Is It Safe To Visit Tokyo?

Tokyo is an amazing place to visit. With the glistening lights of Shinjuku, to the hustle and bustle of Shibuya. It is no wonder you are attracted to the thought of visiting.

Even so, is it safe to visit Tokyo? The answer is yes, Tokyo is safe to visit. However, just like everywhere else, there are a few things to be aware of.

From the nightlight and traveling alone, to unpredictable natural disasters. Tokyo has it all. 

So, before you depart to Haneda airport, read on to find out more about the safety in Tokyo. 

Is Tokyo A Safe City To Visit?

In 2021, Tokyo was rated as being the fifth safest city in the entire world. To compare, New York came twelfth, and Washington DC was fourteenth.

Even so, a safe place does not mean it is completely safe – there are always going to be things to avoid. 

A city will always have areas you will want to stay away from as a tourist. And muggers will always target non-locals. Having said that, Tokyo is relatively safe to visit. 

There are also natural disasters to be aware of. Tokyo, and Japan itself, is known for earthquakes. There is also the rare possibility of a typhoon. 

So, while people can make you feel unsafe, you will want to look out for Mother Nature too. 

However, Tokyo is a safe place to visit. In fact, the crime rate is declining. With over 10 million tourists visiting Tokyo in 2019, it shows it is a popular place to go.

Is Tokyo A Safe Place To Visit As A Solo Female Traveler?

There are many women who choose to travel to Tokyo alone. While gender equality is low, there are a number of things that have been implemented to make females feel safer.

One example is the women-only carriages on some trains. As you head into a station, you may notice the pink symbols for this service on the floor. This helps you know where to queue up.

This inappropriate touching (or chikan) of a woman on the train unfortunately does happen. While these men are in the minority, be aware during rush hour. 

There are also many female-only hostels. Some have whole floors dedicated to being only for women. 

You may also want to avoid weird men trying to pick you up. While this scenario is less likely to happen, you will want to be aware. 

These men will want to take you back to a Host Club. The men in these clubs give women compliments in order to trade these kind words for the females to buy them drinks.

Having said this, Tokyo is generally a fun and safe space for women. The likelihood is that you will travel to Japan with no issues at all. However, it is just better to be aware. 

What Are The Most Common Crimes In Tokyo?

While Tokyo is a safe city, there are crimes that do happen. Many are shop thefts and they tend to happen in Shinjuku. However, as a tourist this will not affect you.

Here are some common crimes that do happen in Tokyo:

Theft

While people do steal from shops, another common crime is stealing bikes and also umbrellas. 

It is commonplace to leave your wet umbrella outside a store in Tokyo – though some shops do provide a plastic cover. If you step outside and it has gone, it means somebody else was desperate for rain cover.

As with the bikes, just like any other city, they may go missing. This is mainly the case if the bike was left unsecure.

Spiking Drinks

If you go to a bar, always cover your drink. Sometimes drinks are spiked so a person can steal your credit card.

Pickpockets

As a tourist you will always be the number one target for a pickpocket. Keep your belongings zipped up and secure at all times.

Never advertise that you have anything expensive either. For example, a Gucci wallet. 

Fake Monks

As a tourist a monk may approach you asking for money for a charity. This happens often when a natural disaster has struck the country.

If you do want to give money to real charities, ask the locals of the area for where to go.

Should You Be Afraid Of Natural Disasters In Tokyo?

Because Tokyo is a ‘member’ of the Ring of Fire, it is a place likely to have a tsunami, earthquake, or a volcanic eruption.

If you know a typhoon is going to happen, change your travel date. Compared to a volcano erupting and an earthquake, this one is often predicted. 

While that sounds scary, the likelihood of experiencing the above is slim. However, it is still safer to be aware of what could happen. 

In the event it does happen, make sure that:

• You have cash and ID on you
• Your cell phone is fully charged – always
• You know how to evacuate a building
• Always check the weather
• Learn some basic Japanese to communicate with Emergency Services
• If you experience a large earthquake, move away from windows and outside doors
• After a large earthquake, keep an eye on the news in case there is a tsunami

However, even if you do experience an earthquake, it is likely to be minor. And there are over 100 active volcanoes within Japan.

Don’t let all of that stop you from having the trip of a lifetime.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking to travel to Tokyo, then you will be happy to know it is safe. While every city has crime, it is unlikely you will experience any in Tokyo.

Always be aware and if something doesn’t seem right, avoid it. It is always best to take precautions when you are away from home anyway.

Another thing to do is to keep your eye on the weather. Mother Nature may have other plans to dampen your vacation – literally.