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 125 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.8/5

Safety

4.8/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5
Antoniya

Antoniya

Bulgaria

Okayama, Group travel

Okayama is a small but wonderful part of Japan. The city is a sister city to Plovdiv and I went there as a part of a cultural exchange programme. I had a host family which welcomed me very warmly. Japanese people are extremely kind and helpful, they are not very open with their emotions but you can gain their attachment with respect and kindness. I felt extremely safe but I was never by myself or out at night.

Posted: April 24, 2025Experienced: July, 2024
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Sandra

Sandra

Poland

Osaka, Couple travel

Osaka is a great place to visit for all foreigners. Kansai region is considered "weird" by Japanese people as locals are a bit more "western" in their approach - very friendly, loud and enthusiastic. Always ready to help confused "gaijins". I was checking the train times and during 5 minutes it took me to confirm my connection I was approached 3 times by locals to ask whether they can help me in anyway

Posted: April 13, 2025
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Valentina

Valentina

Italy

Japan, Solo travel

I took my first solo trip in March to Japan and I have never felt so safe! I visited a lot of cities including Tokyo, Kyoto, Nikko, Hakone, Kanazawa, Osaka and Hiroshima and I had a great time in each of them! I only recommend that if you want to see museums or very famous attractions such as Universal Studio and Studio Ghibli you have to book months in advance. The cost of living is very low and you can eat out for 5/10€ obviously it depends on what you are looking for. On this trip I met many kind people with whom I became friends and we spent time together it is always very nice to meet new people! I can't wait to take my next trip!!

Posted: April 11, 2025Experienced: February, 2025
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Osaka, Solo travel

I could go on about Japan forever, but the jist of it is that I felt it was a safe haven. Never felt so comfortable and confident travelling solo anywhere else. The food is great, people are friendly and kind as long as you're respectful and show interest in their culture and way of life, and most importantly it is as safe as can be. Of course some caution is always to be taken in regard to your surroundings but for the most part I felt perfectly safe walking around all alone at night, going to the club by myself, and much more.

Posted: April 11, 2025Experienced: September, 2024
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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 🩷

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 wasn’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

Hii☀️ 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 better💞 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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Is Japan safe for women?

Safety index

4.9 /5

Based on 57 local experiences

Crime index

1.2 /5

Based on 57 local experiences

Tokyo

I love going for late-night walks here—3am strolls listening to music have become one of my favorite coping skills. I’ve never felt unsafe, even when leaving our room door unlocked. Of course, crime can happen, especially if you’re in the heart of metropolitan Tokyo. But honestly, it’s usually just in the big touristy areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro. I even heard about a female friend who got drunk and ended up sleeping near a station (it was Ikebukuro) back in 2020—she wasn’t robbed at all. Still, I wouldn’t recommend doing that around Shinjuku or Shibuya Stations, lol

Posted: April 24, 2025
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Cameron

Cameron

Ichinomiya

It's extremely safe here, and although many locals can't speak much English, people are generally friendly here! I've walked home drunk late at night from the bus stop down quiet roads, and haven't ever felt unsafe.

Posted: April 24, 2025
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Meet locals in Japan

Mia

Mia

About Me

I will study abroad in Estonia🇪🇪from '25 Sep, so any tips or advice you could throw my way would be awesome🥳 spent my childhood in Boston 🇺🇸 study abroad···▸🇦🇺QUT→Tartu🇪🇪 IELTS 7.0 Tokyo Netflixgeek here to make friends!

Speaking

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Lulu

Lulu

About Me

hii my name is lulu! i’m half japanese, half palestinian and i love music (producing, djing, listening), and videi games :) i’d love to check out the local music scene of countries i go to and if anyone is interested in the Japanese underground music scene i’m confident that i can give you good recommendations!

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. I’m a very friendly, positive and outgoing person who loves travelling and meeting new people! I’m planning on travelling around Europe between June-August 2025 to travel and grow more as a person. I’m looking forward to meeting you!

Speaking

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Haruna

Haruna

Tokyo

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi! I’m Haruna, from Japan❣️❣️I’m 21. I love listening to music, especially jazz, and also playing the trumpet🎺 I am a literature student in a university and I am learning German, Polish, and Czech🇩🇪🇵🇱🇨🇿 I am going to visit Czech Republic as a researcher, and after that I will travel to Europe countries in August. It’s the first time I try Solo-Traveling so I feel like worrying about it. If you would help me, please contact me I can host in Shibuya, in Tokyo and show you around here. Let me know if you need help, I will help you ^^

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Japan

Julieta

Julieta

About Me

こんいちわ。 I'm a Spanish girl currently solo traveling around Japan — from now until the end of September! Right now I’m in Kyoto until Friday, May 1, so if you’re around and up to meet, I’d love to! I’m super friendly and love making new friends. I speak Spanish, Catalan, English, a bit of Korean, and I’m learning Japanese! I’m a huge foodie 🍜 always down to try new foodie experiences, and I never say no to karaoke 🎤 Let’s connect, chat, and maybe make some fun memories together! So happy to share this journey with this amazing community ✨

Speaking

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Norelle

Norelle

About Me

Hello!! I’m Norelle from Mexico, I’m 18 and looking forward to start solo traveling around the world :) It’s very exciting but also very scary, so I’m more than happy to get any advice

Speaking

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Safety in Japan