Is Nagoya City really that unsafe? Check the overall trends and regional differences.
Nagoya is a major city representing the Tokai region and is known as a city that caters to diverse lifestyle needs, including business, tourism, and childcare. However, perceptions of safety vary depending on the area and generation, and many people worry that "Nagoya is unsafe." In reality, safety within Nagoya varies greatly from ward to ward, and there are many areas where you can live with peace of mind, depending on the crime rate, environment, and characteristics of the area.
This time, we will provide a detailed explanation of safety information for each of Nagoya's 16 wards, based on surveys and word-of-mouth, to help you understand the overall safety trends and the actual situation in each area, and to serve as a reference for choosing a safer and more livable neighborhood.
Properties in Aichi Prefecture are listed here.
The reality of public safety varies from ward to ward | Characteristics of Nagoya City's 16 wards
Nagoya City is comprised of 16 administrative districts, and the safety trends and characteristics of each district vary greatly. For example, educational districts such as Mizuho, Showa, and Tenpaku have low crime rates and are home to quiet residential areas, making them a safe choice for families with children and women living alone. On the other hand, Naka (Sakae area) and Nakamura (around Nagoya Station) have many commercial areas and are busy with people at night, so caution is needed in some areas. Furthermore, districts such as Meito, Midori, and Chikusa are popular for their good balance of nature and convenience, and for their well-developed living environments.
Therefore, instead of generalizing about safety in Nagoya City by saying "Nagoya= unsafe," it's important to understand the characteristics of each ward and choose a lifestyle that suits the area.
Image of public safety based on surveys and word-of-mouth
Listening to the voices of people who actually live in Nagoya reveals a sense of safety and the atmosphere of the city that cannot be seen from statistics alone. Surveys conducted by multiple real estate companies and lifestyle information websites show that Meito Ward, Mizuho Ward, Tenpaku Ward, and Showa Ward are among the top-ranked wards in terms of perceived safety. In particular, many comments mention "there are many quiet and peaceful residential areas" and "there are parks and schools nearby, which gives a sense of security," indicating that these areas are comfortable places to live for families with children and the elderly.
On the other hand, some people have expressed concerns such as "I feel a little uneasy walking around at night in areas close to the entertainment district" and "I'm bothered by the noise around the station," indicating that perceptions vary even within the same ward depending on the area.
This kind of real-world word-of-mouth information can be extremely useful as a subjective assessment of safety and security.
Recommended Wards in Nagoya City with Good Safety and Security [2025 Edition]
To ensure a safe and secure life in Nagoya City, it is crucial to understand the safety trends of each ward. Nagoya City is composed of 16 administrative wards, each with its own unique charm and living environment. Safety, in particular, is an important indicator for many residents, including families, women living alone, and senior households.
Here, we present a ranking of five wards in Nagoya City that are particularly known for their excellent safety and security. Each of these areas boasts a superior environment and convenience, making them must-see locations when considering moving or starting a new life.
Rank 1 | Mizuho Ward: A cultural and educational district with a particularly low crime rate.
Mizuho Ward in Nagoya City has long been highly regarded as a safe place to live, with one of the lowest crime rates in the city. It is characterized by its strong educational character, with numerous educational institutions and public facilities, as well as its quiet residential areas. The areas around Mizuho Undojo Higashi Station and Shin-Mizuhashi Station offer a peaceful living environment and are extremely safe. For families with children, the proximity of schools, parks, and medical facilities is a major attraction. Furthermore, it boasts excellent access to the Meijo and Sakuradori Chikatetsu lines, making travel to Nagoya Station and the Sakae area smooth and convenient.
In addition to its excellent public safety, this district is chosen by many as one of Nagoya's safest areas, offering a comfortable and convenient lifestyle.
Properties in Aichi Prefecture are listed here.
2nd Place | 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 efforts are being made to create a safe and secure living environment. The ward, in particular, has many detached houses and low-rise apartments, creating a tranquil streetscape that is popular with a wide range of people, from families with children to the elderly. Supermarkets and medical facilities are abundant around Hara Station and Ueda Station, making it a convenient place to live. There are also many parks and green spaces, creating an ideal environment for those seeking a safe life surrounded by nature. Furthermore, easy access to the city center via the Tsurumai Chikatetsu Line is another key advantage.
Tenpaku Ward is a very livable area with a good balance of safety, education, and living environment.
