. A real victory for clubbers. Japan has finally lifted its 67-year-old anti-prostitution law that banned dancing in clubs across the country after midnight, reports Japan Times, via RA.
While many tourists to Southeast Asia prepare themselves for potential cases of food poisoning, such as infamous Bali Belly, Japan is not so commonly associated with such illnesses due to Japan's strictly-enforced Food Sanitation Act which motivates restaurant and cafe operators to maintain good standards of hygiene.
If you're curious about how Japanese people feel about foreigners, the answer is that it depends. Generally speaking, most Japanese people are welcoming and friendly toward foreign visitors, but there can be cultural differences in interaction styles or expectations of behavior.