Tokyo

In Tokyo, tradition and popular culture are so blended together that you can be wandering around ancient temples, and then go clubbing in less than a minute’s time. You can go for a walk under the blossoming cherries growing along the Sumida River. Spend some time in the beautiful East Gardens of the Imperial Palace and then get acquainted with the history of Japan in the museum of Edo-Tokyo. Don’t forget to eat as much sushi as possible as cuisine in this exquisite place is astonishing. In order to make your journey as smooth and relaxed as possible, SafeAround compiled information concerning all possible risks in the Tokyo’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

Tokyo is an overall safe city with a rating of 80.1, it is ranked 21st out of 113 on the ranking of the safest and most dangerous cities.

Mid Priority-96 PICKPOCKETS RISK : N/A

As a one of the top touristic destination with a huge flow of tourists, Tokyo has a pickpocket’s risk, but it isn’t as drastic as it may seem, because of the strict legislation. Simple precautions will almost eliminate chances of being robbed.

Mid Priority-96 MUGGING RISK : N/A

Tokyo 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

Beware of touts on the streets. Avoid women offering a massage near the Roppongi area. While you go in for your massage, an accomplice may steal money from your wallet. SafeAround recommends avoiding the massage parlors in this area.

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

Be aware of pickpockets in the public transport. There are no risks in taxes in Tokyo. We only recommend you to be aware of the high cost of the taxi services in Tokyo. The ride from Narita airport to the city center might cost you around 220$.

Mid Priority-96 NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : N/A

Tokyo-Yokohama 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 Organisationprovides disaster preparedness 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

Tokyo is generally very safe for women travellers.

Carte

WHAT TO DO?

Ginza

The Ginza area is a well-known all over the world for shopping. Department stores and luxury boutiques accompany you all the way from Nihonbashi to Ginza. There are many luxury hotels with great chefs, as well as wide variety of local restaurants, many of which are awarded Michelin stars. Ginza is also famous for its vibrant nightlife and kaleidoscope of trendy nightclubs. The area attracts pickpockets and scammers, as can be seen on the map.

Old City

It is a quiet and peaceful place and it will give you a sense of old Japan. Ueno area in the old city is a shelter of Tokyo’s best tourist destinations. Among them numerous museums, zoo and huge park. Unfortunately, a park is a dwelling for Tokyo’s homeless inhabitants and the area around is a little grubby. SafeAround recommends avoiding wander at night the Ueno Neighbourhood, in order to avoid possible harassments and assaults.

Kabukicho   

Kabukicho is the biggest red-light district on earth. It hosts hundreds of cafes, bars, karaoke clubs and other unordinary places. Moreover, it is the shelter for illegal institutions that attract freaks and criminals. So, be aware of scammers and crooks in this area.

Roppongi

Roppongi is mainly office district in Tokyo that’s host a nasty nightlife spaces. Night clubs in this area have a bad reputation, that’s unordinary for Japan. The neighborhood is pretty safe during the daylight. Tokyoites don’t avoid this area, as it has many attractions like Roppongi Hills. Visiting clubs or restaurants in this area you have to be cautious about your alcoholic beverages as drink-spiking is very common. The density of both scammers and pickpockets is high in this area. SafeAround recommends you to avoid from visiting different places in this area alone.

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