Japan — Kanto
Is it safe to travel to Tokyo?
UK advice says to take the same precautions as at home, with a higher crime risk in Tokyo's entertainment districts at night. Check current advice and plan for earthquakes, typhoons and summer heat.
General planning guidance · Check current advisories · iLuxuryTravels Editorial
UK and US travel advice may differ by region and route. These notes are not a live advisory. Check the current UK advice for Japan and your own government’s advice before booking and departure.
Latest UK government update (28 August 2026): “Addition of information about flooding and heavy rain ('Safety and security' page).” Source: GOV.UK
Our UK advice summary (checked 26 October 2026): No recent history of terrorism, but attacks cannot be ruled out. Heavy rain and flooding warnings were in force in 2026; follow local alerts.
UK advice for Japan says to take the same precautions you would at home and to get local advice on areas where you may need to be more alert. The US State Department rates Japan Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. It says Tokyo's entertainment districts carry a higher risk of crime, particularly at night in and around clubs and bars, and names Kabukicho, Roppongi, Shibuya and Ikebukuro as areas Japanese police have identified as high-risk, with most British victims reporting being targeted in Kabukicho. UK advice reports increased drink spiking and credit card fraud in Japan, and advises not following street touts into bars, not leaving drinks unattended and securing your cards and cash.
UK advice says Japan is in a major earthquake zone. Monitor Japan Meteorological Agency earthquake, tsunami and aftershock information, learn your accommodation's evacuation information and follow local authorities.
UK advice says Japanese summers are extremely hot and humid, with temperatures often above 35 degrees in July and August, and that heat stroke is a significant risk; the Japanese Environmental Agency publishes a heat stroke index. It says the typhoon season runs between June and December, peaking between July and September.
Tokyo safety: the questions people actually ask
- Is it safe to travel to Tokyo right now?
- Check your government's current advisory. UK advice says to take the same precautions as at home, with a higher crime risk in Tokyo's entertainment districts at night, and the US State Department rates Japan Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions.
- Is Tokyo safe for solo female travellers?
- UK advice says female passengers on commuter trains have experienced touching and upskirting, and that reports of drink spiking and credit card fraud have increased. Read the full advice and take the usual precautions.
- Is Tokyo safe at night?
- UK advice says Tokyo's entertainment districts carry a higher risk of crime at night in and around clubs and bars, and advises against following street touts into bars. We have not verified conditions in other areas; take local advice.
- Should I worry about earthquakes in Tokyo?
- UK advice says Japan is in a major earthquake zone. Monitor Japan Meteorological Agency earthquake, tsunami and aftershock information, learn your accommodation's evacuation information and follow local authorities.
- Is the tap water safe to drink in Tokyo?
- We have not verified drinking-water standards for this page. Check your government's health guidance or ask a travel clinic.
- Is Tokyo safe in summer?
- UK advice says Japanese summers are extremely hot and humid, with temperatures often above 35 degrees in July and August, and that heat stroke is a significant risk; the Japanese Environmental Agency publishes a heat stroke index. It says the typhoon season runs between June and December, peaking between July and September.
Where to stay in Tokyo.
The houses we hold here with nightly rates and photographs, and live hotel and rental prices from our booking partners.