ShoppingTokyo, Japan

Tsukiji "sample" seafood sold as premium at 5x

Scam date: 2025-06-27 Reported: 2026-03-17

At Tsukiji Outer Market, a stall gave us a "free sample" of wagyu skewers then served us a "premium platter" we never ordered — ¥15,000 for two people. They refused to take it back. Order only what you point at, and confirm the price first.

More reports in Japan

Accommodation

Airbnb host in Shinjuku demanded a "company policy" fee in cash

📍 Tokyo, Japan

🗓️ Scam date: 14 July 2025

📝 Reported: 29 May 2026

The host insisted on a "cleaning fee in cash on arrival, company policy" of ¥15,000. When we refused he threatened to cancel. Airbnb support confirmed it was against the rules. Never pay anything outside the platform.

Restaurants & Bars

Kabukicho tout lured us into a bar with a 50,000 yen bill

📍 Tokyo, Japan

🗓️ Scam date: 3 October 2025

📝 Reported: 17 April 2026

A tout in Kabukicho promised "nice Japanese bar, first drink free". Inside, two "hostesses" ordered drinks continuously and the bill hit ¥50,000. The bouncer blocked the exit until we paid. Never follow touts in Tokyo.

Online Scams

Fake Japan Rail Pass site charged $450 for a $250 pass

📍 Tokyo, Japan

🗓️ Scam date: 8 May 2025

📝 Reported: 2 February 2026

I bought a "Japan Rail Pass" from a lookalike site for $450. The real site sells it for about $250. The voucher arrived and worked, but the markup is pure scam. Only buy from the official site or authorized resellers.