Scam in JapanFood and drink
Slow service on timed unlimited food or drink deals in Japan
How it works
You pay for a fixed period, but staff control how quickly orders arrive. Slow service can limit how much you receive before time runs out. This can make the deal poor value; it does not always mean deliberate fraud.
Warning signs
- The deal has a strict time limit.
- Orders arrive slowly while the clock keeps running.
How to avoid it
- Check the time limit and included menu before paying.
- Ask how ordering and the final order time work.
- Choose individual items if the terms are unclear.
If it happens to you
Raise missing or delayed orders with staff while the deal is still running. Ask a manager to resolve any difference between the offer and what you received.
- 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.
- Travel blog2015Tokyo Cheapo’s Beginner’s Guide to Japanese Izakaya – Japan TrendsThe author observes that service appears to slow when customers choose time-limited unlimited drinks and recommends ordering the next round early.Read on Travel blog
- Redditr/JapanTravelTips2025A reservation at an all you can eat restaurant does not have an option for 1 personA commenter reports reading numerous reviews alleging that unlimited-food restaurants restrict premium ingredients or deliberately delay additional servings.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/japanlife2024How do I not hate nomikais?A commenter complains that slow service prevents them getting value from unlimited drinks during a roughly two-hour booking.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the slow service on timed unlimited food or drink deals scam in Japan?
You pay for a fixed period, but staff control how quickly orders arrive. Slow service can limit how much you receive before time runs out. This can make the deal poor value; it does not always mean deliberate fraud.
How can I spot it early?
The deal has a strict time limit. Orders arrive slowly while the clock keeps running.
How do I avoid slow service on timed unlimited food or drink deals in Japan?
Check the time limit and included menu before paying. Ask how ordering and the final order time work. Choose individual items if the terms are unclear.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Raise missing or delayed orders with staff while the deal is still running. Ask a manager to resolve any difference between the offer and what you received.
Where in Japan does this happen?
Some venues offering timed all-you-can-drink or all-you-can-eat deals. 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.
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