
Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Hachiōji, Tōkyō, Japan
1. Taxi Scams
Avoid overcharging and unofficial taxis by only using licensed taxis from designated stands or booking apps.
- Official Taxis: Always look for the city licence plate on the taxi
- Designated Stands: Only hail taxis from designated stands in Hachiōji
- Booking Apps: Use reliable taxi booking apps for added security
2. Counterfeit Goods Market
Avoid buying counterfeit goods from street vendors to protect both yourself and the local economy.
- Authentic Shops: Purchase items from authorized stores for authenticity
- High Quality: Counterfeit goods are often of low quality and may break easily
- Supporting Local Economy: By buying authentic items, you support the local economy
3. ATM Skimming
Protect your bank information by using ATMs inside banks or shopping centers, and covering the keypad to prevent keyloggers.
- Inside Banks: ATMs within banks have increased security measures
- Shopping Centers: ATMs in shopping centers also provide added protection
- Keypad Coverage: Cover the keypad to protect your PIN from prying eyes
4. Tourist Trap Restaurants
Avoid overpriced and low-quality food at tourist trap restaurants by asking locals for recommendations.
- Local Recommendations: Locals know the best places to eat in Hachiōji
- Affordable Prices: Avoid restaurants with unusually high prices for local cuisine
- Quality Food: Locals can guide you to places serving quality, delicious food
5. Fraudulent Guides
Avoid hiring unlicensed guides by booking through reputable tour agencies or official tourist information centers.
- Reputable Tour Agencies: Book guided tours with well-known, licensed agencies
- Official Tourist Info Centers: Get information from official tourist centers for reliable guides
- Licensed Guides: Legitimate guides will have a license and be able to provide one upon request
6. Scam Accommodation Websites
Avoid booking accommodation from unverified or suspicious websites by researching the property thoroughly and reading reviews.
- Verified Websites: Book through verified accommodation websites for peace of mind
- Suspicious Websites: Be wary of websites that require upfront payment without a secure booking system
- Reviews and Ratings: Read reviews from other travelers to make an informed decision
7. Street Performers Scams
Avoid being scammed by street performers asking for money by enjoying their performance and moving on instead.
- Enjoy the Performance: Appreciate the performance, but do not feel obligated to give money
- Legitimate Busking: Some performers may have a permit and a collection box, but always use your own judgement
- Moving On: Simply move on after enjoying the performance to avoid any potential scams
8. False Emergency Scams
Avoid being scammed in emergency situations by staying vigilant and only helping those truly in need.
- Stay Vigilant: Be aware of your surroundings to avoid potential scams
- True Emergency: Only offer help if you are confident that the situation is a true emergency
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect a scam, report it to local authorities for investigation
9. Coin Swapping Scams
Avoid coin swapping scams by carefully checking your change and using exact change whenever possible.
- Checking Change: Carefully check your change to ensure it matches the amount paid
- Exact Change: Using exact change reduces the chance of receiving incorrect change
- Reporting Issues: If you suspect a scam, report it to local authorities for investigation
10. Bogus Souvenirs
Avoid buying bogus souvenirs by purchasing from reputable shops or markets.
- Reputable Shops: Purchase souvenirs from well-established, trustworthy stores
- Markets: Find reliable stalls within reputable markets for quality souvenirs
- Asking Locals: Ask locals for recommendations on where to buy genuine souvenirs
11. Fraudulent Wifi Networks
Avoid accessing sensitive information on unverified Wi-Fi networks to protect your personal data.
- Verified Wi-Fi: Only connect to verified and trusted Wi-Fi networks
- Using a VPN: Consider using a VPN when accessing sensitive information online
- Public Hotspots: Be aware that public Wi-Fi hotspots are less secure, so avoid sensitive activities
12. Pickpocketing and Theft
Avoid pickpocketing and theft by keeping your belongings secure and being aware of your surroundings.
- Secure Belongings: Keep your valuables close and in a secure location, such as a slash-proof bag
- Awareness: Be aware of your surroundings to prevent being distracted or targeted
- Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance for theft coverage and peace of mind
13. Misleading Tour Packages
Avoid misleading tour packages by booking through reputable agencies or researching the itinerary thoroughly.
- Reputable Agencies: Book tours through well-established, trustworthy agencies
- Itinerary Research: Research the tour itinerary to ensure it is what you expect
- Read Reviews: Read reviews from other travelers to make an informed decision
14. Fraudulent Money Exchange Shops
Avoid fraudulent money exchange shops by exchanging money at a bank or reputable currency exchange centers.
- Banks: Exchange money at banks for secure and reliable transactions
- Reputable Centers: Use reputable currency exchange centers for peace of mind
- Comparing Rates: Compare exchange rates between different locations to ensure you get a fair deal
15. Overpriced Local Transportation
Avoid overpriced local transportation by researching fares and using official services.
- Research Fares: Know the typical fare for local transportation to avoid being overcharged
- Official Services: Use official bus, train, or taxi services for peace of mind and fair pricing
- Ask Locals: Ask locals about the best ways to get around Hachiōji affordably