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Japan · Safety report last updated
As of October 2026, Sapporo scores 92/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — very safe. Yes. Sapporo remains one of Japan's safest major cities for visitors, with very low violent crime and strong public safety infrastructure. The main risks for visitors are tourist-targeted scams.
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Japan · Assessed 13 October 2026
92
/ 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
LowMugging and armed robbery are extremely rare; occasional reports involve isolated altercations in nightlife districts late at night
Pickpocketing
LowPickpocketing and bag-snatching are uncommon but may occur in crowded places such as Sapporo Station, Odori Park, and during festivals
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
89/100
Recent visitor reports indicate high levels of perceived safety, particularly in central and residential areas, with confidence in public transport and low concern about street crime.
Yes. Sapporo remains one of Japan's safest major cities for visitors, with very low violent crime and strong public safety infrastructure.
Sapporo's composite safety index of 91/100 reflects exceptionally low homicide rates, strong governance, and high public confidence in walking alone after dark. While isolated incidents occur, street crime targeting visitors is rare, and official advisories uniformly recommend normal security precautions.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Sapporo’s central districts like Odori and Susukino remain safe for visitors, with violent crime exceptionally rare compared to global cities. The Feb 2026 assault on a Hongkonger in Susukino, while serious, was an isolated incident that led to swift arrests and does not reflect a broader trend. Pickpocketing is uncommon but visitors should stay alert in crowded areas such as Sapporo Station during peak hours or during events like the Sapporo Snow Festival season. Official data shows 81.7% of residents feel safe walking alone after dark, and recent traveler sentiment aligns with this, citing reliable police presence and low harassment levels.
Scams targeting visitors are limited but include occasional overcharging in bars and restaurants in Susukino, particularly later at night, and rare reports of unlicensed taxi operators near the station. Using official taxi queues or ride-hailing apps eliminates this risk. Carrying a passport copy and knowing where your embassy or consulate is located adds precaution without indicating elevated danger. Natural hazards like earthquakes are monitored closely, and while Sapporo experiences seismic activity, no alerts were active as of October 2026, and infrastructure is built to withstand tremors.
Public transport is safe and efficient, with low reports of crime on subways or buses. The indecent exposure incident on a subway train in February 2026 was addressed by authorities and remains atypical. Travelers should exercise normal caution with personal belongings, avoid confrontations, and respect local customs — especially in nightlife areas. Overall, Sapporo presents minimal risk to visitors, and standard safety practices are sufficient for a secure trip.
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06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 8 Sapporo districts for visitors: 6 safer, 2 needing caution. See them plotted on the Sapporo safety map.
SusukinocautionEntertainment district with low violent crime but elevated pickpocket risk and occasional alcohol-related incidents late at night.
Shiroishi Ward (near New Chitose Airport approaches)cautionMix of residential and light industrial zones; petty theft reports slightly higher near transit corridors.
Chuo Ward (Sapporo Station, Odori Park)saferCentral business and tourist hub with high foot traffic, strong police presence, and low crime.
Nishi Ward (Jozankei Onsen area)saferResidential and hot spring area popular with tourists; very low crime and peaceful environment.
Toyohira Ward (Tsukisamu area)saferQuiet residential zone with family-friendly parks and minimal reported incidents.
Kita Ward (around Sapporo Beer Museum)saferIndustrial-turned-cultural zone with low crime and regular patrols near tourist sites.
Atsubetsu Ward (Atsubetsu Central)saferSuburban area with low population density and negligible crime reports in recent local summaries.
Teine Ward (Teine Mountain base)saferGateway to ski areas; safe year-round with standard mountain-area precautions advised in winter.
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 extremely rare; occasional reports involve isolated altercations in nightlife districts late at night
After dark, be most careful around Susukino, Shiroishi Ward (near New Chitose Airport approaches). Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Yes. Sapporo remains one of Japan's safest major cities for visitors, with very low violent crime and strong public safety infrastructure. Sapporo's composite safety index of 91/100 reflects exceptionally low homicide rates, strong governance, and high public confidence in walking alone after dark. While isolated incidents occur, street crime targeting visitors is rare, and official advisories uniformly recommend normal security precautions. (Assessed 13 October 2026.)
Safety is not one number, and this Sapporo 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.
Sapporo ranks #9 of 9 Japan destinations we've assessed, scoring 92/100. 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.
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Raw data: sapporo.json (CC BY 4.0).
