As you can see, the crime statistics of Metropolitan Police Department of Tokyo in 2019 shows that Shinjuku, Ikebukuro and Shibuya are the 3 most dangerous areas in Tokyo by far, as we all know the famous Shinjuku Kabukicho, Ikebukuro ?West Gate? Park and Shibuya Center Street.

For most tourists in 2026, "where not to stay" is less about safety and more about avoiding overtourism and commute fatigue. While areas like Shinjuku and Shibuya are iconic, they have become increasingly "unbearable" due to extreme overcrowding at stations and high hotel prices. Staying directly in these hubs often means long waits for elevators and navigating literal human traffic jams just to reach your room. Conversely, staying in very residential areas far from the Yamanote Loop line (like deep Adachi or Edogawa) can save money but will cost you 45–60 minutes in transit each way, which is a significant drain on a short vacation. Many travelers also advise against staying in Kabukicho (Shinjuku’s red-light district) if you prefer a quiet environment, as it remains noisy and "gritty" late into the night. A better strategy is to choose "shoulder" neighborhoods like Kichijoji, Ebisu, or Ningyocho, which offer a serene, local feel while remaining just a 15–20 minute train ride away from the major attractions.