Kyoto served as Japan's imperial capital for over a millennium and remains the country's cultural heart, home to more than 1,600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines, and 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city moves at a contemplative pace, with geisha districts, bamboo groves, and stone-paved lanes coexisting alongside modern infrastructure.
Kyoto is one of the safest major cities in the world. Violent crime is nearly non-existent, and travelers of all backgrounds report feeling comfortable walking at night. The primary concerns are minor: pickpockets in crowded tourist zones, bicycle traffic, and summer heat-related health risks.
Current safety advisory
Extremely Safe
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance) in separate locations.
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
Use registered taxis or rideshare apps. Avoid unmarked vehicles offering rides.
Trust your instincts — if a situation feels wrong, remove yourself from it.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Items
- Topic
- Tap water
- Detail
- Safe to drink throughout Kyoto; no need for bottled water
- Topic
- Food safety
- Detail
- Extremely high standards; street food and restaurants are safe
- Topic
- Summer heat
- Detail
- July–August temperatures reach 35–38°C (95–100°F) with high humidity; carry water, use cooling towels, and take shade breaks
- Topic
- Pharmacies
- Detail
- Matsumoto Kiyoshi and Welcia pharmacy chains are widespread; limited English-language OTC medicines available. Nearest international-friendly pharmacy: American Pharmacy Kyoto, Karasuma-dori (075-231-0089)
- Topic
- Hospitals with English service
- Detail
- Kyoto University Hospital (+81-75-751-3111); Japan Baptist Hospital (+81-75-781-5191) at 47 Yamanomoto-cho, Kitashirakawa, Sakyo-ku
- Topic
- Earthquakes
- Detail
- Japan is seismically active. If shaking occurs: duck under a table, protect your head, and stay away from windows. Do not use elevators. Follow evacuation signs.
- Topic
- Typhoons
- Detail
- Typhoon season is June–October. Check NHK World weather alerts (nhk.or.jp/world) and follow local authority instructions.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Items