Money & ATM Scams in Kyoto

Nishiki Market Short-Change on Yen

Vendors and small food stall operators in and around Nishiki Market (Nishiki-koji, Nakagyo-ku) occasionally shortchange tourists on yen notes, exploiting unfamiliarity with Japanese currency denominations. A common method involves swapping a ¥1,000 note for a ¥100 coin in the change while the tourist is distracted by the food being prepared. The high density of narrow stalls and constant foot traffic makes it easy to dispute amounts once you have moved on.