Overview
Kanagawa Prefecture is one of Japan's safest regions, with crime rates significantly lower than most major cities in Europe or North America. Violent crime is extremely rare, and visitors generally feel safe walking around even at night in well-lit areas. However, like any destination, it pays to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.
This guide covers practical safety tips for tourists in Kanagawa, from navigating public transport safely to protecting your belongings in crowded areas.
General Safety in Kanagawa
Crime Statistics Context
Kanagawa has one of the lowest crime rates among Japan's prefectures:
- Violent crime: 0.3 incidents per 100,000 people (vs. 3.7 in the US)
- Petty theft: 1.2 incidents per 100,000 people (vs. 20+ in major European cities)
- Pickpocketing: Rare, but watch out in crowded trains and festivals
Neighborhood Safety Ratings
| Area | Daytime Safety | Night Safety | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yokohama (Minato Mirai) | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | Well-lit, patrolled, tourist-friendly |
| Yokohama (Kannai) | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | Business area quiet at night |
| Yokohama (Isezaki-cho) | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Entertainment district, some touts |
| Kamakura | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | Very safe, quiet at night |
| Hakone | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | Resort area, very safe |
| Kawasaki (Station area) | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Busy station, some touts at night |
| Shonan Beaches (summer) | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Crowds attract some petty crime |
| Yokosuka (Dobuita St) | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Military area, some late-night noise |
Public Transport Safety
On Trains
- Keep bags zipped — especially during rush hour (7:30-9:00 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM)
- Use luggage racks wisely — keep smaller bags at your feet on crowded trains
- Watch for chikan (gropers) — women-only carriages are available during morning rush hour (marked with pink signs)
- Follow platform markings — for faster boarding and smoother crowd flow
- Stay behind the yellow line — especially on busy commuter lines
At Stations
- Beware of stairs — station stairs can be steep and crowded
- Use escalator etiquette — stand on one side, walk on the other (left in Kanagawa)
- Store luggage in coin lockers — they are monitored and safer than leaving bags unattended
- Never leave bags unattended — it creates security concerns and may result in police involvement
Scam Awareness
Common Scams in Kanagawa
While scams targeting tourists are less common in Kanagawa than in major tourist hubs like Tokyo or Kyoto, be aware of:
| Scam | How It Works | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Overpriced drinks | Touts outside clubs/bars invite you to a "members-only" bar with inflated charges | Only go to venues you researched; avoid touts |
| Temple donation pressure | Someone asks for a "donation" at a temple entrance | Donate only at official offering boxes; official temples have clearly marked donation areas |
| Taxi overcharging | Unmetered taxi or driver takes long route | Only use licensed taxis with illuminated meters (all official taxis in Kanagawa use meters) |
| Fake police | Someone claiming to be police asks to check your wallet for counterfeit money | Real Japanese police carry badges and will never ask to handle your wallet |
Pickpocket Prevention
- In crowds: Keep wallet in front pocket or a zipped bag
- At festivals: Use a money belt for valuables
- On trains: Avoid using your phone near doors during rush hour
- In restaurants: Do not hang bags on the back of your chair
Night Safety
Safe Night Activities
Kanagawa has vibrant but safe night-life options:
- Yokohama's Minato Mirai — excellent lighting, frequent police patrols, family-friendly
- Noge (野毛) — Yokohama's drinking district, generally safe but stay on main streets
- Kannai — quiet evenings, good for walks along the waterfront
- Kamakura — very safe but many shops close early (8:00 PM); Komachi-dori is well-lit until late
Night Safety Tips
- Stick to well-lit main streets — especially in entertainment districts
- Walk confidently — even if you are lost, looking confident deters unwanted attention
- Avoid dark parks after sunset — while rare, incidents are most likely in poorly lit areas
- Keep your phone charged — for maps and emergency calls
- Know the last train — missing the last train can leave you stranded; the last trains in Kanagawa run until approximately midnight (12:00-12:30 AM)
- Use official taxis — ride-hailing apps (GO, Uber) are available and safer than hailing street taxis late at night
Solo Traveler Safety
Kanagawa is an excellent destination for solo travelers, including solo female travelers. The prefecture ranks among Japan's safest for solo tourists.
For Solo Travelers
- Choose central accommodation — hotels near Yokohama Station or Kamakura Station are well-located and safe
- Join organized tours — good way to explore while meeting other travelers
- Use hotel concierge — hotel staff can recommend safe routes and activities
- Visit popular spots during daytime — Yamashita Park, Sankeien Garden, and Enoshima are all safe and better experienced during daylight hours
- Trust your instincts — if an area feels uncomfortable, leave
Family Safety
- Children are welcome everywhere — Japanese people are generally very child-friendly
- Use family restrooms — available at most train stations and shopping centers
- Keep children close in crowds — especially at festivals and during holiday periods
- Most tourist areas are stroller-friendly — though Kamakura's Komachi-dori can be crowded on weekends
Emergency Numbers Card
Print or save this:
🚨 KANAGAWA EMERGENCY CARD 🚨 Police: 110
Ambulance/Fire: 119
English Police Hotline: 045-211-1100
Japan Helpline (English): 0570-000-911 Hotel: [Write your hotel name]
Hotel Phone: [Write hotel phone]
Hotel Address: [Write hotel address] Embassy: [Your embassy phone]
Practical notes for visitors
Japan's reputation for safety is well-deserved, but "safe" does not mean "risk-free." The most common issues visitors face in Kanagawa are minor: accidental overcharges, communication breakdowns, and occasional pickpocketing during crowded events like the Kamakura Matsuri or Yokohama's fireworks displays. Taking the same basic precautions you would at home — keeping valuables secure, staying aware in crowds, and avoiding unlit areas at night — is sufficient for a trouble-free visit.
Kanagawa Prefectural Police operate a dedicated Foreign Affairs section that handles incidents involving international visitors. English-speaking officers are available by calling 045-211-1100 during business hours. The section can also arrange for interpreters for more complex matters. Tourist police in major areas like Kamakura and Hakone have additional English training and carry bilingual phrase cards.
If you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation — whether from a persistent tout, a suspicious individual, or an escalating misunderstanding — entering any convenience store provides a safe haven. Convenience store staff can call police on your behalf, and the stores are equipped with security cameras and direct emergency buttons. Simply staying inside a convenience store until the situation resolves is an effective safety strategy used by locals and visitors alike.
