JAPAN HAS CHANGED | Japan’s 16 Tourist Traps to watch out for | New Scam | Travel Update 2024
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- čas přidán 31. 05. 2024
- Here is some of the tourist traps in Japan. I hope the japan travel tips and advice gives you a heads up before traveling to Japan and makes your trip a smoother one.
Japan is widely known as one of the safest countries for travelers worldwide. With low theft rates and minimal crime, it's generally a secure destination. However, there are exceptions to such reputations.
Unfortunately, in Japan, there are fraudsters who cheat foreigners into stealing cash. Also, there are many things that are legal but should be noted.For example, in Japan, high-priced products targeting foreigners have recently appeared.This is a price that ordinary Japanese cannot buy.
In this video, I'll discuss 16 points divided into three categories to help tourists stay vigilant. The first is illegal fraud that occurs frequently in Japan, the second is legal but noteworthy matters, and the third is potential concerns to watch out for in the future. By watching this video, you can avoid falling into a tragic fate.Then you will be able to enjoy your trip to Japan safely and comfortably.
⭐️CHAPTERS⭐️
0:00 Opening
1:15 *illegal fraud that occurs frequently in Japan*
1:18 1.Begging Monks
2:25 2.Scouting for Models
3:24 3.Spiked Drink
4:42 4.Bars Rip you off
5:48 5.“Friendly” Bar Friends
6:55 6.Money Scams
8:01 7.Disaster Scam
8:53 8.Orphanage Scam
9:56 *Legal but noteworthy matters*
10:00 9.Foreigners' Prices
11:28 10.Bathing Tax
12:26 11.Accommodation Tax
13:39 12.Island Tax
14:40 13.Consumption Tax
15:43 14.Departure Tax
16:37 15.Alcohol Tax
17:34 *Potential concern to watch out for in the future*
17:38 16.Tourist Tax in Osaka?
⭐️Information⭐️
What are some popular ongoing scams in Japan?
www.quora.com/What-are-some-p...
Common Scams in Tokyo
www.living-in-tokyo.com/commo...
I was scammed by a rip off bar last night. What should I do?
/ i_was_scammed_by_a_rip...
Dating app rip-off
www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg....
Top Scams in Japan
www.covermore.co.uk/blog/top-...
U.S. Embassy warns citizens about drink spiking in Roppongi
japantoday.com/category/crime...
The Different Types of Japan Taxes
we-xpats.com/en/guide/as/jp/d...
International Tourist Tax
www.japan.travel/en/plan/inte...
An International Tourist Tax will be levied on travelers departing from Japan.
www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/i...
Overtourism Returns: Foreign Visitors Must Be Informed of Proper Etiquette
japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/edito...
Taketomijima(Taketomi Island)
taketomijima.okinawa/wp/en/ti...
The accommodation tax in Nagasaki
www.islandnagasaki.jp/wp/wp-c...
Beware the rise of overpriced “Inbound Don” at tourist spots in Japan
soranews24.com/2024/03/02/bew...
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I was in Japan last summer for about a month and I gotta say the most common scam I saw was street touting. It’s very very prevalent in Tokyo prefecture mostly in Kabukicho and Harajuku. Some advice to remember as well, just try to not act too much like a tourist, come with some knowledge of the Japanese language and customs. I saw so many foreigners who were talking loudly on trains or on temple/shrine grounds. Lastly, something I’d recommend, don’t just get Japanese food (trust me ramen, curry, and fish get really boring after a week) one of my favorite memories was this small Tex/mex shop run by this guy obsessed with America and its culture. It was fun to talk with him about American/Japanese culture and it was really cool to see a Japanese take on western food.
Thank you for sharing your real experience.
It's very helpful for other tourists.
Your experience is amazing!!!!! I hope you come back to Japan soon!
If anyone comes up to you. It’s a scam.
Thank you for sharing your advice.
In Paris to avoid scammers, do not go to Paris!
Haha!
#17 - NHK guy telling you to sign a paper for owning a TV.
honestly, what can you do there if they got their arm in your door
@@user-jd3gf5xw1x Just say no.
@@user-jd3gf5xw1x Don't open the door!
I’ve been to Japan over 20 times in the last decade. North south everywhere. It’s very safe as long as you stay away from touristy areas,
Wow, so many times!
