Fast. Reliable. Free.
Made for travelers, by travelers
Japan · Safety report last updated
As of October 2026, Hakone scores 94/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — very safe. Yes. Hakone is exceptionally safe for visitors, with extremely low crime rates and strong institutional stability. The main risks for visitors are tourist-targeted scams.
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Japan · Assessed 13 October 2026
94
/ 100
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
No advisory against travel
“Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights. Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East.”
Updated 2026-10-07T10:45:59Z
Full advisory →Exercise normal security precautions
“Canada's official risk level for Japan: exercise normal security precautions.”
Updated 2026-10-09T11:26:08.7337171-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Mugging & robbery risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
LowViolent crime, including robbery, is exceedingly rare in Hakone and Japan overall.
Pickpocketing
LowPickpocketing is uncommon, but vigilance is advised in crowded tourist spots or on public transport.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Very Positive
92/100
Travelers generally report feeling very safe and secure in Hakone, with a strong sense of order and low crime contributing to a positive experience.
Yes. Hakone is exceptionally safe for visitors, with extremely low crime rates and strong institutional stability.
Hakone offers a very secure travel environment, characterized by minimal crime and a high degree of public safety. Travelers can expect a safe experience, with the primary considerations being natural weather events and general health precautions.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Hakone is an exceptionally safe destination for travelers, with official advisories consistently recommending normal security precautions due to Japan's low crime rates and high stability. The risk of violent crime, including robbery, is extremely low, and pickpocketing is also uncommon, though vigilance in busy areas is always prudent.
Recent reports from May 2026 noted an increase in bear encounters across Japan, suggesting travelers in natural areas should remain aware of their surroundings. While Hakone itself is very safe, potential weather disruptions, such as heavy rain and wind, are a consideration for October, as indicated by the seasonal weather data. Travelers should monitor forecasts and be prepared for potential impacts on outdoor activities.
General health precautions are advised, given global health notices for polio, dengue, and measles. The local infrastructure, including hospitals, is robust. While scams are rare, travelers should be wary of unsolicited offers for services and ensure fair pricing for tourist activities. Overall, Hakone presents a secure environment for visitors, with safety primarily linked to environmental factors and general travel awareness.
Was this Hakone, Japan report helpful?
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 6 Hakone districts for visitors: 5 safer, 1 needing caution. See them plotted on the Hakone safety map.
OwakudanicautionKnown for volcanic activity; follow safety guidelines due to potential gas emissions.
GorasaferA popular tourist hub with good infrastructure and low crime.
Hakone-YumotosaferThe main gateway to Hakone, well-served by transport and generally very safe.
Lake AshisaferA scenic area with tourist facilities, considered safe for visitors.
MiyanoshitasaferA historic hot spring area with a peaceful atmosphere.
SengokuharasaferA quieter area known for museums and nature, with a low crime rate.
07 · After Dark
82% of people in Japan say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2024).
Violent crime, including robbery, is exceedingly rare in Hakone and Japan overall.
After dark, be most careful around Owakudani. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Yes. Hakone is exceptionally safe for visitors, with extremely low crime rates and strong institutional stability. Hakone offers a very secure travel environment, characterized by minimal crime and a high degree of public safety. Travelers can expect a safe experience, with the primary considerations being natural weather events and general health precautions. (Assessed 13 October 2026.)
Safety is not one number, and this Hakone report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
No districts were flagged as no-go areas for visitors at the last assessment.
Hakone ranks #6 of 9 Japan destinations we've assessed, scoring 94/100. See the Japan safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 11+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
Keep exploring
Raw data: hakone.json (CC BY 4.0).
