Share your thoughts and questions in the comments! Visit link below for Private Tours, SNS and Business Inquiries. If you want me to guide you around Tokyo, promote something, wanna collab with me, feel free to contact me! linktr.ee/meglogtokyo
i am planning on visiting japan for the first time ever. this video will really come in handy. thank you for your work and this absolutely valuable insight.
Very insightful video, I've watched many versions of them for different countries and find it interesting scammers stick to similar scripts regardless of country. 😅
Just came back from the Japan for the 2nd time, my best advice for the first day or two is to just get lost in the city on your own accord and not anyone else’s. I hate when people are very pushy and that’s a dead giveaway already. In any touristic place you’ll always see people trying to lure tourists somewhere for a “too good to be true” offer. You’ll see if you walk thru Shinjuku, it gets a bit iffy at some streets.
The scamming is a pity. It gives Japan a bad name and can spoil a holiday. The first time I visited Tokyo I was grossly overcharged in a bar. I refused to pay the bill and told the proprietor to call the police. I was allowed to leave but it left me with a very bad first impression of Japan.
We fell to the fake monk scam on our first day in Japan (this was 10 years ago). My husband gave him 5000yen on the agreement the guy would give us change. No change was given. Our 5000yen wooden prayer beads are now proudly shown in our display cabinet, along with our fancy crockery.
So general question, how is it that there was someone i knew that went to japan yet didnt go through immigration inspection or anything enter and leave with no problem or going through much just cali ID and passport
Recently stayed in Shinjuku near adult entertainment places. as a solo traveler, I never look too friendly when walking alone. I walked by many places where the girls in outfits may have invited me in. Nobody ever approached me or asked. I did see a Japanese man hassling a Japanese girl once in this area. I met older white man who said they tried to get him to come in and spend money. Look like you could be living there and not too touristy I think is the way to go. Honestly if you are not a party person just don’t even stay in shinjuku. A big way to say “I’m a tourist!!” Is the bar hopping with many tourists , large walking tours
A japanese person just randomly came up to me to take pictures of me when I was in the Osu Kannon temple few days ago and just ran away after that and I'm like?
there are loads of places to go that are not tourist places. go there. avoid the touristy areas. they are designed to maximize profit and minimize benefit to the tourist.
In Ameyoko I saw a shop selling branded sneaker at incredibly low prices. Since, this is Ameyoko I already have my doubts about it's authenticity. I'm no expert, but I think I can tell what is genuine and what is a knockoff items.
Very helpful information. My guess is that anything that asks you to do something online in Japan is probably a scam since Japan likes paperwork and does not do everything digital like many other countries.
Have been two time in Japan, I believe that if you follow one of those people offering free drinks and so, it;s no you being scammed! If the offer is real, there should be sign outside the store displaying the system. I been to those, totaly legit!
I had a tout that asked if he could walk with me and be my Japanese interpreter, lol. I just kept politely rejecting him until he left me alone. Edit: 8:55 Oh wow, I've actually asked a lot of people before if they wanted me to take their pictures- always couples who are trying to reach their arms out and do a selfie with their partner. I'd say about 50% of the time they say yes, and 50% of the time they say no. I wonder if I should consider not doing this any more if it is considered "scammer behavior?"
About offering to take photos for others. I used to do that every once in a while and it was fine but I wouldn’t dare do it now. What I also did a few times at special events ( 1/2 marathons mostly ) was take photos of people doing selfies and approach them to ask if they wanted it. That was also fine and people enjoyed it but again, I no longer do that. I would be mortified if someone looked like they thought I was a creep 🥴
I am a Japanese resident living near a tourist destination in the countryside, and I often go there to relax. Sometimes, I kindly offer to take pictures for tourists, and about 80% of them respond with "Yes, please." Of course, I am not a scammer, so I never ask them for money.
Torimaru restaurant Ueno Ten, Tokyo - the most disappointing experiences of my travels. This place is a total tourist trap. The dishes were ridiculously small for the price plus a mandatory service charge of 400 yen per person! The food itself was lacked any real flavor. Stay away from Torimaru restaurant Ueno.
you should be ok as long as you're not a drinker and not a sex tourist. I had zero issues my 16 days in Japan across several of their cities. Matter of fact my only issue was how rude the Turkish and Chinese tourists were at the Osaka Castle. You should have seen the look on the faces of the busload of Turkish women when they tried to march right past the ticket guard without buying a ticket.
