It is pretty common to see umbrella stands installed at the entrance of many Japanese shops, such as convenience stores. However, it is also common to find that, should you put your umbrella there on a rainy day, when you finish your shopping, it will be gone. Another place where this is commonplace is at bars and pubs. You should be especially careful if you carry the common 100-500 yen transparent or white umbrellas typically sold at convenience stores, drug stores, and mass retailers. First of all, because these are the most common, it is not unusual for someone to grab the wrong one by mistake on their way out. And for others, some people may not feel much guilt just snatching one under the perception that it is generally inexpensive and not worth much. So make sure to bring yours with you even when you shop and try not put it to the stands.

Bicycle theft is surprisingly common in Japan. In Saitama Prefecture, which borders the Tokyo metropolitan area, a 2017 data sample recorded 18,148 stolen bicycles, an average of about 50 bikes per day.

More than half of these thefts involved unlocked bicycles, but what often surprises people is that around 40% were taken from bike parking lots even though the bikes were locked. This is why local governments across Japan repeatedly stress the same rule: always lock your bike, even if you are stepping away for just a few minutes.

Even so, a single lock is not always enough. To reduce the risk, many cyclists now use “double locking,” securing both the frame and a wheel with separate locks. It is also wise to keep clear photos of your bicycle from multiple angles, as these are extremely helpful if you need to file a police report.

Finally, theft is not limited to the bike itself. In some cases, especially in residential areas, front baskets and their contents are stolen as well. Remove valuables and take extra steps to secure anything that can be easily grabbed.

Tokyo is widely regarded as a very safe city, and the risk of pickpocketing is low compared to many other countries. That said, crowded situations are the main exception. Large summer festivals, department store bargain sales, and other packed events create ideal conditions for theft.

Extra caution is also wise in busy downtown areas such as Shinjuku’s Kabukicho, Shibuya’s Center-gai, Harajuku’s Takeshita Street, and Ueno’s Ameyoko, as well as during morning and evening rush hour on trains.

To reduce the risk, keep valuables like wallets in less accessible places such as inside a bag rather than in a pocket. Wearing your bag in front of you and staying aware of your surroundings can make a big difference in avoiding trouble.

Japanese hot springs and public baths are designed for relaxation, and many provide open baskets where guests can place their clothes and belongings while bathing. However, these baskets offer no security, and there is always a risk of loss or damage, especially if cash is left inside a wallet.

Lockers are the safest option, but even then, there have been occasional reports of lockers being tampered with. For extra peace of mind, it is best to leave valuables at the reception desk whenever possible.

As a general rule, never leave cash or valuables in open baskets. Taking a few simple precautions will help ensure your bath is relaxing for all the right reasons.

In downtown areas such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, and Roppongi, you are likely to encounter barkers and swindlers. Be careful not to be fooled by them unwittingly and charged an outrageous fee for something. In areas where this is forbidden, you will see police actively alerting attention. Be careful not to fall for their smooth-talking and tricked out of a hefty sum.

In many countries, drivers naturally slow down and give way to pedestrians at crosswalks without traffic lights. In Japan, this is not just courtesy, it is the law. Drivers are legally required to slow down and stop when a pedestrian is crossing or clearly about to cross, even at unmarked crossings. Failing to yield can result in fines and, in serious cases, imprisonment.

That said, enforcement can be inconsistent. In large cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, cars and taxis often pass through unmarked crosswalks without stopping. Surveys show that many drivers still fail to yield, despite the legal requirement.

For pedestrians, this means extra caution is essential. Always look both ways, make sure traffic has fully stopped, and cross with confidence only when it is safe to do so. Knowing your right of way is important, but staying alert is what keeps you safe.

If you use public transportation in Japan, you will often hear announcements such as “Please turn off mobile phones near priority seats” or “Please set your device to silent mode.” Talking on the phone on trains and buses is generally avoided and is considered poor etiquette.

The reason is simple. In enclosed spaces, people tend to speak louder than they realize, which can be disruptive to those around them. Out of consideration for other passengers, most people keep phone conversations off public transport altogether.

In rare cases where a call is unavoidable, it is polite to cover your mouth, speak as quietly as possible, and be mindful of your surroundings. You will not receive a fine or a ticket for using your phone, but following this custom helps avoid awkward moments and keeps your commute stress-free.

In Japan, smoking on the street, including smoking while walking, is widely prohibited, especially in major cities like Tokyo. The crackdown began in the early 2000s with stricter rules on littering, followed soon after by bans on smoking while walking. Over time, these regulations spread nationwide.

The rule applies not only to cigarettes, but also to electronic cigarettes and vaping devices. Penalties vary by location, but fines can range from as little as 1,000 yen to as much as 20,000 yen.

Street smoking bans are firmly enforced in many urban areas, including the 23 wards of Tokyo, Saitama, Kanagawa, Chiba, Shizuoka City, Utsunomiya City, Nagoya City, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima City, Fukuoka, Sapporo City, and Naha City.

If you smoke, always look for designated smoking areas. Lighting up on the street, even briefly, can result in an unexpected fine.

Of course in most cases it is not the entire prefecture, but in the prohibited areas you will usually see signs indicating "smoking prohibited" drawn on the roads and sidewalks. In these areas there are designated smoking places, as well as in cafes and restaurants, where you can safely light up.

In 2024, Japan recorded 6,080 automobile thefts. That works out to fewer than three cases a day, but there is an important catch. More than 70% involved keyless vehicles, which can be targeted without breaking in. Most thefts happen on public roads or in parking lots, not remote locations.

To reduce the risk, always use an anti-theft device and choose parking facilities with visible security features. Even paid or toll parking lots can be risky if they are poorly lit or have little foot traffic. Extra caution is needed in recreational areas and around large event venues, where damage and theft are more common.

As a rule, never leave valuables in your car. Take them with you whenever possible. If something must be left behind, keep it completely out of sight. Small precautions go a long way in preventing an expensive and stressful problem.

In recent years, travelers in Japan’s busiest sightseeing districts have reported an increase in people posing as Buddhist monks. Dressed to look authentic, they may approach you with a golden badge or a rosary, present it as a “gift,” then ask for a donation to a worthy-sounding cause like rebuilding a temple. Do not accept anything from them. Even if an item is placed in your hand, firmly refuse to pay and walk away.

These impostors are most often spotted in major tourist hubs such as Shibuya, Asakusa, Ikebukuro, Akihabara, and Ueno, and they almost always target foreign visitors. If someone claiming to be a monk approaches you in these areas, stay alert.

How can you tell a fake monk from the real thing?

It is not always obvious at first glance, but their behavior is a giveaway. Genuine monks are typically quiet and non-confrontational. Fake ones tend to be pushy about money and may even turn hostile if refused. Anyone trying to sell charms, beads, amulets, or “donations” on the street is not a real monk.

In the end, trust your instincts. If the interaction feels like a hustle, involves pressure, or resembles a hard sell, the safest choice is to decline and move on.