Is Yokohama safe? 🇯🇵

Yokohama is exceptionally safe for visitors, with violent crime virtually nonexistent and a composite safety index of 95/100 that places it among the world’s safest major cities. The data shows a homicide rate of 0.2 per 100 k, no recorded terrorism deaths, and a perception of safety walking alone after dark at 81.7 %. Natural hazards—earthquakes, typhoons, and high summer heat—are the only notable risks, and Japan’s advanced warning systems keep these well managed.

Recent incidents from the live dossier underscore that while everyday street crime is minimal, isolated events have occurred. In June 2026, two ex‑convicts were arrested for a home‑invasion robbery in Naka Ward; in December 2025, a stabbing and chemical‑spray attack at a Yokohama rubber plant injured 15 people; and in April 2026, police noted a surge in pickpocketing around Yokohama Station during a busy weekend. These events are exceptions rather than the norm and are concentrated in specific locales.

Scams that specifically target tourists are modest but present. The most common involve Chinatown’s “all‑you‑can‑eat” eateries that add hidden charges, fake religious donation requests, and unofficial taxi drivers who overcharge after late‑night rides. Pickpocketing remains moderate, especially in crowded hubs like Minato Mirai, Yokohama Station, and the bustling Chinatown area, so keeping belongings secure is essential.

To stay safe, use only licensed taxis or reputable rideshare apps, stay alert in dense transit areas, and monitor earthquake alerts via the J‑Alert app. Women traveling alone should avoid poorly lit streets in the Kotobuki‑cho neighborhood after dark, where homelessness and informal economies are more visible. By applying these straightforward precautions, visitors can enjoy Yokohama’s many attractions with confidence.