Night Out, Tokyo

When visiting Roppongi and Kabukicho, you will more than likely be approached by a never ending procession of people (often African) inviting you to visit this bar, that club, they've got beer, girls, anything a guy could need for a night on the tiles in Tokyo. You would be well advised to politely decline any offers to go anywhere, stories abound of people who have been drugged or flat out ripped off upon entering establishments after being persuaded by the touts on the streets to "take a look". These guys may try to grab your arm or something else, but don't be afraid to cause a scene if you feel intimidated, they will back off.

Lately in the Roppongi area, there have been an increasing incident of spiked drinks. People will wake up in alleys or secluded areas and find that all their money, IDs, credit cards, etc. have been stolen. There has been a warning issued on this from the US embassy in Tokyo. See http://travel.state.gov for more information and updates.

Key thing--eventhough this is one of the safest countries in the world, don't let that lull you into letting down your gaurd!

Scam Alert - "The First Bar" Roppongi

My friends and I were recently involved in a scam that took place in the Roppongi area called "The First Bar"

Don't fall victim! Here's how the scam and theft works:

My 2 friends and I were out for drinks in the area, we met some girls at a random bar in Roppongi. These girls had a conservative appearance "nice curb appeal" not your typical street 'ho'. One of the girls suggested we move to another bar for dancing and better nightlife. They strongly suggested "The First Bar" (the kick backs are better...more later) Once at the First Bar our group of 6 started to disperse, some dancing, some socializing. An hour or two later when we met back up, my friend who placed his credit card at the bar for drinks, feels he has been slightly drugged and had moments of blacking out. I have known this individual for over 12 years and he rarely drinks excessively. Our concern was to get him back to the hotel where he can rest.

We found out a few days later, that several thousand dollars of Champaign had been charged on his credit card, with a fake signature! We reported this to the credit card company and The US Embassy only to find out, they have received many complaints similar to this, apparently this is a reoccurring crime in some bars in that district. Ex pats getting drugged and excessive charges are made to their credit card bill. It appears the "TheFirstBar" and these girls are in cooperation with one another and get kick backs from the fake charges placed on the credit card.

AVOID "TheFirstBar" it is a dangerous place in Tokyo!

It has been long time sinece Japan became famous as the safest country in the world. I was born here in the mid town of Tokyo and do not have any experience to live out side of Tokyo.
Now things have changed. This is one of the city like 80's New York, especially the central Tokyo area. Unfortunately the crime rate in the country side is getting higher by year. You also mention that very few people speak English here. If you got in trouble, imagine you will see some difficulties.
This is a very beautifull country and I am very proud of saying it but please consider that this is not a special crime free country. It became just a legend now.

Although Shinjyuku is one of the most popular place to meet, eat, shop, drink and party, please be careful going into Kabuki-Cho, Shinjyuku at night. The people will be very nice to you inviting for a drink at a bar, but they could be charging you, $100 per crappy drink, and if you can't pay, you will pay one way or another.....

Tokyo, areas has been break into tiny spaces, base on group of ethnics, age and interest.
Specifically, some area are crowded with Chinese, Malaysian, Korean, Iranian etc. Shibuya are popular with collages students, Shinjuku is famous with young people and Ginza is a hot spot for Madam and senior rich people. Other than this, some off the beaten path, `Love Hotel' and back street lane should be avoided, basically this area is mainly for prostitutions, gays and gangster. Too many drunk people walking, hanging and sleeping on the street, some gun fight may be happen.

When drinking in bars in Roppongi, be careful of who you accept drinks from.

I was at western style pub/nightclub during last years world cup and was enjoying myself, when aan ex-pat aussie 'stunner' approached me.
She began talking to me & gee she was hot, low cut dress at the back.......
Anyway she went on to say she was a hostess at a bar, etc etc.

We went our separate ways, when 10 minutes later she came back with a shot of something.
BANG, can't remember much more than that, except waking up 6 hours later in a massage parlour with some thai girl walking on my back!!!!

I was really unwell that whole next day.

It could have been worse, but proved a reminder to me how careful you must be when in unfamiliar surrounds.

I found Tokyo to be a very safe place to visit and at no point did I feel threatened. The people are very nice and friendly and if you take a map out to look at it, someone will come over and ask you if they can help. The only warning I can think of is to make sure you step onto the right train. When the train approaches you have to check it is the right one you need as sometimes trains go whizzing past the station you wanted to get off at and you spend the next hour trying to get back :-)