Japan. The name itself conjures images of serene cherry blossoms, tranquil Shinto shrines, neon-drenched cityscapes, and a culture steeped in respect and politeness. It consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world, a place where locals will chase you down the street to return a dropped wallet and where trains run with legendary precision. This reputation for safety is overwhelmingly well-deserved.
However, no country is entirely without its pitfalls. Where there are tourists, there are, unfortunately, individuals who seek to exploit their unfamiliarity and goodwill. The scams in Japan are often more subtle than the aggressive cons found elsewhere. They prey on a tourist’s politeness, their desire for an “authentic” experience, or their confusion about local customs.
This guide is not meant to scare you or tarnish the image of this incredible country. Instead, its purpose is to empower you. By understanding these few, relatively rare, tourist-focused scams, you can navigate Japan with even greater confidence, ensuring your trip is as magical and trouble-free as you’ve dreamed. Here are the eight biggest tourist scams to watch out for in Japan and, more importantly, how to sidestep them like a seasoned traveler.
1. The ‘Spiked Drink’ Hostess/Host Club Scam (The Roppongi & Shinjuku Special)
This is by far the most serious and financially damaging scam targeting tourists in Japan, and it’s concentrated in specific nightlife districts.
What is the Scam?
The scam begins on the street, typically in Tokyo’s Roppongi or Shinjuku (specifically the Kabukicho area) districts. A friendly, often non-Japanese, tout will approach you. They are masters of disarming conversation, asking where you’re from and promising an unbeatable deal: “Hey boss, great party! All you can drink for one hour, only ¥3000!” or “Beautiful Japanese girls, very cheap drinks, come with me!”
Lured by the promise of a cheap night out and good company, you follow them into a nondescript building and up an elevator to a small, often shabby bar. You’re given a drink, and this is where the danger lies. The drink may be spiked with a sedative. Victims report feeling groggy and disoriented shortly after their first drink. While you are in this compromised state, your credit card is charged for astronomical amounts—exorbitant cover charges, “bottle service” you never ordered, and champagne for the hostesses.
When you finally get the bill, it can be for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. If you protest, intimidating bouncers may appear, threatening you until you pay. By the time you leave, you’re dazed, confused, and significantly poorer.
Where it Happens:
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Tokyo: Primarily in the Roppongi and Shinjuku (Kabukicho) nightlife districts. Also reported in Ikebukuro and Shibuya.
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Osaka: The Minami (Namba) district has also seen similar incidents.
The Red Flags:
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Street Touts: This is the number one red flag. Reputable bars in Japan do not use aggressive street touts to pull in customers.
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Unbelievable Deals: “All you can drink for ¥3000” is often bait.
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Vague Descriptions: They’ll promise “girls” and “fun” but won’t name a specific, verifiable bar.
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Being Led Away: If someone insists you follow them down alleys or into unmarked buildings, disengage immediately.
How to Avoid It:
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Rule #1: NEVER follow a street tout. Ever. This single piece of advice will protect you from 99% of these scams.
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Research Your Nightlife: If you want to experience a Japanese bar, hostess club, or nightclub, do your research beforehand. Use Google Maps, travel blogs, or hotel concierge recommendations to find reputable establishments with good reviews.
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Stay in Mainstream Areas: Stick to well-lit main streets and establishments that have clear signage and a visible entrance.
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Be Firm: A polite but firm “No, thank you” (Iie, kekko desu) and walking away is all you need to do. Do not engage in conversation.
What to Do If It Happens:
This is a criminal act. Go to the nearest koban (police box) and report it immediately. Contact your credit card company to report the fraudulent charges and your country’s embassy for assistance. Your embassy is familiar with this scam and can provide guidance.
2. The Fake Monk/Beggar Scam
This scam preys on your respect for religious figures and your charitable spirit.
What is the Scam?
