Is New York Safe to Visit Now in 2023 for Japanese Travelers?
Is New York Safe to Visit Now in 2023 for Japanese Travelers?
Meta Description:
Discover the latest on New York City’s safety and subway situation as of September 2023. How much has the city recovered since the pandemic? A Japanese traveler’s honest take.
The Pandemic’s Impact on New York City
The pandemic that began in 2020 turned New York City into a ghost town. Streets once full of people became silent, and crime rates rose sharply.
In 2021, the rise of Asian Hate crimes shocked the world. Many believed people who had shifted to remote work would never return to the city.
It’s true — working from home became common. Yet, surprisingly, Manhattan has once again filled with people. The energy of the city is back! In this article, we’ll explore the current safety and subway conditions in New York City as of September 2023 — my final safety report since the pandemic began.
New York Has Always Been a Dangerous City
New York has never been known as a perfectly safe place — it’s always had an edge.
When I lived in the Lower East Side in the early 2000s, however, the city transformed. Streets grew lively, neighborhoods improved, and safety increased dramatically.
This was largely thanks to city leadership at the time. Those struggling with mental health issues were moved to shelters, and criminals were sent to prison. You could enjoy a night out, ride the subway, or take a taxi home late at night without much worry.
But during the pandemic, prison and shelter systems became overwhelmed, and many people were released. Unfortunately, this led to a temporary decline in safety.
New York in 2023: Almost Back to Normal
Today, New York feels almost back to its pre-pandemic rhythm.
While occasional reports of Asian Hate still surface, the city overall feels much safer than in 2021–2022. You’ll still see some homeless individuals or people struggling mentally, but subway ridership has surged again — which naturally increases safety.
Police presence is strong across stations and streets, and visitors can feel a greater sense of security. In short, New York has regained much of its old energy.
Staying Safe in New York at Night
Some things never change — especially nighttime safety tips.
Always be aware of your surroundings when walking, and avoid deserted streets. When returning home late, it’s best to use Uber, Lyft, or a yellow cab instead of walking or taking the subway alone.
Remember: “Safe” in New York doesn’t mean risk-free. It means knowing how to move smartly.
Final Thoughts
This is my final update on New York’s safety since the pandemic. Many readers have shown strong interest in this topic, so I wanted to share one last look.
New York is never perfectly safe — and that’s part of its wild charm. Stay alert, but don’t be afraid to enjoy it. The city is alive again, and you can finally experience the vibrant, pre-pandemic New York once more.
NewYorkSafety #NYCTravel #JapaneseInNY #NYCSubway #TravelTips #PandemicRecovery #AsianHate #NewYork2023
