Is Ashihara Bridge really "dangerous"? The truth behind the rumors and what locals say

Ashihara Bridge in Naniwa Ward, Osaka City, is often described on the internet and social media as being "dangerous" or "creepy." We will investigate whether the area is actually unsafe or if the image of the area from the past is the cause, based on the local atmosphere and the opinions of local residents.

Is it true that it has a ghost town atmosphere?

One of the reasons why Ashiharabashi is said to be like a ghost town is the presence of vacant lots and old buildings around the station. In areas where there were once many factories and warehouses, redevelopment has not progressed, and there are many streets with closed shops.

However, this is limited to certain areas, and in reality there are houses and offices scattered around, so it cannot be called a completely "uninhabited area." There are times when the number of people passing by is sparse depending on the time of day, but the reason this is perceived as "eerie" is probably due to preconceived notions and a lack of information.

Location relative to the Airin district and the impact of the public safety image

Ashiharabashi is adjacent to the Airin district (formerly Kamagasaki) of Nishinari Ward, which has led to concerns that the area may be unsafe. In reality, the area around Ashiharabashi Station is located in Naniwa Ward, and the government is taking measures to ensure public safety.

In recent years, police patrols have been strengthened and crime rates are declining except in some areas. However, caution is required in the alleys on the south side near the Airin district and in areas with few people at night. Understanding the surrounding environment and checking the area in advance is key to living safely.

Is the impression different during the day and at night? Residents' real experiences

Many residents say that the atmosphere around Ashiharabashi Station is very different during the day and at night. During the day, the area is relatively lively with many factory workers and delivery trucks passing by, but at night the streets suddenly thin out and the silence can create a sense of unease.

However, it is not "dangerous" but more of a "quiet corner of the city," and since there are street lights, visibility is relatively good. Recently, more and more women are living alone, and if you choose a property near a station with good security, you can minimize anxiety at night.

Check the security situation around Ashiharabashi Station with data and reviews

We will objectively analyze the safety of the area around the station from both numerical data and resident reviews. Here, we will take a closer look at whether women can walk alone safely and whether there are differences in safety between the north and south of the station.

Is it safe for a woman to walk alone? What is the crime rate?

The crime rate in Naniwa Ward, where Ashiharabashi Station is located, is 643 cases per year as of 2024, which is low among the 23 wards, and snatch thefts and street robberies also tend to be low. From a female perspective, there are many reviews saying that "there are many streetlights, so it's bright even at night," and "supermarkets and convenience stores are open until late at night, so it's safe," and there are many voices saying that it's no problem walking alone at night.

Therefore, based on both crime statistics and actual feedback, this area can be considered safe for women to walk alone.

Are the security conditions different in the north and south? Characteristics of each area

The north side of Ashiharabashi Station (Shiokusa) is equipped with supermarkets, restaurants, and parks, and is bright and busy due to redevelopment. On the other hand, the south side is an area near public housing and train lines, and some areas are quiet at night and there are homeless people, so caution is advised.

Although there are warnings about suspicious people and vacant lots at night, especially on the south side near the Airin district, overall the main roads around the station are well lit and give the impression of being wide and safe.

Is there any difference in security compared to Awaracho Station and surrounding stations?

By comparing the public safety of Ashiharabashi Station with the surrounding stations, including Ashiharacho Station and Daikokucho Station which are close to the station, you can choose an area where you can live more safely.

Here we will explain in detail the security situation at each specific station and areas that are best avoided, even if they are within walking distance.

Comparison with Awaracho Station and Daikokucho Station

Awaramachi Station is an unmanned station on the Nankai Shiomibashi Line, and the area around the station is a quiet neighborhood with a mixture of houses and warehouses. There are few people passing by, and some people say they feel uneasy at night, so some caution is required in terms of crime prevention.

On the other hand, Daikokucho Station is a convenient terminal station where the Midosuji and Yotsubashi subway lines intersect, and is relatively bright and busy with many restaurants and drugstores.

In terms of public safety, the commercial area to the north of the station is safe, but some areas to the southeast are crowded with adult entertainment establishments and cheap lodgings, and some say it's best to avoid them at night. Ashiharabashi Station is somewhere in between, and the area around the station tends to be relatively safe.

What areas within walking distance should I avoid?

Asuharabashi, Asuharacho, and Daikokucho are all within walking distance, and the area is generally easy to live in, however there are some spots you should be aware of.

In particular, from the south side of Ashiharabashi Station to parts of the Airin district, there are few people on the streets at night, and parks and vacant lots where homeless people gather are scattered. Although the number of crimes is not high, it may cause psychological anxiety for first-time residents and women living alone.

If you want to avoid these areas, you can safely choose Shiokusa on the north side of the station or Motomachi/Namba on the north side of Daikokucho Station. Also, when choosing a property, you can increase safety by prioritizing conditions such as auto-locks, security cameras, and being on the second floor or higher.

