Public Safety Trends in Osaka | Understand Crime Trends and Regional Differences

Osaka Prefecture is a core city in the Kansai region and a popular tourist destination, but it's important to check information about public safety beforehand. Because the population is concentrated around Osaka City, cities with a lot of pedestrian and vehicular traffic tend to have a relatively high crime rate. However, not all of Osaka Prefecture is a "bad-safe area," and the difference between good and bad areas is clear. It's important to thoroughly understand the information about each station and surrounding area and choose a city where you can live safely.

In this article, we will introduce the number of crimes in Osaka Prefecture, characteristics of each area, and points to keep in mind when living there in a list format, providing information that will be useful when moving or looking for a rental property.

What are the crime trends and regional differences in Osaka Prefecture?

Osaka Prefecture is known for having a relatively high crime rate compared to other parts of Japan, and according to statistics from the National Police Agency, crime rates tend to be particularly high in Osaka City. Nishinari Ward, Chuo Ward, and Naniwa Ward in Osaka City have particularly high crime rates and rates relative to the population, and are often talked about as areas with poor security. However, there are differences depending on the area, and wards such as Joto Ward and Abeno Ward have low crime rates and are considered to be safe cities.

When actually deciding where to live, it is essential to check not only crime statistics but also a variety of other factors, such as the atmosphere of the town, the area around the station, and the number of people walking around at night. In order to live safely, it is important to make a decision based on both facts based on numbers and subjective information obtained on the spot.

What are the security risks unique to large cities?

While large cities like Osaka have many convenient areas with well-developed transportation infrastructure, they also face the security risks inherent in crowded cities. In particular, areas around stations, where downtown areas, tourist attractions, and restaurants are concentrated, tend to be prone to late-night troubles and petty crimes. In addition, with the increase in foreign tourists and immigrants, differences in culture and lifestyles can also lead to problems. Given this background, even if a place appears to be well-developed on the surface, many people feel that it is noisy at night and that the security situation is unsafe when they actually live there.

In particular, single people, women, and families with children need to make a careful choice, taking into account factors such as distance from the station, street lighting at night, and the presence or absence of security cameras. When searching for a rental property in Osaka City, be sure to thoroughly compare information about the city's safety and security to determine whether it is a good area.

Reasons for the large differences between wards

Osaka City is made up of 24 administrative wards, and the security situation varies greatly from ward to ward.

For example, Nishinari Ward and Naniwa Ward have long been areas where many workers have gathered, and even today, there is a lot of information that describes them as having poor security, as they are home to day laborers and cheap lodgings.On the other hand, Tennoji Ward, Joto Ward, Abeno Ward, and other areas have been developed as educational and residential areas, and have a relatively low crime rate, so they are considered to be good cities.

The reasons for these differences are deeply related to the history of the area, the composition of residents, and the degree of urban development. Furthermore, even within the same ward, there are often differences in public safety between the area around a station and residential areas. Therefore, when choosing a place to live in Osaka City, it is important not to simply base your decision on the "ward name," but to check the detailed local information within that area and make a comprehensive decision, taking into account the atmosphere day and night and the state of the surrounding facilities.

5 areas of Osaka with poor security

Even within Osaka Prefecture, areas with particularly poor security are concentrated in certain areas of Osaka City. These areas are often talked about as having a high crime rate, a bad atmosphere at night, or as "towns where many people feel it is difficult to live." For those considering moving or renting an apartment, information about the area's security is an essential element.

Below, we'll take a look at five areas: Nishinari Ward, Chuo Ward, Naniwa Ward, Ikuno Ward, and Yodogawa Ward, and explain in detail the characteristics of each area and the reasons for its poor security. Use this regional information to help you choose a safe and livable area for yourself.

Nishinari Ward (Airin District and Tobita Shinchi)

The Airin district and Tobita Shinchi in Nishinari Ward, Osaka City, are often considered to be areas with poor public safety nationwide. The Airin district has a history of developing as a town where day laborers gather, and even today there are many cheap lodgings and homeless people. Tobita Shinchi is also known as a special entertainment district, and has a unique atmosphere at night, which can make it somewhat intimidating for tourists and young people. However, local residents are actively working to prevent crime, and public safety has been improving in recent years.

However, it is an area that is not suitable for people living in Osaka for the first time or for women living alone. It is important to make a careful decision based on the atmosphere around the station and actual feedback.

