Soon visiting the capital of Japan, you want to know if there are dangerous neighborhoods or areas to avoid in Tokyo, what are the best places to stay?
And even though Japan is considered a safe country for tourists, these days it's best to educate yourself about areas to avoid in Tokyo. Indeed, the neighborhood you choose determines the success of a stay, whether for reasons of security or distance from tourist sites.
Indeed, in this article, you will see that, as in all large cities, there are certain areas with higher crime rates than others. In addition, there are areas to avoid in Tokyo simply because they are not suitable for tourists.
Here is a guide to the districts of Tokyo with a map to better locate them and to identify the districts to avoid and the best areas to stay.
Is Tokyo a safe city in 2024?
Tokyo is the safest city in the world in 2024. This is revealed by some rankings and statistics on the safety of major cities around the world.
For example, on the classification of worldpopulationreview, Tokyo is ranked 1st safest city in the world in 2024 (just like interactivecrypto.com)
On the other hand, we can also see that in 2024, on the rankings world atlas et Numbeo, Tokyo is not listed as the safest city in the world. Indeed, Tokyo has a crime index of 24.04:
This is a very low index which means that the city is safe but if we compare, it is still more dangerous than Singapore, Hong Kong ou Dubai.
What crime in Tokyo?
As in many countries in Asia, crime in Japan is very low compared to crime in the United States, in Europe or in South America (Brazil et Mexico in particular).
But, while the rate of delinquency and crime has been constantly decreasing for more than twenty years, over the last 3 years we have recorded an increase. See the article on the evolution of the crime rate in Tokyo: Exploding crime rate in Japan: infallible public security in decline
This article refers to 3 recent high-profile homicides:
- In Tokyo, a 26-year-old man armed with a knife attacked several people on a train in 2021. Then he tried to set the train on fire.
- Also in 2021, a man armed with a dagger had already attacked 10 passengers on a train in Tokyo.
- In August 2023, in Osaka, a man again attacked 2 travelers and the driver with a knife on a train.
So, in Tokyo, even if crime mainly concerns minor offenses (theft, scams, cybercrime), we see that there can be violent crimes or physical attacks which nevertheless remain rare.
Do yakuza still exist?
When we wonder if Tokyo is a dangerous city, we inevitably think of the yakuza. Indeed, the yakuza are members of an organized crime group in Japan. It is a kind of Japanese mafia with a hierarchical organization and very strict codes of conduct.
Although their influence and activities have declined sharply over the years, the yakuza are believed to still exist in one form or another today. The yakuza emerged in the early 17th century and became deeply rooted in Japanese society, engaging in various illegal activities such as gambling, drug trafficking and prostitution. However, in recent years, the Japanese government has taken significant steps to crack down on organized crime, leading to a decline in the power and influence of the yakuza.
Tokyo neighborhood map
Tokyo is divided into 23 districts which are themselves divided into neighborhoods and small communities, the best known to tourists being Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza and Roppongi.
You can enlarge the map below to better locate them. You will also be able to identify the areas to avoid in Tokyo and the best ones to stay in (listed below).
View map of Tokyo neighborhoods
Areas to avoid for a tourist trip to Tokyo
For a tourist stay or a business trip, the areas to avoid in Tokyo are:
- those which are too far from tourist attractions,
- neighborhoods that have a bad reputation,
- areas that are too noisy or too busy,
- certain neighborhoods that do not meet the needs of tourists.
Dangerous neighborhoods in Tokyo
Before giving you the list of neighborhoods to avoid, you need to understand that there is no dangerous neighborhood in Tokyo where a tourist could feel in danger. However, there are some neighborhoods that are less safe than others.
If we study the statistics, here are the most dangerous districts in Tokyo in terms of the number of crimes: Shinjuku-ku, Setagaya-ku, Ota-ku, Shibuya-ku and Adachi-ku. But this list does not take into account the number of inhabitants of these neighborhoods or the type of crime committed.
According to the recommendations of the Canadian Government, tourists should exercise caution throughout Japan in entertainment and nightlife districts, including some areas of Tokyo.