Share your thoughts and questions in the comments!
Visit link below for Private Tours, SNS and Business Inquiries. If you want me to guide you around Tokyo, promote something, wanna collab with me, feel free to contact me!
linktr.ee/meglogtokyo
i am planning on visiting japan for the first time ever. this video will really come in handy. thank you for your work and this absolutely valuable insight.
Best is to avoid everyone in general, and go on about your holiday 😅
And do a lot of research before you go anywhere
Yes, do a lot of research
the monk one happens in NYC too! wild
There are everywhere...
FR, this is global. I never donate to a monk on a street, I just go to the shrine and donate if I feel like it.
And it happens in Las Vegas too 😢
Very helpful video. The photo scam I was not aware of. Thank you.
Very insightful video, I've watched many versions of them for different countries and find it interesting scammers stick to similar scripts regardless of country. 😅
very nice video! really informative.
but I would love to make some friends while in my trip next year, do you have any tips on that? 😁😁
You should learn a few Japanese words.
In every major city I have lived in in Oz, there have always been stores that have been "closing down" for years!
That's the same everywhere 😜
Tip. If the food is good, they wouldn't be hawking it. Avoid the majority of establishments with hawkers outside.
Good point
Sorry but I don’t know what hawking is even though I probably should lol
Awesome video. You are so helpful.
Thank you for the video ! ありがとう ! It's unfortunate that scams exist everywhere, but always think if it is too good to be true than it probably is !
ありがとう！
Thank you. I’ll be in Tokyo in June.
me 2
The humidty will be a greater threat than scammers!
@@AmbuBadgerJune is nowhere near as bad as July and august for humidity
@@missingno88 Hence why I'm going May-June and coming back home before everyone drowns in the humidity...
Thank you for the video
:)
Just came back from the Japan for the 2nd time, my best advice for the first day or two is to just get lost in the city on your own accord and not anyone else’s. I hate when people are very pushy and that’s a dead giveaway already. In any touristic place you’ll always see people trying to lure tourists somewhere for a “too good to be true” offer. You’ll see if you walk thru Shinjuku, it gets a bit iffy at some streets.
My strategy the first 10+ times 👍🏼
You're absolutely right, and you're wise to recognize that. Wherever you go, it's important to observe calmly.
Basically, if you don't follow them, you are safe!
It's generally safer to avoid establishments that have staff directly soliciting customers outside, especially if they serve alcohol.
Hi Meg! Where’s the link for your tours?
Here's my website!
www.meglog-trip.com/
Thx 🙏
😀😀😀 Good work! 😀😀😀
The scamming is a pity. It gives Japan a bad name and can spoil a holiday. The first time I visited Tokyo I was grossly overcharged in a bar. I refused to pay the bill and told the proprietor to call the police. I was allowed to leave but it left me with a very bad first impression of Japan.
I visited Grandberry Mall in Machida and there's no reason to go there. I saw the next day a "private" tour there for $108. 😂
There is a private tour at Grandberry Mall. That's interesting
We fell to the fake monk scam on our first day in Japan (this was 10 years ago). My husband gave him 5000yen on the agreement the guy would give us change. No change was given. Our 5000yen wooden prayer beads are now proudly shown in our display cabinet, along with our fancy crockery.
Oh man....
So general question, how is it that there was someone i knew that went to japan yet didnt go through immigration inspection or anything enter and leave with no problem or going through much just cali ID and passport
I thought he was a diplomat or someone in a key position.
As a non-drinker I feel really safe :D
Ohhh man, Detective Conan!!!!!!
Good video! Fake monks are also in Thailand.
Bunch of these have been going on in NYC for a long time. Not the bar stuff.
Recently stayed in Shinjuku near adult entertainment places. as a solo traveler, I never look too friendly when walking alone. I walked by many places where the girls in outfits may have invited me in. Nobody ever approached me or asked. I did see a Japanese man hassling a Japanese girl once in this area.
I met older white man who said they tried to get him to come in and spend money.
Look like you could be living there and not too touristy I think is the way to go. Honestly if you are not a party person just don’t even stay in shinjuku.
