Walk through a Japanese nightlife district at night and someone may approach you saying "Good shop here!" or "Cheap price!". Following these street touts can end with a shockingly high bill, and this kind of trouble still happens today. Visitors who do not know the area are especially easy targets. This article explains the common tricks and how to protect yourself.
1. Never follow street touts
The most important rule: do not follow street touts (客引き, "kyakuhiki").
- In many nightlife districts, touting itself is banned by local ordinances. Anyone touting is already breaking the rules
- The same applies to people offering to "introduce" a delivery health shop or a woman. Legitimate shops do not look for customers on the street
- Promises like "one hour, only ○○ yen" or "special price now" often have nothing to do with what you are actually charged
If someone approaches you, do not stop. Say no clearly and walk away.
2. Common tricks
| Trick | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Taken to a rip-off bar or shop | You are told it is cheap, then cover charges, service fees and more are added until the bill is huge |
| Pay in advance | You are asked to pay before meeting, by e-money, gift cards or bank transfer — then the contact disappears |
| Not what was promised | The place you are taken to is completely different. If you refuse, you may be threatened |
| Fake websites and social media | Sites or accounts that imitate real shops take your booking and ask for prepayment |
In particular, "Please pay with gift cards or e-money before we meet" is a classic scam. Payment for a delivery health service is normally made in person, after the woman arrives.
3. Five ways to protect yourself
- Choose a shop yourself, from its official website — do not rely on street touts or strangers. Our Shops accepting international customers page links directly to each shop's official website
- Confirm the total price when you book — including the basic fee, nomination fee and travel fee
- Never pay before meeting — if you are asked to prepay with gift cards, e-money or bank transfer, do not use that service
- Do not send your card number or a photo of your passport/ID to strangers — it may be misused
- Do not drink too much — poor judgement makes trouble more likely
4. If you are in trouble
- If you feel in danger or are threatened — call the police at 110 without hesitation
- If you are presented with an outrageous bill — do not simply pay. Ask the police for help; you do not have to accept an unfair charge
- For help in English, Chinese, Korean and other languages, the Japan Visitor Hotline of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) is available 24 hours: 050-3816-2787
5. How this site works
This site lists only shop names and links to their official websites. We do not receive money from shops to introduce them. Choosing a shop yourself from its official website is the most reliable way to avoid trouble.
Summary
In nightlife districts: don't follow touts, don't pay before meeting, and choose shops yourself from their official websites. These three rules prevent most problems. If something goes wrong, do not handle it alone — contact the police or the Japan Visitor Hotline.
See also: Using a Delivery Health Service in Japan as a Foreign Visitor and How to Use a Love Hotel in Japan.
Note: Local ordinances and the services of help centres differ by area.