Is Japan safe? Yes, but here is what to know before you go
It is one of the safest countries in the world: you can walk around at night, forget your phone on a table and find it right where you left it. But real risks exist, and they are not the ones you would imagine.
Here you will find the data, the numbers to save, the scams to recognize and what to do if something goes wrong.
- Updated October 2026
- Emergency numbers
- Scams, earthquakes, heat
How safe is it, really
Violent crime is extremely rare
In 2023 Japan recorded about 0.23 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, compared with about 0.57 in Italy (World Bank data). Thefts and assaults on tourists are also far less frequent than in Europe.
Losing something is not a drama
Wallets, phones and bags left on a train or in a restaurant often go back to their owner, thanks to koban, stations and lost property offices. It happens much more often than back home.
But it is not a risk-free country
The real problems are pickpocketing in the busiest areas, scams in certain nightlife venues and, above all, nature: earthquakes, typhoons, extreme heat and, in some areas, bears.
Emergency numbers in Japan
Calls to 110 and 119 are free, even from a mobile phone. In big cities many operators understand a little English; speak slowly and say where you are, using the name of the nearest station or street.
| Who | Number | When to call |
|---|---|---|
| Police | 110 | Theft, assaults, accidents, dangerous situations. |
| Ambulance and fire department | 119 | Medical emergencies, serious injuries, fires. The operator asks "kaji" (fire) or "kyukyu" (ambulance): answer with the right word. |
| Coast Guard | 118 | Accidents or dangers at sea. |
| Japan Visitor Hotline | 050-3816-2787 | Tourist assistance 24 hours a day, in English, Chinese, Korean and Japanese. Useful for illness, disasters and information. |
| Italian Embassy in Tokyo | +81 3 3453 5291 | For a lost or stolen passport and assistance to Italian citizens. |
| Embassy emergency line (after hours) | 090-3908-1006 | The embassy's emergency number, for serious situations. |
Check the embassy's numbers on the official website (ambtokyo.esteri.it) before you leave: they may change.
What to really watch out for
Pickpockets in the busiest areas
They are rare but they exist: very crowded stations, markets, trains at rush hour and events with crowds. Keep your backpack and bag in front of you and your phone in an inside pocket.
Red-light districts at night
Kabukicho in Tokyo, Susukino in Sapporo and Nakasu in Fukuoka are not dangerous in an absolute sense, but they are where scams concentrate: drugged drinks, inflated bills, credit cards charged incorrectly.
Anyone who pulls you into a venue from the street
People who stop you in the street to take you to a bar or club (the so-called touts) almost always work for venues that inflate the bill. You choose where to go in, and check the price before ordering.
Unattended luggage
Japanese people sometimes leave a bag on a chair to save a seat, but as a tourist do not do it. In stations and airports a suitcase left alone can set off an alarm.
Crowded trains
At rush hour some Tokyo and Osaka lines have women-only cars, recognizable by pink signs or stickers. If you feel uncomfortable, tell the station staff.
For money and cards, also read our guide to cash and cards in Japan.
The risks that matter more than crime
Earthquakes
They are frequent, but almost all are minor. If you feel a strong shake: protect your head, move away from glass and tall furniture, and do not run outside. If you are near the sea and the shaking is strong or long, go straight to high ground without waiting for the tsunami warning.
In hotels, read the evacuation map on the back of the door. Download the Safety tips app to receive alerts in English.
Typhoons
The season runs from August to October. When a typhoon is approaching, trains, flights and ferries can be suspended for a whole day. Leave some slack in your schedule and check the forecasts of the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
Extreme heat
From July to September heatstroke is a real risk, even for healthy people. Drink often (vending machines are everywhere), avoid the middle of the day outdoors and take breaks in air-conditioned places.
Bears
In the mountain areas of the north (Hokkaido, Tohoku) and in some rural areas, bear encounters have increased in recent years. If you go hiking, check local notices, make noise and do not walk alone at dawn or dusk.
Typhoons, cancelled flights or a medical problem can be expensive. Consider travel insurance for Japan.
Lost your passport? What to do, in order
Go to a koban or call 110
Tell them what happened and ask for a copy or the number of the police report. You will need it for the embassy, your insurance and your credit cards.
Block your cards and phone
If you also lost cards or your smartphone, block the cards right away through your bank and, if you can, the phone. You will need a connection: a hotel or cafe Wi-Fi is fine.
Contact the Italian Embassy in Tokyo
Call or write to the embassy number you find above. They will explain which documents you need for a passport or a provisional travel document.
Prepare photos and documents
Bring two passport-size photos, the police report and a copy of the lost passport, if you kept one. Before you leave, photograph or scan your passport, insurance and bookings and save them in the cloud.
For the basic rule on documents, go to the documents and visas guide.
The koban: the neighborhood police box
Small neighborhood offices
Koban (交番) are police posts found near stations and intersections. There is almost always an officer, and you can walk in to ask for directions, even just to get your bearings.
Lost property
Lost something on the street? Go to the koban. If you left it on a train or in the subway, go to the station's lost property office.
Also with a translator
If you do not speak Japanese, use a translation app with camera and conversation mode. An always-on connection makes the difference, as we explain below.
Alerts, maps and translator: you need to be connected
Earthquake alerts, the Safety tips app, the camera translator and maps only work with a data connection. It is the simplest way to get help and find your way if something goes wrong.
Choose the eSIM if you travel alone with a compatible phone, the Pocket WiFi if there are several of you. With the code INFINITE5 you get 5% off.
What people ask most often
Is Japan safe for a woman traveling alone?
Yes, it is one of the safest destinations for solo female travelers. Common-sense rules apply: avoid isolated alleys late at night, do not accept invitations from strangers in bars and use the women-only cars at rush hour, where available.
Is Kabukicho dangerous?
Not for a tourist strolling by day or early in the evening. The risk lies in venues where someone stops you in the street and in bars without clear prices. If you do not know the place, avoid going in alone late at night.
Can I leave my wallet or phone on the table?
Japanese people often do, but as a tourist it is not a good idea: in the most touristy areas thefts do happen. Keep your phone and wallet with you, especially in crowded stations.
What do I do if I feel an earthquake?
Stay calm, protect your head and move away from glass and falling objects. Do not run outside during the shaking. If you are near the coast and the shaking is strong or long, go straight to high ground, without waiting for the tsunami warning.
What do I do if I lose my passport?
Go to the nearest koban, get a police report issued and contact the Italian Embassy in Tokyo. They will tell you how to get a provisional document to go home.
What number do I call if I am sick?
119 for an ambulance, free from any phone. For multilingual assistance you can also call the Japan Visitor Hotline, open 24 hours a day: 050-3816-2787.
Do I need travel insurance for Japan?
It is recommended. Medical care for tourists is not covered by the public system and a hospital stay can be very expensive. Read our guide to travel insurance.
Is it safe to walk around at night?
In general yes: the main streets are well lit and busy until late. The only areas to avoid alone are the nightlife districts mentioned above and isolated country roads.