Properties in Aichi Prefecture are listed here.
3rd Place | Meito Ward: A safe area with a well-developed childcare and educational environment.
Meito Ward in Nagoya City is one of the most popular areas, particularly valued for its safety and excellent environment for raising children. With well-developed residential areas and a calm atmosphere, it's a popular choice for families and seniors alike. The area around Fujigaoka Station is especially noteworthy, boasting a wide range of commercial facilities and medical institutions. As the starting station for the Higashiyama Chikatetsu Line, it's convenient for commuting to work or school. Furthermore, it has a strong educational character, with high-quality elementary and junior high schools. In terms of safety, its distance from the bustling city center results in a low crime rate, and it's relatively quiet even at night.
Meito Ward, where nature and urban functions are seamlessly integrated, is an ideal area that offers both a comfortable lifestyle and a sense of security.
Properties in Aichi Prefecture are listed here.
4th Place | Midori Ward: Rich in nature, safe, and family-friendly.
Midori Ward, located in the southeastern part of Nagoya City, is a popular area known for its balanced combination of natural surroundings and safety. While its large area and numerous residential areas mean that convenience may be a challenge in some parts, overall, it offers a peaceful living environment. The areas around Tokushige Station and Kanzawa Station, in particular, are undergoing redevelopment, resulting in safe and newly developed residential areas. Midori Ward boasts numerous natural facilities for families, such as Otaka Ryokuchi Park and Takinomizu Park, making it an ideal place to live for families with children. Furthermore, it offers excellent access to major roads and the Sakuradori Chikatetsu Line, ensuring smooth travel to the city center.
Combining the convenience of urban life with the tranquility of nature, Midori Ward is a recommended area for those looking to live comfortably and securely for the long term.
Properties in Aichi Prefecture are listed here.
5th Place | Showa Ward: A blend of educational and upscale residential areas.
Showa Ward is known as a particularly well-established educational area within Nagoya City, boasting numerous schools and a calm atmosphere with scattered upscale residential neighborhoods. The areas around Gokiso Gokiso Station and Kawana Station, served by the Tsurumai and Sakuradori subway lines, are safe and popular with families and singles alike. With prestigious universities such as Nagoya Daigaku and Nanzan University located there, the area features a peaceful neighborhood where students and local residents coexist. Crime rates are relatively low, making it an attractive environment that combines education, culture, and safety. Furthermore, it offers convenient access to the city center, making shopping and commuting easy.
Showa Ward is one of the most trustworthy areas in Nagoya City, offering a living environment where "intelligence" and "safety" are in harmony.
Properties in Aichi Prefecture are listed here.
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Top 5 safe neighborhoods recommended for women living alone [by station]
When starting to live alone in Nagoya, the most important factors to consider are "safety" and "convenience of living." Especially for women living alone, choosing a safe area is essential, such as a residential area where you can live with peace of mind, or a station area that is well-lit and has many people even at night. In Nagoya, safety and the atmosphere of the city vary greatly depending on the area, so evaluating each station is very important. Along the Chikatetsu and JR lines, there are many stations with good transportation access and stable safety, making them not only convenient for commuting to work or school, but also with shopping and medical facilities, making daily life comfortable.
Here, we've carefully selected and introduced stations in Nagoya City that are safe and especially recommended for women living alone. If you're looking for a place that balances safety and livability, please use this as a reference.
Hoshigaoka Station (Chikusa Ward) | A stylish and safe residential area
Located in Chikusa Ward, Nagoya City, Hoshigaoka Station is situated in a residential area characterized by its safety and sophisticated streetscape. The surrounding area boasts stylish commercial facilities such as Hoshigaoka Terrace, making it convenient for shopping and café visits, while maintaining a calm and peaceful atmosphere. The area around the station is well-maintained and bright, ensuring a safe environment for walking home at night. Furthermore, it is known as an educational area, with numerous universities and high schools nearby, contributing to a predominantly intellectual and peaceful population. With direct transfers to Nagoya Station and Sakae Station via the Nagoya Municipal Chikatetsu Higashiyama Line, transportation is also extremely convenient.
Hoshigaoka is an area that offers a safe and comfortable lifestyle, making it ideal for women living alone or those experiencing rental living for the first time.
Fujigaoka Station (Meito Ward) | Terminal station with good public safety and convenient living.