Let's see below which are the main areas to avoid in Tokyo:
Tokyo Red Light District
One of the districts to avoid in Tokyo for a tourist stay is the district of Kabukicho. Located in the Shinjuku district, Kabukicho is Tokyo's red-light district and the largest in the world. It is known for its vibrant nightlife and unsavory entertainment options. And, it can also be the scene of scams and illegal activities. It is advisable to be wary of touts and people who offer suspicious services or offers.
The French Government warns visitors to its site France Diplomacy :
“The frequency of cases also leads us to report that, in the nightlife districts of Tokyo (Roppongi, Kabukicho, Ikebukuro, etc.), certain bars or cabarets with hostesses and touts are likely to drug their customers with GHB, a psychotropic depressant diverted from its therapeutic purposes. The molecule, undetectable once mixed with the drink, annihilates natural reactions (fear, fear, caution, etc.) for several hours. This delay makes it possible to strip him of his valuables or to force him to use his bank card indiscriminately, before abandoning him on the public highway. »
Roppongi is another area to avoid, especially if you are planning a family stay. Indeed, Roppongi is an area also famous for nightlife and entertainment, especially among foreigners. However, it has gained a reputation as a meeting place for drug dealers and drug users. Tourists are advised to exercise caution, particularly late at night when the atmosphere can become rough.
Neighborhoods to avoid in Tokyo because of thefts
According to a report from the Tokyo Police Department, out of the number of crimes committed in Tokyo's 23 districts, most crimes take place in Shinjuku which is located to the west of the city. It is in this district that the immense station is located which is the largest station in the world. Every day more than 1,4 million travelers cross paths there to go to all regions of Japan and the world.
On several floors, this station contains numerous restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. However, crowd movements, the concentration of tourists and this daily overpopulation generate a greater number of crimes, particularly thefts and scams.
You have therefore understood that it is not the entire Shinjuku district that you should avoid, but only the surroundings of the station.
Best area to stay in Tokyo
After having listed the areas to avoid, let's now find out which is the best area to stay in Tokyo for a tourist stay.
When it comes to choosing the best tourist area to stay in Tokyo, there are several factors to consider. Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis with a large number of districts, each offering a unique experience. However, one of the most popular areas for tourists is Shibuya. See location of this neighborhood
Shibuya best tourist area in Tokyo
One of the main reasons why Shibuya is so popular with tourists is its central location. Located in the heart of Tokyo, it provides easy access to all major attractions and areas of the city. Whether you want to visit the historic temples of Asakusa, explore the upscale shopping district of Ginza, or venture into the quirky neighborhoods of Harajuku and Akihabara, it's all just a short train ride away from Shibuya.
In addition, the Shibuya district is a paradise for those who want to go shopping (huge malls, department stores, designer boutiques, vintage boutiques). The iconic Shibuya 109 is a must-visit with its many floors filled with fashionable clothing and accessories.
This neighborhood also has an incredible food scene. From traditional Japanese cuisine (sushi, ramen, okonomiyaki or takoyaki), to international flavors, this district is full of restaurants for all tastes and budgets.
Finally, by staying in Shibuya, you can enjoy its vibrant nightlife (while avoiding the red light districts of Tokyo). The neighborhood comes alive in the evening with its bars, clubs, and karaoke bars. Whether you want to dance the night away or have a drink at an izakaya (Japanese-style pub), you'll have a great night out in Shibuya.
Which hotel in Shibuya?
If you are looking for a hotel very well located in the heart of the most touristy district of Tokyo, then I recommend the Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel Tokyu.
Its location is ideal with direct access from Shibuya Station, nearby subway stations and proximity to Shibuya 109, Aoyama Street and Konno Hachimangu Shrine.
Where to sleep in a capsule in Tokyo
And if you are looking for a cheap accommodation option in Tokyo in the Shibuya district, it is difficult to find but you can experience sleeping in a capsule: Book Tea Bed SHIBUYA
This article does not contain any judgment or discriminatory remarks because it is a summary of web data on the safety of tourists in Tokyo. The sources are diverse and reliable: Statistics, rankings, press, traveler and expatriate forums, various sites (https://livejapan.com/en/in-tokyo/in-pref-tokyo/in-tokyo_train_station/article-a0002534/, https://furansujapon.com/culture/criminalite-au-japon/, https://mybldgtokyo.com/dangerous-areas-in-tokyo/, https://www.nippon.com/fr/japan-data/h01247/).