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New scam/MO in Shibuya?
I was on the way to Shibuya and me and my… So I think I got quite close to being robbed in Shibuya today but I was wondering whether I maybe just misunderstood completely. Maybe you guys can help me.
I was on the way to Shibuya and me and my wife were in costume, easily recognizable as foreigners although I am more of an expat then a tourist. On the way there, a couple of people had asked to take a photo of us, so at first we were not suspicious when another woman asked us in broken English and Japanese for a photo.
But then she said her husband would take the photo (or maybe we should take a photo of her and her husband? It was hard to understand but she was just wearing casual clothes), and walked off around the corner, telling us to follow. When we turned the corner, there was almost nothing there, just a long alley, relatively dark (although just a few steps away from the lively main thoroughfare) and a group of four 20-30ish guys standing around and smoking. The woman who had approached us just walked on, past the group of guys further into the alley. At that point I thought his was just to strange and I kinda did not want to get into any situation where it was just me and my wife, who does not speak any Japanese, and who knows to whom the woman was taking us.
So maybe I am paranoid, but we just turned and went back towards where the people were streaming toward Shibuya and everything was bright and loud again. The woman noticed after a few steps and ran after us, almost pleading (quite loudly) with us to follow her again. We had to say no thank you a few times and move on quite a bit before she gave up. I felt a bit bad, but thought this even more strange. I mean, who makes such a fuss just to take a photo of two strangers on Halloween. My wife thinks I am silly, as if I was expecting those guys to rob us at knife point like we were in some kind of violent, crime-ridden part of the world. I admit that it is somewhat strange - while we are foreigners, I am a relatively big guy and spoke Japanese to the woman, so not the ideal mark I would think. Then again, I would likely have paid them off if it came to a confrontation.
I tried to google the MO and „scam" but did not find anything. Maybe this was an innocent misunderstanding after all?
that pleading thing is the giveaway honestly, normal people don't chase you down an alley for a photo. i live near shibuya and have seen similar setups around the love hotel hill path off dogenzaka, usually they try to get you into a "members only" bar or a host club where the bill mysteriously jumps to 50,000 yen for a couple drinks. the woman running after you is a known pressure tactic to make you feel rude for not following, but you did the right thing bailing into the crowd. next time just say "chotto matte" and keep walking straight into a familymart, they never follow you inside
Try Butagumi if you are up for the walk to Roppongi.
not paranoid at all, that's a known setup near the shibuya crossing area. the woman is the "decoy" who tries to lead tourists or couples into the side streets off koen dori or near the love hotel hill, where the real crew is waiting. usually it's a fake bar scam where they pressure you into a huge bill or just straight up rob you, the pleading act is part of it to make you feel bad and follow.
i've heard of this happening around center gai too but mostly later at night when the crowds thin out. the fact she kept chasing you is the biggest tell, no one does that for a photo. your wife might think it's overblown but shibuya has plenty of these bait-and-switch types especially around halloween when everyone's distracted. just keep walking next time and don't engage at all.
Where to Stay in Tokyo (2026)
Shinjuku is perfect for first-timers who want nonstop energy, neon lights, and endless dining options. Budget travelers can stay near Shinjuku Station for easy acce… 🏙️ Shinjuku: The Heart of Tokyo
Shinjuku is perfect for first-timers who want nonstop energy, neon lights, and endless dining options. Budget travelers can stay near Shinjuku Station for easy access to the Yamanote Line, with hostels like Khaosan Tokyo Kabuki starting around $30 per night. For a splurge, the Park Hyatt Tokyo offers skyline views from $500 per night.
🌸 Shibuya: Trendy and Youthful
Shibuya is ideal for nightlife lovers and fashion-forward visitors, with the iconic Scramble Crossing right outside your door. Mid-range hotels like the Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu run $150-250 per night, while capsule hotels like Nine Hours Shibuya offer a budget option at $40. Families might prefer quieter streets just a 10-minute walk from the station.
🏯 Asakusa: Traditional and Budget-Friendly
Asakusa offers a glimpse of old Tokyo with Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street, perfect for culture seekers and families. Budget ryokans like Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu start at $80 per night, including a traditional breakfast. The area is quieter at night, so night owls may want to stay closer to Ueno or Akihabara.
🌳 Ueno: Family-Friendly and Cultural
Ueno is excellent for families thanks to Ueno Park, the zoo, and several museums all within walking distance. Hotels like the Ueno Station Hostel Oriental I offer dorm beds from $25, while the Mitsui Garden Hotel Ueno costs around $120 per night. The area is well-connected by JR and metro lines, making day trips easy.
💻 Shibuya and Shinjuku for Digital Nomads
Digital nomads should look at Shibuya or Shinjuku for coworking spaces and reliable Wi-Fi. The Shibuya Stream building has a free coworking lounge, and nearby cafes like Fuglen Tokyo offer strong coffee and outlets. Monthly apartment rentals via services like Sakura House start around $1,000 in these areas.
🌆 Roppongi: Nightlife and Luxury
Roppongi is the go-to for upscale nightlife, with clubs like V2 Tokyo and high-end bars. Luxury hotels such as the Grand Hyatt Tokyo start at $400 per night, while business hotels like the Roppongi Plaza Hotel offer rooms from $100. The area is also close to art museums like Mori Art Museum.
🚃 Getting Around: Station Proximity Matters
Staying near a Yamanote Line station (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo, Ueno) saves time and money on transit. A 24-hour metro pass costs 800 yen and covers Tokyo Metro and Toei lines. Avoid staying too far from a station, as taxis are expensive (starting at 420 yen for the first kilometer).
💰 Price Tiers and Budget Tips
Budget travelers can find capsule hotels or hostels for $20-40 per night in areas like Asakusa or Ueno. Mid-range business hotels (Toyoko Inn, APA Hotels) average $80-120 per night. For luxury, expect $300-600 per night in central districts. Book early for cherry blossom season (late March to early April).
honestly the guide nailed it but i'd throw in nakameguro for anyone visiting in spring. the canal walk during cherry blossom season is insane, way less crowded than ueno or shinjuku gyoen. plus there's a killer onigiri spot called Onigiri Bongo that sells out by noon, and the area has a ton of tiny wine bars and vintage shops. rooms at the Claska hotel start around $120 and it's a quick hop to shibuya on the tokyu line
solid write-up, covers the big ones well. for my money, if you're a food nerd, staying near a good tsukemen or ramen spot is a legit strategy. i booked a hotel in takadanobaba once just cause i wanted to be walking distance from Taishoken, the tsukemen birthplace. that area is also full of student bars and cheap eats since Waseda Uni is there, rooms at the b:CONTE hotel run like $90 a night and it's two stops from Shinjuku on the Yamanote. way less tourist crush than Shibuya for late-night bowls
This is a solid breakdown, really covers the main bases well. One thing I'd add for anyone staying in Shinjuku is that the station itself can be overwhelming even for locals, so picking a hotel on the west side near the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is a good hack. The views from the free observation deck there are just as good as the paid ones, and you avoid the chaos of the east exit. For cheap eats in that area, the basement floor of Takashimaya department store has incredible takeout bento boxes under 1,000 yen that beat most convenience store meals.