Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, and the exception is specific and well documented: the FCDO reports drink spiking and credit-card fraud in Kabukicho, Roppongi, Shibuya and Ikebukuro, with most British victims targeted in Kabukicho after following an English-speaking tout into a bar.
- Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, and the scams cluster in four named nightlife districts.
- The FCDO reports increased drink spiking and credit-card fraud in Kabukicho, Roppongi, Shibuya and Ikebukuro - losses running from hundreds to tens of thousands of pounds.
- Most British victims were targeted in Kabukicho. The pattern is a street tout - kyakuhiki - who speaks English and walks you into a bar.
- Never follow anyone who approaches you on the street. That single rule removes almost the entire risk.
- Check the menu and the prices before you order, and the entry fee before you go in. British nationals have been arrested after disputes with bar staff over inflated bills.
- Fake monks press amulets on tourists in Tokyo and Kyoto and then demand a donation. Real monks do not solicit in the street.
What the risk actually is
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, and nothing here contradicts that. But there is one well-documented exception, and the FCDO is specific about it.
Nightlife districts
The FCDO reports increased drink spiking and credit-card fraud, with victims losing anywhere from hundreds to tens of thousands of pounds. Japanese police name four Tokyo districts: Kabukicho, Roppongi, Shibuya and Ikebukuro.
- Most British victims were targeted in Kabukicho, in Shinjuku.
- The pattern is always the same: a street tout - a kyakuhiki - who speaks good English, offers cheap drinks or free entry, and walks you to a bar you did not choose. Inside, the drink is spiked and the card is run for far more than you agreed.
- The rule that covers it: never follow anyone who approaches you in the street. Pick your own bar and walk in on your own.
- Disputes over the bill can go badly wrong for you. The FCDO records British nationals arrested after arguments with bar staff and doormen over excessive bills. Check the menu and the prices before ordering, and confirm any entry fee at the door.
Fake monks
Men in monks' robes work the tourist areas of Tokyo and Kyoto, pressing an amulet or bracelet on you as a gift and then demanding a donation of thousands of yen. Genuine monks do not collect money from tourists in the street. Do not take the object.
Areas to be a bit more alert
Kabukicho in Tokyo and Kamagasaki in Osaka are worth extra attention late at night. This is not about physical danger - it is about who approaches you and why.
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