Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan

All Topics about Utsunomiya All Cities in Japan

1. Tourist Information Center Scam

Avoid fake guides offering help at the tourist information center. They might overcharge or take you to shops where they receive commission.

Fake Guides: Be aware of individuals posing as guides.
Commission Shops: Shops that pay guides for referrals may overcharge tourists.
Official Tourist Information Center: Always seek help from the official tourist information center in Utsunomiya.

Watch for taxis that refuse to use a meter or offer a lower-than-average fare. Some drivers might take circuitous routes to increase the cost.

Refusal of Meter Use: Taxis that refuse to use the meter can be fraudulent.
Low Fare Offers: Beware of taxis offering lower-than-average fares, as they might take longer routes.
Circuitous Routes: Drivers might take longer and more expensive routes.

Some coin-operated ATMs in Utsunomiya may not return your card or might charge excessive fees. Use ATMs inside banks for safety and reliability.

Be cautious of street food vendors selling overpriced or poor-quality food. Look for popular and busy stands to ensure freshness.

Overpricing: Street food vendors might overcharge tourists.
Poor Quality Food: Food from unpopular or less busy stands may not be fresh.
Popular Stands: Busy and popular street food vendors usually offer good quality food.

Some temples in Utsunomiya may charge unreasonable donation fees or pressure tourists to buy expensive souvenirs.

Unreasonable Donation Fees: Temples might ask for excessive donations.
Pressure Sales: Staff at the temple may pressure tourists to buy souvenirs.
Research Ahead: Research average donation fees and common scams at specific temples before visiting.

Some restaurants in Utsunomiya might serve low-quality food or charge tourists more than locals. Look for established restaurants with good reviews.

Low Quality Food: Restaurants serving substandard food can be found.
Overcharging Tourists: Tourists might be charged more than locals in some restaurants.
Established Restaurants: Look for well-established and popular restaurants with good reviews.

Some accommodations in Utsunomiya may have hidden fees or offer substandard service. Book through reputable platforms and read reviews.

Hidden Fees: Accommodations might charge additional fees that aren't disclosed upfront.
Substandard Service: Some accommodations may not meet the quality or service expectations.
Reputable Platforms: Book through reputable online travel agencies and read reviews before making a decision.

Be cautious of market vendors selling counterfeit goods or overpriced items. Look for well-established and busy markets.

Counterfeit Goods: Market vendors might sell fake or poor-quality goods.
Overpricing: Some items may be overpriced at markets.
Well-Established Markets: Look for well-established and busy markets with good reputations.

Some bars in Utsunomiya might overcharge drinks or serve substandard alcohol. Look for popular and well-reviewed establishments.

Street performers might request excessive donations or pressure tourists to buy tickets. Observe performances before making a contribution.

Excessive Donations: Street performers might ask for too much money.
Pressure Sales: Performers might pressure tourists to buy tickets or donate more than necessary.
Observation Before Donating: Watch the performance before deciding to contribute and be mindful of excessive requests.

Some internet cafes in Utsunomiya may charge hidden fees or install keyloggers to steal personal information.

Hidden Fees: Internet cafes might have additional charges that aren't disclosed upfront.
Keyloggers: Some internet cafes may install keyloggers to steal personal information.
Reputable Internet Cafés: Choose reputable internet cafes with good reviews and secure payment methods.

Watch for counterfeit or overpriced transportation tickets in Utsunomiya. Always purchase tickets from authorized vendors.

Counterfeit Tickets: Some individuals might sell fake or expired tickets.
Overpricing: Tickets might be overpriced by unauthorized vendors.
Authorized Vendors: Always purchase tickets from authorized transportation company representatives or official ticket booths.

Some people in Utsunomiya might find 'lost' items and return them only after asking for a reward or compensation.

Rewards or Compensation: Individuals might ask for rewards or compensation for returned lost property.
Suspicious Finders: Be wary of individuals who find your lost property and offer to return it in exchange for a reward.
Report Lost Property: Report lost items to the local police station or tourist information center immediately.

Be cautious of individuals offering free gifts in exchange for personal information or money. Avoid participating in such offers.

Personal Information Theft: Individuals might steal your personal information.
Money Requests: Some offers may require money in exchange for the free gift.
Avoid Participation: Do not participate in these offers, as they can lead to unwanted consequences.

Some charities in Utsunomiya might be fraudulent or use donations inappropriately. Research charities before making a contribution.

Fraudulent Charities: Charities might not use donations as intended.
Inappropriate Use of Donations: Donations may be used for purposes other than those stated by the charity.
Research Charities: Always research charities before making a contribution, and verify their legitimacy.