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Occasional in Japan

Scam in JapanTheft

Theft in traveller bars and hangouts in Japan

Bars and hangouts popular with travellers and non-residents.

How it works

Belongings can be stolen in traveller bars and hangouts. The exact theft method is not specified.

Warning signs

  • Your bag or phone is out of sight.
  • You leave valuables at a table while moving around the venue.

How to avoid it

  1. Keep your belongings with you.
  2. Do not leave a phone or wallet on the table unattended.
  3. Check that you have everything before leaving.

If it happens to you

Tell venue staff and report the theft to the police. Freeze missing cards and use your device's lost mode if available.

  1. Get to a safe public place. Avoid arguments or physical confrontation. Call 110 if you face immediate danger.
  2. If you feel unwell or suspect drink drugging, seek medical help. Call 119 if you need an ambulance.
  3. Freeze missing payment cards or contact your card issuer about disputed charges. Secure affected accounts and devices.
  4. Save receipts, payment records and messages. Write down the venue, time, amount and what happened.
  5. 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.
  6. Contact your insurer about a claim. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport is missing or you need consular help.
Where it happensBars and hangouts popular with travellers and non-residents.Tokyo

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in JapanDrink drugging followed by large charges: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the theft in traveller bars and hangouts scam in Japan?

Belongings can be stolen in traveller bars and hangouts. The exact theft method is not specified.

How can I spot it early?

Your bag or phone is out of sight. You leave valuables at a table while moving around the venue.

How do I avoid theft in traveller bars and hangouts in Japan?

Keep your belongings with you. Do not leave a phone or wallet on the table unattended. Check that you have everything before leaving.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Tell venue staff and report the theft to the police. Freeze missing cards and use your device's lost mode if available.

Where in Japan does this happen?

Bars and hangouts popular with travellers and non-residents. 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: pickpocketing in crowds.

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.

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