How to Avoid Rip-off Scam? 5 Tips for Preventing Troubles
Shinjuku is known as one of Tokyo's premier entertainment districts, famous for its numerous shopping spots including department stores. It's not only the center of Tokyo but also Japan's commercial and economic hub, making it a popular destination for foreign tourists.
Within Shinjuku lies Kabukicho, Japan's largest nightlife district, which bustles with activity both day and night. While Kabukicho has many establishments where you can enjoy drinks, such as izakayas and clubs, it's also an area where you need to be cautious as some establishments are known for running rip-off scams.
This guide will introduce ways to safely enjoy Kabukicho and Shinjuku while avoiding rip-off scams.
Shinjuku (especially Kabukicho) is Known for Frequent Rip-off Scams
Shinjuku has long been known for reported cases of rip-off scams, with Kabukicho being particularly notorious. While Kabukicho has many legitimate drinking establishments as an entertainment district, there are also numerous unscrupulous establishments that conduct rip-off scams.
The streets are filled with touts who try to lure people into these scam establishments, and there's a constant stream of victims who end up being charged outrageous amounts after following these touts. Some touts can be quite aggressive in their approach, so it's crucial never to follow them.
They Pretend to Work for Popular Chain Restaurants Like "Torikizoku"!
A common rip-off technique in Kabukicho involves scammers pretending to be staff from popular izakaya chains like "Torikizoku." They use these well-known restaurant names to gain trust and then guide victims to establishments that run rip-off scams.
It's important to note that street solicitation is actually prohibited by local ordinances in Shinjuku ward, where Kabukicho is located. Therefore, legitimate popular restaurant chains never engage in street solicitation. If someone approaches you claiming to be from a famous restaurant, you should completely ignore them.
The Reality is That Victims of Rip-off Scams in Kabukicho Usually Have No Recourse
If you fall victim to a rip-off scam in Kabukicho, there's usually very little you can do about it. These illegal establishments might demand over 100,000 yen even for minimal orders.
While they usually let victims leave eventually, you'll still have to pay an exorbitant amount. Since these crimes are difficult to prosecute without evidence, even the police struggle to investigate such cases. If you feel something is suspicious, leave the establishment immediately.
How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Rip-off Scams! Don't Enter Establishments with These Characteristics
Using Street Touts to Guide Customers to the Establishment
Rip-off scams frequently occur in establishments that use street touts to lure customers. In areas like Shinjuku's Kabukicho, these touts approach people on the street and skillfully persuade them to visit their "recommended" bars, ultimately leading them to establishments that perpetrate rip-off scams.
According to Tokyo Metropolitan Government ordinances in Shinjuku Ward, street solicitation is illegal, and legitimate establishments never engage in such practices. If someone approaches you on the street to solicit business, they're likely working for an establishment involved in rip-off scams. To avoid becoming a victim, ignore all such solicitations and never respond to their calls.
Establishments Not Listed on Restaurant Review Sites or Google Maps
Establishments engaging in rip-off scams typically aren't listed on popular restaurant review websites or Google Maps. If you search for the establishment's location and can't find its name, it might be operating illegally. When in doubt, always verify the establishment through restaurant review sites or Google Maps.
However, in rare cases, even establishments listed on review sites might engage in rip-off scams. In such situations, it's more challenging to identify them, and you'll need to carefully evaluate the establishment's appearance and reputation.
Pricing Set at "Expensive but Payable" Rather Than Outrageous Amounts
Establishments conducting rip-off scams don't typically charge amounts that are impossible to pay at once. Instead, they might advertise something like an all-you-can-drink deal for 4,000 yen per hour, but the actual bill ends up being 100,000 yen - an amount that's expensive but still technically payable.
This is a key characteristic of rip-off scam establishments - they set high service charges and meal prices that are expensive but not impossibly so. To avoid paying these inflated prices at rip-off scam establishments, especially in areas like Kabukicho, simply ignore all street touts attempting to solicit your business.
5 Actions to Take if You Realize You're Being Scammed in a Rip-off Scheme
Record All Conversations
If you find yourself in a potential rip-off scam establishment, especially in places like Shinjuku Kabukicho, immediately start recording any conversations with the staff. This evidence is crucial if you need to report the incident to the police. Without evidence, law enforcement may be unable to take action. Use your smartphone's voice recording app to document all interactions.
Check the Bill Carefully
If you've been led to an establishment by a street tout, carefully examine the bill after dining or drinking. Establishments involved in rip-off scams typically charge significantly higher prices than regular establishments. If the prices seem unusually high, it's likely an illegal operation.
