Is Nagoya City's security really bad? Check the overall trends and regional differences

Nagoya City is a major city representing the Tokai region, and is known as a city that caters to a variety of lifestyle needs, including business, tourism, and child-rearing. However, perceptions of public safety vary by region and generation, and many people worry that Nagoya City has poor public safety. In reality, public safety varies greatly from ward to ward within Nagoya City, and there are many areas where people can live safely depending on the number of crimes, the environment, and the characteristics of the area.

This time, we will provide detailed information on the safety of the 16 wards, as well as the opinions of residents based on surveys and word of mouth, to help you understand the safety trends across Nagoya City and the actual conditions in each region, and to help you choose a safer and more livable city.

The reality of public safety varies by ward | Characteristics of Nagoya City's 16 wards

Nagoya City is made up of 16 administrative wards, each with significantly different public safety trends and regional characteristics. For example, educational areas such as Mizuho, Showa, and Tenpaku wards have low crime rates and quiet residential areas, making them a safe choice for families with children and single women living alone. On the other hand, Naka ward (Sakae area) and Nakamura ward (around Nagoya Station) have many commercial areas and are busy at night, so caution is required in some areas. Additionally, wards such as Meito, Midori, and Chikusa are popular for their good balance of nature and convenience, and their well-developed living environments.

As such, rather than generalizing Nagoya as "Nagoya = bad security," it is important to understand the characteristics of each ward and choose a lifestyle that suits your area.

Public safety image based on surveys and reviews

When you actually listen to the voices of people living in Nagoya, you can get a sense of the city's safety and the atmosphere that cannot be seen from numbers alone. In surveys conducted by multiple real estate companies and lifestyle information sites, Meito Ward, Mizuho Ward, Tenpaku Ward, and Showa Ward were ranked highly as wards with a "good sense of safety." In particular, there were many comments such as "there are many quiet and peaceful residential areas" and "there are parks and schools nearby, which gives a sense of security," demonstrating that it is an easy environment to live in for families with children and the elderly.

On the other hand, there are also opinions such as "I feel a little uneasy walking around at night in areas close to downtown areas" and "I'm concerned about the noise around stations," and feelings vary depending on the area, even within the same ward.

This kind of real word-of-mouth information can be very helpful as a subjective assessment of safety.

Nagoya City's Safe Wards Ranking (2025 Edition)

To ensure a safe and secure life in Nagoya, it is important to understand the public safety trends in each ward. Nagoya is made up of 16 administrative wards, each with its own unique charms and living environments. Public safety is an important indicator for many residents, including families, women living alone, and senior households.

Here we introduce, in a ranking format, the five wards of Nagoya City that are rated as having particularly good public safety. Each area offers excellent environment and convenience, making them areas worth checking out if you're considering moving or starting a new life.

No. 1 | Mizuho Ward: Educational district with particularly low crime rates

Mizuho Ward in Nagoya City has one of the lowest crime rates in the city and has long been highly rated as a safe place to live. It has a strong educational character, with many educational institutions and public facilities, as well as a quiet residential area. The areas around Mizuho-Underground-Higashi Station and Aratamabashi Station offer a quiet living environment and are extremely safe. Another major attraction for families with children is the proximity to schools, parks, and medical facilities. It also has good access to the Meijo and Sakuradori subway lines, allowing for smooth travel to Nagoya Station and the Sakae area.

In addition to its good public safety, it is chosen by many as one of the safest wards in Nagoya, combining ease of living and convenience.

No. 2 | Tenpaku Ward: A quiet residential area popular with families

Tenpaku Ward is a quiet residential area located in the southeastern part of Nagoya City, known for its good public safety. Crime rates are relatively low, and the area is being developed to be a safe place to live. The ward is particularly home to many detached houses and low-rise apartment buildings, creating a tranquil streetscape that is popular with a wide range of people, from families with children to the elderly. There are plenty of supermarkets and medical facilities around Hara Station and Ueda Station, making the area convenient for daily life. There are also many parks and green spaces, making it an ideal environment for those seeking a safe life surrounded by nature. Another plus is the easy access to the city center via the Tsurumai Subway Line.

Tenpaku Ward is a very livable area with a good balance of public safety, education, and living environment.