You’ll be walking near a major tourist site, like Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo or Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, when you’re approached by someone dressed in the robes of a Buddhist monk. They may offer you a small trinket, a “lucky” bracelet, or a golden prayer card. After you accept the “gift,” they will become very insistent that you provide a “donation.”
They will often carry a notebook filled with the names of other “donors” and the large sums of money they supposedly gave, pressuring you to match their generosity. They can be surprisingly persistent and will make you feel guilty for not contributing.
The Reality Check:
Real Japanese monks do not solicit donations in this aggressive manner on the streets. While some monks do practice takuhatsu (alms-gathering), it is a quiet, meditative practice. They stand silently, chanting or ringing a bell, and will not approach you or force items into your hand. Donations to temples are made through official donation boxes on the temple grounds.
Where it Happens:
Near major temples, shrines, and tourist-heavy pedestrian areas in cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara.
The Red Flags:
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Active Soliciting: A monk who approaches you directly, speaks to you, and tries to hand you something is almost certainly fake.
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Pressure Tactics: Using a “donation book” to show you how much others have given.
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Demanding a Specific Amount: Real alms-gathering involves accepting whatever is offered, without expectation.
How to Avoid It:
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Politely Decline: A simple bow of the head and a firm “No, thank you” while continuing to walk is the best response.
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Do Not Accept “Gifts”: Once you take the item, you’ve entered their transactional frame. Keep your hands to yourself.
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Donate Officially: If you wish to support a temple, use the designated wooden donation boxes (saisen-bako) located on the temple grounds.
3. The ‘Otoshi’ or Cover Charge Surprise
This one is less of a malicious scam and more of a cultural misunderstanding that can feel like one if you’re not prepared.
What is the Scam?
You settle into a cozy-looking izakaya (a Japanese-style pub) for a drink and a few skewers of yakitori. You have a great time, and when the bill arrives, you notice a charge you don’t recognize, typically labeled otoshi (お通し) or tsukidashi (突き出し). It’s a per-person charge, usually around ¥300-¥700. This charge corresponds to the small appetizer that was brought to your table right after you ordered your first drinks—a dish you never actually ordered.
To an unsuspecting tourist, this can feel like being charged for something they didn’t want. Protesting the charge is usually fruitless, as it’s considered a standard part of the izakaya experience.
The Cultural Context:
Otoshi is a customary table charge that functions as both a “welcome” appetizer and a way for the establishment to guarantee a minimum spend per customer. It’s deeply ingrained in the izakaya culture. The dish is usually something simple, like a small bowl of edamame, pickled vegetables, or a potato salad.
Where it Happens:
Predominantly in izakaya and some traditional Japanese restaurants across the country. It is not common in ramen shops, sushi chains, or Western-style restaurants.
The Red Flags:
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It’s often not a red flag, but a standard practice. The only “flag” is receiving an appetizer you didn’t order.
How to Avoid It:
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Assume It’s There: When entering an izakaya, it’s safest to assume there will be an otoshi charge. Factor it into your budget.
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Ask Beforehand: If you’re unsure, you can ask before being seated: “Otoshi arimasu ka?” (Is there a table charge?). Some places may waive it, but most will not.
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Look for Signage: Many establishments that cater to tourists will have a small sign in English explaining the table charge.
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Embrace It: The best approach is to see it as part of the authentic cultural experience. It’s often a delicious and unique little bite you might not have tried otherwise.
4. The Pushy Photographer / Fortune Teller Scam
This is a classic bait-and-switch that exploits a tourist’s desire for a memorable photo or a fun, quirky experience.
What is the Scam?
You’re in a vibrant, youth-focused area like Harajuku’s Takeshita Street. A very friendly and enthusiastic person approaches you, often dressed in an eye-catching outfit. They might offer to take your photo with their “cool” friends or against a colorful backdrop for free. Or, they might present themselves as a fortune teller and offer a “free” glimpse into your future.
After the photo is taken or the quick “reading” is given, the tone shifts. They will suddenly demand a high payment for the service. The “free” offer was just the hook. They use social pressure and your reluctance to cause a scene to coerce you into paying an exorbitant amount for something of little value.
