Japan : Safety by City
Japan - safety as a countryKyoto is the capital city of Kyoto Prefecture in Japan. Located in the Kansai region on the island of Honshu, Kyoto forms a part of the Keihanshin metropolitan area along with Osaka and Kobe. As of 2018, the city had a population of 1.47 million. Kyoto is considered the cultural capital of Japan and a major tourist destination. It is home to numerous Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, palaces, and gardens, some of which are listed collectively by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Warnings & Dangers in Kyoto
OVERALL RISK : LOW
Kyoto is a very safe city to travel to. Here you can safely move around at any time of the day or night. Use your usual common sense when traveling here.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : LOW
Public transport is well-developed and safe. Taxis are convenient for getting around, but sometimes drivers can rip off tourists at exorbitant prices. Make sure the taxi has a taximeter.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : LOW
As elsewhere in tourist spots, petty pickpocketing can occur in Kyoto. Always keep an eye on your belongings, and don't leave your phone unattended.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : HIGH
Kyoto is at risk of earthquakes and tsunamis. Study the weather conditions carefully before your visit here.
MUGGING RISK : LOW
The risk of serious robbery and armed attacks is very low in Kyoto. There is little danger of these attacks in the suburbs. However, the likelihood that you will be attacked is very small.
TERRORISM RISK : LOW
The risk of terrorism is low in Kyoto. Of course, the risk of attacks still exists due to the international position of the city. The global risk of terrorist attacks in public areas exists worldwide, so tourists should be vigilant.
SCAMS RISK : LOW
The most common scam in Kyoto involves fundraising or signing petitions. Under the guise of good intentions, scammers are actually deceiving tourists and collecting donations in their pockets.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : LOW
Women traveling alone can feel quite safe in Kyoto. The main thing is to adhere to the usual precautions and monitor your surroundings.
How Safe Is Kyoto for Tourists?
Kyoto is a very safe city to travel to.
The crime index here is at a low level, and you can travel freely at any time of the day or night.
Kyoto is a popular tourist destination.
The preserved atmosphere of ancient Japan with many ancient temples, former imperial palaces, and castles makes it an ideal place to relax.
Kyoto is generally a safe place for both men and women, but it is still recommended to use common sense and keep an eye on your belongings when you are in Kyoto.
However, this does not exclude petty theft and theft.
Please keep track of your belongings, and do not leave them unattended.
Be careful in bars – don’t get too drunk.
As long as you don’t accept food and drinks from strangers, keep track of your belongings, and don’t carry large amounts of money with you, you will enjoy your stay with no problem.
Women can feel comfortable walking the streets of Kyoto at night.
Of course, one should always maintain the normal precautions of keeping documents safe and be aware of your surroundings.
After all, there are also foreigners in Japan who do not hold to the same social norms that the Japanese do!
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Kyoto?
Visitors to Japan must obtain a visa from one of the Japanese diplomatic missions unless they come from visa-exempt countries. A valid passport is a must.
Which Currency Is Used in Kyoto?
The yen is the official currency of Japan. It is the third most traded currency in the foreign exchange market after the United States dollar and the Euro. The Japanese yen is subdivided into 100 sen or 1000 rin (both sen and rin are not in circulation).
How's the Weather like in Kyoto?
In Kyoto, the summers are short, hot, oppressive, and mostly cloudy; the winters are frigid, windy, and partly cloudy; and it is wet year-round.
What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Kyoto?
Kyoto’s closest airport is Osaka International Airport (also called Itami Airport), which is around 36 km from Kyoto. However, because Osaka International Airport only takes domestic flights, most international travelers find that Kansai International Airport is convenient.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?
A travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country or city. Make sure you got it before starting your journey; the customs officer may ask for it.
What Are Some Things to Do in Kyoto?
Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is a city on the island of Honshu. It’s famous for its numerous classical Buddhist temples and gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses. It’s also known for formal traditions such as kaiseki dining, multiple courses of precise dishes, and geisha, female entertainers often found in the Gion district.
Is the Water in Kyoto Safe to Drink?
It’s safe to drink tap water in Kyoto, but it doesn’t taste very nice.
Is Uber Safe in Kyoto?
There is an Uber taxi in Kyoto. You can call a taxi from the app on your phone. The cost of the trip will depend on the distance and time of day.