The streetscape and atmosphere around Ashiharabashi Station | What is the true nature of the eerieness?

Ashiharabashi is sometimes described as "eerie," but this is often due to the structure of the town and past impressions. If you learn about the local streetscape, pedestrian traffic, and historical background, your impression may change.

Let's take a closer look at the specifics below.

Shopping streets and backstreets

The area around Ashiharabashi Station is dotted with small shops that still retain the atmosphere of the Showa era, old-fashioned public baths, and local restaurants. However, there are many vacant stores and buildings with their shutters down on the south and west sides of the station, which makes the area feel like a ghost town.

In addition, there are many warehouses and former factories in the back alleys, and the impression is more of commercial facilities than residential areas, so it can feel a bit impersonal at first glance. However, new cafes and apartments can be seen in some streets, and there are signs of gradual redevelopment.

Safety level can be determined by the presence or absence of street lights and people

The impression of creepiness is largely due to the darkness and the lack of people around. In the area around Ashiharabashi Station, there are plenty of streetlights along the main streets, and many places are bright and walkable even at night.

On the other hand, in the area southwest of the station, which is full of narrow alleys and vacant lots, there are few street lights and few people, so you may feel lonely, especially at night. In terms of crime prevention, choosing a property on the north side of the station or along a main street will make a big difference in your sense of security.

If you actually walk around the area during the day and at night, you can really feel the difference in the impression you get depending on the time of day.

The region's historical background also plays a role

Ashiharabashi was once a designated burakumin community, and is known as a base for human rights movements and regional development. Due to this historical background, discriminatory labels have been applied excessively, and it cannot be denied that the impression of it being "dangerous" or "scary" has taken root in some circles.

However, the area is currently undergoing improvement and the living environment is being improved, and facilities such as the Human Rights Museum have been built, showing that the area is also a symbol of culture and coexistence. By learning about this background, it is possible to appreciate the diversity of the Ashiharabashi area and correct the misunderstood image of it.

Is Ashiharabashi actually a nice place to live? The unexpected benefits

While there are some people who say that "Ashiharabashi is scary," it is also true that once you actually live there, you will find it to be surprisingly easy to live in.

Here we will introduce some of the benefits of Asaharabashi that are known only to those in the know, such as low rent, easy transportation access, and a bright town.

The average rent is low, and it's great value even though it's close to the station.

The rent in the Ashiharabashi area is relatively low even within Osaka City, and you can find a one-room/one-kitchen apartment within walking distance of the station for 40,000 to 60,000 yen. This area, which straddles Naniwa Ward and Nishinari Ward, is particularly attractive for its balance of accessibility to the city center and cost-effectiveness. Even newly built apartments and properties with furniture and appliances are cheaper than other popular areas, making it a good location for people living alone or those moving to Osaka for the first time.

In addition, there are many properties with no deposit or key money required, making it ideal for those who want to keep initial costs down. This area offers great benefits for those who want to enjoy a convenient city life while keeping living costs down.

Easy access to Namba and Tennoji via the Osaka Loop Line

Ashiharabashi Station is located on the JR Osaka Loop Line, and is easily accessible to Namba Station and Tennoji Station, both of which are just 5 to 10 minutes away. In addition, Ashiharacho Station on the Nankai Shiomibashi Line is also within walking distance, making it easy to use multiple lines.

It is an extremely convenient location for young people working in the city center and students, as it allows for smooth commuting to major areas of Osaka. Another hidden attraction is that the rush hour is relatively mild, making it easy to live a life with plenty of free time.

Many roads are bright and have good visibility even at night

For people who are concerned about safety, the brightness of the streets at night is an important point. Many of the main streets and residential areas around Ashiharabashi Station are equipped with streetlights, and there are many roads that are relatively bright and have good visibility even at night.

From people who actually live there

• "You can walk safely even at night"
• "There are a lot of people along the main street" etc.

There are positive reviews like these. Especially for women living alone, choosing a property with an auto-lock and security cameras will give you peace of mind.

If you are thinking about living alone? Recommended property types

When considering living alone in Ashiharabashi, it is essential to consider the surrounding environment and security. In order to live safely, it is important to know the key points to consider when choosing a property. We will introduce the most suitable property type in terms of security equipment, location, and initial costs.

The importance of rental properties with auto-locks and security cameras

At night, some areas around Ashiharabashi Station become less crowded, so choosing a rental property with high security is the first step to peace of mind. Properties with auto-locks and security cameras make it easier to prevent intruders, and are essential facilities, especially for women living alone.

We also recommend properties that have intercoms with TV monitors and management company patrols. By choosing a building with a high level of crime prevention awareness, you can get a living environment where you won't feel anxious even if you are late commuting to work or school.

