Are you wondering if is Osaka safe to to be included in your Japan travel itinerary?
You are on the right site.
I have been to Osaka solo and had an enjoyable time exploring the city and indulging in the local food like Osaka-style okonomiyaki!
Chances are you are travelling solo and would like to know if Osaka is safe for solo travel.
Or you are a hypervigilant planner who wants to know everything about Osaka in terms of safety before visiting this popular city with your partner, friends, or family members.
Located just a 3.5-hour shinkansen ride from Tokyo, Osaka is a must-visit Japanese city known for its famous landmarks, delicious local cuisine, and vibrant nightlife.
Though home to millions of residents, Osaka has a low crime rate, making people feel safe to travel around and experience what this city has to offer, especially at night.
But like any other modern city in the world, you can still expect petty thefts to happen in Osaka.
So read on to learn more about the potential travel risk one might face in this city and other helpful tips to know before flying in.
Let’s dive right in!
Travel tip: Don’t forget to book one of the best ryokan with private onsen in Osaka and enjoy the soothing hot spring soak in complete privacy. You deserve it 🥰
7 Potential Dangers In Osaka
1. PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
A small number of pickpocketing cases are reported in Osaka from time to time, especially in crowded areas including train stations, tourist attractions, and more.
And the best thing you can do is to lower the risk of being pickpocketed.
You can buy an anti-theft travel bag when you are out exploring the city or carrying the bag at the front as you are travelling on the train.
Be sure not to flaunt your valuables in public too so you won’t be attracting attention from the wrong people.
2. MUGGING RISK: LOW
Mugging risk in Osaka is considered low as compared to other countries of similar cities.
Nevertheless, a low crime rate does not mean no crime at all.
As usual, it is always recommended not to walk along a dimly-lit street alone late at night.
And some areas are generally advised to avoid visiting at night too, including Shinsekai and Nishinari.
3. SCAMS RISK: LOW
Everywhere has tourist scams, including Osaka.
One of the most popular scams in Osaka is the bar scam.
In this scam, the victim is invited by the friendly and outgoing locals to a certain bar to have some fun and just chill, unknowingly an overpriced bill is charged to their tab.
So make sure you can spot such a scam as you are approached by strangers and act based on your judgement and gut feeling.
4. SOLO FEMALE TRAVELLER RISK: LOW
Osaka is one of the safest cities to visit for solo female travellers.
How did I know? Because I explored Osaka all by myself when I was visiting Japan for the first time!
Just be sure to respect the local culture and avoid walking alone at night in quiet areas and most of the time you will be just fine 🙂
Travel tip: If you want to spice up your trip, consider joining one of the guided tours in Osaka and meet with like-minded people!
5. TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
In general, taxis in Osaka are safe to board.
You can hail them at the roadside or book a ride through an e-hailing app like Uber.
Nevertheless, it is always good to stay alert to your surroundings.
You can share your location with your loved ones so they know your whereabouts or ensure the route used by the driver is a legit one.
6. NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
Due to its geographical location, Osaka is prone to natural disasters, such as typhoons, earthquakes, and tsunamis.
So make sure to download some of the local travel apps in Japan like Yurekuru Call to stay informed of the earthquake warnings news.
Travel tip: That is why getting travel insurance is equally as important as getting the cheapest air flight to the destination – to cover your medical expenses when sh*t happens!
Disclaimer: Make sure to read the fine print to see what the insurance insures you of during the trip.
7. TERRORISM RISK: LOW
Though terrorist-related incidents have not happened before in Osaka, it is important to understand that terrorism can happen anywhere without any warning.
With that in mind, always remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings as you travel around the city.
So How Safe Is Osaka For Travellers?
In short, Osaka is safe for both local and international visitors to explore.
Though there will be occasional pickpocketing or groping cases on packed public transportation reported, the crime rates in Osaka are still considered low.
With that, you can have peace of mind by adding Osaka to your Japan travel itinerary.
You may also have heard that it is best to skip the Shinsekai area of Osaka, including broad daylight visits due to the old-rundown stigma associated with it.
I can’t say for all, but I felt safe when I was here and I loved the retro and laid-back atmosphere of this neighbourhood!
I spent more than 2 hours here walking around and did a little postcard shopping at a vintage store at Shinsekai Market.
8 Important Things to Know Before Visiting Osaka
Visa
Japan has different travel visa policies for different countries.
Make sure to check the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan before visiting the country.
Currency
Japan’s currency is the yen.
And most places in Japan, including modern metropolises like Osaka, prefer cash as the payment mode.
So it is best to exchange some currency before flying into Japan.
Alternatively, if you run out of cash during the trip, you can visit the local post office or banks to enjoy a better exchange currency rate.
Travel tip: You can sign up for a Wise card and withdraw money from the ATMs in Japan.
Weather
Thanks to the temperate weather, you can travel to Osaka any time of the year.
Typhoons typically happen during summer (June to August) and that might cause some delays to your travel plan.
The best time to visit Osaka is during the autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) seasons as the weather will be breezy and comfortable to explore around.
Travel tip: You are going to walk ALOT when you are exploring Osaka, especially the staircases.
And the best way to keep your feet comfortable after hitting that 10K steps every day is to get yourself a good pair of walking shoes!
Airport
Osaka has 2 airports; Kansai International Airport and Itami Airport.
