Skip to content
Few scams

Eastern Asia

Tourist scams in Japan

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.
  1. 1 NightlifeOccasionalStreet touts and inflated bar billsSomeone on the street urges you to enter a bar or club. Once inside, you may face very high entry charges or drink prices. Tokyo's Roppongi and Kabukichō have specific warnings about this. Some hostess bars in Hiroshima's Nagarekawa may also overcharge. Staff also approach visitors outside host and hostess bars around Kyoto's Kiyamachi, though overcharging there is not specifically described.Tokyo, Hiroshima, Kyoto 3Read
  2. 2 TheftOccasionalPickpocketing in crowdsSomeone takes money or valuables from your pocket or bag in a crowd. It happens sometimes despite Japan's low crime rate.Crowded places, trains and Narita Airport. 3Read
  3. 3 TheftOccasionalTheft in traveller bars and hangoutsBelongings can be stolen in traveller bars and hangouts. The exact theft method is not specified.Tokyo 2Read
  4. 4 NightlifeOccasionalDrink drugging followed by large chargesSome visitors have reported being drugged and then charged for drinks they do not remember ordering. These are extreme cases.Tokyo 2Read
  5. 5 NightlifeOccasionalFree-entry clubs that pressure you to buy drinksA 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.Tokyo 1Read
  6. 6 Food and drinkOccasionalSlow service on timed unlimited food or drink dealsYou 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.Tokyo 3Read
  7. 7 TaxisOccasionalUnlicensed taxisAn illegal cab carries passengers without being a licensed taxi. No specific fare scam or loss amount is described.Across the country 2Read

Where to stay alert

  • Kabukichō, Shinjuku, TokyoStreet touts, inflated bar charges and extreme reports of drink drugging.
  • Roppongi, TokyoPersistent nightlife promoters, expensive clubs, inflated bills and reports of drink drugging.
  • The bar area behind 109, next to Dogenzaka in Shibuya, TokyoSome clubs with no entry fee repeatedly pressure customers to buy drinks.
  • Narita AirportPickpocketing can happen in crowded areas.
  • Nagarekawa, HiroshimaSome hostess bars may overcharge.
  • Kiyamachi, between Shijo and Sanjo, KyotoHost and hostess bar staff approach people outside and try to draw them in.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Licensed taxis have green number plates. Avoid illegal cabs with white or yellow plates.
  • Ask for an approximate fare before setting off if you are worried about the cost.
  • Expect higher night fares and possible phone or app booking fees. These charges alone do not mean a scam.
  • Have your destination's address in Japanese ready. Tipping is not customary.

Money

  • Compare the amount of yen you will receive before exchanging cash.
  • Currency exchange machines may offer rates 5–10% below the mid-market rate. This is a poor rate, rather than proof of fraud.
  • Read large prices carefully: 万 means 10,000, so 5万円 means ¥50,000.
  • Count your change and keep payment receipts.

Cards and ATMs

  • Read the withdrawal fee before accepting. Many ATMs charge ¥110 or ¥220, while E-net machines may charge ¥660.
  • If your foreign card is rejected, try a post office or 7-Eleven ATM. Rejection alone does not mean fraud.
  • Cover your PIN and keep your card secure.
  • Keep your card issuer's contact details somewhere separate from your wallet.

Your belongings

  • Keep bags closed and in front of you on crowded trains and at airports.
  • Keep phones and wallets secure, even when the area feels very safe.
  • Do not leave valuables unattended in bars or traveller hangouts.
  • Keep a separate copy of important travel documents.

Nights out

  • Choose your own venue and do not follow street touts.
  • Check entry fees, cover charges and drink prices before ordering. A clearly stated cover charge is not itself a scam.
  • In Kanazawa's Katamachi area, cover charges can start at ¥500 per person and reach thousands.
  • Keep your drink in sight and stay with trusted companions.
  • Limit alcohol and walk away from arguments.

Police and officials

  • Use a kōban for help with lost items or petty theft. Go to a police station for serious crimes.
  • Keep a clear record of the place, time, amount and people involved when reporting an incident.
  • Ask for language help if you cannot understand a police conversation.
  • If detained, ask for an interpreter and consular access. Do not sign or fingerprint documents you do not understand.

What travellers say about Japan

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Is Japan a high-risk place for tourist scams?

No. Crime levels are very low, and most visits are safe. Keep normal precautions, especially in nightlife areas and crowds.

Should I follow someone offering to show me a bar?

No. Choose your own venue. Touts can lead visitors to places with very high entry charges or drink prices, especially in Roppongi and Kabukichō.

Is every bar cover charge a scam?

No. Cover charges can be normal. In Kanazawa's Katamachi area, they can start at ¥500 per person and reach thousands. Ask for the full cost before entering.

Can a club with free entry still be expensive?

Yes. Some clubs near Dogenzaka in Shibuya repeatedly push customers to buy drinks. Check prices and any purchase requirements first.

What should I do if I think my drink was drugged?

Get help from a trusted person and seek medical care promptly. Call 119 if you need an ambulance. Report the incident to the police and contact your card issuer about unexpected charges.

Are taxis usually safe?

Licensed taxis are generally safe, with regulated, visible meters. Look for green number plates. Night surcharges and booking fees can be legitimate.

Where should I watch for pickpockets?

Take care in crowded places, on trains and at Narita Airport. Keep your bag closed and your phone and wallet secure.

Does an ATM fee or rejected foreign card mean a scam?

No. Withdrawal fees are common, and some ATMs do not accept foreign cards. Read the fee before accepting. A post office or 7-Eleven ATM may work if another machine rejects your card.

Are currency exchange machines good value?

Not always. They may offer rates 5–10% below the mid-market rate. Compare the final yen amount with an exchange shop before accepting.

Where do I report a stolen wallet or lost bag?

Start at a kōban or police station. Lost items, including wallets and cash, are often handed in. Freeze any missing cards promptly and keep a report reference for your insurer.

Reviewed by