Osaka

Osaka is an important center of trade where nearly nine million people live.  This self-confident, stylish city with famous restaurants and nightclubs is an ideal starting point for exploring the Kansai region. Among main attractions of the region can be mentioned the aquarium, Osaka Castle, Universal Studios Japan, and the futuristic Floating Garden. Osaka is a city with extraordinary places where you can enjoy myriad mouthwatering dishes. In order to make your journey as smooth and relaxed as possible, SafeAround compiled information concerning all possible risks in the Osaka’s neighborhoods. SafeAround will allow you to see on a map the city’s safest and most dangerous areas, details on scams and other possible risks, as well as some useful travel advices in order not to let anything spoil such a wonderful journey.

SAFETY INDEX

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Warnings & Dangers

Mid Priority-96 OVERALL RISK : LOW

Osaka is an overall safe city with a rating of 80.7, it is ranked 15th out of 113 on the ranking of the safest and most dangerous cities.

Mid Priority-96 PICKPOCKETS RISK : N/A

A large flow of tourists makes pickpocketing incredibly frequent. Simple precautions will almost eliminate chances of being robbed.

Mid Priority-96 MUGGING RISK : N/A

Osaka is a safe city regarding mugging and kidnapping risks, although some areas are best to be avoided at night.

Mid Priority-96 SCAMS RISK : N/A

Be aware of homeless people and touts in the Kamagasaki area. Generally, it is safe in comparison to Chicago for instance, but according to Japanese safety standards, it is better to follow safety precautions and try to avoid suspiciously looking people.

Mid Priority-96 TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : N/A

Be aware of pickpockets in the public transport. There are no risks in taxis in Osaka.

Mid Priority-96 NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : N/A

Japan on the whole and Osaka region is the riskiest on the planet in terms of natural disasters. There is a constant threat of tsunamis, earthquakes, and floods. The Japan National Tourism Organisation provides disaster safety tips for visitors and other useful information.

Mid Priority-96 TERRORISM RISK : N/A

Terrorism is considered as a worldwide threat. Japanese government undertakes various measures for preventing terrorism activity.

Mid Priority-96 WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : N/A

Women should avoid walking alone at night, particularly in empty areas, and should take the women reserved cars in the subway and train.

Carte

WHAT TO DO?

Shinsekai

The area is known for its carnival-like ambiance and wide criminal activity in this area in the 1990s. There are numerous adorable and cheap cafes and souvenir shops. Moreover, in this area numerous pachinko parlors are concentrated. SafeAround advises to follow common sense and keep an eye on your belongings as an area famous for its high cluster of pickpockets.

Tobita Shinchi

The largest brothel district in Japan. It is one of the most infamous areas in the city. If you don’t have any special reason to visit this area, SafeAround recommends refraining from visiting this part of the city.  Drink-spiking common in various establishments.

Tsūtenkaku

Tsutenkaku Tower is a reconstruction symbol of Osaka post 2nd World War, stands at the center of the Shinsekai district. It is worth to be vigilant as in the rest of Shinsekai district.

Osaka Castle

Majestic structure, one of the main tourist attractions in Japan It is a famous landmark because it played important role in the consolidation of the country in the 16th century.  The area is safe. We recommend just to use normal precautions like you’d use in your native city.

Kamagasaki, Osaka

This is the most known Japanese slum. A larger number of houseless and day labors who have no regular address live in this area. Recently, Kamagasaki became popular among young travellers. First of all, because of the reasonable pricing for an accommodation. Locals suppose it as an unsafe place and even affirm that it is dangerous, mainly because local criminal groups maintain offices in this area. SafeAround recommends refraining from visiting this neighborhood alone and during the night, because of the high amount of scammers, weirdos, and crooks in this place.

Useful Information

Visas are not usually required for stays under 90 days. Although, If you are the visitor from one of the following countries: China, Russia, CIS countries, Georgia, and the Philippines you are required to have a visa. If you have a citizenship of any other nationality, please check the following website for additional information: http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/other_visa.html Make sure your passport has at least six months’ validity from your planned date of return.
Japan is quite expensive as a country. In order to obtain the best currency exchange possible, try to exchange your money in banks, post offices or in some large hotels. The convenient currency exchange rate also can be found at the international airports in Japan. There is a risk of not accepting the card issued abroad by some trade and financial establishments. JP Post Bank ATM machines usually accept foreign cards. However, we recommend having a limited amount of cash with you all the time.
The weather in Japan is generally mild. The temperature decreases when you move to the north, with possible snowfalls during winter time. Read information for travelers about the severe weatherso that you can prepare in the event of a typhoon.
There are 98 airports in Japan. They are modern, respond to the international quality standards and safety regulations.
As in any country, we advise travelers to get a travel insurance that covers not only medical problems but also theft and loss of personal items. Learn more on our travel insurance page