- In Kyoto Prefecture, the number of criminal offenses in 2025 was 12,398, a 2.8% increase from the previous year.
- Wards with high rates per capita include Shimogyo, Higashiyama, and Nakagyo. Wards with many tourists tend to have higher figures.
- Fushimi Ward (including Mukaijima) has the highest number of cases in the prefecture, but the number per capita is almost the same as the average for Kyoto City.
- Uji City, Nagaokakyo City, and Kyotanabe City (Miyamagi) have a lower number of cases per capita than the prefectural average.
- Nakagyo Ward is ranked number one for livability (according to Iiheya Net 2026). You can't say it's a bad place to live just based on the number of complaints.
How to choose a "city you wouldn't want to live in" in Kyoto Prefecture? How to interpret the 2026 edition.
The reasons why someone might not want to live in a particular city vary from person to person. Some are concerned about safety, while others are bothered by inconvenient commutes or the large number of tourists.
This article will organize information based on statistics and surveys published in 2026, rather than on word-of-mouth or impressions. Safety will be assessed by comparing the number of reported criminal offenses in Kyoto Prefecture in 2025, divided by the population of each ward and city. Livability will be determined by the 2026 rankings of desirable and livable neighborhoods.
Statistics and surveys used in this article (to be published in 2026)
| Statistics and surveys (source of publication) | Public announcement | Contents used in this article |
|---|---|---|
| Number of reported criminal offenses by municipality (Criminal Code offenses), 2025 (Kyoto Prefectural Police) | February 2026 | Number of cases in Kyoto City's 11 wards and major cities, year-on-year change |
| Estimated population of Kyoto Prefecture (Kyoto Prefecture) | As of September 1, 2026 | Calculation of the number of cases per 1,000 people |
| SUUMO's Most Desirable Places to Live Ranking 2026: Kansai Edition (Recruit) | March 2026 | Ranking of stations and municipalities in Kyoto Prefecture |
| 2026 Ranking of Livability and Desirability of Cities to Live In <Kyoto Prefecture Edition> (Daito Kentaku Iiheya Net) | June 2026 | Ranking based on resident satisfaction (livability) |
Sources: Kyoto Prefectural Police Crime Statistics / Kyoto Prefecture Estimated Population / SUUMO Most Desirable Places to Live Ranking 2026 Kansai Edition / Iiheya Net City Livability & Most Desirable Places to Live Ranking 2026 <Kyoto Prefecture Edition> (as of October 2026)
Points to note when looking at the number of items
The number of reported criminal offenses represents the number of incidents the police have identified, not the number of victims residing in that district. In districts like Kyoto Station, Shijo Kawaramachi, and Gion, which are visited by many people for shopping and sightseeing, the number will be higher when divided by the number of residents.
Furthermore, looking at the breakdown for the entire prefecture, theft accounts for 8,355 cases, or about 70%. Of these, 4,630 cases were non-burglary thefts such as bicycle theft and shoplifting. Please note that a high number in a district does not necessarily mean that there are many burglaries or violent crimes.
Kyoto Prefecture's Top 5 "Cities You Don't Want to Live In" Ranking [2026 Edition] | Number of Criminal Offenses Reported per 1,000 People
We compared the number of reported criminal offenses per 1,000 people in 2025 among the 11 wards of Kyoto City and major cities within Kyoto Prefecture, and ranked the top five from highest to lowest. The average for Kyoto Prefecture as a whole was 4.99 cases, and for Kyoto City as a whole it was 5.86 cases.
1st place: Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City (13.35 votes)
Shimogyo Ward, encompassing Kyoto Station and Shijo Kawaramachi, is the most populated ward in Kyoto. In 2025, there were 1,129 cases, roughly the same as the previous year (1,120 cases).
With a relatively small population of approximately 85,000, it boasts the highest per capita rate in the prefecture. On the other hand, in the Kansai edition of SUUMO, Kyoto Station ranks 7th among stations, Kyoto Kawaramachi 19th, and Shimogyo Ward 28th among municipalities, indicating that it is also a popular area to live in.
2nd place: Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City (9.51 cases)
Higashiyama Ward is home to tourist attractions such as Gion and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and with a population of approximately 35,000, it is the least populated ward in Kyoto City. The number of cases was 330, a 12.5% decrease from the previous year (377 cases).
The large number of tourists is driving up the per capita figures. If you're concerned about the crowds during the tourist season, it's a good idea to check out what it's like on weekends before you move there.