Where it Happens:
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Tokyo: Harajuku (especially Takeshita Street), Shibuya, and near tourist landmarks in Asakusa.
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Kyoto: In the bustling streets leading up to Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
The Red Flags:
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Unsolicited Offers of “Free” Services: Be highly skeptical of anyone aggressively offering something for free in a high-traffic tourist area.
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Over-the-Top Friendliness: While Japanese people are polite, an overly effusive and pushy demeanor is often a tactic.
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Lack of a Clear Price List: Legitimate services will have their prices clearly displayed.
How to Avoid It:
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Just Say No: A firm and polite refusal is your best defense. Don’t feel obligated to be overly polite to someone who is clearly targeting you.
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Don’t Hand Over Your Camera/Phone: In the photographer version of the scam, never let them use your device, as they could hold it hostage until you pay.
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Walk Away: If they become pushy, simply turn and walk away. They are unlikely to follow you far.
5. Counterfeit Goods & “Duty-Free” Deceptions
While Japan has strict laws against counterfeit goods, this scam can still pop up in certain markets targeting tourists.
What is the Scam?
There are two main versions of this. The first is the sale of outright counterfeit goods. In a back-alley shop in a tourist-heavy area, you might be offered “brand-name” bags, watches, or clothing at a fraction of the price. The quality is invariably poor, and you are buying illegal merchandise.
The second, more subtle version, happens in some electronics stores, particularly in Tokyo’s Akihabara district. A shop might advertise a camera or a video game console at a fantastic “duty-free” price. However, the product might be a “grey market” import intended for another country. This means it might have the wrong power adapter, manuals in a different language, and, most importantly, no international warranty. The “duty-free” saving is negated by the lack of after-sales support.
Where it Happens:
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Counterfeit Goods: Back streets of tourist areas in major cities.
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Electronics Deception: Some smaller, independent electronics shops in Akihabara.
The Red Flags:
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Prices That Are Too Good to Be True: A brand-new Nikon camera or Louis Vuitton bag for 80% off is not a deal; it’s a fake.
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Shady Locations: Reputable brands are sold in department stores or their own official boutiques, not from a stall in a dark alley.
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High-Pressure Sales Tactics: The salesperson insists you must buy now to get the special price.
How to Avoid It:
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Shop at Reputable Retailers: For electronics, stick to large, well-known chains like Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera, or the official brand stores. For luxury goods, use department stores or official boutiques.
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Insist on an International Warranty: When buying electronics, ask specifically for a model with an international warranty and check the box for documentation.
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Understand Duty-Free: Duty-free shopping is a legitimate benefit, but it only removes the Japanese consumption tax (currently 10%). It doesn’t lead to unbelievable discounts.
6. The “Help Me” / Distraction Scam
This is a classic pickpocketing technique found worldwide, and while less common in Japan due to low street crime, it can happen in crowded areas.
What is the Scam?
You are in a crowded place like Shibuya Crossing or a busy train station. Suddenly, someone stumbles and falls in front of you, spilling the contents of their bag. Or, someone might tap you on the shoulder to ask for directions, pointing at a map.
While your attention is diverted by this seemingly innocent event, an accomplice swiftly and silently relieves you of your wallet, phone, or bag. You only realize you’ve been robbed minutes later, long after the team has vanished into the crowd.
Where it Happens:
Anywhere with dense crowds: major train stations (Shinjuku, Tokyo, Shibuya), famous tourist spots, and during crowded festivals.
The Red Flags:
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Sudden, Unnecessary Physical Contact: Someone bumping into you or grabbing your arm in a crowded space.
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An Unusually Dramatic Commotion: A staged argument or accident designed to draw everyone’s attention.
How to Avoid It:
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Be Spatially Aware: In dense crowds, be conscious of your surroundings and who is near you.
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Secure Your Valuables: Keep your wallet in a front pocket, use a cross-body bag zipped up and in front of you, and never hang your bag on the back of a chair.
