Money & ATM Scams in Kyoto, Japan
Card skimming, currency exchange fraud, dynamic currency conversion, and cash cons. Below are the money & atm scams scams reported in Kyoto — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Beijing, Shanghai, and Taipei.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
1
Money & ATM Scams Scams
12
Total in Kyoto
How it works
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.
See all scams in Kyoto
12 total warnings across all categories