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

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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 121 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.8/5

Safety

4.8/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5
Tina

Tina

Taiwan

Japan, Solo travel

I felt safe when I walked on the streets and mby because ppl thought I was Japanese. I didn't dare to stay out too late because I wasn't familiar with that area and lots of drunk people puked on the streets. But I met a local and we went for a pub crawl. I went back to my hostel until morning. I'd say it's a safe city šŸ©·

Posted: April 4, 2025Experienced: February, 2024
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Tina

Tina

Taiwan

Tokyo, Solo travel

It's a safe clean city with lots of visitors. Even though sometimes people don't speak English, they try their best to communicate or find the connection with you. I found it's a good city for female travellers

Posted: April 4, 2025Experienced: February, 2024
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Mariafrancesca

Mariafrancesca

Japan

Kyoto, Solo travel

Kyoto is very safe for traveling alone, also for girls. I wasnā€™t scared of hanging around also during night time. I recommend to visit all the main temples and shrines in Kyoto because they are worth visiting. The food is amazing!!!

Posted: April 2, 2025
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Anastasia

Anastasia

France

Tokyo, Solo travel

Hiiā˜€ļø I was in Tokyo from 03/21 to 03/26 and I loved it! The accommodation is the most expensive I think, the rest was pretty cheap. The food is soo good and it's really practical to have stores open 24/7! There's a lot of things to do, I went to temples, disney sea, an onsen(or baths at least) and teamlab! Parks are great too !! Japanese people are the kindest! It was my first time traveling alone so I was scared but they honestly made each day so much betteršŸ’ž I really recommend it, I will definitely go back again!!

Posted: March 30, 2025Experienced: February, 2025
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Tokyo, Solo travel

Tokyo is a beautiful and big city. There is so much to see and you always feel like you dont have enough time because its so big. The food is inceredible and inexpensive. I stayed a bit outside the main city but everything is really accesible and not that expensive in my opinion.

Posted: March 16, 2025
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Kamakura, Solo travel

Kamakura is a beautiful city. It has a lot of Temples that you can go and visit. I highly suggest the Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku-jinja Shrine and the Sasuke inari Shrine. Beautiful places a little bit removed and not alot of people. You can easily go to Kamakura as a daytrip from tokyo but It would not hurt to spend two days in this beautiful city. There is so much to see.

Posted: March 16, 2025
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Rusutsu, Family travel

I went with my family to ski and it was amazing , very safe atmosphere, polite people and incredible snow . We didnā€™t do much life in rusutsu but one of the days we went to niseko and the after ski atmosphere was incredible , a lot of bars and people from everywhere

Posted: March 11, 2025
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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
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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
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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
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Is Japan safe for women?

Safety index

4.9 /5

Based on 52 local experiences

Crime index

1.3 /5

Based on 52 local experiences

Kyoto

Kyoto is a very beautiful city where I found myself very safe. I spent 4 nights and 5 days there. I used to go out at daytime and come back at the dark. I could walk alone in the streets at night time without feeling stressed because my hotel was in the city center full of people and very safe

Posted: April 2, 2025
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Selina

Selina

Japan

My solo trip to Japan was an amazing experience šŸ‡ÆšŸ‡µšŸ—»šŸ£ I felt very very safe all the time. I spend 1-2 weeks in the big cities and felt safe all the time. Osaka felt a little bit unsafe during the nighttime but still completely moderate for a big city. And I didnā€™t experienced anything bad. I spend 2-3 weeks in the countryside and on an island and I always felt very very safe. Can recommend Japan for anybody who is interested in the stunning Japanese culture and loves good food!

Posted: March 19, 2025
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Meet locals in Japan

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

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Miko

Miko

About Me

I am 50+ Tokyo native working for a global media company. I have lived in Australia and CĆ“te d'Ivoire/Ivory Coast over 8 years, started travelling solo 2 years ago. I am kind of new to travel for leisure, and trying to have a hang of it. I am planning another trip to Sweden in June. It will be my first trip to Scandinavia and look forward to it. I love live musics, films, reading, visiting museums and dancing.

Speaking

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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

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Tukta

Tukta

Japan

Can host for:

5 days

About me

Hi. My name is Amy Mizutani and Iā€™m an English teacher. I live in a rustic house, off-the-beaten part, in Inabe city in Mie Prefecture, situated between Nagoya and Osaka. It is a quiet and beautiful place surrounded by nature where you can experience the day-to-day lifestyle of the locals and their community. You are welcome to stay at my place, explore the surroundings, and share your experiences with the locals. Please let me know if you are interested; you are more than welcome to stay at my place.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Japan

Sara

Sara

About Me

Hi šŸŒ» My name is Sara and I'm from Italy šŸ‡®šŸ‡¹ I moved to Belgium almost 2 years ago now, and since then, I have started travelling a lot. I love exploring new countries and meeting new people everywhere I go. I have met so many wonderful friends along the way, and I can't wait to see what my next trip will bring!

Speaking

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Feris

Feris

About Me

I thrive on healthy, fluid and witty communication, where ideas flow effortlessly and laughter is abundant. I like smart, funny, funster and conscientious people.I like to walk, read and explore new places, learning new cultures, discovering new tastes. šŸ¦¦

Speaking

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Safety in Japan