How to Safely Enjoy Tokyo at Night: Avoiding Troubles in Kabukicho and Roppongiabunai

Introduction: Small Pitfalls in the World’s Safest City

Hello! This is Ken, editor-in-chief of Tokyo Insider Guide.

“Tokyo is one of the safest cities in the world.” This is an undeniable fact, and you’ll rarely feel in danger even walking alone at night. However, just as every big city has its rules, bustling entertainment districts like Kabukicho and Roppongi have specific “ways of navigating” that travelers should be aware of.

This article is an “insider’s self-defense guide” to protect you from trouble and ensure your exciting Tokyo nights become unforgettable memories.

【Absolute Rule】The One Golden Rule to Follow

I will introduce various techniques, but there is one most important rule that, if followed, will prevent 99% of troubles.

That is: “Never follow street touts (kyakuhiki).”

Sweet words like “Wanna grab a drink?” “I know a good, cheap place,” or “You can talk to girls” should, unfortunately, all be considered gateways to danger. They may seem friendly, but their sole purpose is to lead you to establishments where exorbitant charges await.

The True Nature of the Danger: Understanding “Bottakuri Bar” Tactics

The most common trouble travelers get involved in is a scam called “Bottakuri” (extortion/rip-off). This is a fraudulent act where you are charged outrageous fees. Typical tactics are as follows:

1. Luring: Touts friendly approach you on the street.
2. Entry: You are led to a bar, often on an upper floor of a multi-tenant building, where the interior cannot be seen from outside.
3. Exorbitant Billing: After just one drink, you are presented with an astronomical bill of several tens of thousands of yen (sometimes over 100,000 yen) under vague names like table charge, late-night fee, service charge, etc.
4. Intimidation: If you refuse to pay, large bouncers appear and act intimidatingly, refusing to let you leave until you pay.

Knowing these tactics should help you calmly refuse when approached on the street.

Also, touting is prohibited by ordinances in many entertainment districts, so please assume that any establishment that openly engages in prohibited touting is undoubtedly a “bottakuri” establishment.

Furthermore, be aware of “petit bottakuri” (minor rip-off) establishments that add various charges like seating fees or weekend fees in addition to food and drinks.

Latest Cases: Be Careful Not to Drink Too Much!

Recently, warnings have been issued for cases like the following. Please be very careful not to overdrink.

Please refer to the Metropolitan Police Department’s warning documents below:
English / Chinese / Korean

Be aware that scams and crimes can also be perpetrated by compatriots, so do not let your guard down just because the person approaching you is from your home country.

Ken’s Checklist for Safely Navigating Tokyo at Night

When choosing a bar/restaurant:

• Research highly-rated establishments on Google Maps or reputable gourmet websites beforehand.
• Choose street-level establishments or those on the first floor of a building where you can see inside through glass walls.
• Choose establishments that have a clearly priced menu or signboard displayed at the entrance.

When walking on the street:

• When approached by touts, avoid eye contact and firmly say “No, thank you” or completely ignore them and walk past.
• “Absolutely” do not accept offers of “I’ll buy you a drink” from overly friendly strangers.

Inside the establishment:

• Never leave your drink unattended.
• If the pricing system is unclear, always confirm “Is there a table charge?” before ordering.

What if you get into trouble?

Here’s how to deal with it if you unfortunately become a victim of a “bottakuri” scam.

• ① Do not pay: Firmly refuse to pay for a bill you don’t agree with. While it’s different if you feel in physical danger, it’s important to clearly refuse first.
• ② Call the police: Immediately state “I will call the police.” and do not hesitate to call “110”. This is the emergency number for the Japanese police.
• ③ Go to a Koban: There are small police boxes called “Koban” scattered throughout Japanese cities. If possible, leave the scene and rush to the nearest Koban to explain the situation; this is the safest option.

• ④ Consult the tourist helpline: The “Japan Visitor Hotline” operated by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with English support. Even outside of emergencies, you can call for advice if you have any problems. The number is 050-3816-2787.

Ken’s Final Advice

As I’ve said repeatedly, Tokyo at night is fundamentally very safe. The troubles introduced here are caused by a very small number of unscrupulous establishments, and as long as you adhere to the golden rule of “never follow touts,” your chances of encountering such problems are extremely low.

Correct knowledge is your strongest weapon to protect yourself from unnecessary trouble. Keep this guide in mind and enjoy the neon-lit Tokyo night as the best entertainment it can be.