3rd place: Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City (9.12 votes)
Nakagyo Ward is home to office districts such as Karasuma Oike and Shijo Karasuma, as well as shopping and entertainment areas like Shinkyogoku. The number of cases was 1,014, a 3.8% increase from the previous year.
While the number of cases per capita is relatively high, Kyoto Prefecture ranked first in both "livability" and "most desirable municipalities to live in" according to Iiheya Net's "livability" rankings. This is an example that shows that high numbers and the satisfaction of residents are two different things.
4th place: Minami Ward, Kyoto City (8.17 cases)
Minami Ward is the ward that extends from the south side of Kyoto Station (Hachijo Exit) towards Jujo and Kuze. The number of cases was 840, which was almost the same as the previous year (836 cases).
Located near Kyoto Station, this district sees a lot of foot traffic due to the presence of factories, logistics facilities, and large commercial complexes. Redevelopment plans are also underway around the station (more on this later).
5th place: Yamashina Ward, Kyoto City (6.15 votes)
Yamashina Ward is located on the eastern side of Kyoto City, bordering Shiga Prefecture, and is home to Yamashina Station, which is served by JR, Keihan, and the Tozai Subway Line. The number of cases was 786, a 13.7% increase from the previous year (691 cases).
While the number of cases per capita is only slightly above the Kyoto City average (5.86), the significant increase in cases within the prefecture's wards and cities is likely one reason why people are searching for "Yamashina public safety."
List of Kyoto City's 11 wards and major cities (2025)
| Ward/City | Number of cases in 2025 | Number of cases in 2024 | YoY comparison | per 1,000 people |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City | 1,129 items | 1,120 items | +0.8% | 13.35 items |
| Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City | 330 items | 377 items | -12.5% | 9.51 items |
| Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City | 1,014 items | 977 items | +3.8% | 9.12 items |
| Minami Ward, Kyoto City | 840 items | 836 items | +0.5% | 8.17 items |
| Yamashina Ward, Kyoto City | 786 items | 691 items | +13.7% | 6.15 items |
| Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City | 1,552 items | 1,391 items | +11.6% | 5.77 items |
| Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City | 419 items | 390 items | +7.4% | 5.08 items |
| Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City | 723 items | 702 items | +3.0% | 4.48 items |
| Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City | 705 items | 725 items | -2.8% | 3.60 items |
| Kita Ward, Kyoto City | 396 items | 440 items | -10.0% | 3.48 items |
| Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City | 459 items | 431 items | +6.5% | 3.23 items |
| Kyotanabe City | 336 items | 354 items | -5.1% | 4.54 items |
| Yawata City | 266 items | 299 items | -11.0% | 3.96 items |
| Uji City | 664 items | 621 items | +6.9% | 3.87 items |
| Nagaokakyo City | 269 items | 263 items | +2.3% | 3.31 items |
| Mukō City | 173 items | 207 items | -16.4% | 3.15 items |
| Joyo City | 221 items | 165 items | +33.9% | 3.10 items |
| Kizugawa City | 227 items | 223 items | +1.8% | 2.94 items |
| Kameoka City | 208 items | 195 items | +6.7% | 2.52 items |
| Kyoto Prefecture as a whole | 12,398 items | 12,059 items | +2.8% | 4.99 items |
Source: Kyoto Prefectural Police, "Number of Reported Crimes by Municipality (Criminal Offenses by Category), 2025" / Same, 2024 / Estimated Population of Kyoto Prefecture (as of September 1, 2026) . The number of cases per 1,000 people was calculated by Cross House by dividing the number of cases in 2025 by the estimated population (as of October 2026).
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Actual areas that are frequently searched: Mukojima, Yamashina, Uji, Nagaokakyo, Miyamaki
Many people search for "areas in Kyoto with high crime rates" or "places in Kyoto you shouldn't live in," often using specific place names. We'll verify the areas that are frequently searched using statistics and official information.
Fushimi Ward, Mukaijima area
Mukojima is located in the southern part of Fushimi Ward, south of the Uji River, and the Mukojima New Town spreads out around Mukojima Station on the Kintetsu Kyoto Line. In March 2017, Kyoto City, together with residents, businesses, and universities, compiled the "Mukojima New Town Urban Development Vision," and has been working on creating a town where multiple cultures and generations can live together, as well as developing disaster prevention and crime prevention systems.
