No matter what travel destination you’re considering, your children’s safety is the number one priority. So, which destinations are going to give you the most peace of mind when you’re abroad?
According to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2019 Safe Cities Index (SCI) report, the world’s safest city is Tokyo, Japan. Tokyo scored a 92.0 out of a possible 100. Osaka, Japan, was close behind, placing as the world’s third safest city with a score of 90.9.
How Did the Report Work?
The SCI report ranked 60 cities across the world in four fields: digital, health, infrastructure and personal security. The report determined these factors from indicators such as police engagement, hazard monitoring and access to safe and quality food.
Why is Tokyo So Safe?
According to the report, Tokyo is considerably resilient to security and environmental threats. The city received a strong score on safety indicators such as low crime levels, infrastructure design and the risk of computer malware.
In the report, Governor of Tokyo Yuriko Koike noted that safety has been a long-term, leading focus of the metropolitan government.
“Tokyo’s having received a high acclaim as a safe city results in part from the steady and consistent way we have pushed forward these initiatives over the years,” Koike said.
What can Families Enjoy in Japan?
Tokyo and Osaka are fantastic travel cities – they’re filled with thousands of years of cultural and natural history ideal for a Japan Family Adventure.
Visit Tokyo’s Old Quarter
Take a break from this space-age city to see Old Tokyo, home to the crimson-red Buddhist Temple Senso-ji, opened around 645 and one of the most famous spiritual sites in the world. Then, check out Nakamise-dort, a street lined with shops selling Japanese snacks, arts, crafts and souvenirs.
Explore Tokyo’s Harajuku Area
Harajuku is known internationally as a center of Japanese youth culture and fashion. It’s home to trendy shopping centers, Yoyogi Park and Yoyogi National Gymnasium. In a quiet, wooded area away from the bustling streets is Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Japan’s first modern emperor.
Dress like a Samurai at Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle dates back over 450 years and is one of the most famous landmarks in Japan. You’ll have the chance to try on a samurai-style helmet or kimono while you’re there!
Explore the Dotombori Area
Osaka’s Dotombori area is known across the world for its eccentric atmosphere and huge, illuminated billboards, like that of New York or Las Vegas.
Take a Taiko Class
Learn new taiko (drum) rhythms under the guidance of a world-famous drumming troupe!
Bike-Ride in Asuka
A little outside of Osaka is the rural town of Asuka, the first permanent capital of Japan. Take in the fresh air as you cycle in the quiet countryside, past ancient burial mounds, rice paddies and mysterious stone monuments.
Walk in Nara Park
Just outside of Osaka, more than 1,000 deer roam the world-famous green haven of Nara Park. These deer are protected as national treasures, and you can feed them biscuit treats if you’d like!
