The surge in tourism to Japan is driving up consumer disputes. Kanto Smart Living Cooperative urges tourists to familiarize themselves with four consumer rights protection tips before visiting Japan.
TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) – As tourism to Japan continues to grow, the number of inquiries received via the Japan Tourist Consumer Hotline has reached a record high. According to the latest statistics from the National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan (NCAC), 513 inquiries related to tourist consumption were received in 2024, a significant increase from 305 in 2023. Overseas travelers accounted for 75% of these inquiries. Among these inquiries, issues related to accommodation facilities remained the most common.
The data shows that of the 513 inquiries in 2024, 388 were from tourists visiting Japan, 80 were from foreign residents living in Japan, and another 28 were from foreigners and Japanese living abroad. The number of inquiries from tourists visiting Japan increased from 227 in 2023 to 388 in 2024, with over half of these inquiries occurring during travel. Chinese and English together accounted for approximately 85% of the total number of inquiries. In the goods and services category, accommodations have consistently topped the list, followed by dining out and general merchandise purchases. Regarding inquiries by type, “signing or canceling contracts” and “customer service” are the most common.
Given that demand for consumer advice continues to rise with the increase in the number of tourists visiting Japan, the Kanto Smart Living Cooperative, an organization specializing in lifestyle and consumer knowledge, has compiled traveler experiences and expert advice to develop “Four Tips for Dealing with Consumer Disputes” for tourists to consider before departure and when encountering problems.
Experts advise that when making purchases, it’s essential to keep receipts, credit card slips, product packaging, and price tags; these are the most direct evidence in case of disputes. They also recommend taking photos of price tags or transaction images with your phone to prevent price changes.
If you notice a price or service issue, first try to contact the store in simple Japanese or English, such as “これ、ちょっとおかしいです。” (This doesn’t seem right) or “Please recheck the price.” Be polite but firm, and many issues can be resolved on the spot.
The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Tourist Information Center has a Japan Visitor Hotline (050-3816-2787), available in English, Chinese, and Korean. NCAC also offers consumer dispute consultation services in English, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, French, and Japanese.
If you discover an incorrect amount or duplicate charges on your card, you can file a chargeback with your credit card company. If you use electronic payment methods like Alipay and LINE Pay, you can also file a complaint with customer service to protect your rights.
As the number of tourists visiting Japan continues to rise, experts call on tourists to have a basic awareness of protecting their consumer rights while enjoying their trip to Japan to ensure a smooth and safe journey.
Media Contacts:
Kanto Smart Living Cooperative
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Ada Huang
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SOURCE: Kanto Smart Living Cooperative