Thank you for sharing your real experience.
It's very helpful for other tourists!
Iv never had an issue even in touristy areas. Just dont be dumb.
@@BOYVIRGO666you would be surprised how rare common sense is.
@@BrotherHood-xh9sg Yeah but that woudnt be an issue with scams in japan. Thats just idiots.
@@BOYVIRGO666 Generally speaking, Japan is much safer than most counties in the world even in touristy areas.
spiked drink is not just a "tourist trap" its a a crime, a felony assault.
This is a very well made video warning tourists of the latest potential scams that are happening. Thank you.
My #1 rule... avoid places you see lots of tourists with signs that say English Menu!
Well if you don't go to a place with english menu, you'd probably be kicked out. Some places in tokyo that don't have an english menu, also don't have english speaking staff which push them to kick any foreigners they see to avoid having to deal with them without having the ressources to do so
nah. this aint that bad. we had our dinner along tanukikoji, sapporo which offers english menu - and they are actually good! food is so delicious.
my #1 rule...: know atleast a minimum of the language spoken and in writing(hiragana).
you get more out of your trip,and its much easier to acces places that have no english menu`s.
they will serve you if you know atleast some basic japanese.
Don't you have a cellphone with a translator app? Like come on, it is 2024 and you still this dumb.
You’d miss a lot of great places then. Just do your research and if you’re winging it in the moment pay attention to the prices. The food is so good there across the board that you will often find a cheaper option thats not that far away and a lot easier to get into.
We are heading to Tokyo next month. Super excited and I am not at all concerned about scams. We don’t drink and can avoid hopefully all scammers.
I hope you have a wonderful time in Japan!
Though I was fortunate to not encounter these scams from my last trip to Japan, it is still noteworthy for this video to remind folks to be aware ahead of time. Very helpful indeed, especially the monk scams! I’ll be sure not to pay mind to those fake monks. Thanks again, Toshi!
O yes those monk scammers are in Manhattan New York as well
>@gojirito8327
Thank you for watching!
The comment from viewers like you really encourages me.
>@alfoncesmithe
Oh, it's in America, too...
Even more than 10 years ago I encountered the "disaster relief" crowd regularly.
When I went to Japan, since I can speak Japanese without problem, I went the whiskey bar in Fukuoka and met a guy sit next to me. We took sweet two hours for talking about baseball. It ended as Kyojin can go hell. (he was from Kansai).
He started to sing 六甲おろし(famous rally song for Hanshin Tigers), and I thought bartender will stop him. Actually bartender brought out the signed Hanshin baseball cap, wore it and sung together. Best moment in trip to Japan.
Certainly there are many tourist traps... if you don't know how it work, it can be total rip off and overcrowding hell. I recommend you to go the less famous cities. Much pleasing experience than big cities in my opinion.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experiences and good advices.
Those are very helpful for other tourists and me!
I hope you come back to Japan soon.
My friend you are doing a great service here. I really appreciate people who share info on what to watch for in places like japan where as a foreigner might have a really hard time learning these things on their own. Many good vibes for you my dude! 😊
Thank you for your friendly comment!
I'll do my best!
@@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan I know you will my friend, keep up the good vibes and fighting the good fight!
Great tips Toshi. Good job!😍
I'm glad I could help you!
Thank you so much for sharing these tips!
I'm glad I could help you!!!!
Experienced my first scammer in Akihabara. She tried to hand me a book, but I told her no thank you in Japanese before continuing on. Honestly I’ve had more fun in Kochi Prefecture than I did in Kanagawa and Tokyo. Plus the people are so much more nicer and helpful.
Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.
But, thank you for sharing your real experience.
It's very helpful for other tourists. I hope you come back to Japan soon!
Japan is an amazing place, and Japanese people are invariably polite and honest.
If you're approached in the street by anyone other than Police, it's likely a scam.
Many of the scammers aren't even Japanese, but foreigners working for criminal orgs to stay in the country !!
Yep I have witness this too. put your hands together making the letter "T", meaning time out this works
@@alfoncesmithe Take it a step further and make an X with your forearms, that's the Japanese gesture for HELL NO !!
unfortunatly, in the past there have been cases where those in a somewhat beliveable police uniform where scammers too.
so make sure you know how a proper police uniform looks like.
when in doubt, just go to the nearest police box.
