Safety Guide for Japan: What Students Actually Need to Know

Japan is safe. Not "relatively safe" or "safe for Asia." Safe, full stop.

You can leave your laptop on a cafe table and go to the bathroom. You can drop your wallet on a train and someone will turn it in. You can walk home at 3 AM through any neighborhood in Tokyo without a second thought.

The crime statistics back this up. Japan's homicide rate is 0.3 per 100,000 people. The US rate is 6.3. The UK is 1.0. Even compared to other safe countries, Japan is in a different category.

But safety isn't just about crime. Japan sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which means earthquakes, typhoons, and the occasional volcanic eruption. And there are a few cultural traps that catch international students off guard.

Here's everything you need to know to stay safe and prepared.

Crime: Almost a Non-Issue

Let's start with the good news.

Violent crime is extremely rare. Muggings, assaults, and armed robberies barely register in the statistics. Tokyo, with 14 million people, recorded 7 homicides in 2023. Seven. For the entire metropolitan area.

Petty crime is also low. Pickpocketing happens, but it's uncommon. Phone snatching is rare. Bag theft from restaurants is almost unheard of.

Bicycle theft is the most common crime you'll encounter. If you buy a bike, lock it. Even then, someone might borrow it and "forget" to return it. Register your bicycle (mandatory, ¥500) so you can recover it if stolen.

Scams exist but are limited. The most common ones targeting foreigners:

• Fake survey people who approach you on the street asking for "feedback" and then pressure you into buying something
• Touts in Kabukicho (Shinjuku) or Roppongi who try to lure you into overpriced bars or clubs
• Fake monks in tourist areas asking for donations

What this means for you: Use common sense — don't flash expensive electronics in sketchy areas, lock your door, don't leave valuables unattended in public. But don't lose sleep about it. Japan is genuinely one of the safest places on earth for students.

Natural Disasters: The Real Risk

Japan's real safety challenges come from nature, not people. Here's what you need to know and how to prepare.

Earthquakes

Japan has 1,500+ earthquakes per year. Most are tiny — you won't feel them. But major quakes happen, and they can be dangerous.

What to do during an earthquake:

1. Drop, cover, hold on. Get under a sturdy desk or table. Protect your head and neck.
2. Stay inside. Don't run outside — falling glass and debris cause most injuries.
3. Stay away from windows. Glass shatters easily during quakes.
4. If you're in bed, stay there. Cover your head with a pillow.
5. If you're outside, move to an open area. Away from buildings, power lines, and trees.
6. After shaking stops, turn off open flames, check for gas leaks, and follow evacuation instructions if given.

Preparation:

• Download the Yurekuru Call app — it sends earthquake early warnings seconds before shaking starts
• Know the evacuation routes from your apartment and campus
• Keep an emergency bag with water, flashlight, first aid kit, and phone charger
• Secure heavy furniture to walls (bookshelves, TVs) — most earthquake injuries come from falling objects
• Learn where your building's emergency exits are

What this means for you: Earthquakes feel scarier than they are. Small ones are routine — you'll get used to them. For big ones, preparation is everything. Know what to do before it happens, and you'll be fine.

Typhoons

Typhoon season runs from July to October, peaking in August and September. Japan gets hit by 3-5 typhoons per year on average.

What to expect:

• Heavy rain (200-500mm in a day)
• Strong winds (100-200 km/h)
• Flooded streets and canceled trains
• Power outages (occasional)

What to do:

• Stay indoors during the typhoon
• Stock up on food, water, and supplies the day before
• Charge your phone and have a flashlight ready
• Follow news updates (NHK World broadcasts in English)
• Don't go outside until authorities confirm it's safe

What this means for you: Typhoons are disruptive but not usually life-threatening if you stay indoors. The biggest inconvenience is train cancellations — if a typhoon is coming, plan to stay put for a day.

Tsunamis

If you live near the coast, tsunamis are a real risk after major earthquakes. Japan's tsunami warning system is world-class — you'll get alerts on your phone, through TV/radio, and via outdoor speakers.

What to do:

• If you feel strong shaking near the coast, move to high ground immediately
• Follow evacuation routes (marked with tsunami signs)
• Don't return until authorities say it's safe
• Know the elevation of your neighborhood — anything below 10 meters near the coast is at risk

Volcanic Activity

Japan has 111 active volcanoes. Most are monitored closely, and eruptions are usually predicted. The Japan Meteorological Agency issues volcanic alert levels from 1 (low risk) to 5 (evacuation required).

What to do:

• Check if your area is near an active volcano
• Follow evacuation orders immediately if issued
• Wear a mask if ashfall occurs

Emergency Numbers and Services

Police: 110 Fire/Ambulance: 119 Both are toll-free.