No. 3 | Meito Ward: A safe area with a good environment for raising children and education

Nagoya's Meito Ward is one of the most popular areas, particularly acclaimed for its good public safety and excellent environment for raising children. Its well-developed residential area allows residents to live safely in a calm atmosphere, making it a popular choice among families and seniors. The area around Fujigaoka Station is particularly popular, with many commercial facilities and medical facilities. It is the starting station for the Higashiyama Subway Line, making it convenient for commuting to work or school. It also has a strong educational aspect, with elementary and junior high schools said to have a high level of education. In terms of public safety, the area's location away from the downtown area means that the crime rate is low and it is relatively quiet, even at night.

Meito Ward, where nature and urban functions blend together, is an ideal area where you can enjoy both ease of living and peace of mind.

No. 4 | Midori Ward: Rich in nature, safe and family-friendly

Midori Ward is located in the southeastern part of Nagoya City and is popular for its balance between a natural environment and good public safety. Due to its large area and many residential areas, convenience of living can be an issue in some areas, but overall it offers a peaceful living environment. Redevelopment is progressing particularly around Tokushige Station and Kanzawa Station, and new residential areas with good public safety have been developed. Midori Ward is also home to many natural facilities that families can enjoy, such as Odaka Green Space and Takinomizu Park, making it an extremely livable environment for families with children. Additionally, it has good access via major roads and the Sakuradori Subway Line, making travel to the city center smooth.

Midori Ward combines the convenience of urban areas with the spaciousness of nature, making it a recommended area where you can live safely for a long time.

5th Place | Showa Ward: Coexistence of educational and high-end residential areas

Showa Ward is known as an educational area with a particularly rich selection of educational institutions within Nagoya City, and at the same time, it is a tranquil area dotted with high-end residential areas. The areas around Gokiso Station, which is on the Tsurumai Line and Sakuradori Line, and Kawana Station are safe and popular with families and single people. Home to famous universities such as Nagoya University and Nanzan University, the area has peaceful streets where students and local residents coexist. With a relatively low crime rate, the area offers a safe environment with the perfect combination of education, culture, and safety. It also has convenient access to the city center, making shopping and commuting easy.

Showa Ward is one of the most trustworthy areas in Nagoya City, as it is a living environment that combines intelligence and safety.

Top 5 safe cities recommended for singles and women (by station)

When starting to live alone in Nagoya, two things to consider are "safety" and "convenience of living." Especially for women living alone, choosing a safe neighborhood, such as a residential area where you can feel safe, or an area around a station that is well-lit and well-traveled even at night, is essential. Because the safety and atmosphere of Nagoya vary greatly depending on the area, evaluating each station is extremely important. Stations along the subway and JR lines are dotted with stations that offer good transportation access and stable safety. Not only are they convenient for commuting to work or school, but they are also close to shopping and medical facilities, making daily life comfortable.

Here we will introduce carefully selected stations in Nagoya City that are safe and especially recommended for women living alone. If you are looking for both safety and livability, please use this as a reference.

Hoshigaoka Station (Chikusa Ward) | Stylish and safe residential area

Located in Nagoya's Chikusa Ward, Hoshigaoka Station is a residential area characterized by its good public safety and sophisticated streetscape. The surrounding area is lined with fashionable commercial facilities such as Hoshigaoka Terrace, making it convenient for shopping and cafes, while also offering a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. The area around the station is well-lit and well-maintained, making it safe to walk around even when returning home at night. The area is also known as an educational area, with many universities and high schools scattered around, and its intelligent and calm residents are another reason for its safety. The Higashiyama Line of the Nagoya Municipal Subway offers excellent access to Nagoya Station and Sakae Station without transfers, making it extremely convenient for transportation.

Hoshigaoka is an area that offers a safe and comfortable life, and is ideal for women living alone or those living in a rental property for the first time.

Fujigaoka Station (Meito Ward) | Terminus station with good security and convenient living

Fujigaoka Station in Nagoya's Meito Ward is the last stop on the Higashiyama Line of the Nagoya Municipal Subway, making it a popular area among women as there is a high chance of finding a seat even during rush hour. Meito Ward is also one of the safest areas in the city, with a particularly quiet residential area around Fujigaoka Station, providing a safe and peaceful environment to walk around even at night. The station building and nearby shopping malls are well-stocked with supermarkets, drugstores, restaurants and more, making it easy to find your everyday essentials.