Fujigaoka Station in Meito Ward, Nagoya City, is the terminal station of the municipal Chikatetsu Higashiyama Line, and is a popular area for women because it is highly likely that you can find a seat even during rush hour commutes. In terms of safety, Meito Ward is one of the safest areas in the city, and the area around Fujigaoka Station in particular is a quiet residential area, providing a safe environment to walk around even at night. The station building and nearby shopping malls are well-equipped with supermarkets, drugstores, restaurants, and more, so you won't have any trouble with daily shopping.
In addition to its safety and security, the area boasts excellent amenities and accessibility, making it a very livable area for those living alone for the first time or for women seeking a quiet lifestyle.
Hara Station (Tenpaku Ward) | A hidden gem area popular with female students and working women
Hara Station is a Chikatetsu station on the Tsurumai Line in Tenpaku Ward, Nagoya City, and is located in a residential area characterized by its safety and tranquil atmosphere. Tenpaku Ward itself has a low crime rate and is considered one of the safest areas in Nagoya City, and the area around Hara Station in particular has many rental properties suitable for students and young working adults living alone. There are supermarkets, convenience stores, cafes and other amenities nearby, so you won't feel any inconvenience in daily life despite the quiet environment. In addition, it offers smooth access to central areas such as Sakae and Fushimi, making it convenient for commuting to work or school. Streetlights are well-maintained even at night, and residents appreciate the sense of security when returning home.
One of its attractions is that the rent is relatively lower compared to upscale residential areas, making it a recommended area for single people looking for good value for money.
Mizuho Undojo Higashi Station (Mizuho Ward) | Quiet and safe atmosphere around the station
Mizuho Undojo Higashi Station is a station on the Nagoya Municipal Chikatetsu Meijo Line located in Mizuho Ward, Nagoya City. It is a popular area known for its safety and peaceful living environment. Mizuho Ward has one of the lowest crime rates in Nagoya City and has a strong reputation as an educational district, making it suitable for women living alone. The area around the station has large parks, libraries, and other public facilities, creating a quiet and peaceful living environment. Furthermore, the Meijo Line provides good access to Sakae, offering a good balance between urban life and nature. The area around the station is also highly rated for its low traffic volume, minimizing noise and nighttime concerns.
For those who prioritize safety, environment, and ease of living, the area around Mizuho Undojo Higashi Station is a very reliable choice for a place to live.
Tokushige Station (Midori Ward) | A popular area chosen by families with children
The area around Tokushige Station in Midori Ward, Nagoya City, is attracting attention as a newly developed residential area undergoing redevelopment, and is highly regarded for both its safety and convenience. Located at the end of the Sakuradori Chikatetsu line, it is convenient for commuting to work or school, and is characterized by its extremely high level of convenience for daily life, with large shopping centers, medical facilities, and parks concentrated around the station. In terms of safety, it is considered an area with a relatively low crime rate, and the Tokushige Station area is a quiet residential area that offers a strong sense of security even at night. It is an area popular with families with children, but it is also an ideal location for single women seeking a peaceful environment.
As a region expected to develop further in the future, it's ideal for those looking for a safe and secure place to live long-term.
Recommended for families with children! A safe and livable district and why.
When raising children in Nagoya, the first things to consider are "safety" and "the quality of the living environment." Areas with readily available infrastructure essential for raising children, such as parks, medical facilities, and educational institutions, and well-developed residential areas where families can live with peace of mind, are ideal housing conditions for families. Furthermore, Nagoya is composed of 16 administrative districts, each with its own unique characteristics, so it is important to identify an area where families with children can live comfortably.
This time, we'll focus on four districts in Nagoya City that are particularly known for their safety and are considered ideal places to raise children. We'll introduce the unique charms and reasons why each district is so livable. If you're looking for a town suitable for raising children, whether it's an area highly regarded for its educational institutions or a region blessed with a beautiful natural environment, please use this as a reference.
Meito Ward | Highly regarded as an educational area
Meito Ward is an educational area located in the eastern part of Nagoya City, and is highly popular among families with children. Its appeal lies in its low crime rate, stable public safety, and the concentration of high-quality public and private schools. Convenient shopping facilities and medical institutions are well-developed, especially around Fujigaoka Station, ensuring easy access to daily life. Furthermore, the ward boasts natural areas, providing a safe and peaceful environment for children to play. The quiet residential areas also offer a significant advantage, ensuring peace of mind even at night.
