Is Tokyo Safe for Travel?
Updated: May 5, 2023
TOKYO IS SAFE!
Tokyo is one of the world’s most populous cities, with over 13 million people in its metropolitan area. It is also a major tourist destination and business hub, attracting millions of visitors from around the globe each year. With such a large population and so much activity, it can be natural to wonder about safety when considering a trip to Tokyo. But fear not – Tokyo remains one of the safest cities in the world for travelers! Japan has exceptionally low rates of violent crime compared to other countries. Tourists are unlikely to experience any danger or trouble during their stay in Tokyo. Here are eight reasons why Japan is safe:
Moral Value & Education
In Japan, moral values and education have been passed down through generations. From a young age, children learn to be respectful of others and consider their feelings before making decisions. This is instilled in them through teachings at school and from family members. It is part of the culture to think about how one’s actions will affect those around them and act accordingly. In addition to teaching respect for others, Japanese schools emphasize academic excellence and hard work to achieve goals. These values are so deeply rooted in society that they continue to be taught today, even after centuries of cultural change.
Kobans, aka Tiny Police Boxes
Kobans are small police stations that can be found all over Japan. They provide an excellent service to local areas, allowing people to report crimes immediately and ensuring the safety of those in the surrounding area. The koban system is so successful that other countries have come to learn and implement it in their own way. Each station typically has around three to four officers who patrol high-crime areas, maintain good relationships with residents, and help with emergencies. With this protection system, tourists can feel safe when visiting Tokyo or any other city in Japan.
I remember going to school for the first day & they told us never to do anything bad, or they could lock us up at the koban for up to 20 days. Luckily, I never did anything bad.😳
Strict Gun Control Laws
Gun control laws in Japan are among the strictest in the world. Private citizens cannot legally purchase a gun; even those with licenses to own one must undergo an extensive process involving 12 steps, including rigorous background checks and safety training. Possessing a firearm without permission can lead to 15 years of prison time while firing a gun in public is punishable by life imprisonment. These stringent regulations help keep crime rates low throughout the country and ensure Tokyo remains one of the safest cities for travelers worldwide.
Zero Tolerance Drinking & Driving Policy
Japan has a strict zero-tolerance policy when it comes to drinking and driving. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers is 0.03 or above, much lower than in other countries worldwide. Those with a BAC of 0.03 or higher are considered to be driving under the influence (DUI) and can face serious consequences such as up to five years in prison or a fine of up to $10,000, depending on the alcohol level present in their system. As such, intoxicated people often call daikou services (hiring a person to drive for you) or order taxis instead of getting behind the wheel themselves to avoid any potential trouble with law enforcement officials.
Zero Tolerance Drug Policy
Japan takes a hard stance regarding drugs, with zero-tolerance drug policies for recreational use. Possessing any illegal drug can result in up to five years imprisonment or even the death penalty depending on the amount of drugs one is found with. Foreigners caught using or possessing drugs are subject to deportation and will never be allowed back into Japan again. Since 1948, Japan’s Cannabis Control Act has been strictly enforced, and no changes have been made since then. Therefore, it is crucial for everyone visiting Japan to be aware of the laws surrounding drug possession and usage, as they could face severe consequences if caught breaking them.
Neighborhood Watch
In Tokyo and Japan as a whole, neighbors are always watching. This is part of the country’s deep-rooted culture of moral education, which encourages people to look out for one another and report any suspicious activity in their area. From ensuring that trash gets sorted correctly to volunteering in crime prevention activities, Japanese citizens take pride in looking after each other and keeping their neighborhoods safe.
Low Crime Rate
Tokyo is one of the world’s safest cities, with its low crime rate being a major factor. According to statistics from 2022, the overall crime rate in Tokyo was just 20.90 per 100,000 people – much lower than many other cities worldwide. This low crime rate can be attributed to various factors, such as Japan’s strict gun laws and the moral values instilled in children from an early age. Additionally, kobans (small police stations) can be found all over Tokyo, providing extra protection for citizens and tourists alike. As a result of these measures, travelers can feel safe when visiting Tokyo or any other city in Japan.