Kansai International Airport handles international flights whereas Itami Airport caters to domestic flights.
You can take a direct train to the city centre from Kansai Airport within 50 minutes.
Since there is no direct train service to the city from Itami Airport, you can board the airport shuttle bus for budget travel.
Travel Insurance
Generally, Osaka is a safe place to travel to.
But to play safe, it is always recommended to get yourself travel insurance to cover your treatment expenses or lost valuables should a mishap happen during the trip.
As the modern saying goes, “If you can’t afford the travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel”.
IC Cards
If you are visiting Osaka for 1 day, then you need to get the 1-day Osaka Amazing Pass.
That’s because you can enjoy unlimited rides on the subways and buses for free within the day with the pass!
And better yet, the pass allows you to enter into more than 40 iconic attractions in Osaka, such as:
I visited so much attractions and saved plenty of entrance fees with Osaka Amazing Pass.
You can also get the 2-Day Osaka Amazing Pass if you plan to explore the city fully in 2 days!
Alternatively, you can buy IC cards like ICOCA and tap at the card readers in the bus or train stations for easy travel around the city.
Travel tip: You can easily download the ICOCA app and top up the card using your phone or smartwatch.
Attraction Tickets
If you are not going to get Osaka Amazing Pass, you can skip the queue and buy the tickets to the popular attractions in Osaka online.
Here are some of the popular attractions in Osaka:
Travel tip: If you plan to visit the famous eateries in Osaka, make sure to call at least 1 or 2 months in advance for the reservation.
Connectivity
No matter, if you are travelling solo or in a group at Osaka, having strong and reliable Internet connectivity is going to be helpful to navigate around the city or speak to the locals.
I used this eSim when I was travelling solo in Japan and that was definitely one of the most well-spent-money purchases that I had ever made for the trip.
For those who are travelling in groups of 4 or more, consider getting a WIFI pocket device instead as it can connect to more devices.
13 Safety Tips For Travellers In Osaka (Especially Solo Travellers)
- Visit well-lit areas with high foot traffic especially at night
- Stay alert and listen to your instincts
- Secure your passport, cash, and valuables in a money belt or pouch
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash when leaving the hotel
- Not to accept food or drinks from any stranger especially at the bars or pubs
- Take licensed taxis or public transportation to get around
- Plan your route and research the sites before visiting
- Dress appropriately especially when you visit the local temples and shrines
- Learn some basic Japanese words or download translation apps on your phone
- Consider joining guided tours so you are surrounded by people while exploring the city
- Share your itinerary with your family members and friends
- Stay at hotels or hostels located at non red-light district
- Buy a Japan esim to stay connected throughout the trip regardless of where you are
FAQs: Is Osaka Safe
What is Osaka crime rate?
Generally, Osaka has a very low crime rate. It is one of the safest cities in the world.
Is it safe to walk around Osaka?
Yes! That’s because Osaka is one of the safest cities in the world. Of course there will still be some pickpockets or petty theft cases reported in the city. However, their violent crime rates are considered low as compared to other modern countries.
Is Osaka safe at night?
Yes, Osaka is safe at night. You can walk around the city at night feeling safe even when you are travelling alone. The city streets are well-illuminated and you can see frequent police patrols. If you want to hang out at night, you can visit its nightlife areas and do bar hopping.
Is Osaka as safe as Tokyo?
Yes. Both cities are very safe for foreign travellers to visit. As usual, stay vigilant and do not roam alone in the middle of the night in any part of Osaka and Tokyo and just enjoy immersing yourself in the local culture.
Is Osaka foreigners friendly?
Yes. People in Osaka are friendlier, easygoing, and more open to talking to and helping out foreign travellers. They are also known for their sense of humour.
Is Osaka worth visiting?
Yes! Considered Japan’s food capital, Osaka’s local cuisine is one of the must-visit reasons. The city’s retro charm and modern lifestyle offer a unique environment and travel experience to the travellers. Also, Osaka is definitely a paradise for shopaholics, selling a wide range of items, such as skincare, clothing, luxury items, and more.
Is Osaka expensive?
It depends. If you are a budget traveller, you can budget about $97 per day for transportation, food, accommodation, and miscellaneous spending. Of course, if you are looking to splurge on the holiday and have a more comfortable stay, the daily expenditure can go up to $200.
Final Thoughts: Is Osaka Safe For Travel In 2023
So if you are wondering if Osaka is safe for travellers to visit, the answer is yes.
Just like any other country, there will still be some theft and petty crimes reported from time to time in Osaka.
But so long you stay vigilant of your surroundings and keep your valuables close to you and refrain from walking alone in the back alleys, most likely you will have a terrific time exploring and immersing in the local culture of this vibrant Japanese city.
Be sure to take note of the safety tips shared in this article especially when you are travelling solo.
So go book that flight ticket, get yourself insured with travel insurance, and be ready for an exciting travel journey to Osaka!
Sam Lee, founder of Sam Lee Travel, is a seasoned traveler with over 10 years of experience exploring various Asian countries. Having lived in Singapore for almost a decade, Sam has developed a deep understanding of the culture, customs, and attractions in the region.
With a passion for outdoor travel adventures and water sports, Sam has helped over 25K readers per month plan their trips around Asia, including off-the-beaten-path destinations, offering helpful travel tips and unfiltered personal travel experience.