While Fushimi Ward has the highest number of incidents in the prefecture at 1,552, its population of approximately 270,000 means that the average number of incidents per capita is 5.77, roughly the same as the Kyoto City average. Note that the prefectural police statistics used in this article are at the ward/city level, so the number of incidents specifically for Mukojima is unavailable. If you are concerned, it is recommended to walk from the station to your room during the day and at night to check.
Source: Kyoto City "Mukojima Town Development News" No. 1 (as of October 2026)
Yamashina Ward
In 2025, the number of cases in Yamashina Ward increased by 13.7%, and the average number of cases per capita reached 6.15, exceeding the Kyoto City average. On the other hand, the ward is also convenient for commuting to work or school, with Yamashina Station being just one stop from Kyoto Station on the JR Biwako Line, and direct access to central Kyoto City via the Tozai Subway Line.
Since some residential areas are hilly, it's best to check the route from the station and the elevation changes in person, not just on a map.
Uji City
Uji City had 664 cases, which works out to 3.87 cases per capita, lower than the prefectural average (4.99 cases). In the Kansai edition of SUUMO, Uji City ranked 39th among municipalities.
Two train lines run through the area: the Keihan Uji Line and the JR Nara Line. You can reach Kyoto Station without changing trains on the JR Nara Line.
Nagaokakyo City
Nagaokakyo City is located between Kyoto City and Osaka City, and is served by the JR Kyoto Line and the Hankyu Kyoto Line. The number of cases is 269, or 3.31 per capita, which is below the prefectural average.
Although "Nagaokakyo City" is sometimes searched for along with negative terms, statistics show that it is one of the cities in Osaka Prefecture with a stable level of activity.
Kyotanabe City, Miyamaki
Miyamaki is a train station located in Kyotanabe City, served by the Kintetsu Kyoto Line and the JR Gakken Toshi Line. The number of cases per capita in Kyotanabe City is 4.54, which is lower than the prefectural average.
In Iiheya Net's 2026 "Livability (Station)" ranking for Kyoto Prefecture, Miyamaki came in 16th place. This indicates that it is a station highly rated by its residents.
Things to be aware of in Kyoto that you might only notice after you've lived there for a while
The reasons why some people might not want to live in Kyoto aren't limited to safety. We've compiled a list of points that people often notice after moving into Kyoto, categorized by the characteristics of different areas.
| Area characteristics | Things that are easy to notice | Things to check before moving in |
|---|---|---|
| Near tourist attractions (Higashiyama Ward, Shimogyo Ward, Nakagyo Ward, Arashiyama area) | During the spring and autumn tourist seasons, city buses and roads become crowded, making it difficult to board commuter buses on some days. | Can you get there by train, subway, or bicycle, rather than relying solely on the bus? |
| Residential area in the city center | The roads are narrow and many are one-way, making it difficult to get around by car and find parking. | If you own a car, consider the availability of parking and the width of the road in front of it. |
| Areas with many universities (such as Sakyo Ward and Kamigyo Ward) | There are many students, and the number of people and the level of activity vary depending on the time of day. | The appearance at night and the direction of the room's windows. |
| Residential areas at the foot of mountains (such as the eastern parts of Yamashina Ward and Fushimi Ward) | There are many hills, and I sometimes find cycling to be difficult. | Elevation difference from the station to the room |
| Kyoto city as a whole | Because it's a basin, it's said to get hot in the summer and cold in the winter. | The number of air conditioners in the room and the insulation of the windows |
Depending on the area, there may be neighborhood association activities, and even in rental properties, there may be rules such as circulating notices or taking turns with garbage collection. If this is a concern, it's best to check with the real estate company before signing the contract.
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The current state and redevelopment of the area south of Kyoto Station
The south side of Kyoto Station (Hachijo Exit) is in Minami Ward, while the north side (Karasuma Exit) is in Shimogyo Ward. Both sides experience high foot traffic, resulting in a relatively high number of incidents per capita. On the other hand, significant urban development is underway around the station.
