Tourist scams in Tokyo (and how to avoid them)
Going to Tokyo? These are the 3 scams travelers report the most, in plain words, with the quick move that gets you out of each one.
Part of 21,000+ scam warnings and traveler tips from travelers worldwide, growing every day.
Tokyo · most reported
Kabukicho / Roppongi bar touts
Touts lure you to a bar or club where drinks are spiked and cards charged thousands.
Never follow a tout inside. Choose your own venue; embassies warn on this.
Fake “monk” amulets
A robed figure offers a bracelet or amulet “blessing,” then demands a donation.
Decline politely; real monks don’t solicit tourists on the street.
Otherwise: very low-scam
Tokyo is one of the safest big cities. The value is knowing where the few traps are.
Stick to metered taxis and ticketed venues and you’re golden.
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