Is Sapporo Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Updated On November 7, 2023
Sapporo, Japan
Safety Index:
92
* Based on Research & Crime Data
User Sentiment:
80
* Rated 80 / 100 based on 3 user reviews.

Sapporo is probably best known as the capital of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island.

The reason why it attracts so many international visitors is the annual Snow Festival.

The city has a population of around 2 million people, but still, there are so many parks and beautiful countryside where both residents and tourists will be able to enjoy their own space.

Besides attending Sapporo’s snow festival, tourists like visiting the Ishiya Chocolate Factory and walk around Asahiyama Park.

Those interested in art should not miss the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art.

Warnings & Dangers in Sapporo

Overall Risk

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Sapporo is definitely considered one of the safest cities in the world, according to the safety score which is above 90. Travelers would feel safe there and can enjoy their journey.

Transport & Taxis Risk

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

In the majority of cases, nothing bad happened on public transport in Sapporo, even though many people travel by it. You just need to be vigilant and watchful of your belongings so as not to be robbed there.

Pickpockets Risk

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

You should keep purses and packages close to your arms and body, being that pickpockets operate on crowded streets and in front of landmarks. You have to be aware of people around you.

Natural Disasters Risk

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH

Earthquakes can have a huge impact on towns and cities in Japan, as well as tsunamis and volcanoes. In case of emergency, you should follow the advice of the authorities and act accordingly.

Mugging Risk

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Some travelers have reported extortion and robbery but this is not something that happens frequently in Sapporo. Most travelers spend their holidays without experiencing any kind of threat.

Terrorism Risk

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Japan is not a country prone to terrorist attacks and being that there is a global risk of terrorist attacks in those frequented by foreigners, you should remain watchful all the time.

Scams Risk

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Even though there have been reports of foreign nationals being targeted for drink-spiking followed by sexual assault in clubs and bars, these occurrences are quite rare in Sapporo.

Women Travelers Risk

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

There were instanced of female passengers on commuter trains being touched or offended, but this is not common. The majority of females feel fully free while in Sapporo.

So... How Safe Is Sapporo Really?

When it comes to natural disasters, there is a continuous risk of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis throughout Japan so tourists should get informed about the current situation when the place they are traveling to is in question and in case of emergency, act wisely and follow the advice of the authorities.

Even though Sapporo is not a dangerous city for tourists, you need to walk with confidence on the street and keep your head up while observing your surroundings.

Travelers are suggested to avoid doing anything that can distract them from being aware of your surroundings and who may be approaching them.

We can say that being mugged and attacked using a gun is not something that might happen to a tourist in Sapporo, but still, there are chances that this occurs.

In that case, you should not resist, and the best action that you can do is to hand over money and other belongings they demand from you.

Any confrontation is potentially dangerous and your life is more important than your possessions.

All in all, Sapporo is the place where travelers might feel free of trouble and walk the streets without worrying about being assaulted.

How Does Sapporo Compare?

CitySafety Index
Sapporo92
Kyoto83
Tokyo80
Osaka79
Hiroshima68
Nagasaki96
Sendai88
Buenos Aires (Argentina)60
Vancouver (Canada)82
Cordoba (Argentina)61
Toronto (Canada)81
Melbourne (Australia)80
Montreal (Canada)81

Useful Information

Visas

Visas

People who come as tourists for a stay less than 90 days do not have to get a visa, but just a valid passport as well as a return ticket.

Currency

Currency

Exchanging of the money into yens should be done in licensed exchange offices, and you have to have in mind that credit and other cash cards are not widely accepted.

Weather

Weather

Sapporo has a humid continental climate characterized by summers which are generally warm while winters are cold and very snowy so it makes the city able to hold festivals with snow statues.

Airports

Airports

If you want to fly to Sapporo, you can do it via the New Chitose Airport, an international airport which is located in Hokkaidō, Japan but serves the Sapporo metropolitan area.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance

No matter how healthy you are, you cannot know what might happen to you abroad. So, it is a wise decision to take travel insurance which will cover expensive medical services in Japan.

Click here to get an offer for travel insurance

Sapporo Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Jan -5° C
Feb -4° C
Mar -1° C
Apr 6° C
May 12° C
Jun 16° C
Jul 21° C
Aug 22° C
Sep 17° C
Oct 11° C
Nov 4° C
Dec -2° C
Choose Temperature Unit

Average High/Low Temperature

Temperature / MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High
°C
-1031016202425211571
Low
°C
-8-8-4271217181360-5
High
°F
303237506168757770594534
Low
°F
181825364554636455433223

Japan - Safety by City

CitySafety Index
Hiroshima68
Kanazawa83
Kyoto83
Nagasaki96
Nara88
Osaka79
Sapporo92
Sendai88
Tokyo80
Yokohama87

Where to Next?

3 Reviews on Sapporo

  1. Snow, snow, snow

    Always enjoy visiting here during the holidays, we just love the snow activities available in Sapporo. A lot of engagements I notice happen there especially from tourists! I would recommend Sapporo to anyone who enjoys the snow and a winter wonderland!

  2. You can enjoy skiing when you visit Japan in winter

    Niseko’s powder snow is world-famous, and there are so many ways to enjoy it! Skiing & snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, snow tubing, …
    Of course, it is safe and good to visit.

  3. It is safe to travel to sapporo in August 2024 during this earthquake condition?

Sapporo Rated 4 / 5 based on 3 user reviews.

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