Traveler safety in Japan should also be on your mind. Anytime you are away from home, you are not in your usual surroundings. And, you are almost always engaged in activities that you are not used to doing.
Fortunately, Japan is comparatively a very safe country. For both men and women, there is very little danger of a becoming the victim of any crime while you are there. In fact, Japan is famous for being such an “honest” country in general that even items of value that have been dropped or lost on a crowded street will be gently put aside by a passer-by in hopes that the owner will be by later to pick them up. Moreover, most Japanese do not lock their front doors.
That said, as with anywhere in the world, you should exercise caution when traveling by yourself in Japan. In particular, there are certain areas in major cities like Tokyo that are known for being a bit dangerous. Of course, “dangerous” is a relative term. There are plenty of areas in the United States, South America and Europe that are much more dangerous than even these “tough” areas in Tokyo. Still, it is wise to remain aware at all times – no matter where in Japan you travel – as to what the potential dangers are and how to keep yourself self. It all boils down to making common-sense choices.
National Security And Anti-Terrorism Measures
Terrorism in Japan is a relatively rare occurrence. The most recent major domestic terror attack happened in 1995 on the Japanese subways and was perpetrated by a Japanese national who was the leader of a home-grown religious cult.
In terms of the threat of foreign terrorism in Japan, the government maintains beefed-up security measures at key facilities and ports of entry. And, these measures may become even stronger when regional tensions with North Korea flare up now and again.
If any terrorist or national security-related incidents should occur while you are in Japan, contact your country’s embassy. (For U.S. residents, visit the U.S. Embassy’s American Citizens Services (ACS) webpage.
And, say up-to-date of security updates and warnings by checking the Bureau of Consular Affairs website or signing up for their e-newsletter. These contain current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts for Japan.
Crime & High-Risk Areas
Crime rates in Japan are among the lowest of any developed nation, with incidence rates of murders, robberies, burglaries and sexual assault remaining at extremely low levels.
For both male and female travelers to Japan, you can count yourself safe in almost any part of the country. Be on special alert, however, if you visit areas such as the Roppongi entertainment district in Tokyo. This area caters to foreigners in particular and is a relatively high-risk area for crime. Violent crime is exceedingly rare even here, but you should always be on your toes.
Other relatively high-risk areas in terms of crime include Shinjuku, Kabukichō, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro. Recent incidents involving Westerners in these areas include sexual assaults, drug overdoses, theft of personal goods, and drugs being slipped into drinks. Also, at times these areas may bear witness to violent clashes between criminal syndicates in Japan.
For female visitors to Japan who are traveling alone, note that sexual groping on crowded trains is not uncommon. These situations are perpetrated by what the Japanese term chikan, or perverted males. You can minimize or eliminate being the target for this type of behavior by traveling with other people, avoiding riding the train during crowded times of the day (such as morning or evening rush hour on a weekday), and finding a seat in the train whenever possible.
Importance Of Being An Aware Traveler
Ultimately, exercising common sense will dictate your proper behavior as you travel throughout Japan. Even given the potential “trouble areas” mentioned above, you will most likely not fall victim to any crime during your stay. Just maintain a high level of awareness about your surroundings at all times, and remember that you are traveling in one of the safest countries in the world.
Note: to report any suspicious activity, you can contact local police substations (koban) and police emergency dispatchers (tel. 110) at any time.
Student And Group Trips & Traveler Safety In Japan
Most people travel to Japan alone, with a family member/spouse, or with a colleague or business partner. However, increasingly student trips to Japan are gaining popularity. So are group trips to Japan.
Student travel to Japan can be an exciting opportunity to expand one’s horizons. Increasingly, travel abroad opportunities are being made available to students around the world. Visiting Japan as a student – either on a student trip with others or to actually spend time studying at a Japanese school – can be a great way to augment a “book-only” education.
Whether you choose to travel alone in Japan, as part of a student group, or as part of a group tour, make sure to exercise caution as you make your way through the streets, temples, stores, and rural areas of this exciting travel destination.