@@edwardfletcher7790 Brilliant I'll remember that one
1. Filipinos- pinoys😅
thank you! i learned i am going to japan in 2 months for a school trip and all info is appreciated. i want to be as respectful as possible and not bother any citizens, and also keep myself safe.
I'm glad I could help you.
I hope you have a wonderful time in Japan.
Good information. Much appreciated.
Thank you for watching.
I'm glad I could help you!
Thank you for these tips.
I'm glad I could help you!
Great and informative video. Thank you. So many tax rules!
I'm glad I could help you!
Thank you for the tip! 👍
I'm glad I could help you.
I live in a quiet area way south of Osaka. Here, there’s barely any foreigners so I can pay in peace knowing I’m not scammed 😌
Hello Toshi thanks for your videos . I’m interested in the new buses in Kyoto . Could you explain anything more ?
Thank you for your request. I explained it in my previous video.
Please check it out.
czcams.com/video/r-xoIF9tzJs/video.html
I'm going to Japan next month and I stumbled across this video. Thank you for informing, I'll keep this in mind!
Im also visiting Japan next month 😊 are you traveling alone or with company? And what palaces did you plan to visit? I’m so excited to get to see Japan 😊
Same going next week🎉
@xAzziverse
Thank you for your friendly comment!
I'm glad I could help you!
@xAzziverse
@zulal2498
@PongPowerSRB
I hope you have a wonderful time in Japan!!!
@@PongPowerSRB wow, next week already 🤩 have a nice trip 🥰
I went to Japan in August last year for 15 days...amazingly everything went smoothly without troubles....thank you for the warnings...
I'm glad to hear that.
I hope you come back to Japan soon!
Just get lost outside tourist spots, you will be rewarded
Pardon, is this some kind of sarcasm joke. (I really dont understand.)
Thank you for the tips
I'm glad I could help you!!!!
Thank you for sharing. ❤
Thank you for watching!
After living in Japan 28 years I’m convinced:
Avoid Kyoto!
Yes you read that.
Don’t bother with the crowds and price gouging.
Have a day or two in Kamakura if you’re that keen on shrines and temples and then branch out. There are so many places that you can enjoy more than Kyoto.
Thank you for sharing your real experience.
It's very helpful for other tourists.
I hope you come back to Japan soon!
@@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan I live in Japan, in Shizuoka and continue to do so.
Thanks for your response.
oh wow, im planning to go to Kyoto next year, thanks for sharing
I was there last week, love japan but Kyoto is too crowd
Correct, Kyoto was beyond packed, selling trinkets and such everywhere, a real pain to get to and leave....I would just hang out in Tokyo and see those shrines if I ever go back.
Thanks dude
I appreciate your time warning us from bad people
Thank you for watching. I'm glad I could help you.
Many of the Niseko resorts in Hokkaido have been taken over by foreign capital. You can no longer find Japan's good prices or services there. There are other great ski resorts in Hokkaido besides Niseko.😊
Yes. I really want foreign tourists to have a good time in Japan.
So, I will do my best from now on!
I see ok noted thanks for your advice 👍✨✨✨
I will visit Japan someday
Thank you for your friendly comment!
I'm glad I could help you!
I love your channel. I always look for your tips. I'm going to Japan at the end of November.
Thank you for watching as always.
The comment from viewers like you really encourages me.
The accommodation tax on rooms right now is reasonable in Japan, but I would hate to see the government raise them to unreasonable amounts and end up like it is here in the US. We have a "resort fee" which is basically just tacked on for profits for the hotels. Especially in places like Las Vegas where the high end hotels are now charging $50 per night. So the room rate might show as $299/night on the website, but in reality after the resort fee, accommodation tax and sales tax it could be more like $375-$400/night.
Thank you for sharing US info. Oh, I remembered resort tax in Las Vegas.
It's difficult for tourists to understand, so I hope the price will be simple.
Hello Toshi :)
Could you make a video about Insects/Spiders that are common to see when living in Japan and how you usually deal with them?
ありがとう ございます
Thank you for your request. I will think about it!
