Scam in JapanNightlife
Free-entry clubs that pressure you to buy drinks in Japan
How it works
A club has no entry fee, but staff repeatedly pressure you to buy drinks. The final cost can be as high as visiting a club with an entry fee.
Warning signs
- Free entry is the main selling point.
- Staff keep pushing you to order more drinks.
How to avoid it
- Check drink prices and purchase requirements before entering.
- Set a spending limit.
- Leave if the pressure starts.
If it happens to you
Stop ordering and ask for the bill. Leave calmly if it is safe. Seek police help if you are threatened.
- Get to a safe public place. Avoid arguments or physical confrontation. Call 110 if you face immediate danger.
- If you feel unwell or suspect drink drugging, seek medical help. Call 119 if you need an ambulance.
- Freeze missing payment cards or contact your card issuer about disputed charges. Secure affected accounts and devices.
- Save receipts, payment records and messages. Write down the venue, time, amount and what happened.
- Report theft or lost items at a kōban. Go to a police station for a serious crime or if the kōban is unstaffed. Ask for a report reference.
- Contact your insurer about a claim. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport is missing or you need consular help.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the free-entry clubs that pressure you to buy drinks scam in Japan?
A club has no entry fee, but staff repeatedly pressure you to buy drinks. The final cost can be as high as visiting a club with an entry fee.
How can I spot it early?
Free entry is the main selling point. Staff keep pushing you to order more drinks.
How do I avoid free-entry clubs that pressure you to buy drinks in Japan?
Check drink prices and purchase requirements before entering. Set a spending limit. Leave if the pressure starts.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Stop ordering and ask for the bill. Leave calmly if it is safe. Seek police help if you are threatened.
Where in Japan does this happen?
The bar and club area behind 109, next to Dogenzaka in Shibuya. It has been reported in Tokyo.
How common is this scam in Japan?
Occasional. Japan has very low crime levels, and most visitors have a safe trip. The main scam risks are nightlife touts, inflated bar bills and rare reports of drink drugging. Pickpocketing and theft can also happen, especially in crowds and traveller bars.
Are there similar scams in Japan?
Yes: street touts and inflated bar bills, drink drugging followed by large charges.
Who can I report it to?
Police in an emergency: call 110 for immediate danger, threats or an urgent crime. Kōban or police station: report thefts and lost items at a nearby kōban. English and Japanese lost-item forms are available, often called the Blue Form. Use a police station for serious crimes or if no officer is available at the kōban. Tokyo General Advisory Center: for non-emergency police advice and language help in Tokyo, call +81 3 3501-0110. English, Korean and Chinese support is available Monday–Friday, 08:30–17:15, except holidays. Prefectural police headquarters: call #9110 for non-emergency police advice. Some locations require a local number instead, and language support varies. Card issuer or bank: use the official banking app or a verified contact number to freeze cards and report unauthorised or disputed payments. Travel insurer: contact the claims service and keep the police report reference, receipts and other evidence. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help with a missing passport or consular assistance if detained.
What number do I call in an emergency in Japan?
Police emergency: 110, Ambulance and fire: 119.
Reviewed by @snuck