[Official Guide] Editor-written FAQ. Locals & travelers — please add updates in the comments; things change fast.
Short answer: Roppongi at night is fine if you follow one rule: never follow a street tout into a bar or club. Ever.
The classic scam:
- A friendly guy (often speaking good English) offers a “special price tonight” or “free first drink”.
- Inside, the menu is different. People report bills of ¥50,000+ for a few drinks, sometimes with pressure to pay by card at an ATM.
- This is the single most reported tourist trouble in Roppongi and Kabukicho.
How to handle it:
- Say “No thanks” once, firmly, and keep walking. Don’t stop, don’t make eye contact, don’t take the flyer.
- Choose venues yourself — places with clear pricing at the door, or ones you found and checked beforehand. Legit bars don’t drag people in off the street.
- Never leave your drink unattended. Drink-spiking followed by card theft has been reported in this area for years.
- If someone won’t leave you alone: step into any convenience store, or head to a koban (police box) — there’s one near the main crossing in most nightlife districts.
- Emergency numbers: Police 110 / Ambulance 119 — both work from any phone, English support available.
Double-check yourself: venues change fast; a place that was fine last year may not be now. Recent reviews are your friend.