Safety Tips You Should Know Before Your Trip To Japan!

Japan! Just the name conjures up images of serene temples, bullet trains whizzing through neon-lit landscapes, and steaming bowls of ramen. It’s no wonder it’s a top travel destination. But before you get swept away in the excitement of planning your itinerary (guilty as charged!), let’s talk about some practicalities – safety first, fun later, right?

Japan is incredibly safe, statistically speaking.  Like, ridiculously safe. But hey, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a smooth and stress-free trip.  Think of it as packing that lucky travel charm – a little extra something for peace of mind.

Natural Disasters

• Be earthquake aware: Japan’s beauty extends to its dramatic landscapes, but that also means earthquakes and the occasional typhoon.  No need to panic though!  Most tremors are just little wobbles, but it’s always good to be aware.  Hotels and public buildings usually have earthquake safety procedures posted – take a quick peek just in case.  There’s also a handy disaster warning app you can download  (https://www.nhk.or.jp/strl/english/publica/bt/41/19.html) to keep you updated on any potential earth-shakers.
• Respect typhoon warnings: Typhoon season (June to November) is another thing to keep on your radar. If you see a typhoon brewing, stay tuned to the weather reports and follow local advisories. Stock up on some snacks and essentials just in case you get stuck indoors, and maybe hold off on that hike up Mount Fuji until the storm passes.

Personal Safety

• Petty Theft: Petty theft is pretty rare in Japan, but hey, it can happen anywhere, right? Keep a close eye on your valuables, especially in crowded areas like train stations and tourist hotspots. A money belt or a crossbody bag is your best friend here.
• Solo Travelers: Solo travelers, especially women, just be a little more cautious, especially at night. Stick to well-lit areas and let your accommodation or a friend know where you’re headed.
• Respect Local Customs: Japan is all about respect and politeness. A little cultural awareness goes a long way.  For example, don’t use your chopsticks to spear your food like a tiny javelin (seriously, don’t!), and slurping your noodles is actually considered a compliment to the chef (who knew?).
• Party Like a Local, But Play It Safe: Tokyo’s nightlife scene is legendary – neon lights, pumping music, and a vibe that’s electric. But like any big city with a wild side, places like Roppongi and Kabukicho can get a little crazy, especially for first-time visitors. Listen, I’m not trying to rain on your parade. These districts are a blast for exploring after dark, but it’s always good to keep your wits about you. There have been some whispers about drink spiking, so keep an eye on your drink and don’t leave it unattended, even for a bathroom break. Most bars and clubs are on the level, but a little extra caution never hurts, right?
• Fake Monks and Donation Drives? Not Today! Heads up! Lately, there seems to be a trend of folks dressing up as Buddhist monks or Shinto priests to pull a fast one on tourists. They might try to hand you some kind of religious trinket and then hit you up for a “donation” that feels more like pressure than piety. Trust me, real monks and priests aren’t out there hawking souvenirs. If someone approaches you with this kind of religious sales pitch, it’s best to politely decline and move on.
• Double Whammy Warning:  On top of the fake donation racket, there have even been cases where these scam artists use the distraction to pickpocket unsuspecting tourists.  So, keep a watchful eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.

Transportation Safety

• Pedestrian Crosswalks: A heads up for pedestrians – those traffic lights might seem self-explanatory, but unlike back home, some cars might turn on a red light.  So, double-check before you cross, even if the little green walking man is giving you the go-ahead. 
• Public Transportation: Japan’s public transportation system is amazing, but during rush hour, it can feel like you’re crammed into a sushi roll (minus the deliciousness). Be mindful of your belongings and avoid whipping out your phone while hurtling through the city on the bullet train.

Additional Tips

• Emergency Numbers: Memorize the emergency numbers (110 for police and 119 for ambulance/fire) or save them in your phone.  Trust me, you never know when it might come in handy (hopefully never, but better safe than sorry!). 
• Feeling lost in translation? Tokyo Metropolitan Police offers a 24/7 English helpline – just dial 03-3501-0110 for assistance in English.
• Feeling Stressed? Traveling can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. If you’re feeling down or need someone to talk to, the Tokyo English Life Line (TELL) Hotline is available at 03-5774-0992. Their hours are Monday-Thursday 9 am to 11 pm, and Friday-Sunday 9 am to 2 am.
• Lost or Confused? Japan is an amazing place to explore, but sometimes getting around can be tricky. If you need help navigating or have questions about the sights, the JNTO Tourist Information Center in Tokyo is a great resource. They’re open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and their number is 03-3201-3331. There are also Tourist Information Centers (TIC) located at Narita International Airport and Kansai International Airport in Osaka, so you’re never too far from assistance.
• Feeling Under the Weather? Getting sick on vacation is no fun! The Japan Tourism Agency has a handy website called “Guide for when you are feeling ill” that provides information on finding medical institutions in English, Chinese, and Korean. There’s also the AMDA International Medical Information Center which offers a medical questionnaire in multiple languages, so you can communicate any health concerns.
• Travel Insurance: Travel insurance? It’s not the most exciting purchase, but it’s a lifesaver if you have to cancel your trip or face unexpected medical bills.
• Download Helpful Apps: Lastly, download some translation apps or offline maps to help you navigate and communicate.  A little goes a long way when it comes to breaking the language barrier and charming the locals!

There you have it! With these safety tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to explore the wonders of Japan. Now, go forth, embrace the adventure, and get ready to fall in love with the Land of the Rising Sun!  Just remember, a little preparation and a dash of cultural awareness can make all the difference in ensuring an unforgettable (and safe!) trip.