ありがとう^^
Thanks!
Thank you very much!!
I will continue to do my best!!
Thanks for the video. I'm going to school in tokyo next year
I'm glad I could help you!
I hope you have a wonderful time in Japan!
if ever i'll visit japan, i will keep rewatching this video. thanks
Thank you for your friendly comment. I'll do my best!
Great video. I am visiting to Japan in October, staying one month.
Me too!!
I'm glad I could help you!
I hope you have a wonderful time in Japan!
great job brother.. keep it up
Thank you for watching!
I'm glad I could help you!
At 10:47 the Hawaii residents discount is called "Kamaaina discount" . Other places offers Kamaaina discounts too. Hawaii became a very expensive state to live in because of tourists and a lot of locals are struggling with the price hike, so it's good that some local businesses also gives discounts to the local people.
Thank you for sharing another area's info.
It's very helpful for me to understand the difference between Japan and other areas.
@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan thank you for making this video as well. It helps a lot of people who wants to visit Japan and have a great experience. I myself is also planning on visiting Japan next yead for the first time. Thank you for your efforts and knowledge on making this video. 🙏
Yes Hawaii... KAMACHATKA..SAKHALIN Singapore are the cousins genetic historical brothers true brothers of Japan+ Greenland ESQUIMOS...and Singapore..in Singapore 40%of population I've noticed is a Mongol SAKHALIN Russo Japanese emigrant..Singapore have real Mongols cleaning machine do tables...white skin Mongols....when did they arrived in Singapore..Japanese have once been Singapore I visited the Japanese memorial monument in SINGAPORE....I NEVER BEEN TO SAKHALIN YET
If you plan on going out drinking I recommend Tokyo Pub Crawl. You'll get introduced to safe foreigner friendly bars and maybe meet some cool people.
Thank you for sharing your real experience.
It's very helpful for other tourists!
Hope to meet you in Tokyo…I will be there soon!😊 I am always watching your Vlog!
Thank you for watching as always.
The comment from viewers like you really encourages me!
I really want to meet viewers. But I'm based in Nagoya now...
Toshi is the best. Thank you.
I'm glad I could help you!
Conclusion... Avoid Alcohol and tattoos
love from usa great info
I'm glad I could help you!
Destination taxes, and accommodation taxes: greed at its best. Tourists used to be welcomed because they left money in the country. But that's no longer enough.
Strangely enough, I'm well aware of these "tourist traps" even though I've never been to Japan. These “tourist traps” are the order of the day here in Berlin. In Berlin there are also pickpocketings and/or robberies. If you come to Berlin by car, it can happen that it is broken into and emptied. The next problem in Berlin, beggars, can be found at almost every train station and tourist hotspot. Or the hawkers who sometimes only sell you junk. Then there are the "windshield cleaners who ambush you at red" traffic lights and try to clean your windshield. They'll put a dent in your car if you don't pay. Then there are the drug dealers who come to you even in broad daylight , try to sell you drugs. The next problem, prostitution, official and illegal, in night bars or on the street or in relevant red light districts.
Thank you for sharing your country's info.
It's very helpful to understand the difference between other countries and Japan.
I think it's the same in all big cities throughout the world. What you're describing for Berlin are exactly the same scams we see here in Manila where we live.
Very sad to see decline of European civilisation 😢
Thanks Toshi-san 😊
You're welcome!
Been to different parts of Japan many times and never had any problems with any of these mentioned.
Thank you for sharing you real experience.
I thank you very much Toshi. My wife and I are planning to come to Tokyo for 2 weeks in June and your videos have been VERY helpful. Any help on what to see and what to skip as a local would be very helpful also.
Thank you for your friendly comment.
I'm glad I could help you. I hope you have wonderful time in Japan.
Thank you - this was very informative. I'm arriving to Japan next Monday and I must say watching this video was a bit disheartening, to say the least. I've been twice to Japan; once in 2009 and second time in 2014 - this will be my third time, and possibly last. I pray the problems mentioned in this video are not quite so widespread as I fear, but if they are, this truly could become my last trip to Japan. Due to my recent leg injury, I'll also be staying only for two weeks and spend my time mostly visiting areas inside Tokyo I've yet to see - so I'll probably receive a good picture of what the situation is truly like. Then again, I do have a habit of avoiding tourist traps and large crowds, so perhaps not. Fingers crossed.
