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 118 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.8/5

Safety

4.8/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5
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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Rusutsu, Family travel

I went with my family to ski and it was amazing , very safe atmosphere, polite people and incredible snow . We didn’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 💕 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 I’ve experienced in Japan… 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

I’ve been to Japan for 5 weeks, solo travel from Tokyo to Hiroshima, passed by Nagoya, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Wakayama, Himeji, Miyajima, Okunoshima… in march/april 2024 🌸❤️ I loved it so much, felt safe at anytime, anywhere … I was only scared once on top of a mountain when I saw a sign warning about snakes (my phobia) 😂 Can’t wait to go to Japan again ✨

Posted: February 22, 2025
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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
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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
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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
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Is Japan safe for women?

Safety index

4.9 /5

Based on 51 local experiences

Crime index

1.3 /5

Based on 51 local experiences

Selina

Selina

Japan

My solo trip to Japan was an amazing experience 🇯🇵🗻🍣 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 didn’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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Dipuo

Dipuo

Kure

Small town, not rural, just small with big city mentality. So people are ready to help you if you ask but will ignore you and keep quiet. Local train run till midnight and local buses stop around 9-10pm. Extremely safe, the only dangerous thing is maybe mudslide during rain season.

Posted: March 14, 2025
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Meet locals in Japan

Shawnee

Shawnee

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

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Chrissy

Chrissy

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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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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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

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Upcoming visitors to Japan

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. 🦦

Speaking

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Pia

Pia

About Me

I am moving out from Paris at the end of march so won't be able to host until I find a new home near the mountains or the ocean :) I LOVE : hikes. birds. stars. laughing. learning. I'm open-minded, thoughtful, and fun. I love food, listening, talking and enriching myself thanks to the people I meet. Even if I can be good by myself I need to be surrounded by people who care and enjoy life. I like SHARING with people Sharing, laughing, learning, having fun and making memories make life fuller!

Speaking

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Safety in Japan