The language barrier: Operators may have limited English. If you can't communicate in Japanese:

• Say "English" or "gaijin" and they'll try to connect an English speaker
• Have a Japanese-speaking friend call if possible
• Use a translation app to communicate key information
• Most universities have a 24-hour international student support line — save it in your phone

Coast Guard (for maritime emergencies): 118

What this means for you: Save 110 and 119 in your phone. Also save your university's international office emergency number. If you ever need to call, knowing the address of your location is critical — learn your address in Japanese.

Healthcare: Accessible and Affordable

Japan has universal healthcare, and international students are covered.

National Health Insurance (NHI):

• Mandatory for all residents, including students
• Costs: ¥1,500-¥2,500/month (0-7) based on income (usually zero for students)
• Covers 70% of medical costs
• Register at your ward office within 14 days of arriving

How healthcare works:

1. Get your NHI card at the ward office
2. Find a local clinic (clinics for minor issues, hospitals for serious problems)
3. Show your NHI card at the reception
4. Pay 30% of the cost at the counter
5. The insurance covers the remaining 70%

Costs (with NHI, you pay 30%):

• Doctor visit: ¥1,000-¥3,000 (-0)
• Prescription medication: ¥500-¥2,000 (-4)
• Hospital stay: ¥5,000-¥15,000/day (4-00)
• Dental visit: ¥2,000-¥5,000 (4-4)

Language barrier at hospitals:

• Major hospitals in Tokyo and Osaka often have English-speaking staff
• University hospitals typically have better English support
• Bring a Japanese-speaking friend if possible
• Use a translation app for basic communication

What this means for you: Register for NHI immediately. Healthcare in Japan is high-quality and affordable with insurance. Don't skip it — medical bills without insurance can be expensive.

Everyday Safety Tips

Transportation safety:

• Trains and buses are extremely safe, even at night
• Women-only train cars are available during rush hours (look for pink markings on the platform)
• Taxis are safe but expensive — use them as a last resort late at night

Food safety:

• Japanese food safety standards are very high
• Street food is safe
• Convenience store food is fresh and well-regulated
• Tap water is safe to drink everywhere

Personal safety at night:

• Walking alone at night is generally safe in most areas
• Well-lit streets and active convenience stores make late-night walks comfortable
• In entertainment districts (Kabukicho, Roppongi), be aware of touts and overpriced venues
• Trust your instincts — if a situation feels off, leave

Digital safety:

• Public Wi-Fi is available but not always secure — use a VPN for sensitive transactions
• Japan is generally safe from cybercrime targeting individuals
• Be cautious with personal information on social media

Scams to Watch For

Japan has very few scams targeting foreigners, but a few exist:

Street survey scams: Someone approaches you with a clipboard asking for "survey responses" and then pressures you into buying overpriced products or signing contracts. Just say no and walk away.

Bar/club touts: In Kabukicho (Shinjuku) and Roppongi, men on the street invite you to bars or clubs. These are often overpriced tourist traps. Some have resulted in drink spiking and credit card fraud. Avoid touts entirely.

Fake delivery people: Rare, but if someone claims to be delivering a package you didn't order, don't open your door. Contact your building management.

What this means for you: These scams are uncommon and easy to avoid. If someone approaches you on the street with an unsolicited offer, just keep walking. That's usually the right answer.

Preparation Checklist

Before you arrive, do these things:

1. Download emergency apps:

   • Yurekuru Call (earthquake early warnings)
   • NERV Disaster Prevention (typhoon and disaster info, English available)
   • Japan Official Travel App (safety information for tourists and residents)

2. Learn your address in Japanese — you'll need it for emergency calls, deliveries, and ward office registration

3. Register with your embassy — most embassies offer registration for citizens living abroad, so they can contact you in an emergency

4. Save emergency numbers:

   • Police: 110
   • Fire/Ambulance: 119
   • University international office (24-hour line)
   • Embassy/consulate

5. Get NHI insurance within 14 days of arriving

6. Know your evacuation routes — from your apartment, campus, and regular hangouts

7. Prepare an emergency bag: flashlight, first aid kit, phone charger, cash, water, copies of important documents

What this means for you: Most of this takes less than an hour. Do it in your first week. You probably won't need it — but if you do, you'll be glad you prepared.

The Bottom Line

Japan is one of the safest countries you could choose to study in. Violent crime is almost nonexistent. Healthcare is excellent and affordable. The infrastructure is built to handle natural disasters better than almost anywhere else on earth.

The real risks are natural disasters — earthquakes, typhoons, tsunamis. But Japan's preparation and response systems are world-class. If you follow the rules, download the apps, and know what to do, you'll be as safe as anyone can be.

What this means for you: Don't let safety concerns keep you from studying in Japan. The statistical risk is incredibly low. Do the basic preparation — register for insurance, download emergency apps, learn your evacuation routes — and then enjoy one of the safest cities on earth.

Want the full picture? Read our complete guide to studying in Japan or check out our culture guide for everyday customs that'll help you blend in and stay out of trouble.

Have questions about safety or preparing for life in Japan? Talk to an advisor — we'll help you prepare for every scenario, from daily life to emergencies.