Women travellers
Japan for women travellers
Japan has very low crime and is a favourite for solo women. The FCDO flags two things: unwanted contact and upskirting on commuter trains, and drink spiking and card fraud in Tokyo nightlife areas like Kabukicho and Roppongi.
- No specific FCDO warning
- Warnings of assault or harassment
- Extra care
- Restrictive laws or dress codes
You can walk home through most Japanese cities at 2am and feel fine. The crowded rush-hour trains are the exception, which is why many lines run women-only carriages. Tokyo's nightlife districts are where the FCDO sees the most problems for British visitors.
Hotspots
- Rush-hour commuter trainsWarnings of assault or harassment
Use women-only carriages. Police advise shouting and alerting staff if someone touches you.
- Kabukicho, Roppongi, Shibuya, IkebukuroWarnings of assault or harassment
Named by police as high-risk zones. Never follow street touts into bars.
- Kyoto, rural Japan & ryokan staysNo specific FCDO warning
Very relaxed for solo women.
Solo-friendly stays
- Capsule hotels often have women-only floors with key-card access.
- Business hotels are cheap, central and secure.
- Ryokan welcome solo travellers, though some charge more for one guest.
- Onsen baths are separated by gender.
Nights out
Bars in Tokyo are generally safe, but stick to places you find yourself, not ones touts lead you to. Last trains run around midnight, and taxis are safe but expensive. Many izakaya are friendly to solo diners.
Before you go
- Look for pink 'women only' signs on the platform at rush hour.
- Check bar prices before you go in, as bill disputes have led to arrests.
- Emergency: 110 (police), 119 (ambulance).
Official advice: FCDO travel advice for Japan
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