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Yes, Japan is widely known as one of the safest countries in the world, and this guide is designed to answer your questions about health, safety, and the support our team provides. We know that safety is a big question for both Study Trippers and their families. This article is a tool to give you the facts and help you feel confident in your decision.
Main key takeaways
- Japan is considered one of the safest countries in the world, with very low crime rates.
- We provide you with travel insurance and our team is available to assist you if you feel unwell.
- Japan is extremely well-prepared for natural events like earthquakes, and we provide safety information at orientation.
- For participants on our Study Trips, our dedicated team provides support when you need it — from planning your trip to guiding you during your scheduled activities in Japan.
- This guide is a great resource to share with your family to give them peace of mind.
Quick emergency reference
Keep these numbers handy or save them in your phone:
- Police: 110
- Fire & Ambulance: 119
- Earthquake Info: Download the “Safety Tips” App
Why is Japan known for being so safe?
Japan is known as one of the safest countries in the world due to its extremely low crime rates and strong sense of community trust.
In 2025, Japan ranked 11th in the world with a Safety Index of 77.3. The Safety Index is a score (usually out of 100) that measures the general level of safety in a country. A high score like 77.3 indicates very low crime rates and a high sense of security for residents and visitors.
Japan is a country where it is common to see people walking alone at night and children taking the train by themselves. As our veteran Tour Leader, Jose, notes, “People have commented on how peaceful and tranquil the city is, so it makes it feel even safer.”
This general atmosphere of safety and respect is a key reason why Japan is such a great destination for a Study Trip.
What should I do if I feel sick?
We help you prepare with travel insurance, and our team is on hand to assist you if you feel unwell during your Study Trip. Your health is a top priority, and we have a straightforward process to support you.
- Step 1: Minor Illness? If you have a minor ailment (like a cold or headache), our Tour Leaders can guide you to a local pharmacy and help you choose the right over-the-counter medication.
- Step 2: Need a Doctor? If you need medical attention, we can assist you in finding an English-speaking clinic or hospital or an online medical service provider.
- Step 3: Insurance Coverage: Remember that all our Study Trips include travel and medical insurance for the duration of your course.
What about earthquakes or natural disasters?
Japan is extremely well-prepared for earthquakes, and we will provide you with practical safety information during your orientation. It is normal to have questions about this, but rest assured, you are in good hands. As our team explains, “You are in the best country to be in if there is an earthquake because Japan has been dealing with them for many years.”
Pro Tip: Download the “Safety Tips” App. Our team recommends downloading the official “Safety Tips” app. It pushes alerts for earthquakes and heavy rain to your phone in English and provides evacuation flowcharts to help you handle any situation calmly.
What kind of support does the Go! Go! Nihon Study Trip team provide?
For participants on our Study Trips, our dedicated team provides support when you need it, from planning your trip to guiding you during your scheduled activities in Japan.
- Before you go (planning): Our Student Advisors are experts who help you with all your questions before you leave, making the planning process simple.
- While you are there (on-the-ground): Our Tour Leaders (like Jose) lead your scheduled activities, give you insider tips, and are your main contact if you have issues during the trip.
We find that the best way to feel comfortable is to get to know our staff. We invite you to meet the Go! Go! Nihon Study Trip Team so you can see the friendly faces who will be there to help.
Frequently asked questions about safety in Japan
- What is the emergency number in Japan?
The police emergency number is 110, and the ambulance/fire number is 119. Our team will also provide you with a direct contact number for our on-the-ground staff. - Do I need to speak Japanese to be safe?
No. While knowing basic phrases is helpful (and fun!), you do not need to speak Japanese to be safe. Major signs are in English, and people are generally very helpful. - Is Japan safe for a solo female traveler?
Yes, Japan is widely regarded as one of the safest countries in the world for solo travelers, including women. - What if I get lost?
We recommend getting pocket Wi-Fi, so you can always stay connected to Google Maps. You can also message your fellow travelers or the Study Trip team on Discord, or you can ask friendly locals for help. - Will someone be there to meet me at the airport?
If you choose to add our optional airport pickup service to your booking, a driver will meet you at the airport and take you directly to your accommodation. Otherwise, you will need to navigate to your housing on your own. - Do you have 24/7 emergency support?
For our Study Trip participants, our staff is available to answer questions during scheduled activities and office hours. If you have an emergency outside of these hours, we provide you with a comprehensive list of emergency numbers and resources to ensure that you can get help.
Conclusion
Knowing that you will be in a safe country with a supportive team makes your adventure even more exciting. We are here to provide a fun, engaging, and well-supported Study Trip. Ready to get started? Explore our Study Trips to find the one that is right for you.