Chuo Ward (Namba and Nihonbashi areas)

The Namba and Nipponbashi areas of Osaka's Chuo Ward are popular downtown areas where you can enjoy sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment, but there are also safety concerns to be aware of. Restaurants, adult entertainment establishments, and pachinko parlors that are open late into the night are concentrated around the station, and there is a tendency for drunk customers and noise issues to occur at night. The area around Ota Road in Nipponbashi is a hub for subculture, attracting many people from Japan and abroad, and depending on the time of day, the lively atmosphere can affect your daily life.

It's bright and lively during the day, but the atmosphere changes at night, so careful consideration is needed before deciding whether to live there. Average rents tend to be a little high due to the area's convenience, so it's important to carefully check the surrounding area when choosing a property.

Naniwa Ward (Shin-Imamiya and Ebisucho)

Shin-Imamiya and Ebisucho in Naniwa Ward, Osaka City, are areas where many people express concerns about public safety, despite their convenient access to public transport. The area around Shin-Imamiya Station in particular is adjacent to the Airin district in Nishinari Ward, and the area's reputation for public safety is often linked to the surrounding area, leaving many people wary. The area is also home to many affordable lodging facilities, particularly those aimed at foreign backpackers.

During the day, the area is bustling with tourists and locals, but at night, the streets can suddenly become deserted, making it a worrying area for women and people living alone. Even if you're attracted by the low rent, it's important to check the atmosphere around the station and the security situation.

Ikuno Ward (Tsuruhashi, Imazato, Kitatatsumi)

The Tsuruhashi, Imazato, and Kitatatsumi areas of Ikuno Ward, Osaka City, each have their own unique characteristics, and are areas that require careful consideration of their living environment and public safety. Tsuruhashi is known as one of Osaka's leading Korean towns, and is a lively area lined with international restaurants and general stores. However, some areas have also been criticized for environmental issues such as on-street parking and littering. Furthermore, while the area has a high proportion of foreign residents and rich cultural diversity, some are confused by the differences in lifestyle. While Imazato and Kitatatsumi do not have large downtown areas, the number of vacant homes is increasing in areas where many older residential buildings remain, and some say that this poses security challenges.

When choosing a home in these areas, it is important to thoroughly check the atmosphere of the city day and night, the access to transportation, and the behavior of the local residents on site.

Yodogawa Ward (Jusō)

The Juso area of Yodogawa Ward, Osaka City, is known for its mix of entertainment districts and residential areas, and opinions about its safety are divided. Juso Station is a major station on the Hankyu Line, and while it's highly convenient for commuting to work or school, the west exit of the station is lined with bars and adult entertainment establishments, raising concerns about safety at night. While the main street is bright and busy, the area behind it is less popular, so careful consideration is needed for those living alone for the first time. There have also been complaints about noise and litter issues, so it may not be suitable for those who prioritize a good living environment.

Many properties have low rents, making them attractive in terms of cost-effectiveness, but when deciding to live there, it is important to carefully consider the difference in atmosphere between daytime and nighttime.

What are the common characteristics of places with poor security?

Areas in Osaka City that are considered to have "bad security" share several common characteristics. When considering moving or renting a property, it's important to consider not only crime rankings and rumors, but also the specific city conditions and the roughness of the environment. For example, areas with a high volume of people coming and going in busy areas near train stations and tourist destinations, and areas with a high concentration of late-night stores, tend to have a higher risk of trouble and petty crime. Additionally, areas with a messy streetscape, such as a lot of on-street parking and litter, are also areas that many people consider to have bad security.

In this chapter, we will provide detailed information on the common traits of cities with poor security that you should be aware of before moving in, based on area information for Osaka City and other urban areas.

Security risks are common in tourist areas, downtown areas, and near train stations

Tourist destinations, entertainment districts, and areas in front of train stations are highly convenient locations with a lot of traffic, but they also have the potential to pose a high risk to public safety. In particular, popular spots in Osaka City, such as Namba, Dotonbori, and Umeda, attract tourists from both Japan and abroad, and there is a constant stream of people coming and going late into the night. In these crowded areas, there tends to be a high incidence of petty crimes such as pickpocketing, drunk driving, and door-to-door sales, which can be a cause for concern for those who want to live in peace. Furthermore, because of their convenience, areas in front of train stations are often home to a concentration of commercial facilities and restaurants, and the atmosphere changes dramatically between day and night.

By checking not only the conditions of the rental property but also the surrounding security and nighttime conditions, you can choose a safer city.

