Money & ATM Scams in Tokyo, Japan
Card skimming, currency exchange fraud, dynamic currency conversion, and cash cons. Below are the money & atm scams scams reported in Tokyo — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Kyoto, Beijing, and Shanghai.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
1
Money & ATM Scams Scams
10
Total in Tokyo
How it works
At small, unlicensed currency exchange counters and in some tourist-facing shops in Shinjuku's Kabukicho fringe and Asakusa's souvenir alleys, cashiers deliberately miscount change by folding ¥1,000 notes inside ¥10,000 notes, or by swapping ¥500 coins for the visually similar ¥100 coin. The confusion is amplified for visitors unfamiliar with Japanese yen denominations. Victims typically only notice the discrepancy after leaving the counter. Legitimate bank-affiliated exchange booths (marked with major bank logos) at Narita, Haneda, and large post offices do not use this practice.
See all scams in Tokyo
10 total warnings across all categories