Safest cities in Japan
75 cities with 100k+ population · data updated 2026-09-04
What official travel advice warns about
Terrorism
- Terrorism in JapanAlthough there’s no recent history of terrorism in Japan, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Political situation
- Japan and the Korean PeninsulaThe level of tension and security situation in the Korean Peninsula can change with little notice. Tensions can rise after missile tests by North Korea and during the regular South Korea-US military exercises, which take place throughout the year.
Crime
- Protecting your belongingsBe aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings in sight when travelling. Place valuables in a secure place such as a hotel safe when you can.
- Rape and sexual assaultRape and sexual assault are rare but can happen. Japanese law puts a high burden of proof on victims to demonstrate sexual relations were not consensual and committed through assault, intimidation or force.
- Drink spiking and credit card fraudThere are increased reports of drink spiking and credit card fraud. Victims have described waking up with no memory of what happened and discovering large amounts of money billed to their credit card. The amount of money taken ranges from hundreds to tens of thousands of pounds. Risks are higher in all entertainment and nightlife districts across…
- Illegal drugsJapan has strict laws around drug use. If the police find an illegal substance in your bloodstream, you may be charged, regardless of whether you consented or were aware of taking the drugs. If you refuse to take a test if asked to by the police, you could be arrested and detained for ‘obstructing police duties’.
- Disputes over bar billsBritish nationals have been arrested at clubs and bars following disputes with staff and doorpersons over excessive bar bills. These disputes are often seen in the high risk areas outlined above. Ensure you see a menu with prices before you enter a bar or restaurant. Keep track of what you order and confirm the price of admission to clubs on entry.
- Prostitution and street toutsProstitution and street touts are illegal but commonplace, especially in the high risk areas outlined above. Do not accompany street touts to bars or clubs. Street touts often encourage people to enter an establishment by misrepresenting the services on offer. You may incur an entry charge so do not enter on the promise of a free drink or to have…
Laws and cultural differences
- Legal system in JapanJapanese and UK law are very different. In Japan, you can be arrested and detained without charge for up to 23 days, even for minor offences such as theft or trespassing.
- Personal IDYou must always carry your passport or Japanese residence card with you. The police can arrest you if you cannot show proof of your visa or residence status.
- Alcohol bansIn general, drinking alcohol in public places is not illegal. However, there are bans on drinking alcohol in specific areas on certain days, for example New Year’s Eve.
- Smoking in public placesSmoking is illegal on the streets of Tokyo and some other cities. Smoke only in designated areas.
- Illegal drugs and prison sentencesThere is zero tolerance of drug crime and the penalties are severe. British nationals have been arrested and detained for receiving small quantities through the post or if they test positive when the police raid clubs or bars. British nationals convicted of drug trafficking have received sentences ranging from 6 to 17 years and fines of 3 to 4…
- LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual activity is not illegal, but Japanese law does not protect against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. Same-sex marriages are not recognised, but some local authorities issue certificates of recognition that can be used for civil issues, such as hospital visitation rights.
- Medication bansIt is illegal to possess or use some common prescription and over-the-counter medicines under Japan’s strictly enforced law on anti-stimulant drugs. Ignorance of the law does not count as a defence. See Health.
- Custody disputesJapanese family law is different from UK law. Parents may choose joint custody of a child after divorce, or they may choose for one parent to hold sole custody. Access to a child of the non-custodial parent can be difficult. Legal custody disputes can be lengthy and expensive, and rulings to return or secure access to a child may take time to be…
- Public behaviourMost Japanese people are welcoming and friendly, but can be reserved. Loud, boisterous behaviour may receive negative attention. Showing affection in public is less common than in the UK.
- TattoosTattoos have a historical association with organised crime in Japan. While acceptance is increasing, some public facilities do not admit people with tattoos – for example, public swimming pools, hot springs, beaches and some gyms. Other establishments request you cover tattoos while using the facilities.
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism
- WildlifeBear sightings and attacks have increased in parts of Japan, especially in mountainous and forested areas, including near populated zones.