For reference, in legitimate Japanese izakayas (traditional pubs), a glass of beer typically costs around 600 yen. Use this as a benchmark when reviewing your bill.
Don't Pay More Than What's Reasonable
If you receive an inappropriate charge, refuse to pay any amount beyond what's reasonable. Even if the staff becomes aggressive about payment, stand your ground and don't pay the full amount they're demanding. If they threaten to call the police, remember that this actually works against the scam establishment, not you. Don't say you're afraid of police involvement, as this gives the establishment leverage.
Clearly refuse unreasonable charges and ensure you're recording all conversations as evidence.
Tell Them to Take Legal Action if They Have Issues with Payment
When pressured to pay, refuse the unreasonable charges and tell them they can take legal action if they have issues with payment. There's no legal obligation to pay fraudulent charges. While you can consult a lawyer for refund negotiations if you've already paid, this can be complicated due to language barriers and legal fees. It's wiser to refuse payment while mentioning police and legal action.
Use a Credit Card as a Last Resort
Some rip-off scam establishments in areas like Shinjuku Kabukicho may refuse to let you leave until you pay. If you're absolutely unable to leave the establishment, pay with a credit card and exit the premises.
If you become a victim, contact the Japan Visitor Hotline, which offers support in seven languages including English. They can provide guidance on handling these situations. Don't hesitate to reach out to them if you encounter such scams.
3 Essential Checks to Avoid Rip-off Scams
Research Average Prices at Japanese Izakayas
To avoid becoming a victim of rip-off scams, it's essential to research average prices at Japanese izakayas beforehand. A typical meal at an izakaya usually costs between 3,000 to 4,000 yen. For drinks, a medium-sized draft beer costs around 600 yen, while sake ranges from 400 to 700 yen. Make sure you're familiar with these standard prices to avoid falling victim to Shinjuku's notorious rip-off scams.
Choose Your Restaurant in Advance
When visiting Kabukicho, always decide on your dining destination beforehand. Having a specific restaurant in mind gives you a valid reason to decline approaches from street touts. Most izakayas accept advance reservations. To prevent becoming a target of rip-off scams in Kabukicho, make sure to book your restaurant before visiting the area.
Never Follow Street Touts
To avoid becoming a victim of a rip-off scam, never follow street touts. Those who approach you on the street are 100% likely to lead you into a scam situation. Touts typically promise low prices, but these are almost always false advertisements that shouldn't be trusted. To safely enjoy Kabukicho, ignore all street touts who try to approach you.
The Safest Way to Enjoy Shinjuku is with an Expert Local Guide!
The best way to safely experience Shinjuku's nightlife is to explore with a knowledgeable local guide. These guides not only know which areas to avoid but also can introduce you to delicious izakayas and Japanese restaurants that only locals know about. Below, I'll introduce some safe tours led by local guides that you can reference when planning your Shinjuku adventure.
Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku
This tour takes you to three carefully selected Japanese restaurants in Shinjuku, accompanied by a multilingual guide who knows the local dining scene well. Walking with a guide allows you to enjoy conversations while learning about Shinjuku's streets.
The tour begins at a famous sushi restaurant in Shinjuku, where you'll taste exceptional creative dishes made with premium ingredients. Next, you'll visit a yakiniku restaurant to enjoy high-grade grilled meat. Finally, you'll end at an izakaya for desserts and drinks. While finding these places on your own might be challenging due to language barriers, this tour handles all reservations, allowing you to enjoy the experience worry-free.
As this is a popular tour, early booking is recommended for weekend visits.
Meeting Point: UNIQLO Shinjuku West Exit Store
Tour Area: Shinjuku Area
Start Times: 17:00/18:00/19:00
Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku
This tour takes you bar-hopping through famous izakayas in Shinjuku that tourists rarely discover, led by a multilingual and friendly guide who knows the area well.
The tour visits popular local-recommended izakayas where you can enjoy delicious drinks and food. After the first establishment, you'll explore popular venues in Kabukicho, Japan's largest entertainment district.
While these popular izakayas are usually fully booked, this tour ensures advance reservations. The tour fee includes all food costs, allowing you to enjoy the izakaya experience without worry about rip-off scams.
During the tour, you can interact with other participants and locals across cultural boundaries. I personally participated in this tour and was delighted to meet people from various nationalities that I wouldn't normally encounter.
Meeting point: UNIQLO Shinjuku West Exit Store
Tour Area: Shinjuku 3-chome, Kabukicho
Start Times: 17:00/17:30/18:00/18:30/19:00