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

1. Akihabara Electric Town Scams

Be wary of overpriced or counterfeit electronics in Akihabara. Always check prices before buying.

Price Checking: Compare prices with reputable online retailers to avoid overpaying.
Authenticity: Purchase from well-established stores for assurance of product authenticity.
Local Knowledge: Ask locals or hotel staff about trusted shops in the area.

Some taxi drivers in Oimachi may attempt to take longer routes or overcharge. Always use a meter-taxis.

Metered Taxis: Choose metered taxis for transparent and fair pricing.
Licensed Drivers: Ensure the driver has a valid taxi license and ID visible.
Trusted Companies: Opt for well-known taxi companies to minimize the risk of scams.

Some street food vendors in Ryogoku may serve undercooked or low-quality food. Stick to busy and well-known stalls.

Busy Stalls: Choose busy stalls with numerous customers as a sign of quality.
Reputation: Look for stalls with good reviews or recommendations from locals.
Cleanliness: A clean and organized stall is often a sign of a trustworthy vendor.

Beware of overpriced or counterfeit items at the Kawasaki Flea Market. Bargain and check prices before buying.

Bargaining: Don't hesitate to negotiate prices with vendors.
Authenticity: Inspect items carefully or ask for guarantees of authenticity.
Trusted Vendors: Look for established vendors with good reputations and positive reviews.

Some music stores in Koenji may sell counterfeit or poor-quality records. Research before purchasing.

Research: Learn about the market value and authenticity signs of records online.
Vendor Reputation: Opt for well-known and reputable stores with good reviews.
Quality Control: Inspect records for signs of poor quality or counterfeits before purchasing.

Love hotels in Shinjuku may overcharge or offer subpar services. Research and book in advance.

Research and Booking: Research and book love hotels online to compare prices and amenities.
Reputation: Look for well-known love hotels with positive reviews and ratings.
Payment Methods: Choose hotels that accept payment methods you're comfortable with.

Some sushi restaurants in Shinokawa may serve lower-quality or counterfeit fish. Stick to well-established places.

Reputation: Look for sushi restaurants with good reviews and a long history.
Fish Quality: Check for fresh fish and avoid suspicious or low-quality offerings.
Presentation: A well-presented sushi dish is often a sign of skill and quality.

Some bars in Roppongi may overcharge for drinks or use aggressive sales tactics. Stick to well-known establishments.

Reputation: Choose bars with good reviews and a reputation for fair prices.
Price Checking: Compare drink prices with other bars in the area before committing to one.
Avoid Pressure: Be wary of overly aggressive sales tactics and don't feel obligated to buy drinks.

Some maid cafes in Ikebukuro may provide poor service or overcharge. Research before visiting.

Research: Look for popular and well-reviewed maid cafes online.
Service Quality: Expect friendly, attentive service and be wary of neglectful or rude staff.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other maid cafes in the area before visiting.

Some ticket sellers near Ueno Zoo may offer fake or overpriced tickets. Buy directly from the zoo's official ticket booth.

Official Ticket Booth: Always buy tickets at the official Ueno Zoo ticket booth.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other ticket sellers in the area before making a purchase.
Security Measures: Look for official security measures, such as uniformed staff or visible ID.

Some artists in Ueno Park may sell counterfeit artwork. Stick to well-established and reputable vendors.

Reputation: Look for artists with good reviews and a proven track record.
Authenticity: Ask the artist for proof of authenticity, such as certificates or receipts.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other artists in the area before making a purchase.

Some rickshaw drivers in Asakusa may overcharge or take longer routes. Research and negotiate prices before starting the ride.

Research: Learn about average rates for rickshaw rides in Asakusa.
Negotiation: Negotiate prices before starting the ride to avoid overpaying.
Route Planning: Discuss and agree on a route with the driver before starting the ride.

Some vendors in Ameya-Yokocho Market may sell counterfeit or poor-quality goods. Bargain and inspect items carefully.

Bargaining: Negotiate prices with vendors to get the best deals.
Inspection: Inspect items carefully for signs of poor quality or counterfeits.
Vendor Reputation: Look for well-established vendors with good reputations and positive reviews.

Some photographers in Shibuya may charge for taking your picture during the crossing. Politely decline or negotiate prices.

Negotiation: Negotiate prices with photographers before allowing them to take your photo.
Avoidance: politely decline the offer if you don't wish to have your picture taken.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other photographers in the area before making a decision.

Some vendors at Tsukiji Fish Market may sell lower-quality or counterfeit fish. Buy directly from trusted stores.

Trusted Stores: Look for well-established and reputable stores with good reviews.
Quality Control: Inspect fish carefully for signs of poor quality or counterfeits.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other vendors in the market before making a purchase.