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Be Cautious During Commotions: If a sudden incident happens nearby, your first instinct should be to check on your belongings before engaging.
7. Taxi Fare Shenanigans
The vast majority of Japanese taxi drivers are honest professionals. However, a few may try to take advantage of a tourist’s lack of local knowledge.
What is the Scam?
The most common tactic is taking an unnecessarily long route—the “scenic route”—to your destination to inflate the meter. This is most likely to happen on trips from the airport or between major tourist sites when the driver assumes you don’t know the most direct path.
A less common but more serious issue is the use of unlicensed taxis, especially at airports. These drivers may approach you in the arrivals hall and offer a cheap flat rate, but their vehicles are not commercially licensed or insured (they have white, not green, license plates), and they may demand a much higher fare upon arrival.
Where it Happens:
Most likely on routes from Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) airports to central Tokyo, or between tourist districts in large cities.
The Red Flags:
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Drivers soliciting fares inside the airport terminal. Licensed taxis wait in the official taxi rank.
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A taxi with a white license plate. Official commercial vehicles in Japan have green license plates.
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The driver is reluctant to use the meter and insists on a high flat fee (for a non-standard route).
How to Avoid It:
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Use Official Taxi Ranks: Always go to the designated taxi stand at airports and train stations.
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Use Ride-Sharing Apps: Apps like Uber and Go are available in major Japanese cities. They call licensed taxis and provide an upfront fare estimate and a GPS-tracked route, eliminating the possibility of being overcharged.
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Have Your Destination Ready: Have your destination’s address written in Japanese (or open on Google Maps) to show the driver. This shows you know where you’re going and makes their job easier.
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Keep an Eye on the Map: Follow the route on your own phone’s GPS. If you see the driver taking a very strange detour, you can question it.
8. The “Free” Tea Ceremony / Cultural Experience Trap
This scam is a bait-and-switch that plays on the desire for authentic cultural immersion, particularly in historic cities like Kyoto.
What is the Scam?
You might see a flyer or be approached by someone offering a “free” or very cheap tea ceremony or kimono-wearing experience. Intrigued, you follow them to a shop or a “cultural center.” The experience itself is often rushed and of low quality.
The real purpose is not the ceremony, but the high-pressure sales pitch that follows. After the “experience,” you will be led into a showroom and aggressively pressured to buy vastly overpriced tea sets, kimonos, scrolls, or other souvenirs. The sales staff are trained to be very persistent, making it difficult and uncomfortable to leave without making a purchase.
Where it Happens:
Tourist-heavy districts of Kyoto (like Gion and the paths to Kiyomizu-dera) and other historic cities.
The Red Flags:
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“Free” or incredibly cheap offers for what is normally a pricey experience. A proper tea ceremony or kimono rental has significant costs.
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Being solicited on the street for a cultural experience. Reputable providers operate from established locations and rely on bookings.
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The experience feels more like a prelude to a shop than the main event.
How to Avoid It:
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Book Through Reputable Sources: If you want to experience a tea ceremony, book it through your hotel, an official tourist information center, or a well-reviewed provider on sites like Klook or Viator.
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Be Skeptical of Street Solicitations: Treat unsolicited offers with caution.
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Learn to Walk Away: If you find yourself in a high-pressure sales situation, you are not obligated to buy anything. A firm “I am not interested, thank you” (Kyoumi wa arimasen, arigatou) and heading for the exit is perfectly acceptable.
A Final, Reassuring Word
Reading about scams can be disheartening, but it is crucial to place this information in its proper context. Japan remains one of the safest, most honest, and most welcoming countries on Earth for travelers. The scams listed here are the exception, not the rule, and are largely confined to specific areas and situations.
By being an informed and aware traveler—by knowing not to follow a tout in Roppongi, by understanding the otoshi custom, and by booking experiences through trusted channels—you protect yourself from the tiny minority who might see you as a target.
