Are Foreign Tourists Getting Scammed More Often in Japan? The Surprising Reality
As tourism in Japan continues to flourish, so do reports of foreign visitors experiencing scams and overcharging, particularly in urban areas. This article delves into these issues, highlighting the experiences of tourists, examining the reasons behind these incidents, and offering tips on how to avoid such pitfalls.
I came across an intriguing article on Yahoo Japan.
While many Japanese people believe that scams are rare in Japan, this might not be true for foreign visitors. As a Japanese person who lived in Malaysia for 12 years, I feel a big gap exists between locals and visitors.
One recurring complaint among tourists in Japan is about taxi services. Let’s examine the issue more closely.
Map Apps Reveal Sneaky Detours
An American tourist shared their experience:
“There aren’t any reliable ride-hailing apps for foreigners in Tokyo! I had to hail a street taxi late at night to get back to my hotel, but when I checked my map app, I saw we were taking a much longer route. The hotel staff later told me the fare was 1.5 times the usual rate.”
Source: Yahoo! News
Is this kind of overcharging on the rise? A Tokyo taxi driver commented:
“We can’t tamper with the meters like some dishonest taxis overseas, but I’ve heard of drivers taking slightly longer routes to increase the fare by 1.2 to 1.5 times. It’s subtle enough that people don’t notice, but it’s more common than you might think.”
Source: Yahoo! News
Here’s another experience shared by a local:
“I live in Kobe, and when my sister visited from Tokyo, we stayed at a hotel in the city. The next day, we took a taxi to Shin-Kobe. I noticed we were taking a longer route, and when the driver asked where we were from, my sister said Tokyo, and I said Kobe. The driver seemed uncomfortable. Tourists should be cautious when taking taxis. If you’re a foreigner, you might get an even longer detour.”
Source: Yahoo! News
A Chinese tourist also had a similar experience:
“I took two taxis to Aeon Mall, one cost 4,300 yen, and the other was 6,400 yen.”
Source: Yahoo! News
Even though these are anecdotal, they highlight a concerning trend.
Transparency Issues in Japan’s Taxis
Compared to countries where apps like Uber and Grab have made fares transparent, Japan’s traditional taxi system has become outdated. I am tired of using Japanese taxis after experiencing the convenience of ridesharing. Some apps are available, but they are not sophisticated, and many vehicles are incompatible. It is very unsettling that prices are not revealed until you reach your destination. Some people do not know how to use GPS.
In my area, drivers often ask, “Where are you going?” and “Which way do you want to go?”
This is a common conversation in Japan to avoid problems related to route choice. But how can you know which route to take in a strange town?
Cultural Differences and Misunderstandings
However, not all issues stem from malicious intent. Some are due to cultural differences. For example, a Malaysian visitor was surprised by extra charges at a pub in Ueno:
“I was charged for table fees, night rates, and service charges at a pub in Ueno. I went in because the yakitori was 99 yen per skewer!”
Source: Yahoo! News
Well, yes, I understand because I lived in Malaysia for more than 10 years. However, this is part of Japanese culture and tradition.
There are no such charges in Malaysia, which can be quite shocking for visitors. Similarly, policies like “one order per person” or time limits are unheard of in Malaysia.
Unheard-of Complaints
There are some claims I haven’t encountered personally in the article:
“A Taiwanese person was charged 6,000 yen extra at a drugstore!”
“A British tourist was billed more for cleaning than their stay at a rental!”
Source: Yahoo! News
It’s unsettling to think these practices might be happening in Japan. During the bubble era, Japanese tourists experienced price hikes abroad; now it seems the tables have turned.
The Bigger Picture: Dual Pricing
An article in Unseen Japan discusses this dual pricing and other deceptive practices, describing how some businesses exploit tourists through hidden fees and inflated prices to recoup lost revenue from the COVID-19 pandemic and a weaker yen.
Whether this trend will continue is uncertain, but it should remind tourists to stay vigilant and informed.
This trend may intensify as the weak yen and over-tourism are current issues in Japan. There are arguments that double pricing should be set for tourists. Tourists should be aware of these trends in advance. Furthermore, it is recommended to use apps as much as possible for taxis (although you can almost only call taxis).
Overall, the key takeaway for tourists visiting Japan is to stay aware of potential scams, especially with taxis and unfamiliar charges at restaurants and shops. Understanding these issues can help ensure a smoother and more enjoyable visit to Japan.
