Japan Travel Safety 2024: Top Tips for Secure and Enjoyable Exploration in the Worlds Most Welcoming Destination
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Japan Travel Safety 2024: Top Tips for Secure and Enjoyable Exploration in the Worlds Most Welcoming Destination
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About this listen
While Japan is very safe, there are important travel precautions to observe. Travelers should be alert in entertainment and nightlife districts such as Kabukicho, Roppongi, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, and Golden-gai in Tokyo, where petty crime like pickpocketing and purse-snatching, while rare, has been slightly increasing according to the Canadian government’s travel advisory. Victims of crime should file a police report at the nearest station, but should also be aware that there can sometimes be language or procedural challenges for foreigners. Japanese authorities offer a tourist hotline and can connect travelers with legal assistance if needed.
Natural disasters are a fact of life in Japan. Earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, and occasional volcanic eruptions are unpredictable but are well-monitored by Japanese authorities. For example, major events are quickly communicated to the public via emergency warning systems. The Noto Peninsula earthquake in January 2024 caused significant disruption to local tourism infrastructure in that region, particularly in Suzu and Wajima, where reconstruction is still ongoing as of July 2025. Outside of the Noto Peninsula, tourism was barely affected and the rest of the country’s tourist sites and transportation are operating normally. It’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with local emergency procedures and sign up for alerts from your country’s embassy.
Entry requirements to Japan remain straightforward for most travelers. However, all major Japanese airlines, including ANA and JAL, now prohibit storing mobile batteries in overhead compartments following an in-flight incident in 2025. Travelers must keep batteries with a capacity under 160 watt-hours in their carry-on bag, under the seat, or within easy reach. Failure to follow these guidelines or bringing prohibited items can result in fines or even being denied entry.
The region near the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is still subject to government restrictions due to the 2011 disaster and ongoing cleanup. These restricted zones are clearly marked, and travelers are required to strictly follow all instructions from local authorities.
Travel insurance is highly recommended for peace of mind, and using apps or navigation tools for public transportation will make moving around cities easy. When walking, avoid stopping abruptly in the middle of sidewalks or eating and drinking while moving—these are social norms in Japan. Public protests are nearly always non-violent and do not generally involve foreign tourists, but it’s best to avoid any such gatherings.
In summary, Japan continues to be an exceptionally safe and welcoming destination for international travelers. Listeners should stay informed about evolving local conditions, respect all safety regulations, and remain situationally aware, especially around large crowds and entertainment zones. With sensible precautions, a trip to Japan is likely to be both safe and rewarding.
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