Tokyo Emergency Card

Tourist Police / Authorities

• Tokyo Metropolitan Police (Shinjuku)
  +81 3 3346 0110
  Serves Kabukichō — 24/7, English available
• Consumer Hotline (English)
  188
  Consumer Affairs Agency — bill disputes

First 10 minutes if something happens

1. 1.Get to a safe, public spot (café, hotel lobby, shop) and call Police on 110 if anyone is hurt or in immediate danger.
2. 2.Freeze cards immediately in your bank app (do this before calling the bank — it's faster). Revoke Apple Pay / Google Pay from a trusted device if your phone was taken.
3. 3.Change the password on your primary email from a trusted device, then sign out of every other session. Email is the master key to everything else.
4. 4.Contact Tokyo Metropolitan Police (Shinjuku) on +81 3 3346 0110 to file a report — you'll need the reference number for insurance, banks, and your embassy.

Full 8-step checklist at gacs.app/safe-traveller/tokyo

Top 5 scams to watch for

1. 1. Kabukichō tout bar bait (bottakuri)
   A friendly local invites you to 'a great bar'; the bill is ¥100,000+ with intimidation.
   Avoid: Never follow a stranger to a bar in Kabukichō — Tokyo Metro Police signs warn against it.
   If it happens: Refuse to pay verbally-quoted 'special' prices — only what's posted.
2. 2. Fake monk donation request
   Fake monks in robes give you a 'blessing card' then demand a ¥1,000+ donation.
   Avoid: Do not accept anything from someone in robes on the street.
   If it happens: Return the item and walk away; do not pay.
3. 3. Narita taxi long-haul
   ¥21,000 flat fare becomes ¥40,000+ via 'scenic route.'
   Avoid: Book pre-set fare 'Airport Taxi' at the counter INSIDE Narita arrivals — price is guaranteed.
   If it happens: Pay only the posted fixed fare; photograph the medallion.
4. 4. Izakaya table charge (otōshi) surprise
   Unrequested small appetiser arrives; it's a mandatory ¥300–¥800 charge per person.
   Avoid: It's cultural — accept it, but ask 'otōshi ikura desu ka?' (how much is otōshi) if not posted.
   If it happens: Pay it — it's a legal charge in Japan.
5. 5. Golden Gai bar 'seat charge' inflated for foreigners
   ¥1,000 posted seat charge becomes ¥5,000 at bill time.
   Avoid: Read the door — real seat charge is posted in kanji AND English.
   If it happens: Pay only what's posted at entry; refuse unlisted surcharges.