Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Katsushika-ku, Tōkyō, Japan

All Topics about Katsushika-ku All Cities in Japan

1. Edogrand Shopping Mall Scam Awareness

Stay vigilant against pickpocketing and overpricing at Edogrand Mall. Keep belongings secure and compare prices.

Popular Tourist Spot: Attracts many tourists, making it a prime target for scammers.
Crowded Area: High foot traffic provides opportunities for distraction-based scams.
Mixed Vendors: Some vendors may overprice items or sell counterfeit goods.

Stay informed about common scams and reliable information sources at the Katsushika City Tourist Information Center.

Reliable Source: Offers accurate travel advice and helps prevent tourists from falling for scams.
Multilingual Staff: Assists visitors who speak different languages, ensuring they understand potential risks.
Local Knowledge: Knows the common scams in Katsushika-ku and provides tips to avoid them.

Avoid unauthorized sellers offering ferry tickets at discounted rates or fake tickets near Odaiba Ferry Terminal.

Common Scam Location: Ferry terminal is a common spot for scammers selling fake or overpriced tickets.
Unauthorized Sellers: Unlicensed sellers may offer discounted or counterfeit ferry tickets.
Official Ticket Booths: Always purchase tickets from the official booths to avoid scams.

Stay alert and keep belongings secure at Asakusa-bashi Station due to pickpocketing incidents.

High Foot Traffic: Increased foot traffic creates opportunities for distraction-based scams.
Commute Hub: Asakusa-bashi Station is a major transit hub, attracting potential thieves.
Crowded Commuter Train: Trains during rush hours are often crowded, making it easier for pickpockets to operate.

Avoid suspicious individuals offering guides or maps within Katsushika Central Park. Stick to official park information.

Large Park Area: The size of the park provides ample space for scammers to operate.
Tourist Attraction: Attracts tourists who may fall for guide or map scams.
Unauthorized Services: Some individuals offer unauthorized services, such as guides or maps, which may lead to scams.

Be cautious of individuals approaching with friendship offers or requests for personal information at the Katsushika International Friendship Center.

Friendly Atmosphere: The friendly environment can make tourists more vulnerable to scams.
Personal Information: Some scammers may try to obtain personal information for fraudulent purposes.
Reliable Contacts: Always have reliable contacts and resources to verify the authenticity of new acquaintances.

Be cautious when buying items at the Katsushika Flea Market. Compare prices and avoid suspicious vendors.

Variety of Vendors: Vendors offer a wide variety of goods, some of which may be overpriced or counterfeit.
Bargaining Opportunities: Bargaining can be a cultural experience but also an opportunity for scammers to exploit.
Mixed Quality Items: Some vendors may sell lower quality or counterfeit items under the guise of authentic products.

Avoid suspicious individuals offering food, drinks, or other items at inflated prices. Compare prices and stick to trusted vendors.

Nighttime Environment: The dark environment can make it easier for scammers to exploit tourists.
Tempting Offers: Some scammers may offer tempting but overpriced food or drinks.
Food Safety: Be cautious about food safety when purchasing from unknown vendors.

Avoid taxis without meters and be cautious of fixed-price offers in Katsushika-ku taxis.

Fixed-Price Offers: Some taxi drivers may offer fixed prices that are higher than the actual cost.
No Meter Taxi: Taxis without meters may overcharge or refuse to use a meter.
Reliable Taxis: Always choose reliable taxi companies with meters and official logos.

Book accommodations through reputable websites or agencies to avoid scams. Inspect the property and read reviews before booking.

Reputable Booking Sites: Choose well-known, reputable accommodation booking sites.
Inspection before Arrival: Inspect the property's photos and reviews to ensure it meets expectations.
Avoid Last-Minute Bookings: Last-minute bookings may lead to scams or poor accommodations.

Avoid street food vendors with poor hygiene conditions and unfamiliar logos. Stick to trusted, clean vendors.

Poor Hygiene Conditions: Unclean food preparation areas can lead to illness.
Familiar Logos: Recognize trusted street food vendors by their logos or reputations.
Crowded Areas: Be cautious when buying food from crowded areas with numerous vendors.

Avoid using unsecured or suspicious Wi-Fi networks. Use cellular data or trusted, secure Wi-Fi hotspots.

Unsecured Networks: Unsecured Wi-Fi networks can expose personal information to hackers.
Suspicious Hotspots: Some unofficial hotspots may be created for the purpose of scams or data theft.
Data Security: Keep personal information secure by using trusted, encrypted Wi-Fi networks.

Avoid donating to street performers without verifying their legitimacy. Look for official permits or uniforms.

Official Permits: Legitimate performers will have official permits or documentation.
Uniforms: Some performers wear uniforms or have distinctive clothing to identify themselves.
Donation Amount: Be cautious of performers who request large donations or use aggressive tactics.

Use well-lit, secure ATMs and be cautious of suspicious individuals loitering near machines.

Well-lit Areas: Proper lighting deters potential thieves.
Secure Locations: Choose ATMs located in secure, well-maintained areas.
Suspicious Individuals: Be cautious of individuals loitering near the ATM or using multiple ATMs in quick succession.

Purchase transportation tickets only from official vendors and avoid buying tickets from unauthorized sellers.

Official Vendors: Only purchase tickets from authorized ticket booths or vending machines.
Unauthorized Sellers: Some individuals may sell fake or overpriced transportation tickets.
Inspect Tickets: Check the ticket for authenticity before boarding public transport.