The number of late-night stores and entertainment districts

Entertainment districts, where many late-night restaurants, bars, and adult entertainment establishments are located, are prone to trouble at night and tend to be areas where many people feel unsafe. For example, areas around Juso Station, Tobita-Shinchi, and Namba in Osaka are densely packed with snack bars and lounges, and late at night there are many situations where people feel unsafe due to drunk customers, noise, and touts. While these areas may have a relatively calm impression during the day, they often change completely at night, so careful consideration is required, especially for women living alone and families with children.

When choosing a property, it's important to consider not only the building's specifications and rent, but also the surrounding area, how it's doing at night, and the safety of your route home from the station. By checking information websites, reviews, and checking the area on-site, you can choose a town you won't regret moving into.

Environmental degradation such as street parking and littering

The appearance and cleanliness of a city are also a reflection of the area's public safety. Even within Osaka City, many people tend to perceive neighborhoods with a lot of abandoned vehicles parked on the street, or areas with a lot of littering, as having poor public safety. Such environmental degradation can indicate a decline in the manners of residents and the functioning of the local community, and if left unattended, it increases the risk of becoming a breeding ground for crime. For example, in parts of Ikuno Ward and the backstreets of Naniwa Ward, littering and dilapidated vacant houses are problematic, and many people feel uneasy about living there safely.

When searching for a property, it's important to look closely not only at the interior of the building, but also at the condition of the surrounding roads, parks, bicycle parking areas, etc. Check the opinions of local residents and whether there are any local crime prevention activities, and choose a safer living environment.

5 Areas in Osaka with Good Public Safety

Osaka City and its surrounding areas are home to many areas and towns around train stations that are considered safe. Not only do these areas have low crime rates, but many also have a calming living environment and a relaxed atmosphere, making them safe and recommended for those living alone for the first time, as well as for women and families with children. In particular, Tennoji Ward, Abeno Ward, and Joto Ward, which are home to educational and residential areas, have earned high praise within Osaka City as "safe and livable towns." Areas outside Osaka City, such as Suita City and Toyonaka City, are also gaining popularity as safe areas that maintain convenient commuting access.

Here we will introduce five carefully selected areas in Osaka Prefecture that are particularly known for their good public safety. Please use this information as reference when choosing a property or considering moving.

Tennoji Ward (Tamatsukuri and Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka)

Tennoji Ward in Osaka City is a calm town with a rich cultural atmosphere, home to many educational institutions and historical buildings. The crime rate is particularly low around Tamatsukuri Station and Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station, making it a safe area for families with children and single people to live in. The ward is home to many residential areas, many of which are quiet at night, and many people say they feel less anxious when returning home at night. Furthermore, the area is highly security-conscious, with crime prevention patrols being active.

While the average rent for rental properties is a little high, the living environment and safety are worth it. Access from the station is good, and you can use the Osaka Loop Line and subway, making it a convenient city for commuting to work or school.

Joto Ward (Fukaebashi and Kyobashi)

Located in the eastern part of Osaka City, Joto Ward is a safe area with a good balance of residential and commercial facilities. Redevelopment is progressing particularly around Fukaebashi Station and Kyobashi Station, and the cityscape is improving. Police stations patrol frequently, and there are active nighttime patrols and local crime prevention activities, making it an area with a high level of public safety. With a large supermarket, hospital, parks, and other amenities near the station, it is also popular with families.

Kyobashi Station is one of Osaka's major terminal stations, with JR, Keihan, and subway lines running through it, making it easy to get to wherever you want to go. This safe, convenient, and easy-to-live-in area is also recommended for those living in Osaka for the first time.

Abeno Ward (Showa-cho and Fuminosato)

Abeno Ward is a popular area in Osaka City, known for its good living environment and calm atmosphere. The areas around Showacho Station and Fuminosato Station are chosen by many people as they offer both good security and ease of living. This area is characterized by its traditional residential areas, with more residential areas than commercial facilities, resulting in less noise and a quieter lifestyle. There are also many educational facilities, medical institutions, and parks in the neighborhood, making it a safe area for families and the elderly.

The area also has a strong local community, with many people keeping an eye on children and the elderly, and a high level of crime prevention awareness.The area is also easily accessible from the station, with access to the Midosuji Line and Tanimachi Line, making it a convenient location for commuting.