Transport risks
- Road travelIf you’re planning to drive in Japan, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the Japan Automobile Federation driving guide.
- Driving standardsRoads are well maintained, and driving is on the left. Watch out for:
Extreme weather and natural disasters
- Extreme HeatJapanese summers are extremely hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 35 degrees in July and August. High humidity often makes it feel much hotter. As a result, heat stroke and heat-related illnesses pose a significant risk during the summer months.
- Tropical cyclonesIn Japan the tropical cyclone (typhoon) season is between June and December, peaking between July and September. The highest risk is in southern parts of the country. Monitor any approaching storms using Japan Meteorological Agency forecasts. Follow the advice of the local authorities and emergency services, including any evacuation orders.
- Flooding and heavy rainPeriods of heavy rainfall are common in Japan, particularly during the rainy season and typhoon season. Intense rain can lead to flooding, landslides, and significant disruption to transport and infrastructure. Conditions can worsen rapidly and with little warning, especially in low-lying, coastal, and mountainous areas.
- Earthquakes and tsunamisJapan is in a major earthquake zone. The Japan Meteorological Agency provides a list of helpful apps and websites in the event of disaster . See further earthquake safety tips from the Japan National Tourism Agency.
- Volcanic eruptionsThere are several active volcanoes in Japan. Monitor local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities. Check for volcano warnings from the Japanese Meteorological Agency. See volcano safety tips from the Japan National Tourism Agency.
Headings and opening lines from the UK FCDO “Safety and security” travel advice for Japan, updated 2026-08-28 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Read the full advice on gov.uk →
Country figures
- Homicide rate
- 0.23 /100k2024
- Income inequality
- Gini 32.32020
- Human development
- HDI 0.9252023
- Income
- $58,920/yrGNI per capita PPP
- Road deaths
- 3.6 /100kWHO, 2019
- Political stability
- 85/100WGI, 2024 · higher = more stable
- Rule of law
- 83/100WGI, 2024
- Corruption perceptions
- 71/100Transparency Intl, 2025 · higher = cleaner
- Natural-hazard risk
- 2.0/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Women, Peace & Security
- 0.87GIWPS, 2025 · 0-1, higher = better
- Air quality
- 11.5 µg/m³PM2.5, 2023 · WHO guideline is 5
- Safe drinking water
- 99%of population, 2024 · WHO/UNICEF JMP
- Healthcare capacity
- 2.6 doctors /1k12.6 hospital beds per 1,000
Natural hazards
- Tsunami
- 10.0/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Earthquake
- 9.7/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Cyclone
- 9.2/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Flood
- 7.8/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
Hazard types scoring under 1 out of 10 are not listed.
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Japan (as of 2025).
How Japan compares
| Measure | Japan | World median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | 0.2 /100k | 2.4 /100k | −2.1 /100k — better for Japan |
| Income inequality (Gini) | 32.3 | 35.2 | −2.9 — better for Japan |
| Human development (HDI) | 0.925 | 0.763 | +0.162 — better for Japan |
| Road deaths | 3.6 /100k | 15.4 /100k | −11.8 /100k — better for Japan |
| Rule of law | 83/100 | 52/100 | +31/100 — better for Japan |
| Corruption perceptions | 71/100 | 39/100 | +32/100 — better for Japan |
| Air quality (PM2.5) | 11.5 µg/m³ | 19.7 µg/m³ | −8.2 µg/m³ — better for Japan |
| Natural-hazard risk | 2.0/10 | 3.8/10 | −1.8/10 — better for Japan |
| Measure | Japan | Asia median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | 0.2 /100k | 1.8 /100k | −1.5 /100k — better for Japan |
| Income inequality (Gini) | 32.3 | 33.6 | −1.3 — better for Japan |
| Human development (HDI) | 0.925 | 0.766 | +0.159 — better for Japan |
| Road deaths | 3.6 /100k | 15.3 /100k | −11.7 /100k — better for Japan |
| Rule of law | 83/100 | 52/100 | +31/100 — better for Japan |
| Corruption perceptions | 71/100 | 35/100 | +37/100 — better for Japan |
| Air quality (PM2.5) | 11.5 µg/m³ | 28.6 µg/m³ | −17.1 µg/m³ — better for Japan |
| Natural-hazard risk | 2.0/10 | 3.7/10 | −1.7/10 — better for Japan |
Medians, not means, so one extreme country cannot drag the reference value. Each row compares only the countries that have a published figure for that measure, and differences are plain arithmetic between stored values.