In addition to its good public safety, the area is also convenient for daily life and has good accessibility, making it a very livable area for people living alone for the first time or for women looking for a quiet life.

Hara Station (Tenpaku Ward) | A hidden gem popular with students and working women

Hara Station is a station on the Tsurumai Subway Line in Tenpaku Ward, Nagoya City, a residential area known for its good public safety and peaceful streetscape. Tenpaku Ward itself has a low crime rate and is considered a safe area within Nagoya City, with many rental properties suitable for students and young professionals living alone, especially around Hara Station. There are supermarkets, convenience stores, cafes, and other amenities in the surrounding area, so while it's quiet, it won't cause inconvenience to your daily life. There is also smooth access to downtown areas such as Sakae and Fushimi, making it convenient for commuting to work or school. Streetlights are in place at night, and the sense of security on the way home is highly rated.

Another attractive feature is that the average rent is relatively low compared to high-end residential areas, making it a recommended area for living alone with good cost performance.

Mizuho Sports Park East Station (Mizuho Ward) | A quiet and safe area around the station

Mizuho Undojo Higashi Station is a station on the Nagoya Municipal Subway Meijo Line in Mizuho Ward, Nagoya City, and is popular as a safe and peaceful area for living. Mizuho Ward has one of the lowest crime rates in Nagoya City, has a strong educational atmosphere, and is suitable for women living alone. There are large parks, libraries, and other public facilities around the station, making for a quiet and peaceful living environment. The Meijo Line also provides easy access to Sakae, making the area a good balance between urban and natural. The area around the station is also highly rated for its low traffic volume, noise levels, and low levels of anxiety at night.

For those who value safety, the environment, and ease of living, the area around Mizuho Sports Park Higashi Station is one of the most reliable options for housing.

Tokushige Station (Midori Ward) | A popular area for families with children

The area around Tokushige Station in Midori Ward, Nagoya City, is attracting attention as a new residential area undergoing redevelopment, and is highly regarded for both its good public safety and convenience. Located at the end of the Sakuradori subway line, it is convenient for commuting to work or school, and is characterized by its extremely convenient lifestyle, with large shopping centers, medical facilities, and parks concentrated around the station. In terms of public safety, the area is considered to have a relatively low crime rate, and the Tokushige Station area is a quiet residential area with a strong sense of security at night. While the area is popular with families with children, it is also a perfect location for single women seeking a tranquil environment.

This area is expected to develop further in the future, making it ideal for those looking for a safe and secure place to live for the long term.

Recommended for families with children! Wards with good public safety and easy living conditions and reasons why

When raising children in Nagoya, the first thing to consider is the "safety" and "development of the living environment." Areas with nearby parks, medical facilities, educational institutions, and other infrastructure essential for raising children, as well as well-developed residential areas where you can live safely, are ideal living conditions for families. Nagoya is made up of 16 administrative wards, each with its own unique characteristics, so it's important to identify areas where families with children can live comfortably.

This time, we'll focus on four wards in Nagoya City that are particularly safe and have a reputation for being a safe place to raise children, and we'll introduce in detail the appeal of each ward and the reasons why they're so easy to live in. If you're looking for a city suitable for raising children, such as an area renowned for its educational district or an area blessed with a natural environment, this is a must-read.

Meito Ward | Highly rated as an educational area

Meito Ward is an educational area located in the eastern part of Nagoya City, and is popular among families raising children. In addition to a low crime rate and stable public safety, the area is also attractive for its large concentration of high-quality public and private schools. There are also convenient shopping facilities and medical facilities around Fujigaoka Station, making daily life easy. The ward also has many natural spots, providing an environment where children can play freely. Another major benefit is the quiet residential area, where you can live safely and peacefully even at night.

Meito Ward, which has a good balance of education, public safety, and a natural environment, is highly regarded as one of the areas in Nagoya that is particularly suitable for raising children.

Midori Ward: A perfect environment with peace of mind, parks, and medical facilities

Midori Ward, located in the southeastern part of Nagoya City, is an area that is extremely popular with families, with its vast land area and rich natural environment. In recent years, redevelopment centered around Tokushige Station has led to the development of residential areas, and the area is gaining recognition as a safe area with low crime rates. The ward is home to large parks such as Odaka Ryokuchi and Takinomizu Park, providing plenty of space for children to play outside.

