IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO JAPAN IN 2024? INSIGHTS FROM TRAVEL EXPERTS

Japan has long had a reputation as a highly organized country where everything moves at breakneck speed. However, Japan’s exotic nature has led some travelers to questionask 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). “More people speak English, so they can help you if you get lost or need help with navigating.”

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.

The city rankings from Numbeo have Japan as the eight safest country, Tokyo as the world’s 25th-safest city out of 334 and Osaka as its 89th-safest city.

The multivariate Global Peace Index puts Japan ninth 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, right between Ireland and Israel.

And finally, American travelers ranked Japan 12th overall in the 2024 Safest Places Ratings conducted by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, after ranking 19th the previous year.

With all that said, travelers may still have some trepidation about visiting Japan. What are some of the areas that concern them, and how has the country addressed those concerns?

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.”

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 a number of 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 in regard to carry-on luggage and added fees.

Driving

Driving in Japan can be challenging. City traffic can be daunting and roads can be narrow in the country, especially in hilly areas.

Varga recommends you:

• Always follow the rules
• Drive carefully.
• 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

Dealing With the Language Gap

For American travelers, there are foreign languages and there are foreign languages.

Japanese falls into the latter category. It’s hard for most Americans to know where to start with the language. Fortunately, according to Varga, that’s much less of an issue than it used to be.

If you’re struggling with the language barrier, Varga says you should:

• Be patient explaining what you need. The number of English speakers has risen in the last few years, and generally people are eager to help. 
• Use your hands and feet if you have to. Be demonstrative.
• Use Google Translate or other tools to translate simple sentences.
  
  

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 be aware that it can happen.

Along with the volcanoes come two related natural disasters: tsunamis and earthquakes. A combination of those 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.

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

MAJOR EVENTS

There’s always something big going on in the Tokyo area, whether it’s a consumer-electronics show or a major sporting event like the Olympics.

In general, the Japanese government is predictably efficient at managing the increased crowds resulting from these events, whether it means adding mass transit or encouraging employees to work from home.

Still, there may still be some major crushes around rush hours. 

Whenever you visit Japan, the Times article recommends downloading the HyperDia mass-transit schedule app – and trusting what it suggests.

Photo by Andre Benz 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.

TERRORISM AND POLITICAL UNREST

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 general melee.

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

Photo by Fitsum Admasu on Unsplash

SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES

If you’re inspired to try some sporting activities of your own while you’re in Japan, you should be fine. Sports and activities are about as safe in Japan as anywhere on the planet, with high levels of safety standards.

However, if you’re doing any activities with rented gear, always check the gear for safety, security, and wear, and follow instructions.

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

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