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Japan
- Japan has a stable security environment, though petty theft and nightlife scams remain a latent issue for foreign travelers.
- There is a risk posed by natural disasters in Japan. Earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, and volcanic activity are common; travelers should stay alert to local advisories.
- Japan enforces strict laws on drug use, public behavior, and traffic rules. Always carry your ID and adhere to local laws to avoid penalties.
Risk Factors
- Travelers should remain vigilant for pickpocketing and scams, especially in crowded urban areas.
- Visitors should be cautious when using digital devices on public Wi-Fi networks due to heightened cyber threats. Ensure your device’s operating system and apps are up to date, avoid accessing sensitive accounts on public networks, and consider the use of a VPN (virtual private network) for enhanced online security.
- Visitors should exercise caution in nightlife areas, where incidents of overcharging, credit card fraud, and drink spiking are reported. It’s advisable to avoid carrying large sums of money and to monitor your drink at all times in bars and clubs.
- Japan’s rail network, including the Shinkansen (bullet trains), is one of the safest and most reliable in the world. However, overcrowding in the subway can be an issue in major cities. Avoid peak hours (7:30 AM–9:30 AM and 5:00 PM–7:30 PM) to reduce exposure to crowded areas.
- Avoid unofficial taxis or an unsolicited car service, especially in nightlife districts. Official taxis have green license plates, which distinguish them as commercial vehicles.
- Ride-hailing apps like JapanTaxi or Uber are a safe and reliable alternative to taxis in most cities.
- Japan is situated in a major earthquake zone; Despite highly resilient infrastructure, major earthquakes and tsunamis have previously caused hundreds of fatalities and extensive damage.
- The typhoon season runs from June to December, though typhoon activity is more likely between July and September. Japan’s southern regions are more susceptible to typhoons, which can cause strong waves and landslides.
- Snowstorms and blizzards are common during the winter months and are known to cause operational disruption, including flight cancellations, particularly in Northern Japan (Hokkaido) and the Tohoku Region.
- Use weather apps like Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) or NHK Weather to track updates on snowstorms, typhoons, and related advisories.
- Strict penalties exist for drug possession, drinking under age, and smoking in unauthorized zones. Travelers must carry identification at all times and adhere to local laws to avoid severe penalties.
- Respect for local customs and practices is essential to avoid inadvertent offenses, particularly in conservative or rural areas.
- Although external conflict remains unlikely, Japan has territorial disputes with Russia, China and South Korea.
- The threat of a North Korean attack remains a latent risk due to heightened tensions in the Korean Peninsula in recent years. Although a direct attack on Japan is highly unlikely, North Korea conducts regular missile tests in the Sea of Japan.