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

4.9 /5

Based on 25 experiences

4.5 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety overview

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: 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: 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: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.

Tap water:Very safe

Tap water in Japan is very safe to drink. It meets strict government standards and is treated with cutting-edge technology. Therefore, it is not only safe to drink the water directly from the tap, but it is also standard among locals and long-term residents.

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Travel experiences

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 25 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.8/5

Safety

4.9/5

Food

4.8/5

Budget-friendly

2.8/5
M

M (36)

Philippines

Solo travel experience

Japan has it all. It is a shame I was not able to explore more, but I’ll surely be back as often as I can.The food was superb, I cannot get enough of Japanese food. I wish to try the Nakasendo trail one day and I hope you guys from Travel Ladies can join me. :)

Posted: November 27, 2023Experienced: April, 2017
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

The people were lovely and I felt much more safe there than where I currently live. The food was excellent and incredibly affordable with lots of vegan options as well, which I struggle to find in the country where I live. The only problem was the language barrier was mostly resolvable with Google Translate.

Posted: November 25, 2023
Things to do: 4/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Couple travel experience

I visited Japan in the autumn of 2018 and it was an amazing experience! I travelled with my partner at the time and I did part of the trip solo. I visited several major cities during my 3 week trip (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Nikio, Takayama) and all of these cities are worth a visit if you have the time. Pubic transport is very efficient and probably the best way to travel around the country. If you plan to stay in Japan for more than a few days, getting the Shinkansen pass is a must. It is only available for tourists (not for Japanese residents) and it will allow you to get to different cities on the Shinkansen as many time as you want to during the duration that you have purchased (7 days, 14 days 21 days…). Food is also amazing and this include the food that you can get from the convenience stores (seven eleven, Lawson). During the solo part of my trip , I found the country very safe and the locals are very friendly and welcoming! Overall Japan is an amazing country to visit and I highly recommend it as a top solo destination!

Posted: November 19, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Japan is the only country I did a full solo trip in. I felt extremely safe. I did a day trip to Kyoto from Osaka and loved how close they were together. I also went to Hiroshima and was really moved by the museum about the a-bomb. There's also a cool floating shrine near the city. Also did Fukuoka and liked it.

Posted: October 3, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I was in Japan solo for two weeks and visited Tokyo, and Kamakura (the Great Buddha is definitely more impressive than the largest one in Nara). I also made a brief stop in Yokohama to see Chinatown, then went on to Nikko, Mount Fuji (a little trekking), Hakone, and the wonderful Kyoto. In between, half a day in Nara and an evening in Osaka. I felt very safe.

Posted: September 29, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I traveled solo to Japan and it was my first international solo destination. I fell in love with the country and the people. It is by far the safest and the most beautiful country I have ever seen. The people are extremely warm and even though they do not know English, they are always ready to help you.

Posted: September 27, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I visited Japan solo for 10 days and it was great. People are so friendly, easy to get around, and extremely safe. It was a birthday last minute decision and it was such a great trip. I flew into Tokyo, then took the train to Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, back to Tokyo then went to Kamakura.

Posted: September 27, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I had a JR pass when I went to Japan and had the freedom to explore the country. The transportation system is very efficient. Google Maps works everywhere. I had no issue navigating. Japanese people are the nicest people and are always happy to help. Tokyo is incredible at night. I traveled solo and didn’t join any group tours during my time in Japan.

Posted: June 22, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Japan is amazing for solo travel. The people are amazing. They are so kind and so welcoming, and even though fluent English isn't common, especially outside of the major cities, the people will do their best to communicate with you. I always feel safe while traveling here - I feel safer walking the streets alone at 3 in the morning than I do walking the streets in my own hometown. Plus the country itself is so beautiful and has something for everyone. I cannot recommend traveling to Japan enough.

Posted: May 19, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I have travelled solo to Japan and I had a great time. The country is beautiful and safe. The public transportation system there is outstanding, extensive, and efficient. The English-speaking tourist offices in cities, usually in train stations, are very helpful.

Posted: May 1, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Local experiences

Japan is very safe. Lived there for 2 years, and walked and rode trains everywhere. In Okinawa, for one year, I drove, hiked, and swam all over the island, mostly alone. No hassles or issues from anyone.