Meito Ward, with its well-balanced combination of education, safety, and natural environment, is highly regarded as one of the most suitable areas for raising children within Nagoya City.
Midori Ward | An environment that boasts safety, parks, and medical facilities.
Located in the southeastern part of Nagoya City, Midori Ward is an area that boasts vast grounds and a rich natural environment, making it extremely popular with families. In recent years, in particular, redevelopment centered around Tokushige Station has led to the improvement of residential areas, and the area has gained a reputation as a safe place with low crime rates. The ward has large parks such as Otaka Ryokuchi and Takinomizu Park, providing plenty of space for children to play outdoors.
With its wide roads, well-maintained street trees, and quiet residential areas, this area offers a calm environment ideal for raising children, making it a recommended choice for those looking for family-friendly properties in Nagoya City for the first time.
Chikusa Ward | A cultural and educational area with abundant facilities for children.
Chikusa Ward is a popular area in Nagoya that maintains a calm atmosphere as an educational district while offering excellent access to the city center. While it boasts upscale residential areas like Hoshigaoka and Kakuozan, it also has a wealth of public facilities such as parks, libraries, and childcare support centers, making it a well-developed educational and cultural environment. The ward has numerous educational institutions, from kindergartens to high schools, offering a wide range of options to suit children's developmental stages. It is also relatively safe, with well-maintained and brightly lit areas around stations, providing a sense of security even when going out at night.
For families who want to focus on both childcare and education, Chikusa Ward is truly an ideal place to live.
Tenpaku Ward | A quiet residential area with abundant 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 buildings. With a low crime rate, it boasts excellent safety and security, making it an attractive option for families raising children in a peaceful environment. Parks, nurseries, and elementary schools are scattered around Hara Station and Ueda Station, providing a well-supported environment for children's development within the neighborhood. Furthermore, there are plenty of areas where you can enjoy nature, such as Tenpaku River Green Space, making it ideal for weekend outings and outdoor play. Direct access to central Nagoya via the Chikatetsu Line ensures convenient commuting to work or school.
For families seeking a quiet and safe lifestyle and a solid educational environment, Tenpaku Ward is a very attractive option.
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Should I avoid living there? Areas in Nagoya City where safety is a concern.
Nagoya is generally considered a livable city, but some areas have unstable security. In particular, districts with a high concentration of commercial areas and certain areas around train stations tend to have 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 beforehand. Furthermore, even within the same district, the impression of safety can differ greatly between residential areas and commercial areas, so it is necessary to understand the subtle differences between areas.
This article explains the characteristics and background of areas in Nagoya City that you might want to avoid living in. Please use this as a reference when searching for a property or choosing a place to move to.
Naka Ward (Sakae/Kanayama area) | Be careful of safety at night due to the busy commercial district.
Naka Ward in Nagoya City is home to bustling commercial districts such as Sakae and Kanayama, and is an area where many people come and go day and night. While it boasts high levels of convenience due to its concentration of restaurants, commercial facilities, and office buildings, caution is needed regarding safety at night. The Sakae area, in particular, is known as an entertainment district, and intoxicated people and suspicious individuals can be noticeable late at night, making it unsuitable for women living alone or families with young children. Furthermore, issues such as noise pollution and littering have also been pointed out regarding the living environment.
However, Naka Ward also has residential areas, and the impression varies greatly depending on the neighborhood, 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 an area where careful consideration is required if you want to live there with peace of mind.
Nakamura Ward (west of Nagoya Station) | Some areas around the station have unstable public safety.
Nakamura Ward is a thriving commercial and transportation hub centered around Nagoya Station, but concerns about safety are sometimes raised, particularly in the area west of the station. Compared to the east side of Nagoya Station(Sakuradori Exit), the west side (Taiko Dori Exit) has many older shopping streets and mixed-use buildings, resulting in fewer people walking around at night and raising concerns about safety. There have also been reports of homelessness and street troubles, so caution is advised when choosing this area as a place to live.
However, not the entire Nakamura Ward is dangerous; there are also quiet residential areas, such as around Nakamura Koen Station. It's an attractive location for those who prioritize the convenience of Nagoya Station, but if safety is your priority, you need to be careful when choosing an area.
Parts of Minato Ward and Minami Ward | Crime rates tend to be slightly higher.
