Kanagawa Safety Guide 2025
Stay safe during your Kanagawa trip with essential safety information.
Safety Overview
Safety conditions vary throughout Kanagawa. Research specific areas before traveling and stay updated on current conditions.
Kanagawa Prefecture is a diverse region south of Tokyo offering everything from the cosmopolitan port city of Yokohama to the ancient temples of Kamakura and the volcanic hot springs of Hakone. It combines urban sophistication with natural beauty, including stunning views of Mount Fuji and the rugged Shonan coastline.
Travel Advisories
Official warnings and recommendations from government sources.
Government Travel Advisories
Always check your government's official travel advisory website before visiting Kanagawa. Conditions can change rapidly.
Official Advisory Sources
- 🇺🇸 US: travel.state.gov
- 🇬🇧 UK: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
- 🇨🇦 Canada: travel.gc.ca
- 🇦🇺 Australia: smartraveller.gov.au
Safety Checklist & Emergency Card
Download our printable safety checklist and emergency contact card.
Common Scams to Avoid
Be aware of these common tourist scams.
Overcharging
Tourists may be quoted inflated prices for goods, services, and transportation.
Fake Tour Guides
Unofficial guides offering services that may not be legitimate or safe.
Money Exchange Scams
Unofficial money changers offering poor rates or counterfeit currency.
Taxi Meter Manipulation
Rigged meters or drivers taking longer routes.
Essential Safety Tips
Practical advice for staying safe during your trip.
Japan is earthquake-prone. Familiarise yourself with earthquake safety: drop to your knees, take cover under a sturdy table, hold on, and stay away from windows. Many hotels display evacuation routes.
Typhoon season runs July–October. Monitor forecasts via the Japan Meteorological Agency (jma.go.jp) or the Safety Tips app. If a typhoon warning is issued, stay indoors, avoid coastal and river areas.
Coastal areas including Kamakura, Enoshima, and Yokohama have tsunami risk after major earthquakes. Know the location of tsunami evacuation signs (blue signs with wave icon) and move to higher ground immediately if a warning is issued.
Hakone's Owakudani volcanic valley occasionally restricts access due to increased sulfuric gas emissions. Check Kanagawa Prefecture's official hazard level before visiting. Those with respiratory conditions should take extra precautions.
Traffic drives on the left in Japan. Pedestrians cross at designated crossings only; jaywalking is uncommon and can be dangerous in busy Yokohama intersections. Be alert for cyclists on footpaths.
Summers (July–September) can be dangerously hot and humid (30–35°C). Drink water regularly, wear sunscreen, seek shade during midday, and be alert for heat stroke symptoms. Convenience stores are everywhere and sell cold drinks cheaply.
Pickpocketing is rare in Japan but can occur in crowded tourist spots like Yokohama Chinatown and Kamakura during peak season. Keep valuables in a front pocket or zipped bag. Lost property is frequently turned in to police boxes (koban).
Japan has very low scam rates. Be cautious of touts near some Yokohama nightlife areas who may invite you into overpriced bars or clubs. Reputable establishments do not solicit on the street.
Stand behind the yellow tactile line on train platforms. Priority seats near train doors are reserved for elderly, pregnant, and disabled passengers — vacate them if needed. Do not eat on local trains (fine on shinkansen).
Hakone and Kamakura hiking trails can become slippery after rain. Wear appropriate footwear, carry water, and download offline maps before setting out. Some trails near Owakudani may be closed without notice.
Yokohama has excellent hospitals; Yokohama City University Hospital and Yokohama Municipal Citizen's Hospital both have international patient departments. In emergencies dial 119 for ambulance/fire, 110 for police.
Remove shoes when entering temples, traditional ryokan, and some restaurants. Tattoos may restrict access to some onsen. Avoid speaking loudly on trains or public transport. Tipping is not customary and can be considered rude.
Download the free 'Safety Tips' app (JNTO) for real-time earthquake, tsunami, and weather alerts in English, Chinese, Korean, and other languages.
Safety by Traveler Type
Solo Travelers
Stay in well-reviewed accommodations, share your itinerary with someone at home, and trust your instincts.
Female Travelers
Dress conservatively, avoid isolated areas, and consider joining group tours for remote locations.
Families
Keep children close in crowds, establish meeting points, and ensure kids have hotel contact info.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Research local laws and attitudes. Exercise discretion and connect with local LGBTQ+ resources.
Health & Medical
Stay healthy during your trip.
Vaccinations
Consult your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel. Routine vaccines should be up to date. Check CDC/WHO recommendations.
Water Safety
Drink bottled water only. Avoid ice in drinks and raw foods washed in tap water.
Food Safety
Eat freshly cooked food from busy establishments. Peel fruits yourself. Avoid uncooked items.
Medical Facilities
Quality varies. Major cities have adequate hospitals. Carry basic first aid kit and any prescription medications.
Medication Tips
- Bring enough prescription medication for your entire trip plus extra
- Keep medications in original containers with pharmacy labels
- Carry a letter from your doctor explaining your medications
- Some medications may be restricted - research before traveling
- Pack basic medications: pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, antihistamines
Emergency Contacts
Important numbers to have on hand.
Emergency Services
Police, Fire, Ambulance
Medical Emergency
Hospitals and clinics
Your Embassy
Consular assistance
Tourist Police
Tourist assistance
Before You Go
- Register with your embassy's travel notification program
- Save emergency numbers in your phone
- Note your hotel's address in local language
- Share your itinerary with family/friends
- Know your travel insurance emergency hotline
Travel Confidently in Kanagawa
Get our complete safety guide with emergency card, insurance recommendations, and area-by-area safety ratings.
Download Safety Guide