Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo scores among the highest of any major global city: low violent crime, exceptional medical infrastructure, and highly reliable transit and payment systems. Score is moderated only by language barriers outside business districts and Japan's meaningful earthquake/typhoon exposure.

Top 5 things to know

• Violent crime is very low by global-city standards; the main risks for travelers are natural disasters (earthquakes, typhoons) rather than crime.
• Cash is still widely used alongside contactless: carry some yen, especially outside major hotels and business districts.
• Public transit (JR lines, Tokyo Metro) is extremely reliable; download a transit app before arrival, as English signage thins outside central stations.
• Register with your embassy's step program if staying during typhoon season (roughly June–October).
• Business etiquette matters: bring more business cards than you think you'll need, and present/receive them with both hands.

Weather

Humid summers, mild springs and autumns, cool but rarely freezing winters. Typhoon season runs roughly June through October.

Best time to visit: Spring (late March–April, cherry blossom season) and autumn (October–November) offer the most comfortable weather.

Security

Tokyo has one of the lowest violent-crime rates of any major global capital. The more relevant operational risks are natural (seismic activity and typhoon season) rather than crime or terrorism. Standard urban awareness is sufficient for the vast majority of visits.

• — Petty theft and bag-snatching are rare but not unheard of in dense nightlife districts (Shibuya, Roppongi) late at night
• — Overcharging or aggressive touting at some Roppongi nightlife venues targeting tourists
• — Bicycle theft in areas with high bicycle usage

Health

Excellent, widely available medical infrastructure. Tap water is safe. Air quality is generally good.

Practical

Type A/B plugs, 100V: most non-Japanese devices need a voltage-aware adapter, not just a plug adapter.

US Embassy — Tokyo