Question 1

What is the "Cruise Terminal Souvenir Overpricing" scam in Nagasaki?

Accepted Answer

Souvenir vendors and gift shops immediately adjacent to the Nagasaki cruise terminal at the Matsugaeshi Pier and the Nakajima River terminal sell Nagasaki castella cake, glass work, and tortoiseshell goods at prices 30–50% above those in central Nagasaki shops. The captive cruise audience with limited time on shore is the primary target. If time permits, travel to the Hamanomachi covered arcade or the Dejima Wharf shopping area for better-priced souvenirs. Buy castella cake from established brands like Fukusaya or Shooken directly, which have fixed prices across all their outlets.

Question 2

What is the "Counterfeit Nagasaki Castella Cake" scam in Nagasaki?

Accepted Answer

Nagasaki castella (Portuguese-style sponge cake) is the city's most iconic souvenir, and informal vendors sell inferior mass-produced versions in packaging designed to resemble established brands like Fukusaya or Bunmeido. These are priced slightly below the genuine article and are not made in Nagasaki. Quality is noticeably inferior upon tasting. Buy castella only from the flagship stores of established brands: Fukusaya (main shop on Fukuza-machi), Bunmeido (Hamanomachi), or Shoo-an. These brands have fixed prices and official packaging with clear brand markings. Avoid castella sold by street vendors not affiliated with a named brand.

Question 3

What is the "Overpriced Glico Man-Style Photo Services" scam in Nagasaki?

Accepted Answer

Near some popular Nagasaki tourist spots, individuals offer to take photos of visitors using the visitor own phone, then demand payment claiming this is a professional photo service. This is very uncommon in Japan but has been reported at Dejima Wharf and around the Spectacles Bridge area by travelers. In Japan it is perfectly normal to ask any passerby to take your photo for free and no payment is expected. If someone offers to photograph you, confirm before they begin that it is free of charge. Most Japanese locals will help willingly without expectation of payment.

Street Scams in Nagasaki

Cruise Terminal Souvenir Overpricing

Counterfeit Nagasaki Castella Cake

Overpriced Glico Man-Style Photo Services

Experienced a scam here?