This Country Was Just Named Asia’s Safest—and It Also Has Stunning Beaches

Safety is often a top concern when traveling abroad, making it a key consideration when deciding where to go. It’s not just about crime rates but factors like safe public transport, disaster response, access to healthcare, and inclusivity. While following common sense safety rules is important wherever you go, visiting a high-risk destination doesn’t exactly make for a stress-free escape. 

For a greater sense of safety and security while exploring exotic culture and beautiful beaches in Asia, you’ll want to consider Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection’s recent study. As Travel + Leisure reports, the travel insurance company combined data analyzed from the Global Peace Index, GeoSure, and Numbeo with a survey of American travelers about the Asian destinations they visited and how safe they felt to determine the safest places to travel in Asia.

And the country that topped the list? Japan.

As Travel + Leisure notes, the sense of security allows travelers to experience all that the country has to offer without having to constantly focus on being cautious. Japan consistently receives high marks for low crime rates and minimal internal conflicts with virtually no political unrest. According to the publication’s travel experts, the impressive safety ranking is likely due to multiple factors, such as strict laws, societal structure, and a cultural focus on harmony that keeps public disturbances and street crime very low. 

While you probably know Japan is a great place to experience rich and exotic culture, with everything from ancient temples, onsens, and geishas to anime, it’s also ideal for a beach getaway. 

We recently featured a unique island in the Seto Inland Sea off the country’s southwest coast: Naoshima Island, ranked among CN Traveler’s Best Places to Go in 2026. Those who are into art and idyllic beaches won’t want to miss it. You’ll find both lively and secluded stretches, as we mentioned, but nearly all have pristine white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, comfortable for swimming between July and September. As a hub of arts and culture, there are also outdoor sculptures, art museums, exhibitions, and impressive architectural works by Tadao Ando.

Okinawa and its more than 160 islands recently made Expedia’s list of top destinations to visit in 2026, as we reported last fall. It’s also renowned for its white sandy beaches and brilliant blue waters from Okuma and Manza on the main island of Okinawa to Yonaha Maehama Beach on Miyako. But it’s also home to rainforests, waterfalls, and limestone caves. Plus, you can explore fortress and castle ruins, like 14th-century Katsuren Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.