How to have a safe night out in Tokyo

According to the State Department, while Japan is a relatively safe country to visit, and Tokyo is a fairly safe city for its size, if you want to have a night out on the town, there are certain precautions you should take to avoid credit card fraud, having your drink spiked, extortion, or even assault, especially in the popular party spots in Tokyo like Roppongi and Kabuki-cho/Shinjuku.

For example, if you want to visit a bar or nightclub, leave your credit and bank cards at home or at your hotel (in its safe). Take only a reasonable amount of cash (and I should add, make sure you have enough to get back to your home or hotel).

Don't go clubbing alone! Take a friend, and stay together.

Never enter a bar that has a hawker/carnival barker-type person outside who is trying to bring customers into the establishment.

Don't accept an invitation for a free drink. That "free" drink could end up costing you in different ways.

Keep your eye on your drink! There have been incidents of drinks being spiked.

Know your limit. If you become noticeably intoxicated, you may be an easy target for a criminal.

Obey Japanese law! Don't bring illegal drugs into Japan, or buy or use them in Japan. Japan does not look kindly on illegal drug use.

If you become a victim of a crime, notify the Japanese police right away. If you are the victim of credit card fraud, you will have to file a report with the Japanese police. They will give you a report number, which you should relay to your credit card company.

Note* I have been living in Japan for quite a while, and have not experienced any particularly bad incidents. But it still pays to be aware.