Japan consistently ranks among the safer countries for travellers, and Kyoto is no exception — but it's still worth knowing the basics before you go, particularly emergency numbers and a few health-related quirks that catch visitors out.
Emergency numbers
- Police: 110
- Ambulance / fire: 119
Both are free to call from any phone. English-language support is available but can involve a short wait for an interpreter to join the line — stay on the line rather than hanging up if the first response is in Japanese.
General safety
Violent crime is rare, and petty theft is genuinely uncommon by international standards — it's not unusual to see phones or bags left to reserve a seat unattended. That said, ordinary travel precautions still apply, particularly around crowded tourist sites and stations.
Pharmacies and medication
Drugstore chains are widespread and stock common over-the-counter remedies, though English labelling and English-speaking staff aren't guaranteed outside the busiest tourist areas — a translation app is genuinely useful here. If you take prescription medication, bring enough for your trip along with your prescription or a doctor's note: Japan restricts some medications that are freely available elsewhere, including certain stimulant-based decongestants, so it's worth checking your specific medications against Japanese import rules before you travel rather than assuming they're fine.
Earthquakes
Japan is seismically active, and Kyoto does experience earthquakes, though the region is comparatively less prone to major events than some other parts of the country. Buildings and infrastructure are built to strict seismic codes; if you feel a quake, follow posted evacuation information at your accommodation and avoid elevators until it's confirmed safe.
Travel insurance
Japanese healthcare is high-quality but not free for visitors, and can be genuinely expensive without cover — travel insurance that includes medical treatment is worth arranging before you go, not something to leave until you need it.