With wide roads, well-maintained street trees, and quiet residential areas, this area offers a peaceful environment perfect for raising children, making it a recommended choice for those looking for a family property in Nagoya for the first time.

Chikusa Ward | Educational area with plenty of facilities for children

Chikusa Ward is a popular area with good access from central Nagoya, yet maintains a calm atmosphere as an educational district. While it is home to high-end residential areas such as Hoshigaoka and Kakuozan, it also has a wide range of public facilities such as parks, libraries, and childcare support centers, making it a well-developed educational and cultural environment. There are many educational institutions within the ward, from kindergarten to high school, so another major attraction is the ability to choose an environment that suits your child's developmental stage. The area is also relatively safe, and the areas around the stations are well-lit and well-maintained, so you can feel safe going out at night.

Chikusa Ward is an ideal place to live for families who want to focus on both child-rearing and education.

Tenpaku Ward | A quiet residential area with plenty of educational institutions

Tenpaku Ward is located in the southeastern part of Nagoya City and is known as a quiet residential area with many detached houses and low-rise apartment buildings. With a low crime rate, the area offers peace of mind for families looking to raise children in a quiet environment. Parks, nurseries, and elementary schools are scattered around Hara Station and Ueda Station, providing an environment that fully supports children's development within the living area. There are also plenty of areas where you can experience nature, such as Tenpaku River Green Space, making it ideal for weekend outings and outdoor play. Direct access to central Nagoya City via the Tsurumai Subway Line ensures convenient commuting to work or school.

Tenpaku Ward is a very attractive option for families seeking a quiet, safe lifestyle and a solid educational environment.

Should you avoid living in areas of Nagoya where safety is a concern?

Nagoya City is generally considered a city where it is easy to live, but there are areas where the security situation is unstable. In particular, in wards where downtown areas are concentrated and in some areas around stations, there tends to be high rates of pedestrian traffic, noise, and petty crime at night. For families with children, women living alone, and those seeking a quiet environment, it is important to be aware of these security issues in advance. Furthermore, even within the same ward, the impression of security can vary greatly between residential areas and downtown areas, so it is important to understand the subtle regional differences.

Here we will explain the characteristics and background of areas in Nagoya that are considered "best to avoid living in." Please use this as a reference when searching for a property or choosing a place to move to.

Naka Ward (around Sakae and Kanayama) | Be careful of safety at night in this busy downtown area

Naka Ward in Nagoya City is home to the bustling downtown areas of Sakae and Kanayama, and is an area where many people come and go day and night. Densely packed with restaurants, commercial facilities, and office buildings, it is extremely convenient, but caution is needed regarding safety at night. The Sakae area in particular is known as an entertainment district, and drunkards and suspicious characters are often spotted late at night, making it unsuitable for single women living alone or families with children. Issues with the living environment, such as noise and littering, have also been pointed out.

However, Naka Ward also has residential areas, and the impression varies greatly depending on the area, so it is important to carefully check the surrounding environment when choosing a property. While it is a convenient location for commuting to work or school, it is also an area that requires careful consideration in order to live safely.

Nakamura Ward (west of Nagoya Station) | Security is unstable in some areas around the station

Nakamura Ward is a thriving commercial and transportation hub centered around Nagoya Station, but there are concerns about public safety, especially in the area west of the station. Compared to the east side of Nagoya Station (Sakuradori Exit), the west side (Taikodori Exit) has many old shopping streets and multi-tenant buildings, resulting in fewer people walking around at night and causing concerns about security. There have also been reports of homeless people and street trouble, so caution is advised when choosing this area as a residential area.

However, Nakamura Ward as a whole is not dangerous, and there are also quiet residential areas such as around Nakamura Koen Station. It is an attractive location for those who value the convenience of Nagoya Station, but if safety is a priority, you should choose your area carefully.

Some areas of Minato Ward and Minami Ward: Crime rates tend to be slightly higher

Nagoya's Minato and Minami wards have many areas that serve as industrial zones and logistics hubs, and tend to require slightly more caution than the city average in terms of security. In particular, the Kohoku area of Minato Ward and the Kasadera and Oe areas of Minami Ward have many vacant lots and factories, and there are also areas with little foot traffic, leading to concerns about security at night. In addition, both wards are a mix of old residential areas and redeveloped areas, and there are large regional differences, so when choosing a property it is important to carefully check the surrounding streetlights, traffic volume, and the presence or absence of security measures.

