Time of publish: April 2026
I started noticing this after Covid, while walking regularly at night. There are more rats in Tokyo streets now, especially around restaurant garbage areas. It’s not something I used to see in Tokyo before.
I’ve seen them in places like Takadanobaba, Kabukicho, and Ikebukuro. They tend to gather near garbage bags left outside at night. In some areas, it’s not just one or two. You start seeing them more often, moving around, making noise, and fighting over food.
It’s concerning, especially because many of these spots are right next to restaurants in Tokyo. We enjoy trying new places, but seeing this makes us more cautious about where we eat.
I read that there were attempts to reduce the population using poison control measures, but it didn’t last. The numbers came back. With garbage left exposed on the streets, it just makes it easier for them to thrive.
🎥 Video 👇
If you’re interested in lifestyle and health in Japan, I also wrote about why Japanese people live long.
Tokyo-based food enthusiast focused on Japanese-inspired low-carb, keto-friendly cooking and fermentation.
Simple recipes and honest restaurant reviews.
👉 sakurayubi.com/about/
