Is it safe to travel in Tokyo? What safety concerns should I be aware of?
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Is Tokyo safe to travel to? What safety issues should I be aware of?
Relax, Tokyo is absolutely one of the safest cities in the world! It's perfectly normal to see people walking alone at night or elementary school children commuting via subway by themselves. However, this doesn't mean you can completely "let your guard down"—just like you’d lock your door when leaving home at night, basic caution is still wise.
Generally, you don’t need to worry about major crimes like violent assaults. Instead, pay attention to minor issues and local "unspoken rules" in specific areas.
1. Petty Theft (Rare, but stay alert)
Honestly, if you lose something in Tokyo, there’s a good chance you’ll get it back. It’s common for Japanese people to turn in lost wallets or phones to the police. That said, pickpockets do exist.
- Stay vigilant in crowded areas: In tourist hotspots like Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Shinjuku Station, and Senso-ji Temple, or on packed trains, wear your bag in front and keep it zipped.
- Don’t leave valuables unattended: While you might see locals leaving phones or wallets on café tables to "reserve" seats, as a tourist, avoid this. Always take belongings with you when leaving.
2. Overcharging/Scams in Nightlife Districts (Important!)
This is what demands the most caution in Tokyo, especially for male travelers.
- Beware of "touts": At night in areas like Shinjuku’s Kabukicho or Roppongi, people may approach you offering "pretty girls, cheap drinks" to lure you into bars.
- Never follow them!: Their routine: bait you with low prices (e.g., ¥3,000 for all-you-can-drink), then hit you with an exorbitant bill featuring inflated "service fees," "seat charges," etc. (often adding tens of thousands of yen).
- How to respond: Politely smile, say "No, thank you," and keep walking. Ignore them, and never enter unfamiliar establishments. For drinks, choose izakayas or bars with clear pricing and legitimate Google Maps reviews.
Summary: Merely exploring, photographing, or dining in Kabukicho or Roppongi is perfectly safe—just avoid interacting with touts.
3. Traffic Safety
- Traffic moves on the left! Opposite to most countries. When crossing streets, remember: look right first, then left. Stay alert even at signaled intersections.
- Groping on trains ("chikan"): Though rare, crowded rush-hour trains may have occasional offenders. Female travelers can use designated women-only carriages (available during peak hours on many lines) for added peace of mind.
- Follow traffic rules: Don’t jaywalk or stare at your phone while walking. Drivers are generally courteous and yield to pedestrians, but obey regulations.
4. Natural Disasters (Mostly Earthquakes)
Japan is earthquake-prone, but don’t panic.
- Buildings are reinforced: Earthquake-resistant standards here are world-class. Minor tremors may go unnoticed or feel like light shaking—no need for concern.
- If one occurs:
- Indoors: Immediately take cover under a sturdy table, protecting your head. Stay away from windows and falling objects.
- Outdoors: Move to open spaces (parks, plazas), avoiding buildings, signs, and poles.
- Follow instructions: Hotels and malls have emergency guides. Heed alerts from your phone—piercing warnings are normal.
5. Other Practical Tips
- Emergency numbers: Police—110; Fire/Ambulance—119. Unlikely needed, but good to know.
- Language: Signs often include Chinese, but use translation apps (e.g., Google Translate, Youdao) for conversations.
- Carry cash: Despite Tokyo’s modernity, many small eateries and mom-and-pop stores only accept cash.
- Save embassy info: Keep the Chinese Embassy’s contact details (address/phone) screenshotted on your phone.
To Summarize:
Tokyo is extremely safe! Its high safety standards will put you at ease. Focus less on personal safety and more on avoiding scams in specific areas.
With basic traveler awareness—securing belongings, saying "no" to street touts, and respecting local norms—you can confidently enjoy this clean, orderly, and captivating city. Have a fantastic trip!