Japan · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Osaka scores 93/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — very safe. Yes — Osaka is one of Japan’s safest major cities for visitors. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams.
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Japan · Assessed 28 July 2026
93
/ 100
Safer than ~98% of countries
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 2026-07-09T14:44:28Z
Full advisory →Exercise normal security precautions
“Canada's official risk level for Japan: exercise normal security precautions.”
Updated 2026-07-16T12:53:48.9258584-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
LowMugging and armed robbery are rare; isolated incidents have been reported in central nightlife districts after dark
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing is most common in crowded areas such as Namba, Umeda Station and on commuter trains
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
88/100
Recent traveler reports indicate visitors generally feel safe walking during daylight, though some express unease in busy nightlife zones after dark
Yes — Osaka is one of Japan’s safest major cities for visitors.
Osaka scores a 94/100 composite safety index, placing it among the world’s safest cities; homicide and terrorism risks are negligible, and government travel advisories urge only normal precautions. Recent incidents involve isolated scams and petty crime, but nothing that elevates overall risk for travelers.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Osaka remains one of Japan’s safest major urban centers, with a composite safety index of 94/100 and homicide rates that are among the world’s lowest. Government advisories from Canada and the UK urge only normal security precautions, reflecting the city’s overall security environment. However, recent dossier items highlight a spike in targeted scams: in June 2026, Osaka police dismantled a side‑job recruitment scheme that defrauded roughly 2,300 people, many of them foreign visitors, and a separate incident involved a stabbing‑and‑robbery in an underground shopping complex. Pickpocketing remains the most prevalent street crime, especially in densely packed hubs such as Namba, Umeda Station and on commuter trains, while isolated muggings have been reported in nightlife districts after dark.
Travelers should treat these incidents as isolated rather than indicative of a systemic threat, but they do underscore the need for vigilance. Keep copies of travel documents separate from originals, use reputable taxis or rideshare services, and avoid engaging with unsolicited job offers or “official‑looking” individuals demanding payment. Stick to well‑lit, busy areas after dark, and monitor local news for any sudden disruptions. By following these practical steps, visitors can enjoy Osaka’s vibrant culture and cuisine while minimizing the modest risks that do exist.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 8 Osaka districts for visitors: 4 safer, 2 needing caution and 2 best avoided. See them plotted on the Osaka safety map.
Kita-ku (Kita Ward) - Kita-ku Station areaavoidHigh incidence of side-job scams targeting tourists near hostels
Kita-ku (Kita Ward) - Kita-ku Industrial ZoneavoidIndustrial area with limited lighting; avoid after dark
Kita WardcautionPickpocketing and occasional scams reported near nightlife spots after dark
Minami WardcautionPopular nightlife district; stay alert after midnight due to bar scams
Nakagyo WardsaferQuiet residential area with low crime and good police presence
Kita-ku (Kita Ward) - Kitahama areasaferCommercial hub with strong police patrols and low petty crime
Naniwa WardsaferTourist attractions and waterfront; well‑monitored by security staff
Kita-ku (Kita Ward) - Kitano areasaferResidential and cultural sites; generally safe day and night
07 · After Dark
82% of people in Japan say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2024).
Mugging and armed robbery are rare; isolated incidents have been reported in central nightlife districts after dark
After dark, be most careful around Kita-ku (Kita Ward) - Kita-ku Station area, Kita-ku (Kita Ward) - Kita-ku Industrial Zone, Kita Ward, Minami Ward. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Osaka's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
09 · Questions
Yes — Osaka is one of Japan’s safest major cities for visitors. Osaka scores a 94/100 composite safety index, placing it among the world’s safest cities; homicide and terrorism risks are negligible, and government travel advisories urge only normal precautions. Recent incidents involve isolated scams and petty crime, but nothing that elevates overall risk for travelers. (Assessed 28 July 2026.)
Field research flags Kita-ku (Kita Ward) - Kita-ku Station area, Kita-ku (Kita Ward) - Kita-ku Industrial Zone as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Osaka ranks #1 of 3 Japan destinations we've assessed, scoring 93/100. See the Japan safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 11+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Browse the Japan safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: osaka.json (CC BY 4.0).
