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

Travel safety

Pickpockets in Japan

1 0

How it works: Although Japan is really safe and street crime is rare, there are still occasional cases of pickpocketing – usually perpetrated by foreign gangs. There have also been…

Kinkaku-ji Temple vendor scam in Japan

1 0

How it works: Around the area, one trick used by vendors is to return a smaller amount of change and then claim that you paid with a smaller note. Places…

Fake police in Japan

1 0

How it works: Situation: this scam got so out of hand that in 2014, it was covered in the Japan Times. Set-up: fake officers will approach and ask to see…