A big way to say “I’m a tourist!!” Is the bar hopping with many tourists , large walking tours
Thanks for sharing your experience!
A japanese person just randomly came up to me to take pictures of me when I was in the Osu Kannon temple few days ago and just ran away after that and I'm like?
What's the official visit japan web?
This one
services.digital.go.jp/en/visit-japan-web/
@@MegLog_JAPAN thank you :)
Thank you for these great advice.
My pleasure!
In short, if someone has to ASK YOU to enter their business, you should avoid like the plague
Never agree to go to a bar if youre meeting someone from an app is a good idea I believe xD
Yes, that's true.
there are loads of places to go that are not tourist places. go there. avoid the touristy areas. they are designed to maximize profit and minimize benefit to the tourist.
So pretty much if anyone tries to talk to you, walk away.
Oh my gosh I thought only 🇵🇭have scam thank you for nice information soo japan have scam too amazing.thanks for sharing us❤
I've visited a number of countries but I feel like it is probably everywhere in the world.
In Ameyoko I saw a shop selling branded sneaker at incredibly low prices. Since, this is Ameyoko I already have my doubts about it's authenticity. I'm no expert, but I think I can tell what is genuine and what is a knockoff items.
Yup, right.
It feels like the whole of Tokyo is a tourist trap. It isn't what it used to be
I think the scam has been around for a while.
Very helpful information. My guess is that anything that asks you to do something online in Japan is probably a scam since Japan likes paperwork and does not do everything digital like many other countries.
I can't deny that.
Cab in japan is "safe" buuuuut its going to be the most expensive cab in Asia
Yeah, Japan's cab is expensive actually.
Have been two time in Japan, I believe that if you follow one of those people offering free drinks and so, it;s no you being scammed! If the offer is real, there should be sign outside the store displaying the system. I been to those, totaly legit!
I got scammed with a fake product 😭 went back to the store and got a refund lol
Good idea
Research and avoid strangers. Even if it looks legit.
Do people get scammed off of HelloTalk? 🧐😂
It could be!
I had a tout that asked if he could walk with me and be my Japanese interpreter, lol. I just kept politely rejecting him until he left me alone.
Edit: 8:55 Oh wow, I've actually asked a lot of people before if they wanted me to take their pictures- always couples who are trying to reach their arms out and do a selfie with their partner. I'd say about 50% of the time they say yes, and 50% of the time they say no. I wonder if I should consider not doing this any more if it is considered "scammer behavior?"
About offering to take photos for others. I used to do that every once in a while and it was fine but I wouldn’t dare do it now. What I also did a few times at special events ( 1/2 marathons mostly ) was take photos of people doing selfies and approach them to ask if they wanted it. That was also fine and people enjoyed it but again, I no longer do that. I would be mortified if someone looked like they thought I was a creep 🥴
I am a Japanese resident living near a tourist destination in the countryside, and I often go there to relax. Sometimes, I kindly offer to take pictures for tourists, and about 80% of them respond with "Yes, please." Of course, I am not a scammer, so I never ask them for money.
I feel it depends on the time and occasion.
Torimaru restaurant Ueno Ten, Tokyo - the most disappointing experiences of my travels. This place is a total tourist trap. The dishes were ridiculously small for the price plus a mandatory service charge of 400 yen per person!
The food itself was lacked any real flavor.
Stay away from Torimaru restaurant Ueno.
you should be ok as long as you're not a drinker and not a sex tourist. I had zero issues my 16 days in Japan across several of their cities. Matter of fact my only issue was how rude the Turkish and Chinese tourists were at the Osaka Castle. You should have seen the look on the faces of the busload of Turkish women when they tried to march right past the ticket guard without buying a ticket.
I mean, you should be ok if you are a drinker and/or a sex tourist, as long as you're smart about it.
@@JC_2311 how many STDs do you have anyway
Kyoto - built for tourism. Scam.
I will not talk to anyone in the streets of Japan.
That is a good idea💡
😻😻😻😻😻😆😆😆😆😆
Touts are so annoying! 😑
It's the same for us Japanese people, and I always ignore them.
I don't understand half of it, articulation
Thank you. Very helpful
Oh my gosh I thought only 🇵🇭have scam thank you for nice information soo japan have scam too amazing.thanks for sharing us❤