What areas should you avoid in Tokyo?

Kabukicho (late night): While a major entertainment district, it has a reputation for touts, unlicensed businesses, and potential for petty crime, especially after dark. Stick to the main streets.. Certain back alleys in Shinjuku and Shibuya: These can be poorly lit, lack foot traffic, and sometimes host suspicious activities or aggressive touts. Stick to well-trafficked and well-lit areas after dark.

What are the safest areas to stay in Tokyo?

The safest neighbourhoods for tourists in Tokyo include Shinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa. These areas are popular with visitors and well-regarded for safety.

What scams should you watch for in Tokyo?

Common scams in Tokyo: Touts offering 'special tours' or directing you to specific bars/clubs, often leading to overpriced services.. Fake police officers asking for 'identification' or 'fines' (real police will always accompany you to a station)..

Areas to Avoid in Tokyo

Q: Is Tokyo safe for tourists?

Tokyo is rated as "very safe" for tourists. Generally very safe, even late at night. Well-lit streets and high population density contribute to a low crime rate. The main concern is navigating crowded entertainment districts and avoiding unlicensed establishments.

Japan

|🛡️ Very Safe

Honest 2026 safety guide for travellers visiting Tokyo. Which areas need extra caution, common scams to watch for, and safe neighbourhoods to stay instead.

Last updated: March 2026

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Skip the risky areas. Compare hotels in safe neighbourhoods on Expedia.

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Tokyo is generally Very Safe

2 areas to be aware of · Best areas to stay: Shinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa

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Quick tip: Most tourist areas in Tokyo are safe. This guide covers areas locals recommend avoiding.

Areas That Need Extra Caution

These areas are not necessarily dangerous, but travellers should be more aware

Kabukicho (late night)

While a major entertainment district, it has a reputation for touts, unlicensed businesses, and potential for petty crime, especially after dark. Stick to the main streets.

🛡️ Stay here instead: Shinjuku

A bustling hub of commerce, entertainment, and government with towering skyscrapers and vibrant nightlife.

Certain back alleys in Shinjuku and Shibuya

These can be poorly lit, lack foot traffic, and sometimes host suspicious activities or aggressive touts. Stick to well-trafficked and well-lit areas after dark.

🛡️ Stay here instead: Shibuya

The epicenter of youth culture, fashion, and trendsetting, famous for its iconic scramble crossing.

Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Tokyo

Now you know which areas to avoid, here are the best guided experiences to explore the city with confidence.

Guided walking tour through a European city

Tokyo Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems

Discover Tokyo on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.

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Tokyo Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites

Eat your way through Tokyo with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.

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Best of Tokyo: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions

Skip the queues and get straight into Tokyo's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.

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Day Trip from Tokyo: Scenic Excursion

Escape Tokyo for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

View Tour Details

Local cultural experience and traditions

Tokyo Cultural Experience: History & Traditions

Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Tokyo's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.

View Tour Details

View all tours in Tokyo

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Stay Safe, Explore Confidently

Book a hotel in a safe neighbourhood or join a guided tour in Tokyo

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Stay in a safe neighbourhood

Compare hotels in Tokyo on Expedia

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Book a guided tour

Explore Tokyo safely with a local guide

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Book a Hotel in a Safe Neighbourhood

These areas are recommended by locals and popular with travellers

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Shinjuku

A bustling hub of commerce, entertainment, and government with towering skyscrapers and vibrant nightlife.

Generally safe, but be aware of touts in entertainment districts and exercise caution in less-lit alleyways at night.

🛡️

Shibuya

The epicenter of youth culture, fashion, and trendsetting, famous for its iconic scramble crossing.

Very safe during the day; at night, be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas and avoid unsolicited invitations.

View All Safe Neighbourhoods

General Safety Tips for Tokyo

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At Night

Generally very safe, even late at night. Well-lit streets and high population density contribute to a low crime rate. The main concern is navigating crowded entertainment districts and avoiding unlicensed establishments.

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Solo Female Travel

Tokyo is exceptionally safe for solo female travelers. Standard precautions regarding personal belongings in crowded areas and avoiding overly isolated spots late at night are sufficient.

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Emergency Number

110 (Police), 119 (Fire/Ambulance)

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Stay Connected

Save your accommodation address and emergency contacts on your phone. Download offline maps before exploring.

Common Scams to Watch For in Tokyo

1Touts offering 'special tours' or directing you to specific bars/clubs, often leading to overpriced services.
2Fake police officers asking for 'identification' or 'fines' (real police will always accompany you to a station).

🛡️

Travel Insurance for Tokyo

SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.

Get covered

Safe Neighborhoods to Stay Instead

These areas are popular with travellers and rated well for safety

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Shinjuku

A bustling hub of commerce, entertainment, and government with towering skyscrapers and vibrant nightlife.

Generally safe, but be aware of touts in entertainment districts and exercise caution in less-lit alleyways at night.

first-timersnightlifefoodies

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Shibuya

The epicenter of youth culture, fashion, and trendsetting, famous for its iconic scramble crossing.

Very safe during the day; at night, be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas and avoid unsolicited invitations.

first-timersnightlifefoodies

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Asakusa

A charming district preserving Tokyo's traditional atmosphere with historic temples and old-fashioned shopping streets.

Extremely safe day and night; the main concern is navigating crowds during peak hours.

first-timersculturefamilies

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Ginza

An upscale district renowned for luxury shopping, fine dining, and sophisticated entertainment.

Extremely safe at all times; the primary concern is the cost of goods and services.

luxurycouplesfoodies

Safety in Tokyo

Very safe

CautionModerateSafeVery Safe

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Solo Female Travel

Tokyo is exceptionally safe for solo female travelers. Standard precautions regarding personal belongings in crowded areas and avoiding overly isolated spots late at night are sufficient.

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At Night

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Emergency

110 (Police), 119 (Fire/Ambulance)

Common Scams to Watch For

1Touts offering 'special tours' or directing you to specific bars/clubs, often leading to overpriced services.
2Fake police officers asking for 'identification' or 'fines' (real police will always accompany you to a station).

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