All 75 cities, safest first
- Tokyo91.4 · #16 worldwide
- Osaka91.4 · #17 worldwide
- Nagoya91.4 · #18 worldwide
- Fukuoka91.4 · #19 worldwide
- Sapporo91.4 · #20 worldwide
- Sendai91.4 · #21 worldwide
- Kitakyushu91.4 · #22 worldwide
- Hiroshima91.4 · #23 worldwide
- Naha91.4 · #24 worldwide
- Nara91.4 · #25 worldwide
- Okayama91.4 · #26 worldwide
- Kumamoto91.4 · #27 worldwide
- Otsu91.4 · #28 worldwide
- Kanazawa91.4 · #29 worldwide
- Himeji91.4 · #30 worldwide
- Kagoshima91.4 · #31 worldwide
- Toyohashi91.4 · #32 worldwide
- Matsuyama91.4 · #33 worldwide
- Takasaki [Maebashi]91.4 · #34 worldwide
- Niigata91.4 · #35 worldwide
- Numazu91.4 · #36 worldwide
- Oita91.4 · #37 worldwide
- Fukuyama91.4 · #38 worldwide
- Utsunomiya91.4 · #39 worldwide
- Takamatsu91.4 · #40 worldwide
- Yokkaichi91.4 · #41 worldwide
- Shizuoka91.4 · #42 worldwide
- Nagasaki91.4 · #43 worldwide
- Asahikawa91.4 · #44 worldwide
- Hamamatsu91.4 · #45 worldwide
- Kofu91.4 · #46 worldwide
- Nagano91.4 · #47 worldwide
- Hakodate91.4 · #48 worldwide
- Wakayama91.4 · #49 worldwide
- Ota91.4 · #50 worldwide
- Morioka91.4 · #51 worldwide
- Koriyama91.4 · #52 worldwide
- Akita91.4 · #53 worldwide
- Toyama91.4 · #54 worldwide
- Miyazaki91.4 · #55 worldwide
- Kochi91.4 · #56 worldwide
- Tsuchiura91.4 · #57 worldwide
- Fukui91.4 · #58 worldwide
- Aomori91.4 · #59 worldwide
- Mito91.4 · #60 worldwide
- Tokushima91.4 · #61 worldwide
- Fukushima91.4 · #62 worldwide
- Matsumoto91.4 · #63 worldwide
- Kisarazu91.4 · #64 worldwide
- Kurume91.4 · #65 worldwide
- Yamagata91.4 · #66 worldwide
- Nagaoka91.4 · #67 worldwide
- Takaoka91.4 · #68 worldwide
- Hachinohe91.4 · #69 worldwide
- Obihiro91.4 · #70 worldwide
- Kushiro91.4 · #71 worldwide
- Shunan91.4 · #72 worldwide
- Ube91.4 · #73 worldwide
- Marugame91.4 · #74 worldwide
- Hitachi91.4 · #75 worldwide
- Omuta91.4 · #76 worldwide
- Sasebo91.4 · #77 worldwide
- 小名浜愛宕上91.4 · #78 worldwide
- Tsu91.4 · #79 worldwide
- Tomakomai91.4 · #80 worldwide
- Kiryu91.4 · #81 worldwide
- Saga91.4 · #82 worldwide
- Fujieda91.4 · #83 worldwide
- Hirosaki91.4 · #84 worldwide
- Tottori91.4 · #85 worldwide
- Beppu91.4 · #86 worldwide
- Matsue91.4 · #87 worldwide
- Yonago91.4 · #88 worldwide
- Ishinomaki91.4 · #89 worldwide
- Suzuka91.4 · #90 worldwide