Kyoto Station Safety Tips: Why You Should Carry Your Backpack in Front

The rhythmic hum of the Shinkansen surrounded me as I settled into my seat.
At Kyoto Station’s bustling entrance, I’d smoothly retrieved my ticket from my wallet, swiped it through the scanner, and joined the flow of passengers.
With my backpack securely strapped on, I navigated through the station crowds and found my designated spot on the platform – a quick 5-minute journey that somehow ended in disaster.

As I sat down, my heart skipped a beat – the backpack zipper gaped open, sending instant alarm bells ringing through my mind.

A frantic check confirmed my fears: though my passport and phone remained safe, my wallet had vanished into thin air.
I retraced my steps in growing panic, scanning every inch of the route, but the sleek leather wallet was nowhere to be found.
The financial blow stung – approximately 50,000–60,000 yen gone, including the hard-earned tax refunds from yesterday’s shopping marathon.
All that careful budgeting and excited purchases now felt painfully meaningless.

Ironically, after years traveling through the UK and US without incident, Japan marked my first-ever theft experience.

My friends, ever supportive, teased that this completed my “traveler’s rite of passage,” offering both laughter and sympathy.
Let this be a warning: stay hyper-vigilant in crowded transit hubs – stations, airports, anywhere with dense foot traffic breeds opportunity for thieves.
Secure your belongings like your travel happiness depends on it – because it does.

Now, time to reset and dive into Tokyo’s shopping wonderland.

The journey continues – wiser, lighter in the wallet, but undeterred in spirit.