Is Japan Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Japan is generally very safe for solo female travelers. The crime rate is relatively low and the locals are respectful and helpful. Safety measures are readily available in public transportation and accommodations. However, always remain vigilant especially in crowded areas. The culture respects personal space which further enhances your feeling of safety.

Safety rating

Travel and Meet new People

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies and stay with local women for free through hospitality exchange.
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

How safe is Japan?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Very safe

Japan, as a whole, is considered to be extremely safe at night. It is not uncommon to see people, including women, walking alone late at night. Street crime rate is relatively low and most areas are well-lit and populated even in the evening hours. Public transport is reliable and operates late into the night. However, being vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always a good idea. Exercise the same caution as you would in any other urban areas worldwide.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Very safe

Public transportation in Japan is considered very safe. It is largely reliable, punctual, and security is well maintained. Nighttime services are also safe. Travelers need to respect etiquette and manners on public transportation, and while instances of harassment might occur, they are not common. Instances of theft or crime are very rare. Security cameras and staff are also present. The culture in Japan places a high emphasis on public safety and rule-following, making the public transportation system a safe option for travel.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Very low

Japan, overall, is known for its safety and hospitality. Reports of street harassment, especially for foreign women traveling alone, are relatively low. Japanese culture emphasizes respect for personal space and public decorum, and this often translates into a comfortable and non-threatening environment for solo travellers. Of course, like in any country, exceptions do occur. Nonetheless, Japan stands out as one of the international destinations where street harassment seldom becomes a pressing issue for solo female travelers.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Very low

Japan is renowned for its order and safety. Instances of minor crimes, such as theft or pickpocketing, are incredibly rare, especially in heavily populated areas and tourist hotspots. The local population is very respectful of personal property, and lost items are frequently returned. However, it's always important to stay aware and take general common-sense precautions. The main concern can be scams, where individuals may try to trick or overcharge tourists, especially in nightlife areas.

Is Japan worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 114 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.8/5

Safety

4.8/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5
Nicole

Nicole

Canada

Japan, Solo travel

Japan is my one true love to travel in šŸ’• I have been twice and these pictures are from my second time. The first time, I lived abroad in Tokyo for 6 months. Japan is in my opinion the safest country for a solo female traveller. The only places to avoid are at night in Kabukicho (red light district in Tokyo) and the neighborhood just south of Shinsekai in Osaka. Skip Harajuku (Takeshita-Dori street). It is 1000% gentrified and fake. Go to Kichijoji - it is a newer and more authentic trendy neighbourhood. My recommendation is to visit Takayama (and Shirakawa + Kanazawa in the area). Takayama is my favourite place Iā€™ve experienced in Japanā€¦ the food was incredible, cheaper than anywhere else, and the small mountain town was a breath of fresh air from the big cities. Go to a local ramen shop instead of Ichiran!!! It will be cheaper and better I promise. Ichiran is for tourists

Posted: March 5, 2025Experienced: November, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Hakone, Solo travel

I went to Hakone the 4th of January and I really liked it. Although it was cloudy, the views were amazing. I couldn't see Fujisan but I saw snow and the atmosphere was really relaxing. I took the pirate ship and it was a great decision!

Posted: February 22, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Japan, Solo travel

Iā€™ve been to Japan for 5 weeks, solo travel from Tokyo to Hiroshima, passed by Nagoya, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Wakayama, Himeji, Miyajima, Okunoshimaā€¦ in march/april 2024 šŸŒøā¤ļø I loved it so much, felt safe at anytime, anywhere ā€¦ I was only scared once on top of a mountain when I saw a sign warning about snakes (my phobia) šŸ˜‚ Canā€™t wait to go to Japan again āœØ

Posted: February 22, 2025
favorite_border 2
mode_comment 0

Japan, Couple travel

Japan is a super beautiful country, highly recommended and I would definitely like to travel there again. The food is super delicious and there is a lot of architecture to look at. The people are friendly

Posted: February 10, 2025Experienced: February, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Japan, Family travel

Japan was beautiful and cold, was just before the snow. The food was delicious and depending on your style affordable. I genuinely enjoyed all the touristy activities and had very little issue communicating with people. Transportation was only confusing if you got lost in the train station (shibuya omg) This was before COVID so slightly different. 100% and will be going back.

