Police & Crime
Kyoto police are tolerant, very polite and helpful, but don’t confuse this tolerance as freedom to commit unlawful behavior. Police have small “Police Boxes” (Kobans) located not very far apart from one another where you can find them if you require their assistance. Crime in Kyoto is almost non-existent and not much makes the news. In all, there have never been any reports of pick-pockets, thefts or other crimes against tourists to mention, unless it is the tourists whom commit the crimes, then unfortunately it’s big news. Kyoto is a safe city and during summer it is not uncommon to see many people walking the streets after midnight.