Tips on Japan Warnings or Dangers – Stay Safe!

Compared to many places throughout the world, Japan is a relatively safe country, but it’s always smart to be aware of your surroundings. In particular, watch out for these common dangers while traveling in Japan.

Japan is located on a fault line, and earthquakes are quite common. Fortunately, most of the buildings are made to withstand the shaking. You’ll probably find a hard hat in your hotel closet. This is meant for your safety in the case of an earthquake. If you’re visiting an area near water, a tsunami may occur after an earthquake. In most cases, you’ll hear a warning siren if this is likely to happen, and you need to get to higher ground. If in doubt, follow locals and emergency crews to safety.

Most dance clubs have a cover charge to get in. It’s typically around $30 to $50 USD. Inside the club, drinks tend to range from $5 to $10 USD each. Watch out for beautiful young men and women who lead you to host or hostess clubs. These places charge much more because you are also paying for the person to keep you company. A place like this could easily cost you $500 USD or more for just a few hours.

Despite its safe reputation, sexual harassment can be a major problem in Japan. It’s fairly common for men to try to grope women on the trains, particularly when the trains are packed full of people. If this happens, grab the man’s hand and loudly shout at him to draw attention to what just happened. When possible, look for signs for women-only train cars. You’ll typically find these posted on the floor where people line up for the cars.

Pay close attention to street lights when crossing the street. In America, the light that indicates that it’s unsafe to cross is usually a hand. In Japan, it’s a person standing still. This can be confusing at first. Many Japanese people use bicycles to ride to stores or train stations, and they share the sidewalks with pedestrians. If you hear a bell behind you, stay out of the way.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about Japan warnings and dangers.