As a Japanese tourist guide, I really want foreign tourists to have a good time in Japan. So, I created this video. I hope you have a good time in Japan!
i guess im lucky and come from the netherlands we smell scammers mostly from a mile away because were not gullible enough, that said i really do appreciate your guide its very informative and thank you maybe i will travel to japan soon!
Thank you for your friendly comment!
I'm glad I could help you!
Much love from America! I have not been to Japan. ( I probably never will though, If I did I would have to go by boat, I am terrified of flying.)
Thank you for being honest and not sugar coating things about your home country, in order to keep others safe. I know for the most part Japan is safe but helping others to spot a scam or potential threats is very commendable.
America gets crapped on but it is NOT as bad as they make it out to be, especially if you live in a rural area like I do.
America's issues are pretty much isolated to Big Cities that are progressive/liberal and/or democrat run.
I live in Mississippi and it is fields of soy, rice, corn, cotton, and peanuts. So whenever I see rural areas of Japan with fields as far as the eyes can see, it reminds me of home. I come from farmer's so agriculture is important to me. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for sharing your friendly comments and your country situation. It's very helpful for me to understand the difference between Japan and other countries.
I hope you come to Japan someday!
Oh may I please ask you a question about your home state?! Is Mississippi generally safe for a mum and young children to visit? The videos I've seen don't mention Mississippi except to say it's not a wealthy state? I'm Australian so don't really have a good source. Kind regards
National monuments, like temples and such, I understand charging foreigners a fee. Which I would pay to see. I view it as kinda like helping maintain the place
Thank you for your understanding!!!
Hi! Where i can enjoy at the best the new year in tokyo? Shibuya or at a temple? Thank you!
Temple is the best.
You can experience Japanese traditional culture called New Year's Eve Bell!
Your taxes are tiny and quaint. I'm from Canada the land of crazy high and unnecessary taxes. But I appreciate your concern, it just makes me want to visit Japan even more know people such as yourself are that concerned with my welfare. Thank you for the lovely video.
Thank you for your friendly comment!
I'm glad I could help you.
Another scam we encountered was the attempted short-changing us, “accidentally”. However, we are very wary about that trick, and so far it hasn’t worked. Although at least a couple of vendors have seemingly tried it.
Thank you for sharing your real experience.
Why did they attempt short-changing you, “accidentally”?
Japan has definitely changed for tourists.
Im more than aware of scams but after this video Ive decided to give my planned visit to Japan a miss, Im not paying tax to eat, drink, sleep or breath fresh air. Thanks for the Video.
Its all bullshit he is listing shit from like Cambodia. This is most likely the cheapest year in the past 30 years to visit. Do stay away from tourist areas, its just boring. I will be in Shirahama in Wakayama in a few weeks, I prob will see just a few if any western tourist.
Monk scam is not unique in Japan because it is also here at New York City.
Oh, really? Thank you for sharing!
Also in Singapore
Scammers and Tourist Traps are everywhere, including the US. Roppangi was our clubbing spot when my Ship visits Yokosuka base.haha about the karaoke bars, we have most near the military bases that you pay by what you buy, not by the hr like most bars do. It was also in the News about removing the hourly service and just charge by the drink. It's a bar anyways, not a club. Hello from Saga Prefecture
Oh, thank you for sharing you real experience.
It's very helpful for other foreign tourists and me!
I wanna go to Saga someday!
Oddly enough a lot of the beginning are things that make me avoid certain places in USA . But other things sadly I understand it's weird but I see it . We're would u recommend people to stay In their Japan visit was thinking Shinjuku for the Godzilla hotel if I got the prefecture right
Thank you for your advice!
@@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan no problem i watching your videos to plan my trip in 2027 november
Taxes for leaving? Well I guess I'll just have to stay forever. I didn't want to leave the last time I was there anyways.
I hope you come back to Japan again soon!
