The 10 Top Dangerous Cities in Japan

In general, Japan is known as one of the safest countries in the world, with a very low crime rate. However, it is important to be aware of potential risks when traveling to the most dangerous cities in Japan, so you can stay informed about the level of crime and potential dangers.

Japan is a remarkable country where the blend of tradition and modernity is clearly visible. The crime rate in Japan is significantly lower compared to the global average. However, being aware of potential risks is essential for everyone. In the following, we will explore 10 of the most dangerous cities in Japan, so stay with us until the end of this article!

Prefecture/City	Crime Rate (per 100,000)	Most Common Crimes	Notable Safety Issues	Yakuza Presence
Tokyo	1,200	Theft (60%), Fraud (15%), Assault (8%)	Kabukicho scams, pickpocketing in Shibuya	Moderate (Sumiyoshi-kai)
Osaka	2,400 (Highest in Japan)	Drug offenses (25%), Theft (40%), Violent crime (12%)	Nishinari ward dangers, Yakuza activity	High (Yamaguchi-gumi HQ)
Aichi (Nagoya)	1,800	Bicycle theft (35%), Fraud (20%), Domestic violence	Sakae nightlife risks	Moderate (Kodo-kai)
Fukuoka	2,100	Drug trafficking (30%), Theft (25%), Cybercrime	Nakasu red-light district	High (Kyushu-based gangs)
Hyogo (Kobe)	1,600	Domestic disputes (22%), Theft (45%), Arson	Sannomiya nightlife issues	High (Yamaguchi-gumi roots)
Saitama	950	Juvenile crime (18%), Burglary (30%), Fraud	Commuter town thefts	Low-Moderate
Chiba	1,100	Theft (50%), Traffic offenses (25%), Fraud	Narita Airport scams	Low-Moderate
Gunma	700	Drunk driving (15%), Domestic violence (20%)	Rural isolation crimes	Very Low
Gifu	650	Property crime (40%), Fraud (15%)	Limited nightlife risks	Very Low
Ibaraki	800	Theft (55%), Vandalism (15%)	Mito station area concerns	Low

1. Osaka – The Yakuza Hub

Osaka is considered the most dangerous city in Japan, with a crime rate twice as high as that of the capital, Tokyo. The main crimes in this city are related to organized crime (Yakuza), theft, and incidents during nightlife. If you travel to this city, it is advisable to avoid dark and secluded alleys at night, as this can significantly enhance your safety.

In several areas of Osaka, including Nishinari-Ku and Tobita Shinchi, the presence of organized crime groups is more prominent. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid these neighborhoods, especially after dark. In some of Osaka’s popular districts, such as Dotonbori and Shinsekai, there are high reports of pickpocketing. It is essential to keep a close eye on your valuables while visiting these areas.

2. Tokyo

Tokyo, known as the capital of Japan and the cultural and commercial hub of the country, is also considered one of the most dangerous cities in Japan. Specific neighborhoods such as Kabukicho in Shinjuku are among the riskiest areas in Tokyo, and it is advisable to avoid these districts due to the high likelihood of pickpocketing and scams. Additionally, when using ATMs or currency exchange machines, it is important to stay vigilant against potential fraud to ensure a safe and worry-free trip.

3. Saitama

Saitama is another one of the most dangerous cities in Japan, located in the Kanto region north of Tokyo. This city boasts numerous cultural symbols, historical sites, and beautiful parks ready to welcome tourists. However, reported cases of pickpocketing in the Omiya district have raised concerns among visitors. Therefore, it is crucial to remain fully alert while exploring different areas and keep your valuables secure. This precaution can help prevent any potential risks during your travels.

4. Hyogo

In the Kansai region of Japan, one of the most fascinating prefectures is Hyogo, whose capital is the city of Kobe. Kobe is globally renowned for its delicious beef and breathtaking views of Mount Rokko. However, it’s important to remember that Kobe is also one of the most dangerous cities in Japan, with a higher crime rate compared to other cities. To ensure your safety, it’s advisable to avoid the Nada and Nagata districts at night, as they are known to be gathering spots for criminal gangs. Additionally, there have been reports of pickpocketing in areas like Sanomiya and Motomachi, so it’s crucial to keep a close eye on your valuables and follow safety precautions when visiting these areas.

5. ibaraki

Ibaraki is one of the beautiful prefectures in the Kanto region of Japan, and its capital, Mito, has attracted many tourists thanks to its stunning natural scenery, including Kairaku-en Garden and Fukuroda Falls. However, areas like Hitachi and Tsukuba are notorious for their high crime rates, making Mito one of the most dangerous cities in Japan. Additionally, Ibaraki is located in a seismically active zone, so it’s important to stay alert for potential earthquakes while visiting this city. Always be prepared and follow safety guidelines to ensure a secure trip.

6. Fukuoka 

Fukuoka, located on the southern island of Kyushu, is known for its beautiful beaches, scenic views, and vibrant nightlife. While it is generally considered a safe area, in some entertainment districts like Nakasu, there is a risk of scams, and in crowded spaces such as Hakata Station and Tennjin Central Park, the likelihood of pickpocketing increases. Therefore, when traveling to this beautiful city, it’s important to follow safety precautions and avoid displaying valuable items in public. Staying vigilant will help ensure a secure and enjoyable trip.

7. Chiba

Chiba is also on the list of the most dangerous cities in Japan. Known as the “Land of the Sun,” it is home to famous theme parks like Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea, making it generally considered a safe city. However, certain areas, including Narita International Airport and neighborhoods like Soga and Inage, contribute to Chiba’s reputation as one of the most dangerous cities in Japan. In these areas, where theft rates are high, it’s important to keep a close eye on your belongings. Additionally, don’t forget that Chiba is prone to natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes, so tourists should stay alert and be prepared when visiting this city.

8. Aichi

Aichi is one of the prefectures in Japan’s Chubu region, with its most famous city being Nagoya, home to notable sites such as the Atsuta Shrine and the Toyota Motor Corporation. If you plan to travel to this area, it’s advisable to stay vigilant when visiting specific parts of the city, including Sakae and the Nagoya Station area, as these areas are known for theft and other petty crimes. Observing safety precautions is highly recommended.

9. Gifu

Tourists seeking a peaceful destination rich in cultural and historical sites, as well as natural attractions in Japan, can visit Gifu in the Chubu region. The most notable attraction in this city is the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shirakawa-go, known for its unique and stunning traditional architecture, making it an ideal spot for a holiday. However, it’s worth noting that Gifu is considered one of the more dangerous cities in Japan, so it’s important to stay cautious and keep an eye on your valuables, especially when visiting specific areas such as Takayama.

10. Gunma

As the final entry on the list of Japan’s most dangerous cities, we come to Gunma, which is considered one of the more hazardous cities in the country. Located in the Kanto region, Gunma is famous for its hot springs, popular among both locals and tourists. Despite the effective presence of the police and their utmost efforts to ensure the safety of residents and visitors, it’s advisable to exercise extra caution in certain areas of the city. By doing so, you can enjoy a trouble-free and fully secure trip.

Conclusion

Japan is widely regarded as one of the safest countries in the world. In this article, we explored 10 of the most dangerous cities in Japan, which, overall, remain secure. However, tourists should exercise extra caution and follow safety measures when visiting specific areas mentioned in this article to avoid any issues during their trip. It is advisable to avoid traveling through quiet neighborhoods at night, especially in areas with poor lighting or unfamiliar surroundings. HiTopTourism wishes you a safe and exciting journey!