Country Guide

Japan Travel Safety Guide 2026: Everything You Need to Know

30. Juni 2026•10 min Lesezeit•RiskVector Redaktion

Japan is statistically one of the safest countries in the world for travelers. Violent crime is extremely rare, and the Japanese culture of hospitality (omotenashi) means you'll be well treated. However, Japan has unique risks: earthquakes, language barriers, and cultural expectations that differ significantly from the West.

Safety Overview

Crime Risk: Very Low

Japan has one of the lowest crime rates in the world:

Violent crime against tourists: virtually unheard of

Pickpocketing: extremely rare

Scams: very few target tourists

Walking alone at night: safe in virtually all areas

Top Safety Concerns for Travelers

Earthquakes (Japan experiences 1,500+ earthquakes per year)

Language barrier (especially outside major cities)

Cultural misunderstandings

Transportation in emergencies

Health/medical access

Earthquake Preparedness

Japan experiences about 20% of the world's magnitude 6+ earthquakes. Most are small, but larger ones occur regularly.

Before an Earthquake

Download the **NHK World app** or **Japan Meteorological Agency app** for earthquake alerts

Learn the Japanese earthquake alert sound (an automated siren on your phone)

Know your hotel's evacuation route

Identify sturdy furniture in your room

During an Earthquake

**Stay calm** — Japanese buildings are built to withstand earthquakes

Drop, Cover, Hold On

Do NOT rush outside

If outdoors: move away from buildings and trees

After an Earthquake

Expect aftershocks

Check English-language news (NHK World, Japan Times)

If near the coast: move to higher ground immediately

Trains may stop running — have cash for alternative transport

Japanese Earthquake Alert Apps

**Yurekuru Call** (iPhone/Android) — Early warning

**Safety tips** (by Japan Tourism Agency) — Multilingual emergency alerts

**NHK World** — English news and alerts

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Health & Medical

Medical Care Quality

Japan has excellent healthcare, but:

Many doctors don't speak English

Hospitals can be difficult to navigate without Japanese

Prescription medications may be restricted

English-Speaking Medical Services

**AMDA International Medical Information Center:** 03-5285-8088 (Tokyo)

**Japan Visitor Hotline:** 050-3816-2787 (24/7, multilingual)

St. Luke's International Hospital (Tokyo): English-speaking

Prescription Medication Restrictions

Japan has STRICT rules on medications:

**Banned:** Many common medications containing pseudoephedrine (Actifed, Sudafed, Vicks)

**Banned:** Adderall, Ritalin, and most ADHD medications

**Restricted:** Codeine (requires prior approval)

**Banned:** Melatonin (over 1mg)

**Check before you go:** Visit mhlw.go.jp for the full list of restricted medications. Carrying banned medications can result in deportation or imprisonment.

Health Insurance

Bring your [travel insurance](/travel-insurance-guide) details

Carry your insurance card at all times

Have ¥100,000-200,000 (€600-1,200) in cash for upfront payment

Keep receipts for insurance claims

Transportation Safety

Trains (Shinkansen and Local)

Japan's railway system is incredibly safe and punctual

During peak hours: beware of groping on crowded trains (report to station staff)

Women-only cars available during rush hour

If a train stops due to earthquake: stay on board and follow instructions

Taxis

Extremely safe and reliable

Doors open automatically

No tipping

Most don't speak English — have your destination written in Japanese

Use Japan Taxi or Go app for easier booking

Driving in Japan

International Driving Permit required (1949 Geneva Convention format)

Drive on the LEFT

Toll roads are expensive (consider KEPASS or ETC card)

GPS navigation in rental cars: available in English

Winter driving in Hokkaido/Alps: snow chains or winter tires essential

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Bicycles

Cycling is common and safe

Helmets are recommended but not mandatory

Don't ride while intoxicated (it's a crime)

Cultural Safety: Avoiding Offense

Japan has strict social norms. Violating them won't get you arrested but will make you very unpopular:

Don'ts

Don't tip (considered insulting)

Don't eat/drink while walking

Don't be loud on public transport

Don't blow your nose in public

Don't wear shoes indoors

Don't point with chopsticks

Don't fill your own drink (fill others' glasses)

Don't get a tattoo visible in hot springs (many ban tattoos)

Do's

Bow when greeting (slight bow is fine for tourists)

Say "sumimasen" (excuse me) to get attention

Take off your shoes when entering homes and traditional establishments

Carry a small towel (many public restrooms don't have dryers)

Carry cash (Japan is still heavily cash-based)

Natural Disaster Risks by Season

Spring (March-May)

Cherry blossom season (peak crowds)

Generally mild weather

Low natural disaster risk

Summer (June-August)

Rainy season (June-July): flooding risk

Typhoon season (July-September): high winds, heavy rain

Extreme heat and humidity (heat stroke risk)

Earthquake aftershock sequences more common

Autumn (September-November)

Typhoon season continues through September

Generally pleasant weather

Moderate disaster risk

Winter (December-February)

Heavy snow in Hokkaido, Japan Alps, Sea of Japan coast

Avalanche risk in mountain areas

Cold temperatures in northern regions

Emergency Numbers in Japan

|---------|--------|----------|

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**Tip:** Say "English" when calling 110 or 119. They can connect you to an interpreter.

Essential Japan Travel Gear

**[Portable WiFi device or SIM](/go/amazon/search/travel+electronics+power+gear)** — Communication is critical

**[Cash wallet with coin compartment](/go/amazon/search/travel+security+gear)** — Lots of coins in Japan

**[Portable charger](/go/amazon/search/travel+electronics+power+gear)** — Long days of sightseeing

**[Hand towel](/go/amazon/B07F4FLX5G)** — Many restrooms lack dryers

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Register with Your Embassy

**German Embassy Tokyo:** +81 3 5791 7700

**US Embassy Tokyo:** +81 3 3224 5000

**UK Embassy Tokyo:** +81 3 5211 8800

Germany: elefand

USA: STEP (step.state.gov)

UK: FCDO

Conclusion

Japan is one of the safest countries you can visit. The main risks are natural disasters (especially earthquakes) and health emergencies complicated by language barriers. Prepare by downloading alert apps, carrying your [insurance details](/travel-insurance-guide), and learning basic Japanese etiquette. With proper preparation, Japan is a remarkably safe and rewarding destination.