Dude so what happens if someone gets their drink spiked or something can you approach police or do they basically say “well that’s a known scam” and pish posh you out of the station
Just a bit of my two cents with regard to the bars. I've been to Osaka twice and Tokyo once and bar hop lots during those days, and I find Google Maps reviews a good indicator of things. If a bar has only 4 or 5 stars review, don't go there as the reviews may have been manipulated (that the store owner may ask Google or you to remove the bad review using their defamation laws). If the store has a mixed between from 1 to 5 stars, those are typically decent and are typically safe, but best to read what the reviews says first.
I also find bars that tell you openly they have different cover fees (or entry fees) for locals and foreigners can be decent as well, but best to throw some caution to the air. I had one bar that has different cover fees, but drinks and food are exactly the same and another bar had different cover fees for locals and foreigners as well but had two different menus. The Japanese menu are about 200 to 300 yen cheaper than the English ones and if you can read and speak Japanese and asked for the Japanese menu, and they refuse, that's your cue to run.
Thank you for sharing your real experience.
It's very helpful for other tourists.
Where to exchange yen with better rate, in US or Japan airport? Thanks,
The rate in Japan airport is better than US!
Wow ! i'm very glad i was able to do a trip in Japan in 2013.
I hope you come back to Japan soon!!!
I suggest meeting japanese people, this makes like a lot easier for both cultures
First time i went to Tokyo in 2015, we had one of the monks come up to us and we ended up giving him money for 2 bracelets. This was just around the corner from Sensoji Temple and I felt very stupid after. You live you learn 🙂
I'm sorry to hear that.
But, it's very helpful for other tourists and me.
I hope you come back to Japan soon!
@@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan thanks 🙏 I went back in 2019 and coming back again next year for 3 weeks in February. I love Japan
#1 rule traveling!! Don't try to be looking like a Tourist!!! dress natural like locals and act natural and don't ever say you are just visiting for a week or so!.
those who are, are the main target for scammers, they know you are ignorant to local stuffs.
All these new government taxes are discouraging me from visiting Japan as a tourist destination. Clearly the government thinks there are too many foreigners in Japan.
Like in every country. If someone comes to you and asks for money, tell them to piss off. Be as rude as you can and they will leave you alone. In Japan going full JoJo 断る works too.
That’s right!
As a Japanese tourist guide, I hope foreign tourists avoid these scams and have a wonderful time in Japan.
I’m confused. So all the taxes listed in this video is a scam? Meaning we do not need to pay upon request? May be putting them in a different categorization?
Thank you for your questions.
I categorized three points. Please check it.
1:15 *illegal fraud that occurs frequently in Japan*
9:56 *Legal but noteworthy matters*
17:34 *Potential concern to watch out for in the future*
My go-to spots for lunch are always Matsuya, Sukiya, and Hoshino Coffee. If I got scammed by those restaurants, so were local Japanese lol
Thαt' right!
Japan has indeed changed a bit. Either I looked poor or of a Chinese ethnic, I dun get approached by people of those nature. Japanese are generally polite and helpful.
I think so too. As a Japanese tourist guide, I really want foreign tourists to have a good time in Japan. So, I created this video. I hope you have a good time in Japan someday!
I paid departure tax by cash in 2019 and it was out of our expectation because I didn't have cash on that moment and time was quite tight. However this year I don't need to pay, why?
I think departure tax includes your flight ticket.
Thank you for the tips on Fake Monks.. cause I usually will give, if religious Monks or similar ask for donations. I have been to Japan many times and thank my lucky Star.. never been scammed or ripped off. Japan is one of the safest travel destinations and certainly one of my favourite.
Thank you for your friendly comment.
I'm glad I could help you!
I have been told they will often hang around the temples and shrines themselves and claim to be part of its clergy and that you can make donations to the site through them.
@rebeccaanne9863 thank you. I shall be Vigilant
This video was very helpful. Will be visiting Japan in 2025 so I will be revisiting all of this.
Thank you very much!!
I really glad to hear that. It really keeps me going.
I am not planning to go to Japan .... but some how I am worried ...
that's why i dont dare to go into a bar in japan cos there's so much things to look out for
I’m off to Japan next week so this is EXTREMELY helpful!!!
You'll be fine. Just have some common sense.
Thank you for your friendly comment.
I'm glad I could help you!
I hope you have wonderful time in Japan.
Do not go to bar
Yeah. That's right!
