Osaka, Japan
Retro area with cheap kushikatsu and Tsutenkaku Tower. Fine during the day, sketchy at night. Visit during daylight, go elsewhere for evening. Don't stay here - too close to Nishinari Ward.
Tennoji has two sides - modern (Abeno Harukas, Japan's tallest building, upscale shopping at Tennoji MiO) and retro (Shinsekai area with Tsutenkaku Tower and kushikatsu restaurants). During the day it's fine - families at the tower, tourists taking photos of the retro neon. Tennoji Park has green space and cafes. After dark is different, especially in Shinsekai. Tourism has improved the area since 2014, but late night the backstreets still get rough - street solicitors, sketchy crowds. Main area around Tsutenkaku Tower is okay with lighting and people until about 10pm. Don't go down side alleys after dark. Nishinari Ward (Kamagasaki/Airin area) to the west has day laborers, homeless population, poverty and drug issues. Don't go there, especially at night. Visit Tennoji/Shinsekai during the day for kushikatsu and retro vibes, then go to Namba or Umeda for evening stuff.
Daytime Safety
GoodNight Walking Safety
ModerateHarassment Risk
ModeratePublic Transport Safety
ExcellentPickpocketing Risk
LowScam Risk
LowPolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
GoodEvening Venues
GoodSolo Dining
ExcellentDrug Activity
HighHomelessness Visibility
ModerateGetting By in English
Good"Interesting during the day, left before dark like everyone told me to"
"Liked the retro Shinsekai vibe and cheap kushikatsu but felt uneasy at night"
"Abeno Harukas area was fine, Shinsekai backstreets got sketchy after 9pm"
"Good daytime visit, wouldn't stay overnight here"
"Saw some rough characters near the station at night, stayed in lit areas"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
This is the tourist food and entertainment district with neon signs and street food vendors. Safe on main streets, gets rowdy on side streets late at night. Good for eating alone at counters. Crowds and noise are constant.
Shopping arcade and youth culture area with vintage stores and cafes. Safe during the day and early evening. Gets quiet after 11pm, less action than Namba at night.
High-end business district with Michelin restaurants and exclusive clubs. Safe to walk through, but many places are expensive or unwelcoming to casual tourists. Better for a special dinner than regular exploration.
Help other women stay safe in Tennoji/Shinsekai
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.