Urban development efforts around Kyoto Station
| place | Content | Situation (as of October 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| East side of Kyoto Station (Shimogyo Ward) | Kyoto City University of Arts campus is relocating. | Relocated in 2023 |
| West side of Kyoto Station (Kyoto Central Post Office, Station Building West Parking Lot 2) | The "Kyoto Project (tentative name)" is a joint project between Japan Post and Kyoto Station Building Development. The plan involves constructing a new building with a total floor area of approximately 119,000 square meters and a height of approximately 60 meters. | The environmental impact assessment report will be published in August 2025. The completion date has not been announced by the developer. |
Source: Kyoto City "Kyoto City University of Arts Relocation and Development Project" / Kyoto City "(Tentative Name) Kyoto Project Environmental Impact Assessment" (as of October 2026)
Things to keep in mind when living near a train station
While living closer to the station is convenient for commuting and shopping, it also means there will be a lot of foot traffic late into the night, including tourists and business travelers. If quietness is a priority, you might want to compare rooms in residential areas a little further from the station, or on side streets just off the main roads.
Many incidents can be prevented by taking basic precautions such as choosing well-lit streets when walking home at night and using two locks on your bicycle.
Areas considered to be the most livable | From the 2026 rankings
Conversely, let's also look at cities that are highly rated as livable. "Cities people want to live in" reflects the popularity of people who want to live there in the future, while "livability" reflects the satisfaction level of people who currently live there.
| Ranking | Top cities in Kyoto Prefecture |
|---|---|
| Good Room Network 2026: Comfort of Living (Local Government) | 1st place: Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City / 2nd place: Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City / 3rd place: Seika Town / 9th place: Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City |
| Good Room Net 2026: Comfortable Living (by Station) | 1st: Marutamachi (Karasuma Subway Line) / 2nd: Kuramaguchi / 3rd: Matsugasaki / 6th: Nishioji-Oike / 9th: Shugakuin / 16th: Miyamaki |
| Good Room Net 2026: Desirable Cities (Municipalities) to Live In | 1st place: Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City / 3rd place: Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City / 4th place: Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City (tied) |
| SUUMO 2026 Kansai Edition (Train Stations) | 7th Kyoto / 14th Karasuma / 18th Katsura / 19th Kyoto Kawaramachi / 33rd Karasuma Oike / 36th Arashiyama |
| SUUMO 2026 Kansai Edition (Local Governments) | 9th place: Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City / 25th place: Kita Ward, Kyoto City / 28th place: Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City / 31st place: Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City |
Source: Daito Kentaku Iiheya Net "2026 Ranking of Livability and Desirable Places to Live <Kyoto Prefecture Edition>" / SUUMO Desirable Places to Live Ranking 2026 Kansai Edition (by Station) /Same (by Municipality) (as of October 2026)
If you're looking for a quiet residential area
Areas with a low number of cases per capita and high livability ratings include Sakyo Ward, Kita Ward, and Nishikyo Ward. The Matsugasaki and Shugakuin areas in Sakyo Ward are quiet neighborhoods with many universities and residential areas.
Nishikyo Ward, a residential area centered around Hankyu Railway's Katsura Station, had the lowest number of cases among Kyoto City's 11 wards, at 3.23 cases per 1,000 people. Outside of Kyoto City, Nagaokakyo City, Mukō City, and Seika Town also showed stable figures.
If you're looking for an apartment in Kyoto, Cross House can help you find the perfect place, so please feel free to contact us. We offer furnished apartments and shared houses throughout Kyoto City.
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Tips for choosing an area in Kyoto that you won't regret
When choosing a place to live in Kyoto, it's important not to make a decision based solely on impressions like "it's a tourist destination, so it's easy to live in" or "it's a famous place, so it's safe." Use statistics and rankings as a guide, but ultimately, choose based on what suits your lifestyle.
Points to check before moving in
- Public safety: Check the trends in the candidate ward/city using statistics from the Kyoto Prefectural Police and crime occurrence information released by the prefectural police.
- Access: Distance to the nearest station, frequency of trains and buses, and transfers to your workplace/school.
- Ease of living: Are supermarkets, hospitals, and government offices within walking or cycling distance?
- The number of tourists: How crowded buses and roads are during the tourist season.
Points to consider during property viewing and preliminary inspection.
When viewing a property, be sure to check not only the inside of the room but also the surrounding environment. Some places have a different atmosphere during the day and at night, so it's recommended to walk around at different times of the day if possible.
Whether there are streetlights and foot traffic on the path from the station to your room is important from a safety perspective. If there are restaurants or entertainment districts nearby, it's also a good idea to check the noise levels at night for peace of mind.
How to choose for those living alone, raising children, or seniors.
For those living alone, a convenient location close to a train station or convenience store is generally considered ideal. Families with children, on the other hand, often prioritize the safety of parks, childcare facilities, and school routes.
