Question 1

What is the "Fake Monk Donation Solicitation" scam in Kyoto?

Accepted Answer

Individuals dressed as Buddhist monks position themselves near Kinkaku-ji or Kyoto Station, offering small prayer beads or amulets as gifts and then insisting on a donation. The items are low-quality trinkets and the collectors have no affiliation with any legitimate temple. Genuine monks do not solicit donations from tourists on public streets. Decline any unsolicited gift from a robed figure outside official temple grounds. If you wish to donate, do so inside the actual temple at designated donation boxes.

Question 2

What is the "Counterfeit Traditional Craft Sales" scam in Kyoto?

Accepted Answer

Souvenir shops near major temples sell items labelled as hand-made traditional Kyoto crafts — Nishijin-ori silk, Kiyomizu-yaki pottery, or hand-painted fans — that are actually machine-made imports sold at authentic artisan prices. Purchase traditional crafts from shops displaying official regional certification or from artisan workshops where you can watch the craft being made. The Nishiki Market and certified downtown Kyoto craft stores are safer options.

Question 3

What is the "Fake Geisha Photo Fee" scam in Kyoto?

Accepted Answer

In Gion, men approach tourists after they photograph maikos or geisha and demand a photo fee on the geisha's behalf. This is not an official practice — geisha do not charge photo fees and these men are not their representatives. Photography of geisha in public streets is generally permitted but disrespectful at close range. Ignore anyone demanding payment for photos taken in public. Legitimate photography etiquette signs are posted by the Gion district authority.

Street Scams in Kyoto

Fake Monk Donation Solicitation

Counterfeit Traditional Craft Sales

Fake Geisha Photo Fee

Experienced a scam here?