Within 10 minutes' walk from the station and on the second floor or higher for your peace of mind

Properties far from the station may look attractive because of their low rent, but when you consider nighttime travel and crime prevention, it is ideal to choose a location within a 10-minute walk from the station. This allows you to return home via a route with a lot of foot traffic, which significantly improves crime prevention.

In addition, since the first floor tends to be at higher risk of burglary and intrusion by suspicious people, choosing a room on the second floor or higher is another way to feel safe. When choosing a property, it is important to prioritize not only convenience but also safety, and carefully checking the conditions will lead to a comfortable life alone.

Monthly apartments are also an option as they reduce initial costs

For those who want to try living in a monthly apartment first, there is also the option of a monthly apartment. Many properties do not require a deposit, key money, or brokerage fee, and furniture and appliances are provided, so you can move in with significantly less initial costs.

There are also properties available for short-term rental in the Ashiharabashi area, so it is a wise choice to check out the living conditions and atmosphere of the area before moving into a full-fledged rental contract. There are also monthly properties with security equipment and for women only, so there are a wide variety of options that take safety into consideration.

Will your impression of Ashiharabashi change if you learn about its history and culture?

Ashihara Bridge is sometimes described as "scary" or "eerie," but this is often based on superficial impressions without any knowledge of its history or culture. In fact, this area has a deep historical background and cultural resources.

Cultural ties with Nishinari and Naniwa wards

Ashiharabashi is part of Naniwa Ward, and borders Nishinari Ward to the west. Both areas strongly retain the deep culture of Osaka, and are characterized by the warmth of the downtown area, retro Showa-era streetscapes, and strong local communities. In particular, festivals and local events are deeply rooted in the Ashiharabashi area, and elderly people and local residents continue to protect the history and culture of the area.

In addition, the area is home to many support services for the needy and NPO activities, and is a place where people of diverse backgrounds coexist. By learning about these cultural connections and backgrounds, you can reconsider Ashiharabashi as a "deep town" rather than a "dangerous town."

For those who are worried about Ashiharabashi | 3 recommended areas to live in

While Asaharabashi has some unexpected benefits in terms of livability, some people may feel uneasy about the safety and atmosphere.

Here we will introduce three recommended areas that are easily accessible from Asaharabashi and have excellent safety and living environments.

① Taisho Station | A good balance between downtown atmosphere and safety

Taisho Station is a convenient station where you can use the JR Osaka Loop Line and the Osaka Metro Nagahori Tsurumi Ryokuchi Line, and is about a 5-minute train ride from Ashiharabashi. While it retains the atmosphere of a good old downtown area, the area is relatively safe and the residential area is quiet and peaceful.

Taisho Ward is equipped with large supermarkets, shopping centers, and riverside parks, making it a convenient place to live. It is popular with a wide range of people, from families to single people, and is the perfect area for those who want both security and convenience.

② Bentencho Station | A relaxed atmosphere with many families

Bentencho Station is on the Osaka Loop Line and Chuo Line, and is conveniently located for easy access to Tennoji, Honmachi, and Umeda. The area around the station is home to tower apartments and the large commercial facility "Osaka Bay Tower," making it an attractive, well-organized urban environment.

There are many public facilities such as elementary and junior high schools and libraries, making it a popular area for families with children and single people looking for a calm lifestyle. The area is relatively safe, and the streets are bright and safe at night. There are many supermarkets and restaurants near the station, making it a very convenient place to live.

③ Sakuragawa Station | Close to Namba, convenient and bright

Sakuragawa Station is on the Osaka Metro Sennichimae Line and the Hanshin Namba Line, and is within walking distance or one stop away from Ashiharabashi. It is very close to the Namba area, and the appeal is that you can live in a relatively calm environment while maintaining the convenience of the city. The surrounding area is undergoing redevelopment, and is being transformed into an area with bright, well-organized streets and stylish cafes and apartments.

There are many street lights and people walking around, so it is safe for women living alone. It is recommended for those who want to live a peaceful life while feeling close to city life.

summary

Ashiharabashi tends to have negative impressions such as "dangerous" and "creepy", but in reality it has many advantages in terms of livability, such as cheap rent, good access, and bright streets. There are streetlights around the station, and if you choose a property with high crime prevention, you can live safely even if you are living alone.

However, there are some areas on the south side near the Airin district that require caution, so it is important to take into consideration the location and facilities when choosing a property.

If you are unsure about Ashiharabashi, you can find a good balance between safety and convenience by considering other livable areas around the area, such as Taisho Station, Bentencho Station, and Sakuragawa Station. Understanding the history and culture of Ashiharabashi will greatly change your image of the area. It is important to find a lifestyle that suits you without being bound by preconceived ideas.