Embassy of Japan in San Jose, Costa Rica; address Sabana Norte, 300m. West and 25m. North of ICE, San José; phone +50622321255. Head of mission: Mr.…
Head of mission: Mr. Hironobu Ishibashi, Ambassador (as of 2026)
Japan offers a compelling mix of rich traditions and modern attractions, making it an appealing destination for some Costa Rican travelers. Although the overall number of foreign tourists is modest, those who visit tend to spend significantly, indicating a strong engagement with the country's offerings. With around 600,000 Costa Ricans traveling abroad annually, a portion may find Japan to be an intriguing option.
Japan is considered one of the safest countries for tourists, including those coming from Costa Rica. According to the Global Peace Index, Japan ranks 17th out of 160 countries, significantly safer than Costa Rica, which ranks 56th. In terms of crime statistics, Japan has a remarkably low murder rate of 0.2 per 100,000 people compared to Costa Rica's 11.4. Female murder rates are also low in Japan at 0.2, while Costa Rica's is 2.2. Regarding organized crime, both countries have similar scores, but Japan generally has lower indices for various crime categories, indicating a safer environment. For example, Japan scores better in state crime (3.0 vs. Costa Rica's 1.5) and arms trafficking (3.0 vs. 5.0). Overall, tourists from Costa Rica can feel safe visiting Japan, as it has lower crime rates and is recognized for its overall safety.