I'm currently staying in Shimbashi for the first time. I don't know if it's a scam but every night when I'm walking around I get targeted by middle-aged women on the street who come up to me and say "massage?" I don't know if it is a scam or not but but almost every street corner I get asked. Seems a bit sketchy.
Thank you for sharing your real experiences.
I think they are not Japanese. When I lived in Tokyo, I experienced like you. I don't recommend you to go with them.
They're s workers, asking if you want to buy "their services"
The hotel where I have stayed in Osaka already charged tourist tax during my stay last March 2024
Which one??
How about hotel2 in Las Vegas with their resort fee?... Every country or City has their own law... If you don't like it, then don't go and stay there...
The monk thing is not unique to japan. This has been an issue with fake Buddhist monks in several countries for decades.
the bar scams, drugging, and the modeling one are old. Like...a known issue from over a decade ago. they are fairly easy to avoid. The bar one especially. Dont follow anyone into a bar especially the 'hey you want a free drink?' bars.
the tourist pricing thing is pretty easy to spot and isnt really a new issue. its just certain businesses targeting idiots.
The bath tax thing isnt a scam. they will tell you up front and it is not just for tourists. Locals to the area may be exempt by ID. This is most common at hotels that have an onsen on site. This applies to the accommodation tax. this is not a scam. This is a local legal change. its to help curb over crowding. Basically all the taxes here arent taxes. You all know how taxes work.
Thank you for sharing your good advices.
Those are very helpful for other tourists!!
A friend who went to a bar called R2 in Roppongi was drugged by two women and charged the billed outrageously. The bartender may have been with them. It was reported to Police. Need to be careful when traveling and take extra precautions especially when going out at night in Tokyo
Thank you for sharing your real experience!
I would prefer to spend my money and time in a straightforward country like Thailand where prices are displayed correctly and don't have hidden tax etc etc.
I leave to Tokyo in a few hours 😅 nervous n lowkey scared haha 😅
I hope you have a wonderful time in Tokyo!
If you're near Nakano Station be sure to checkout the Sun Mall and Nakano Broadway. Lots of restaurants and stores and you're not deep in a touristy area.
We had monks trying to run this scam in Washington DC back around 2018.
Thank you for sharing another country info!
There is a similar scam in America...
I had my first and third hotels(Tokyo and Osaka) have the accommodation tax when I checked in. I had remembered seeing it when I booked my hotel so when it came up in Tokyo I wasn't really surprised, and only 300 yen so wasn't bad, just annoying since I had already paid for my stay. My Osaka hotel, which was a short stay, was only 100. But they were the only ones that charged it.
I did get approached in Tokyo, by Ueno Park by a Chinese woman who gave me prayer beads then tried to get me to sign up for something and clearly wanted a donation. At first I thought it was a gift, though I didn't really want it but I was polite. When she tried to get me to sign up though I immediately declined and handed back the beads. She left, and I went on but that was the 'biggest' scam attempt. Or maybe it wasn't really a scam just trying to hit up for money either way.
Oh, thank you for sharing you real experiences.
Those are very helpful for other foreign tourists and me!
I appreciate it!
Thank you for the tips about scams and taxes. However, I don't think the departure tax is that important if it is included in the ticket price. The tourists are concerned about unexpected pay, not about already paid taxes.
Thank you for sharing your comment!!
Do not go in Zaza pub in Kyoto
why
#5 happened to me
Oh, really…
Thank you for sharing your real experience.
It’s very helpful for other tourists.
Ohhh dearrrr……
Good thing I don't trust anyone or anything that I don't have to (or need to) interact with. About taxes, I understand that it's legal so it's acceptable for me. Actually, I agree with Japan if they want to collect some more taxes from tourists, especially in this time with an over-tourism issue. Many tourist spots suffered from bad tourists doing and those places are really need to be kept well-maintained to keep its charm and that requires money.
Thank you for sharing your opinion.
It's very helpful for other tourists!
tourist scams are common in every country, it's better to be aware about certain things before traveling in general
Yeah, that's right!
Japan is so safe that even the scam tactics are from decades ago in other countries.😅
Thank you for sharing your opinion.
It's very helpful for other tourists!
A scam is still a scam. Bait and switch scams are common.
This dude and his 👍👍👍👍👍
👍