Posted: February 10, 2025Experienced: October, 2019
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Veda

Veda

United States

Japan, Solo travel

I went to Japan as a solo traveler to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. I traveled in between the cities via Shinkansen (bullet train). It was my first solo trip and I stayed at hostels which were great to meet other solo travelers! I went when the Yen was strong so it was slightly expensive but it was 100% worth it. All the sights and food was amazing and I felt safe with local Japanese coming up to me whenever I looked lost.

Posted: February 7, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Japan, Couple travel

Tokyo city center was quite safe, we also visited and ate from the markets at night. The city's transportation network is very wide, there is a metro to every point. It is cheaper compared to European cities. Excellent sushis.

Posted: February 5, 2025
favorite_border 2
mode_comment 0
Jessie

Jessie

United Arab Emirates

Tokyo, Family travel

I travelled with my two teenage kids in Tokyo and we never felt unsafe. People are friendly and helpful too (just some language barrier since we donā€™t speak Japanese) but they are very willing to help. Love the food!!!

Posted: January 30, 2025
favorite_border 3
mode_comment 0
Ida

Ida

Finland

Japan, Group travel

So we went to Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo and as a big anime fan I've always dreamed of going to Tokyo but honeslty guys, Tokyo is not really worth it imo. Like there are sooooo much people everywhere and a nightmare to get on the trains. And there wasn't that much to do unless you reeeally like shopping. I'm more of a run around and look at pretty buildings and such kind of girl than a shop all day kind of girl. Kyoto and Osaka were great! Such beautiful culture and even tho there was a lot of people in Universal Studios it was still very much worth it.

Posted: January 28, 2025Experienced: April, 2024
favorite_border 4
mode_comment 0

Japan, Solo travel

I walked to every hour in this country and felt everytime safe there. But i need to say, i never was at party places. In Japan you can travel very cheap but very expensive too. The Transportation is very easy to understand. Most of the time everything is written in english, japanese and chinese. Use Apps like google maps and google lense. for me thr most expensive thing in this country is the transportation. My favorite thing in this country is to collecting stamps. Trains, Attractions and Goshuinchos. Also collecting Manhole cards.

Posted: January 20, 2025Experienced: March, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Is Japan safe for women?

Safety index

4.9 /5

Based on 48 local experiences

Crime index

1.3 /5

Based on 48 local experiences

Nagoya

I would say Nagoya is really safe compared to other cities Iā€™ve been to, especially in Europe. I have always felt safe in public transportation and in town even at night. Of course there is no place 100% safe and I always make sure to be careful but I would say in Nagoya you can be fairly relaxed.

Posted: March 7, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Maƫva

Maƫva

Tokyo

I feel really safe in there, since one month, everyone seems kind and thinkful so I didn't have to worry for now. I didn't feel unsafe as in my country, people look at you in France like scanning you or your body it's sometimes uncomfortable. But here it doesn't happened to me even I am a stranger.

Posted: February 25, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Meet locals in Japan

Chiz

Chiz

About Me

Hi, I love meeting people from all over the world I like cooking especially sweets and chatting

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Chrissy

Chrissy

About Me

Hey! Im Chrissy, a Canadian who has been living in Japan since 2016. Iā€™m a very friendly, positive and outgoing person who loves travelling and meeting new people! Iā€™m planning on travelling around Europe between June-August 2025 to travel and grow more as a person. Iā€™m looking forward to meeting you!

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Stay with locals in Japan

Chrissy

Chrissy

Fukuoka

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hey! Im Chrissy, a Canadian who has been living in Japan since 2016. Iā€™m a very friendly, positive and outgoing person who loves travelling and meeting new people! Iā€™m planning on travelling around Europe between June-August 2025 to travel and grow more as a person. Iā€™m looking forward to meeting you!

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Shawnee

Shawnee

Japan

Can host for:

7 days

About me

Hi! Married mother of 4. We have pets and are an LGBTQ couple. But we are happy to provide a safe place for y'all to stay in Japan. 2 hours from Tokyo in an old house :)

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Upcoming visitors to Japan

Lena

Lena

About Me

Iā€™m a writer and traveler from Saint Petersburg. Most of my trips these days are solo and slow and I like it so much šŸ¤ Iā€™ve been in Iceland for a few times, driving around Switzerland just for a Sigur RĆ³s concert in Zurich. For the last few years Iā€™m traveling to Asia: South Korea, Japan, Vietnam. Iā€™d like to meet new people around the world and share our experiences, listen to their stories.

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Vivi

Vivi

About Me

Just turnt 20 and navigating life :)

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Safety in Japan