Suita City and Toyonaka City (outside Osaka City, with good public safety)

When searching for safe areas outside of Osaka City, Suita City and Toyonaka City are the first to come to mind. Both are adjacent to Osaka City, have good transportation access, many quiet residential areas, and are characterized by an overall pleasant atmosphere. Suita City is known as a livable city that blends nature with urban functions, with areas such as Senri New Town and the Expo Commemoration Park area, and is particularly popular with families. Toyonaka City is also well-received by families for the academic standard of its public schools and the educational awareness of the local community.

Additionally, both areas have lower crime rates than Osaka city, and are highly rated as safe places to live. They are also conveniently located just 20 to 30 minutes by train from central Osaka, making them recommended for people who want to live in a quiet, safe area.

Fukushima Ward (Around Fukushima Station)

Fukushima Ward in Osaka City is located close to the Umeda area, but is gaining attention as an area with good public safety and a calm neighborhood. The area around Fukushima Station in particular is a friendly neighborhood with excellent transportation access, and is popular with a wide range of people, from single people to families. The area has a good balance of residential areas and restaurants, and is well-lit at night with many people passing by, giving it a sense of security. In addition, local residents are actively involved in beautification activities and neighborhood watch campaigns, and areas with strong connections between residents are said to have high crime prevention effects.

Although rents for rental properties are somewhat high, this is a highly recommended area for those looking for a city where they can live safely for a long time.

Fukushima Ward is the perfect area for people who want both good accessibility and good public safety.

What you can do to check the safety

When deciding where to live, information about public safety is extremely important, asking, "Is this city safe to live in?" Particularly in cities like Osaka, where public safety varies greatly depending on the area and station, thoroughly checking the situation beforehand will help you choose a city you won't regret. Since it's difficult to understand the number of crimes and the atmosphere of a neighborhood from a map alone, it's effective to check from multiple perspectives, such as reliable crime prevention information tools and the opinions of residents.

In this chapter, we will introduce in detail from three perspectives useful tools and verification methods that can be used to determine the safety of an area. If you are looking for a rental property in Osaka or are thinking of moving, please use this as a reference.

Use of the "Anmachi App" and the Osaka Prefectural Police crime prevention map

One useful tool for checking public safety in Osaka is the "Anmachi App." This app, provided by the Osaka Prefectural Police, is an excellent crime prevention tool that provides real-time information on crime occurrences in each area. By selecting the area you want to view on the map, you can see at a glance information on thefts, violent incidents, suspicious individuals, and more. You can also check the public safety situation around specific stations and commuting routes in advance.

Using these official tools will help you visualize the safety of the city or rental area you're interested in, allowing you to make a more objective decision. Be sure to check the safety of your property based on accurate information before moving.

Points to look at when viewing a property

When viewing a rental property, don't forget to check not only the building and room facilities, but also the security situation in the surrounding area. Most viewings are conducted during daylight hours, but ideally, you should also check the atmosphere in the evening or at night. Checking whether there is any litter scattered around the area, whether there is a lot of on-street parking, or whether there is graffiti on the building's exterior or common areas are signs of the area's crime prevention consciousness. The atmosphere of nearby stations and commercial facilities, as well as the clientele at convenience stores and restaurants, can also be used to judge security. Checking whether auto-locks and security cameras are installed is especially important for women living alone or families with small children.

It is important to check the surrounding environment, which is often overlooked, and get a feel for whether the city is safe to live in.

Check out local reviews and comments from residents

To determine whether a city is safe or not, it's effective to refer to the real opinions of people who actually live there. There are many online review sites and message boards that compile reviews of each area in Osaka, describing how easy it is to live there and whether there are any problems. For example, real-life opinions such as "The area in front of the station in XX Ward is nice, but the back streets are scary," "There are no people around at night," and "It's a safe environment for raising children" are useful references. Social media, local blogs, and moving comparison sites also often share safety-related experiences and warnings.

Of course, you don't have to take all opinions at face value, but be careful if many people are mentioning the same points. Residents' opinions are an important factor in determining the actual situation in the area, which cannot be seen from property information alone.

Summary | Use Osaka's safety information to choose a safe city to live in

While Osaka is highly convenient, the safety of each area varies greatly. While some areas, such as Nishinari Ward and Naniwa Ward, are considered unsafe, there are also many areas with low crime rates and that are easy to live in, such as Tennoji Ward, Fukushima Ward, and Suita City. It's important to check the safety information of a city from multiple angles, not just the rent and location. By referring to security apps, the local atmosphere, and reviews from residents, you can live a safer and more comfortable life.

When choosing a property, pay attention to the safety of the city so you can make a move without regrets.