IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO JAPAN IN 2025? INSIGHTS FROM TRAVEL EXPERTS

Japan has an established reputation as a highly organized country where everything moves at breakneck speed. However, Japan’s striking nature has led some travelers to question whether it’s still safe to travel to Japan.

“If anything, Japan has become safer in the last few years,” says Cory Varga of You Could Travel (Instagram: @youcouldtravel).

Varga is not alone in her opinion – other experts say Japan is safe, and the metrics back them up.

JAPAN GETS HIGH MARKS FOR SAFETY

• The State Department has Japan at a level-one status, the status reserved for the safest countries on earth.
  
  
• Numbeo has Japan as the ninth safest country, Tokyo as the world’s 28th-safest city out of 334 and Osaka as its 93rd-safest city.
  
  
• Global Peace Index puts Japan 17th out of 163 countries, noting its effective security forces and its population’s general disposition towards safety.
  
  
• The Global Finance ratings of safest countries have Japan 22nd out of 134.
  
  
• American travelers ranked Japan 9th overall in the 2025 Safest Places Ratings conducted by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, after ranking 12th the previous year.

With all that said, travelers may still have some trepidation about visiting Japan.

OUR TOP SAFETY TIPS FOR JAPAN 

• Transportation: Use navigation tools for public transit and avoid rush hour! Be mindful if you’re driving and remember Japan has cars on the left. 

• Walking in the City: Avoid stopping in the middle of the street or eating and drinking while walking. Avoid walking alone in areas during the night 

• Natural Disasters: It’s highly unlikely one of Japan’s volcanoes will erupt. Tsunamis and earthquakes are unpredictable but know your information resources and emergency procedures if things happen. 

• Travel Insurance: Booking your trip with travel insurance can offer peace of mind if something happens. Research a plan and get a quote that works for your itinerary.  

• Crime: Japan has low crime rates but be wary of entertainment districts and petty theft.  

• Political unrest: The terrorism rate is low in Japan, and protests are non-violent and don’t generally involve tourists but avoid them if you see them. 
  
  

Photo by Jezael Melgoza on Unsplash

TRANSPORTATION

The images of transportation in Japan are of sleek bullet trains hurtling through the countryside and business-suited junior executives cramming themselves into subway trains like sardines.

And for the most part, those images align with reality.

Public Transport

“Public transport is generally safe, clean and always on time in Japan,” Varga says. However, “subways can get very busy in large cities – so avoid travelling during rush hour in Tokyo.”

To avoid any confusion, we suggest downloading the HyperDia mass-transit schedule app – and trust the route it offers. 

As for traveling by bullet train (Shinkansen), Varga endorses it as an alternative to flying, “so you can enjoy the views while you speed by in your comfortable chair.” She also recommends buying a Japan Rail Pass before your Shinkansen trip to save money.

Photo by Keith Chan on Unsplash

Flying

Japan is served by several national and regional airlines, including All Nippon Airways, Peach, Spring, Starflyer, and Jetstar Airways.

When it comes to flying, Varga says while flights are convenient, you should “check the rules of the airline in case they are different from what you are used to,” especially regarding carry-on luggage and added fees.

Driving

Driving in Japan can be challenging, for its city traffic and narrow country roads.

Varga recommends you:

• Always follow the rules
  
  
• Drive carefully (And remember that cars drive on the left in Japan)
  
  
• Stick to the 100kmh speed limit

Finally, ask for an "I am a foreign driver" sticker if you rent a car, so other road users will give you more space. 

GETTING AROUND IN THE CITIES

Japan is one of the most densely populated countries on earth. As a result, if you visit Japan chances are you’ll be spending time in one of its cities.

Varga says that it’s safe to walk around even at night in Japan, though it’s important to be mindful of your surroundings.

“Cities are anything but chaotic in Japan,” she continues. ”If you stop for a second, you’ll see that everybody follows a set of simple rules: Walk on the right side of the pavement, don't stop in the middle of the street, no eating or drinking.”

Best of all, she notes, “You’ll find signs everywhere gently guiding you to your destination.”

Photo by Jezael Melgoza on Unsplash

NATURAL DISASTERS

The Japanese islands are volcanic. There are more than 175 volcanoes in Japan, and more than half of them are active. The odds are slim of a volcano erupting while you’re visiting the country, but it can happen.

Along with the volcanoes come two related natural disasters: tsunamis and earthquakes. A combination of these caused the Fukushima disaster.

You can’t plan around earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, though it’s always a good idea to do a quick internet search before you leave. Booking your trip with travel insurance can help you recover if something does happen.

Fortunately, disaster response in Japan is quick and efficient. As Varga says, “In an emergency, officials will tell you what to do. Always follow their instructions.”

Photo by Shawn Appel on Unsplash

OBSERVING SOCIETAL NORMS

Because Japan is an efficient, orderly country, it has a few basic rules of behavior. According to Varga, they are:

• Respect others. Observe how everyone behaves around you and mirror their actions.
  
  
• Avoid being loud, disruptive or rude.
  
  
• If you visit a temple or shrine, be quiet and respectful.

If you’re not sure how you should behave in a given situation, don't be afraid to ask.

CRIME 

Japan citizens have a strong trust in law enforcement and sense of social order that reinforces ideas of safety and respect.  

Because of Japan’s intense legal system, the crime rates are pretty low. Most common incidents of crime are non-violent, theft and petty crime.  

You probably don’t have to worry much, but be extra aware of pickpocketing and scams in crowded tourist spots like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.  Like most countries, still be cautious walking alone at night or in entertainment districts.  

TERRORISM AND POLITICAL UNREST

The possibility of a terrorist attack happening when you’re travelling to Japan is low, but exercise caution and listen to official in the case that something does happen. Political demonstrations occasionally happen in Japan. They’re generally non-violent and don’t look to involve tourists, though sometimes tourists can get caught up in the melee.

Varga suggests you avoid protests or large gatherings if you come across one.

Photo by Fitsum Admasu on Unsplash

TRAVEL INSURANCE

It’s not hard to travel safely in Japan – and it’s not hard to have a great time visiting this fascinating country. 

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has a wide range of products to protect your vacation to Japan, including: 

• LuxuryCare®, for comprehensive coverage and the ability to cancel for any reason.
  
  
• ExactCare Extra®, for travel insurance comprehensive coverage plus flight protection.
  

Getting covered is fast and easy – and it starts by getting a quote. 

“Have a lot of fun visiting Japan,” Varga said. “It’s going to be a unique experience – and it will change your life!”