Tokyo, Japan
Youth fashion in Harajuku, luxury shopping in Omotesando, cafes everywhere. Very safe. Takeshita Street gets mobbed on weekends.
Harajuku and Omotesando are basically two different places next to each other. Takeshita Street in Harajuku is packed with teenagers, crepe stands, and colorful fashion shops. Omotesando Avenue has tree-lined streets with luxury boutiques and clean modern architecture - kind of like a Tokyo version of Paris. Meiji Shrine is nearby in a quiet forested area, completely different from the shopping streets. Sundays get even more crowded with people showing off street fashion. Cafes everywhere serve Instagram-worthy pancakes and parfaits. Sitting alone with coffee and a book is normal. Staff at touristy shops speak some English. Walking south, it shifts from energetic Harajuku to fancy Omotesando to expensive Aoyama. Takeshita Street is cheap, Omotesando is not.
Daytime Safety
ExcellentNight Walking Safety
ExcellentHarassment Risk
LowPublic Transport Safety
ExcellentPickpocketing Risk
LowScam Risk
LowPolice Visibility
ExcellentEmergency Services
ExcellentEvening Venues
ExcellentSolo Dining
ExcellentDrug Activity
Very HighHomelessness Visibility
Very HighGetting By in English
Excellent"Cafes everywhere, easy to sit alone for hours"
"Safe to walk around even when it got quiet at night"
"Takeshita Street was fun but insanely crowded on weekends"
"You can go cheap or expensive depending on which street"
"Shop staff were patient with my bad Japanese"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
Temple area with traditional shops and tourist crowds during the day. Gets quiet and safe at night. Watch your stuff on crowded Nakamise Street.
Old Tokyo neighborhood with temples, museums, and local shopping. Safe and cheaper than central areas. Less English spoken.
Upscale shopping district with luxury brands and business dining. Very safe and clean, but expensive and gets empty at night on weekdays.
Help other women stay safe in Harajuku / Omotesando
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.