Japan consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world for travelers, but several Western governments are now warning tourists about a disturbing pattern in Tokyo’s entertainment districts: visitors lured into bars by street touts are having their drinks spiked and waking up with massive credit card charges.
What’s Happening#
The scam follows a well-established pattern. Friendly English-speaking touts approach foreign tourists on the street — particularly in areas like Kabukicho, Roppongi, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro — and invite them into bars, sometimes with promises of free drinks or champagne. Once inside, the victims’ drinks are spiked with sedatives. They lose consciousness or memory of the evening, only to discover later that thousands of dollars have been charged to their credit cards, or withdrawn from their bank accounts.
One British tourist described their experience: “They offered me to come into a bar and drink champagne — the next thing I remember is sitting on the subway, not knowing where I am or how I got there, with £6,000 charged to my credit card.”
Which Governments Are Warning#
The issue has become serious enough that multiple Western governments have issued formal travel advisories:
- United Kingdom: The FCDO warns of “increased reports of drink spiking and credit card fraud” in Tokyo entertainment districts, with losses “ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of pounds.”
- United States: The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo has issued specific warnings about drink spiking in Roppongi.
- Canada: Travel advisories include warnings about bar scams in Tokyo nightlife areas.
- Australia: Similar warnings about spiked drinks and credit card fraud in entertainment districts.
Tokyo Metropolitan Police have also stepped up warnings, particularly targeting areas around Kabukicho in Shinjuku, where touts actively approach foreign tourists.
High-Risk Areas#
The districts most frequently mentioned in warnings and tourist reports:
- Kabukicho (Shinjuku) — Tokyo’s largest entertainment district, heavy tout presence
- Roppongi — Popular with foreign visitors, long history of drink-spiking reports
- Shibuya — Growing number of incidents reported
- Ikebukuro — Increasing tout activity targeting tourists
Similar scams have also been reported in entertainment districts in Osaka.
How to Stay Safe#
Authorities recommend several precautions for tourists visiting Tokyo’s nightlife:
- Never follow street touts into bars or clubs, no matter how friendly they seem
- Always check menus with prices before ordering anything
- Never leave your drink unattended
- Go out with trusted companions rather than alone
- Use reputable, well-reviewed establishments — check reviews on Google Maps or Tabelog before visiting
- If something feels wrong, leave immediately and contact the police (dial 110)
Perspective#
It’s important to stress that Japan remains one of the world’s safest destinations. The country’s overall crime rate is extremely low, and millions of tourists visit each year without any issues. These scams are concentrated in specific nightlife areas and primarily target tourists who are approached by street touts. By simply avoiding tout-led establishments and exercising standard nightlife precautions, travelers can enjoy Tokyo’s vibrant entertainment scene safely.
For Israeli travelers — who have been visiting Japan in record numbers — awareness of these localized risks is especially relevant as Japan continues to grow as one of the most popular destinations from Israel.
Source: Ynet