ATMs are Less Visible
In Japan, ATMs are less visible than in other countries. Unlike many places worldwide, you won’t find an ATM drive-thru window at your local bank or every street corner. Instead, most ATMs in Japan are located inside convenience stores and post offices with surveillance and staff to help users with their transactions. Some of these ATMs are securely boxed off from the rest of the store for added security and peace of mind for customers who use them.
Read More: 33+ Things to Know Before Visiting Japan.
My experience living in Tokyo:
During my time living in Tokyo for six months, I never, not even once, felt unsafe. As someone from Philadephia in the USA, I know what it feels like to be in constant danger (don't feel offended if you’re from Philly because it’s the TRUTH). It is unsafe to do simple things in Philadelphia, like adding gas or grocery shopping, without fearing shootings or robbery. Tokyo was entirely the opposite of that. I am so used to the fact that I always had to put a guard up, so I do that whenever I travel. Whether it is pickpocketing or people following me, I know its a low chance that it would happen in Tokyo, but I still stay guarded.
The funny thing is no one would take your personal items if you left them in public in Japan. It is crazy that I don’t need to pack up my stuff in the library if I need to use the bathroom. (I still pee-pee fast to ensure nobody is stealing my stuff ☺︎). I remember when I was in the library on the Philadelphia campus, I would hold in my pee-pee for the longest time because I didn’t want to leave my stuff unattended...
1. A minor incident happened in Tokyo where I left my umbrella in the restaurant’s umbrella bin. It disappeared after, but I can’t blame anyone since the whole country uses the same clear umbrella with a slight difference in size and color. Umbrella theft was my least favorite.
2. Another crazy time when I felt scared in Tokyo was credit card theft. I don’t know what this is called. But this crime was caused by an American from my school. Let me explain what happened. As I was walking to school and minding my business, a person came walking up to me and making small talk that did not make sense. I told my internship supervisor about this incident. Other people have shared their stories about similar incidents on the school’s Facebook forum. This person has been walking about with a device that can scan your credit card information by standing right next to you.
I’m telling yall these stories to tell you that it is super safe to travel to Tokyo or anywhere in Japan. These incidents are the craziest I have experienced in Tokyo, which isn’t even crazy, right? Unless you are doing some crazy things there, I can’t help you. Even though Tokyo has a relatively low crime rate, please understand that petty theft and crime happen. Always stay sharp, have common sense, and protect yourself while traveling wherever you are at.
Things to be aware of
Even though Japan is super safe for travel, always remember natural disasters that cannot be avoided, like typhoons, tsunamis, and earthquakes. If you can avoid traveling to Japan during the months of August & September, typhoons occur the most. It is hard to predict when natural disasters will pop up, so it is best to learn about precautions beforehand!
You might be wondering...
Is Japan dangerous for solo traveler females?
Nope, it is not dangerous for solo traveler females at all. I traveled and lived there for about six months and never felt in danger. Also, there is a police station in every neighborhood which further ensures the safety of citizens.
Is Tokyo safe for American tourists?
Yes, Tokyo is safe for American tourists. You don’t have to worry about the same level of crime and violence as in many American cities. While it is essential to keep an eye on your personal belongings, follow safety protocols, and be aware of your surroundings, as long as common sense prevails, Tokyo is a safe destination for American tourists.
Is Tokyo safe at night?
Yes, Tokyo is safe at night. Japan has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, and violent crime is virtually non-existent. What’s more, there are police stations located all across the city to provide additional safety measures if needed. Additionally, many streets in Japan are well-lit and have security cameras installed for extra security. As long as you follow basic travel safety rules like exercising caution when leaving items unattended or talking to strangers, Tokyo is a safe place to explore, even at night.
Overall, Tokyo is a very safe city to travel in. There are still some crime issues that you should be aware of when visiting a new city. The Japanese culture also places a great emphasis on moral education, leading to people looking out for each other’s safety, making it even safer to visit there. Japan has strict laws against drug consumption and drunk driving, so if you do decide to drink or do drugs while traveling around Tokyo, make sure that you know about the consequences beforehand. With proper knowledge and cautionary measures taken into account, visitors won’t have any trouble feeling safe during their stay in this beautiful country!
Happy Traveling! ☺︎✌︎
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