Minato Ward and Minami Ward in Nagoya City have many areas that serve as industrial zones and logistics hubs, and therefore tend to be slightly more dangerous than the city average in terms of safety. In particular, the Kohoku area of Minato Ward and the Kasadera/Oe area of Minami Ward have many vacant lots and factories, and there are areas with little pedestrian traffic, leading to concerns about safety at night. In addition, both wards have a mix of old residential areas and redeveloped areas, and there are significant differences between areas, so it is important to carefully check the surrounding streetlights, traffic volume, and the presence of security measures when choosing a property.
On the other hand, Minato Ward has large commercial facilities such as "LaLaport Nagoya Minato Acrus," making it increasingly convenient. Minami Ward is also seeing an increase in areas undergoing redevelopment, so it's necessary to consider future urban changes while carefully assessing safety before making a choice.
Part of Moriyama Ward | Careful consideration is necessary due to regional differences.
Moriyama Ward is a nature-rich area located in the northeastern part of Nagoya City. While residential development has progressed in recent years, some areas still face challenges in terms of safety and convenience. In particular, the Shidami area, while popular as a newly developed residential area, has also been criticized for its poor public transportation access and low nighttime traffic volume, leading to concerns about safety. Furthermore, in some areas, the lack of streetlights and low housing density contribute to feelings of isolation.
However, Moriyama Ward as a whole has many quiet residential areas and is a popular area for families with children. Therefore, when looking for a place to live in Moriyama Ward, it is important to carefully check the distance from the station, the atmosphere of the neighborhood, and crime prevention information to make an informed decision about the area.
Security measures and tips for choosing a property to live safely in Nagoya
To ensure a safe and secure life in Nagoya, it's necessary to consider not only the local crime situation but also the security features of the property itself. This is especially important for women living alone and families with children, who should prioritize finding a place to live in an environment where they won't become victims of crime.
In recent years, the number of rental properties equipped with security features such as automatic locks and surveillance cameras has increased, and the management system and facilities greatly affect the sense of security in daily life. Furthermore, when viewing a property, it is necessary to thoroughly check not only the interior of the property but also the surrounding environment and the safety of walking at night. In cities with significant regional differences, such as Nagoya, it is possible to identify safe areas and properties by carefully taking these measures.
Below, we will explain in detail the key points to check for security when choosing a property.
What are the conditions for a rental property with high security? | Automatic locks and management system
To ensure a safe living environment in Nagoya, it's essential to choose a property that prioritizes security features not only in the neighborhood but also in the building itself. First, check whether the entrance has an automatic lock. Automatic locks are an effective first line of defense against unauthorized entry and are especially recommended for women and those living alone. Additionally, you should check for security cameras, monitor-equipped intercoms, and key specifications such as dimple keys.
Furthermore, the overall management system of the property is also important. Factors that enhance security include whether regular cleaning and patrols are carried out, and whether a manager is always on-site. Properties with these facilities and systems are highly popular in Nagoya City, and you can expect a safe and secure environment to live in for a long time. When searching for properties, it is efficient to narrow down your search with conditions such as "with security equipment".
Points to check during a viewing: Streetlights, school routes, and surrounding environment
When viewing properties in Nagoya City, it's crucial to observe the surrounding security environment more than the room layout or amenities. 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 at night. For families with children, pay attention to whether the routes to daycare centers, kindergartens, and elementary schools are safely maintained, as well as the width of the sidewalks and the amount of traffic.
The presence of nearby police stations, supermarkets, convenience stores, and other facilities with high foot traffic also contributes to a sense of security. Furthermore, the quality of the living environment can be inferred from even the smallest details, such as the management of garbage disposal areas and the atmosphere among the neighbors. Since the atmosphere varies from area to area in Nagoya City, it is ideal to observe the surroundings both during the day and at night.
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Summary | Things you should know to live safely and securely in Nagoya
Nagoya City has significant differences in safety and living environment depending on the area, so it's important to understand the characteristics of each area in order to live with peace of mind. Mizuho Ward, Tenpaku Ward, and Meito Ward are generally safe and popular areas for families with children and women living alone. On the other hand, some areas, such as Naka Ward, which is close to the downtown area, and the area west of Nagoya Station, require caution. In addition, choosing a rental property with good security features and checking the surrounding streetlights and school routes will help you live with greater peace of mind.
Choosing the right neighborhood and implementing crime prevention measures are key to making life in Nagoya safer and more comfortable.
