Tokyo is one of the safest large cities in the world. Violent crime is rare and lost items are usually returned. The main considerations are earthquake preparedness and navigating busy stations.
Save these numbers before you arrive. Calls are free from most local phones.
Read before you go — these are the situations most likely to affect your safety.
Download the Safety tips and NHK World apps for earthquake alerts; familiarise yourself with 'drop, cover, hold on'.
Carry your hotel address in Japanese; taxi drivers often speak limited English.
Note that 110 calls police in Japan (not 911).
Avoid Kabukicho and Roppongi late at night if unfamiliar; touts may overcharge.
Recognise the pattern, decline firmly, and walk away.
Some Roppongi bars spike drinks and run up enormous bills. Use well-reviewed venues and never follow street touts into clubs.
Rare but exists near Asakusa: a 'guide' leads you to a souvenir shop. Licensed guides wear visible ID badges.
Not a scam but a rule: book the oversized luggage seat in advance on bullet trains or you may be refused boarding.
Neighbourhoods and districts recommended for first-time visitors.
City-by-city safety scores, scams and emergency contacts.
Osaka is among Japan's safest cities. Risks are limited to typhoon-season flooding, late-night touts in Dotonbori, and crowded-event pickpocketing.
View GuideKyoto is exceptionally safe. The main considerations are respecting private homes in geisha districts, overtourism rules at temples, and summer heat in the basin.
View GuideSee nationality-by-nationality visa rules, passport validity and fees for travelling to Japan.
Get real-time safety alerts, verified entry rules, and offline emergency access in one travel companion app.
Quick answers to the questions travellers ask most.
Last reviewed and verified for 2026. Always check your government's latest travel advisory before departure.
DheeVoy has partnered with trusted travel providers to help you book every part of your trip. We earn a small commission on purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you.
Hotels in Tokyo
Compare and book hotels with free cancellation on most rooms.
Search Hotels →*Sponsored — affiliate link
Flights to Tokyo
Search and compare flights from hundreds of airlines.
Search Flights →*Sponsored — affiliate link
Car Rental in Tokyo
Compare car hire deals from local and international providers.
Find Car Rentals →*Sponsored — affiliate link
Tours in Tokyo
Book skip-the-line tickets, guided tours and local experiences.
Browse Tours →*Sponsored — affiliate link
Travel Insurance
SafetyWing covers medical emergencies abroad from $56/month — recommended for Tokyo.
Get Covered →*Sponsored — affiliate link
eSIM for Tokyo
Stay connected from day one — no SIM swap needed. Activate before you fly.
Get eSIM →*Sponsored — affiliate link
Affiliate Disclosure: DheeVoy partners with trusted travel providers. Links marked with * are affiliate links — DheeVoy earns a small commission if you make a purchase. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps us keep DheeVoy free to use. We only recommend services we consider genuinely useful for travellers.
Explore more DheeVoy guides — visa requirements, safety briefings, eSIM deals and travel resources for destinations worldwide.
Check Visa Requirements
Browse visa guides by passport and destination
Get eSIM Deals
Stay connected from day one — no SIM swap needed
Travel Safety Index
City-by-city safety scores and scam warnings