Japan has the image of being a safe country. The reality however, paints a different picture. The fact is that Japan is a country full of clever schemes and scams. As a tourist and a solo traveler, it is always wise to be vigilant especially when targeted by touts on the streets.
The Common Bar/Izakaya Scam “Bottakkuri”
This is how it generally begins. A tout approaches you while you tour the city streets. As a tourist, you are new to the area and naturally naive with the area. The tout is usually young, very friendly and most likely speak English really well. They will show you advertisements and promote how cheap the “bar around the corner” is. They will lead you to the establishment and once you walk into the bar (izakaya), you get your seats and start making your orders.
You’re having a good time but when it’s time to leave you’re flabbergasted at the price on your receipt. What’s worse is the receipt is in Japanese so you really can’t make out what the exorbitant charges are for. Furthermore, you’re probably buzzed from the multiple chu-hi’s and beers you drank so figuring out what’s going on becomes a challenge. With all the pressure, you’re not willing to dispute the charges.
That’s what these scams are betting on and in most cases, they will always win. You can try calling your credit card company to get a refund but you will need solid evidence of the fraud that took place. In most cases, this will become a time consuming process. It is better to avoid these types of places to begin with.
Otoshi (Cover Charges) vs Scams?
Just know that in general, most bars (izakayas) in Japan, especially in the major cities charge a small fee called otoshi. These fees are similar to cover charges. Otoshi usually come in at the very beginning of your meal in the form of appetizers. You never ordered it but it’s an obligatory fee that would cost you at least ¥300~¥1000 per person depending on the izakaya.
Problems start to arise when tourists start discovering extra fees for additional unknown charges. This is the scam you need to be aware of at izakayas. And this is why it is important to ask if there will be any other charges before you take a seat.
Below is an image I got from a subreddit on Reddit were a user discovered additional charges unheard of in respectable establishments.
Note that the user was in a part of 4 people.
- ¥1000 for each seat (¥4,000)
- ¥1000 per head for attending on a weekend (¥4,000)
- 15% additional charge for attending at midnight (¥3,277)
- 15% service charge (¥3,277)
- 10% for paying with credit card (¥2,184)
So they paid ¥16,738 extra charges.
Although the reddit user lost money, it’s not bad as other some victims had to pay 10 times that amount.
What just happened
byu/Devodudududu inTokyo
Unfortunately by the time you realize your mistake, you’re technically obliged to pay since you already received and ate the food you ordered. Failure to pay might result in confrontation and running off will be seen as theft. The best thing is to do is to see this as a lesson learned and to avoid such places in the future.
How do you Avoid being Scammed?
- do your research (Check google Reviews, trip advisor, or word of mouth from friends)
- do not engage with touts
- invite Japanese friends/local guides who know the area to join you
- ask for advice from hotel staff/concierge you’re staying at
- always ask about otoshi and if there are additional fees. If staff at the bar cannot communicate well with you, politely walk out.
- make sure the establishment can accept payments with credit cards before you order.
Remember that prevention is key. Once you walk into a place you don’t know and start ordering drinks, you’re pretty much screwed because once you sit down to eat and/or drink, you are legally obliged to pay for the service you received.
You were fooled, now what?
So you did your research and made sure there were no other fees, yet when your bill came out, you were charged for things that they failed to mention to you.
The first thing to do is don’t start a fight. Your safety is more important than anything. Be smart, stay calm, and try to gather as much evidence you can (e.g. take photos of the menu, bill, video of threatening actions from staff).
Second, pay the bill with a credit card that you can trust that you think gives you the highest probability of getting your money back. You’re paying to get out of trouble as not paying and starting a dispute could lead to dire circumstances. Make sure you keep your receipts and report the incident to your bank. The more evidence you have, the more likely a case can be made.
Third, go to the nearest koban and try to report the establishment. if you can documentation such as a police report, do so. Remember that it could be somewhat difficult considering the language barrier, but it’s worth a shot if you have the time.
The cops will listen but unless the bill is really absurd e.g. 300,000 for a couple of beers, they typically won’t do anything. The police will probably sympathize with you but explain that you accepted a service and did the right thing of paying it. Furthermore, they will just say to learn your lesson and don’t go back there.
Disputing Charges with Bank has Low Chance of Success
Just remember that the chance of success is very very low if you do try to dispute the charges with your credit card. But if you do go this route, make sure you show proof, photos, videos, receipts to back up your fraud claim.
If you do succeed in getting a chargeback from your credit card company, congratulations! If not, consider this a valuable learning experience and enjoy the better parts of Japan.
Conclusion
Overall, Japan is relatively a very safe country. However, like any other country, Japan can be full of scams that target the naive and ignorant.
Before you eat out, do your research about the places especially if it is in or near red light districts.
Never follow touts and if possible bring a friend or a local guide with you. Make sure the place you go to can communicate with you or at least have menus and signs in English.
If you did get fooled, it’s not worth fighting the bill with the bar staff as it will waste your time and might complicate things even more (e.g. fights). The best thing you can do after getting scammed is to gather as much evidence, call your credit card, report what happened, and provide them with evidence that you were defrauded you with nonsense/hidden fees.
Before you travel to Japan, always use a reputable credit card because a good credit card can be your last line of defense against scams especially those scams in some establishments in Japan.
