Is Japan Safe to Travel?

Is Japan safe to travel? Even with densely populated cities, Japan is consistently among the top safest international destinations for tourists.

Is Japan Safe to Travel?

Japan has one of the lowest crime rates in the world and the Japanese are very proud of their country’s security, public order, and their culture of priority to the common good.

That’s why it’s common to see young children traveling alone on a train, or people leaving their belongings at a table while they order their coffee at a café. You can even walk alone at night without having to constantly look over your shoulder, but it’s always a good idea to be aware of what’s around you.

Staying Healthy in Japan

Food and Water

Food safety and clean water are not a problem in Japan. Restaurants are regularly checked and rated for cleanliness, and tap water is clean and safe.

Takoyaki in Osaka

Restaurants must comply with regulations set out by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare to ensure consumers’ safety and quality. Japan’s safety standards are some of the highest in the world.

Medications

We highly recommend that you speak with your doctor about managing any pre-existing conditions while traveling. Carry all your medications in their original packaging and prescription bottles.

Japanese Drugstore

Be aware that Japan has restrictions on medications that are very common in North America and Europe. To be sure, we recommend that you call your local embassy or consulate about prescriptions, and over-the-counter medications you plan to bring with you.

Crime in Japan

Crime rates in Japan are one of the lowest in the world. Although organized crime is often dramatized in movies, they are unlikely to have any effect on your vacation.

We advise that you use good-old common sense and don’t make yourself an easy target. Keep valuables in a safe place and pay attention to your surroundings.

Japanese Train in Kyoto

I’ve forgotten backpacks on trains and lost wallets on the street in my tenure in Japan, and I’ve always had my items returned with nothing missing. We even had a client’s misplaced rail pass returned within hours of realizing it was missing.

Climate and Mother Nature

Japan’s climate makes it a great tourist destination almost all year round. Its main drawbacks are heat waves in the summer, a long typhoon season, and the tendency for earthquakes.

Summer Heat

Japan’s summers are hot. I’m from Charleston, South Carolina, and I’ve lived in Central Florida, but nothing can compete with Japan.

Aside from the high temperatures and unforgivable humidity, the main culprit is the lack of relief. Getting on a train, going into a department store, or eating at a restaurant does little to help you cool down.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

That is because Japan has a standing order for public buildings, businesses, transportation, and homes to keep thermostats at 28 degrees Celsius (roughly 82 degrees Fahrenheit).

A huge safety concern with traveling in the summer is heat stroke. Cases have been on the rise recently due to the increasing temperatures during the summer months.

Typhoon season

Typhoon season is from May to October, with August and September being the peak. Usually, these storms are nothing more than heavy rain and wind, but they’ve been known to cause landslides and flooding.

If there is a typhoon warning while you’re in Japan, use your smartphone to keep track of weather conditions and ask your hotel about a safe places to go in case of a warning. It’s also a good idea to allow some flexibility in your schedule and stay on top of transportation delays and flight cancellations.

Earthquakes

Since Japan is located in a seismically active area, all Japanese citizens are trained from an early age on how to react in the event of an earthquake. Schools and companies give out safety helmets, families have earthquake kits, and every community has safe evacuation zones where the neighborhood can gather until it’s safe to go home.

If you’re in Japan during an earthquake, we suggest you contact your hotel’s front desk for instructions. They are trained for these types of situations, and they are your best source of information.

If you’re in a public area, follow the instructions provided.

So, is it Safe?

So, is Japan safe to travel? Yes, it’s safe. Japanese people are friendly and kind, and I can say with great certainty that you will feel safe and comfortable during your trip.