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Japan

14 scams

Coronavirus update (6 Feb 2020): 45 cases. Please take the necessary precautions – e.g. wash hands with soap and wear a mask if you are sick.

Japan is where old meets new. Here, well preserved traditional structures and ancient practices stand tall amidst the many high tech and modern cities.

The country is also a very safe place to visit, though there are some tourist targeted scams (e.g. in bars; donations) to watch out for.

Note: vast majority of trips are trouble free and there is no need to be paranoid. That said, it always pays to be aware, careful, and prepared.

Emergency number

  • Police: 110
  • Fire, ambulance: 119
  • English helpline in Tokyo: 03-3501-0110 (Monday to Friday, 08.30 – 17.15)

Travel guide

  • Japan best hotels
  • Japan best tours

Travel safety

  • Japan medical care
  • Japan natural disasters
  • Japan transport safety
  • Japan violent crime, hazards
  • Travel safety gear
Mt. Fuji

Travel scams in Japan

Start over
Shinjuku at night

Roppongi/Shinjuku bar scams in Japan

7 0

How it works: Version 1: kyakuhiki (customer pullers) employed by shady bars tell you of offers at established bars and offer to bring you there. On the way however, he…

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Shibuya

Disaster relief scam in Japan

7 0

How it works: Well-dressed, English speaking middle aged individuals/Filipinas will approach and show you documentation about a recent disaster. They’ll be very polite and well-educated on the impact of the…

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Harajuku

Thai orphans scam in Japan

6 0

How it works: A stranger approaches and shares with you a range of information about Thai orphans and the struggles they have. Next, you will be asked to make a…

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Street in Kyoto

Magic dancing doll scam in Japan

4 0

How it works: Opening: on the streets, you see a man who claims to use “magic” to control a paper doll. He will make the doll move without touching it…

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JR line in Tokyo

Sexual harassment on train in Japan

2 0

How it works: There is a risk of groping due to the insanely crowded and packed trains (some at 160% capacity!). In fact, it was estimated that ~70% of high…

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Caged otter

Otter cafés’ sources in Japan

2 0

How it works: Since a TV program in Japan in 2014, the popularity of otters has spiked leading to a boom in the number of otter cafes. However, where have…

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Fake monk in Japan

Fake monks in Japan

2 3

How it works: Version 1: A man dressed in robes claiming to be from Bhutan tells you how he is travelling and wants you to pray with him for world…

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Night traffic in Tokyo

Staged car accidents in Japan

1 0

How it works: Situation: done to win payoffs and drivers are threatened to pay as well to not be sued. Version 1, an elderly Chinese was awarded 100,000 Yen in…

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Shibu Onsen, hot springs resort town in Japan

Vacation apartment scams in Japan

1 0

How it works: Situation: real estate fraud is rather rare in Japan though you may come across fake apartment listings. Red flags: cheap prices, copy-pasted description, dodgy sounding reviews, difference…

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Sushi in Japan

Restaurant scams in Japan

1 0

How it works: Situation: Most food places are fine, it’s generally just a few bad eggs around touristy areas that spoil it for the rest. Set-up: Step 1: a tout…

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Travelscams.org is the largest community built database of tourist scams and key travel safety issues globally, with 1777 travel scams and 1688 user stories shared on 101 countries.

If you ever wondered how it feels like to glide along the Ganges in India’s holiest City or to trek along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, just go, as we have you covered on all pitfalls you may face. About us →

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