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[September 2019]

Troubles reported to Consumer Hotline for Tourists: partly caused by differences of culture and custom?

In order to address consumer detriment experienced by overseas visitors to Japan who are expected to further increase, NCAC launched the Consumer Hotline for Tourists to offer advice for inbound tourists to Japan in December 2018.

Some of the troubles reported to the Consumer Hotline for Tourists appear to have been caused by a lack of understanding due to differences of culture, custom and language, which are rare in cases reported to local consumer affairs centers and the like across Japan.

During the period of Rugby World Cup 2019™ from September 20 to November 2, more overseas tourists are expected to visit Japan than usual. In order to deepen mutual understanding between people in Japan and international visitors to Japan, NCAC would like to share some inquiries received by the Consumer Hotline for Tourists.

Sample cases

[Case1]
I tried to return an expensive watch I had bought to the seller, but the shop did not accept my product return request.
[Case2]
I received a false explanation at a duty-free shop where I visited during a packaged tour.
[Case3]
I booked a hotel room, expecting a nice view. However, the room didn't have any window.
[Case4]
When I was about to check in a hotel I had booked, I was refused to stay there.
[Case5]
Although my rental car was insured, the rental car company told me that the repair cost would not be covered by the insurance.
[Case6]
My express bus delayed due to a traffic jam. Then, I was too late to join a cruise tour.
[Case7]
At a Japanese-style bar (izakaya), I was charged for a small appetizer which I had not ordered.
[Case8]
I got completely drunk at a bar. When I woke up next morning, I found I had lost my wallet. Later, I was charged 550,000 yen.
[Case9]
I was injured during my stay in Japan. I visited a hospital, but I was not properly treated.

Characteristic causes

  1. Differences of culture and custom
    (e.g. Japanese-style bars often have a cover charge per person, which includes a small appetizer served with first drink.)
  2. Insufficient communication due to language differences
  3. Inadequate description in non-Japanese languages on booking sites
  4. Fraudulent sales method by foreigners targeting foreigners

Consumer Hotline for Tourists

During the period of Rugby World Cup 2019™, more international tourists are expected to visit Japan.

If there's an overseas tourist who has experienced consumer detriment in Japan, we recommend calling the Consumer Hotline for Tourists.

Accessible on:
Monday to Friday at 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
(closed weekends, national holidays, and Dec. 29 - Jan. 3)
Available languages:
English, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese
See the following URL