Posted: March 30, 2023
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Meet locals in Japan

Yuki

Yuki

Speaking

About Me

I am Japanese female. I love meeting people and sharing culture.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇺 Australia, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇹 Guatemala, 🇬🇺 Guam, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic

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Valerie

Valerie

Speaking

About Me

I love meeting new people and can converse quite comfortably! I’m from Singapore and currently live in Kobe, Japan now for more than a year now and might say that I know Kobe better than most who live here 😄 I love exploring and discovering new places, and going for really long walks. Catching sunsets is definitely one of my favorite things to do. :)

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇺 Australia, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇰🇭 Cambodia, 🇨🇳 China, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇭🇰 Hong Kong, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇶🇦 Qatar, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇹🇼 Taiwan, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇻🇦 Vatican City

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Ophélie

Ophélie

About Me

Hello, I'm a French girl on a working holiday visa in Tokyo. Nice to meet you 😁

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Stay with locals in Japan

Valerie

Valerie

Speaking

You can stay for:

1 day

About me

I love meeting new people and can converse quite comfortably! I’m from Singapore and currently live in Kobe, Japan now for more than a year now and might say that I know Kobe better than most who live here 😄 I love exploring and discovering new places, and going for really long walks. Catching sunsets is definitely one of my favorite things to do. :)

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇺 Australia, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇰🇭 Cambodia, 🇨🇳 China, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇭🇰 Hong Kong, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇶🇦 Qatar, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇹🇼 Taiwan, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇻🇦 Vatican City

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Юлия

Юлия

Speaking

You can stay for:

5 days

About me

Hello, my name is Julia and I will be glad to meet new people!

Countries I’ve Visited

🇨🇳 China, 🇻🇦 Vatican City, 🇧🇬 Bulgaria, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan, 🇷🇺 Russia

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MIU

MIU

Speaking

You can stay for:

3 days

About me

Hi I’m Miu! From Japan! I’d love to talk with people from different countries. I hope I can have great conversation with you<3

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇦🇹 Austria, 🇨🇳 China, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇺🇸 United States

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Upcoming visitors to Japan

Chervanna

Chervanna

Speaking

About Me

Hi! Im 21 years old and I've never really travelled alone before, this is my first time! My first trip is to Tokyo this year and Im excited (but scared) and looking forward to it! Im hoping on this app I meet a lot of like-minded people here!! 🫶🏾🤍

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Zia

Zia

Speaking

About Me

Hi! I’m Zia . From Thailand. 27 years. I’m full time employee work at the hotel . Only get 6-8 days per month for traveling. Want to meet new people and explore the world as much as possible.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇨🇳 China, 🇱🇦 Laos, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇸🇬 Singapore

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Mico

Mico

Speaking

About Me

Hi, I'm Mico and I'm interested in animals, culture, food & cuisine, languages, photography, history, books and sightseeing

Countries I’ve Visited

🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇭🇰 Hong Kong, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇹🇭 Thailand

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Local discussions

TravelWhat advice do you have for a first-time international traveller visiting Okinawa, Japan?

Staying in Okinawa, Japan soon. Anyone have any advice or tips for travel on the island? I am a first time international traveller. Any advice appreciated 💕

Posted: July 29, 2023
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Solo travelI‘m taking my first solo trip to Japan next month and feeling so nervous! Any advice for solo trips?

I‘m taking my first solo trip to Japan next month and feeling so nervous! Any advice for solo trips?! I’m in a relationship and 31 so not into the big party scene but still wanting to meet friends and have a drink here and there! I am open to hostels just want to make sure it’s the right fit for me! Also any travel recommendations for Japan are welcome! I’ll be there for 2 weeks!

Posted: December 14, 2022
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TravelDo Japanese speak English to foreigners in general?

I don't mean to be rude at all, just am wondering. For those who have visited Japan. Do Japanese speak English in general? I mean to foreigners. Any tips?

Posted: November 19, 2022
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TravelWhat are some decently priced hotel suggestions for Japan?

Hotel suggestions for Japan? Traveling Tokyo (1 week) , Kyoto (4 days) and Osaka (4 days). Our group is 7 but we are breaking up lodging so my group is 3. looking for somewhere decently priced.

Posted: November 15, 2022
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TravelWhat is a rough budget recommendation for a first-time traveller to Japan in December?

Hey all, I am looking to go to Japan in December and just wanted to gauge rough budget recommendations (not including flights). First time traveller to Japan so any cool recommendations would be totally welcomed

Posted: November 10, 2022
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Safety in Japan