Some seniors choose quiet residential areas with few hills. Deciding on your priorities based on your and your family's age and purpose will make it easier to narrow down your options.
If you're thinking of starting your life in Kyoto by living in a shared house, please refer to our guide to the living environment and costs of shared houses in Kyoto City , as well as our tips on how to choose a shared house in Kyoto . For those who want to compare with other prefectures in the Kansai region, we also have a ranking of the least desirable places to live in Osaka Prefecture .
If you're new to living in Kyoto and unsure about where to live, Cross House can help you find your perfect apartment, so please feel free to contact us.
I need advice on finding an apartment in Kyoto.
FAQ
Q. Which areas in Kyoto have a high crime rate?
According to the Kyoto Prefectural Police's 2025 statistics, the number of incidents per 1,000 people is highest in Shimogyo Ward (13.35), followed by Higashiyama Ward (9.51), Nakagyo Ward (9.12), Minami Ward (8.17), and Yamashina Ward (6.15). However, wards with many visitors, such as Kyoto Station, Shijo Kawaramachi, and Gion, will have higher numbers when divided by the number of residents. Nakagyo Ward also ranks first in the prefecture for resident satisfaction (livability), so it is important not to judge solely on the number of incidents.
Q. Are there any places in Kyoto that I should avoid living in?
There are no areas that statistics definitively say are "bad places to live." What you should be careful about is when your lifestyle doesn't match the neighborhood, such as when someone who prioritizes quietness chooses a location too close to a tourist spot or a busy commercial district, or when someone chooses a place far from their workplace with many transfers. Be sure to actually walk around the neighborhoods you're considering, both during the day and at night.
Q. How is the safety and security situation in Mukojima (Fushimi Ward)?
The prefectural police statistics are compiled on a ward basis, so the number of incidents in Mukojima alone is not publicly available. Fushimi Ward, where Mukojima is located, had the highest number of incidents in the prefecture in 2025 with 1,552 cases, but because of its large population, the number of incidents per 1,000 people is 5.77, which is almost the same as the Kyoto City average (5.86 cases). In 2017, Kyoto City compiled the "Mukojima New Town Community Development Vision" and has been working with residents to promote disaster prevention and crime prevention efforts.
Q. Why is Yamashina said to have a high crime rate?
In 2025, Yamashina Ward recorded 786 cases, a 13.7% increase from the previous year. This also translates to 6.15 cases per 1,000 people, slightly exceeding the Kyoto City average (5.86 cases). While the large increase is likely a contributing factor, Yamashina Ward is also a convenient area with easy access to Kyoto Station and the city center.
Q. How is the public safety in Uji City and Nagaokakyo City?
The number of cases per 1,000 people is 3.87 in Uji City and 3.31 in Nagaokakyo City, both of which are lower than the 4.99 cases for Kyoto Prefecture as a whole (2025).
Q. Is Miyamaki an area where people shouldn't live?
There is no basis for such a judgment based on statistics or rankings. The number of cases per 1,000 people in Kyotanabe City, where Miyamaki Station is located, is 4.54, which is lower than the prefectural average, and Miyamaki is ranked 16th in Iiheya Net's "Livability (Station)" Ranking 2026 <Kyoto Prefecture Edition>.
Q. Is redevelopment progressing around Kyoto Station?
On the west side of Kyoto Station, procedures are underway for the "Kyoto Project (tentative name)," which will construct a new building on the site of the Kyoto Central Post Office and the station building's West No. 2 parking lot (an environmental impact assessment report was announced in August 2025). As of October 2026, the completion date has not been announced by the developer. On the east side of the station, the Kyoto City University of Arts campus relocated in 2023.
summary
In 2025, Kyoto Prefecture reported 12,398 criminal offenses. The wards with the highest crime rates per 1,000 people are Shimogyo, Higashiyama, Nakagyo, Minami, and Yamashina, but wards with tourist attractions and shopping districts tend to have higher figures due to the large number of visitors. Some wards, like Nakagyo, have the highest resident satisfaction rate in the prefecture.
While Fushimi Ward (Mukojima) has a high number of cases, the rate per capita is about the same as the Kyoto City average, while Uji City, Nagaokakyo City, and Kyotanabe City (Miyamaki) are lower than the prefectural average. Use the statistics and rankings as a guide, and walk around the city during the day and at night to see if it suits your lifestyle.
If you're looking for a place to live in Kyoto or the surrounding areas, Cross House can help you find your perfect home, so please feel free to contact us.
