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 142 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4.8/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5

Tokyo, Solo travel

Tokio was very safe! Even late at night I never felt uncomfortable. The food was amazing, i loved it. The City is so incredible, i would love to go again some day. Transport was very easy, even thoug I thougt it would be hard.

Posted: August 21, 2025Experienced: April, 2025
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Tokyo, Couple travel

Felt safe, but I'm sure a big part of it is because I was with my partner. I hear bad stories about solo female travellers in Japan that make me shudder. Fortunately I've never experienced anything like it myself.

Posted: August 14, 2025
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Japan, Group travel

My trip to Japan was amazing! I felt super safe the whole time. The food was incredible, and everything was reasonably priced. My hotel was in a great spot, it was in Ginza. The food and shopping were really affordable too!"

Posted: August 1, 2025
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Maëlle

Maëlle

France

Shizuoka, Solo travel

I went there with a friend for her birthday. We were a little bit disappointed because there weren't many things to see or visit but still happy we went there. We visited a magnificent temple but the way to get there was quite an adventure 😂. The view was amazing. We visited Shizuoka's castle but a bit sad because there wasn't much to see because almost everything was burnt in a fire long time ago. The fish in shizuoka is divine and so cheap compared to France!

Posted: July 22, 2025Experienced: June, 2024
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Athena

Athena

United States

Takamatsu, Solo travel

I was in Takamatsu for 4 days which was more than enough to see the city and some nearby nature areas. I went to and recommend: - Takamatsu Castle Park - Ogijima (lsland) - Ritsurin Garden - Kotohiragu (shrine, hike up 800 stairs) - Sanuki Manno Park - Takaya Shrine (hike) - Chichibugahama Beach (great for sunset and there's an uncle who takes photos for you for free) I recommend Kotohiragu and Sanuki Manno Park the same day because it's just a short bus ride from near the bottom of the shrine to the bottom of the park. In the bus there's a phone number to call the park and have a car pick you up (for free) to bring you to the entrance of the park (pay for entrance fee). I didn't have a Japanese phone number but the bus driver kindlly told me about this and called for me! Otherwise I would've had to walk uphill for 30+ minutes just to get to the entrance. PSA for vegans: Few to no vegan options in the area. I went out for food twice and the rest was surviving off of grocery store food. Two bakeries in the main strip in Takamatsu had plain white baguettes and another bakery had big sliced bread that were all vegan (grocery store bread all has milk). Funnily enough Starbucks has several vegan desserts in Japan so I had some of those (although definitely more pricy so it's a treat)

Posted: July 9, 2025
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Is Japan safe for women?

Safety index

4.8 /5

Based on 73 local experiences

Crime index

1.2 /5

Based on 73 local experiences

Akihabara

Akihabara is rather crowed during the afternoon and early evening. Even when the streets got emptier, my friend and I felt comfortable walking around. I want to note that we were doing our best to stick to major streets.

Posted: August 6, 2025
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Safety in Japan