On the other hand, Minato Ward is home to large commercial facilities such as LaLaport Nagoya Minato Aquls, making it highly convenient. As redevelopment is also progressing in Minami Ward, it is important to consider safety while keeping an eye on future changes in the city.

Part of Moriyama Ward | Careful consideration is needed due to regional differences

Moriyama Ward is a naturally rich area located in the northeastern part of Nagoya City, and although residential development has been progressing in recent years, it has been pointed out that issues with public safety and convenience remain in some areas. In particular, the Shidami area is popular as a new residential area, but some people have expressed anxiety due to the poor access to public transportation and the lack of traffic at night. In addition, in some areas, the lack of streetlights and low residential density can lead to problems such as a sense of isolation.

However, Moriyama Ward as a whole has many quiet residential areas, and is also an area chosen by families with children. Therefore, when looking for a home in Moriyama Ward, it is important to carefully consider the area, checking the distance from the station, the atmosphere of the town, crime prevention information, etc.

Crime prevention measures and tips for choosing a property to live safely in Nagoya

To ensure a safe and secure life in Nagoya, it is necessary to consider not only the local security situation but also the crime prevention of the property you choose. It is especially important for women living alone or families with children to search for a home that is "free from crime."

In recent years, the number of rental properties equipped with security features such as auto-locks and surveillance cameras has increased, and the management system and the level of facilities greatly affect the level of security one feels when living in a property. When viewing a property, it's important to thoroughly check not only the interior of the property, but also the surrounding environment and safety on the streets at night. In a city like Nagoya, where there are large regional differences, carefully taking these precautions can help you identify safe areas and properties.

Below we will explain in detail the key points to check for security when choosing a property.

What are the requirements for a rental property with high security? | Auto-locks and management system

To ensure a safe life in Nagoya, it's essential to choose a property that prioritizes not only the area you live in, but also the security features of the building itself. The first thing to look for is whether or not an autolock is installed at the entrance. Autolocks are an effective first line of defense to prevent intrusion by outsiders, and are especially recommended for women and those living alone. Other points to check include whether security cameras are installed, and whether the property has locks such as monitor-equipped intercoms and dimple keys.

The overall management system of the property is also important, and factors such as whether regular cleaning and patrols are carried out, and whether there is a manager on-site are also factors that increase crime prevention. Properties with these facilities and systems in place are popular in Nagoya City, and you can expect an environment where you can live safely for a long time. When searching for properties, it is efficient to narrow down your search by conditions such as "security equipment included."

Points to check when viewing: Street lights, school routes, and surrounding area

When viewing a property in Nagoya, it's important to carefully observe the surrounding crime prevention environment, even more than the room layout and facilities. First, check the number and brightness of streetlights around the building. Make sure the roads are well lit at night and that there are no blind spots. Dark alleys pose a significant risk, especially for women living alone or those who return home late at night. Additionally, for families with children, it's important to pay attention to whether the routes to daycare centers, kindergartens, and elementary schools are safe, and to the width of the sidewalks and the volume of traffic.

The presence of nearby police stations, supermarkets, convenience stores, and other facilities with high foot traffic also contributes to peace of mind in terms of public safety. Furthermore, the quality of the living environment can be gauged from small details such as the state of management of garbage disposal areas and the atmosphere of the neighbors. Nagoya City has different atmospheres depending on the area, so it's best to check the surroundings both during the day and at night.

Summary | Things you need to know to live safely and securely in Nagoya

Nagoya City has significant differences in public safety and living environment depending on the area, so it's important to understand the characteristics of each area in order to live safely. Wards such as Mizuho, Tenpaku, and Meito have good public safety and are popular with families with children and single women. On the other hand, there are areas where caution is required, such as Naka Ward and the west side of Nagoya Station, which are close to the downtown area. You can also achieve a safer life by choosing a rental property with well-equipped security systems and checking nearby streetlights and school routes.

Choosing the right area and taking crime prevention measures are key to making your life in Nagoya safer and more comfortable.