Tokyo's Takeshita Street Revealed One of the Worst Tourist Traps Worldwide
What used to be a 'cool cultural hub' visited by many locals is now described as 'entirely overrated, no culture, overwhelmingly touristy, and honestly not worth it' by reviewers.
One reviewer said: 'Back in 2004 I visited this street and it was amazing to see all the locals visiting this area for all the progressive trends however almost 20 years later it's now just a street full of foreigners and many cheap touristy shops. You cannot even move. Touts from other parts of the world are everywhere and made us feel so uncomfortable, felt like we were about to get scammed at every corner. Such a shame to see an area ruined by tourists and touts.'
Eric Morhenn, travel expert at Nomad eSIM shares his advice for staying away from tourist traps and enjoying a stress-free holiday:
' Tourist traps often happen when a place stops being about the place itself and starts being about selling to visitors. Crowds grow, prices rise, and what made it special fades away.
'Sometimes it's best to just a few blocks away and see where the locals go. Avoid the spots with big signs and pushy sellers and instead, look for places that feel a little quieter, and more simple. Visiting outside the busy season helps too; things slow down, and you get a better feel for the place. And don't be afraid to ask someone who lives there. People usually love to share their favorite hidden spots .'
Top 10 worst tourist traps worldwide: Fisherman's Wharf, USA – 1,000 reviews Las Ramblas, Spain – 826 reviews Temple Bar, Ireland – 687 reviews Checkpoint Charlie, Germany – 681 reviews Royal Mile, Scotland – 539 reviews Niagara Falls, Canada – 483 reviews Victoria Peak, Hong Kong – 381 reviews Takeshita Street, Japan – 340 reviews Eiffel Tower, France – 303 reviews Stockholm Old Town, Sweden – 293 reviews
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About Nomad eSIM:
Nomad is a business line of LotusFlare, Inc, and provides travelers with digital SIM cards, known as eSIMs, enabling seamless mobile data connectivity across more than 200+ countries. Their user-friendly platform offers quick installation and reliable network access, allowing users to stay connected globally without the need for physical SIM cards.
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Tokyo Reported
17-07-2025
- Tokyo Reported
Tokyo's Takeshita Street Revealed One of the Worst Tourist Traps Worldwide
A new study by Nomad eSIM has revealed that Takeshita Street is one of the world's biggest tourist traps, counting 340 mentions of the term 'tourist trap' in its TripAdvisor reviews. What used to be a 'cool cultural hub' visited by many locals is now described as 'entirely overrated, no culture, overwhelmingly touristy, and honestly not worth it' by reviewers. One reviewer said: 'Back in 2004 I visited this street and it was amazing to see all the locals visiting this area for all the progressive trends however almost 20 years later it's now just a street full of foreigners and many cheap touristy shops. You cannot even move. Touts from other parts of the world are everywhere and made us feel so uncomfortable, felt like we were about to get scammed at every corner. Such a shame to see an area ruined by tourists and touts.' Eric Morhenn, travel expert at Nomad eSIM shares his advice for staying away from tourist traps and enjoying a stress-free holiday: ' Tourist traps often happen when a place stops being about the place itself and starts being about selling to visitors. Crowds grow, prices rise, and what made it special fades away. 'Sometimes it's best to just a few blocks away and see where the locals go. Avoid the spots with big signs and pushy sellers and instead, look for places that feel a little quieter, and more simple. Visiting outside the busy season helps too; things slow down, and you get a better feel for the place. And don't be afraid to ask someone who lives there. People usually love to share their favorite hidden spots .' Top 10 worst tourist traps worldwide: Fisherman's Wharf, USA – 1,000 reviews Las Ramblas, Spain – 826 reviews Temple Bar, Ireland – 687 reviews Checkpoint Charlie, Germany – 681 reviews Royal Mile, Scotland – 539 reviews Niagara Falls, Canada – 483 reviews Victoria Peak, Hong Kong – 381 reviews Takeshita Street, Japan – 340 reviews Eiffel Tower, France – 303 reviews Stockholm Old Town, Sweden – 293 reviews #### About Nomad eSIM: Nomad is a business line of LotusFlare, Inc, and provides travelers with digital SIM cards, known as eSIMs, enabling seamless mobile data connectivity across more than 200+ countries. Their user-friendly platform offers quick installation and reliable network access, allowing users to stay connected globally without the need for physical SIM cards.
Japan Today
26-05-2025
- Japan Today
An online travel company just collapsed. Here's how to avoid being left stranded by an online deal
By Madalyn Scerri and Anita Manfreda sold discounted holidays – curated hiking tours, boutique cruises and cultural getaways through a slick website and polished social media ads. But news emerged last week that the Melbourne-based travel company has collapsed into administration, leaving customers out of pocket by thousands of dollars, and in some cases, stranded overseas. What many didn't know was that Traveldream hadn't been formally accredited with the leading industry body since 2020. Its status under the Australian Travel Accreditation Scheme, run by the Australian Travel Industry Association, had been cancelled. To make matters worse, most travel insurance policies don't cover insolvency, meaning many customers have no way to recover their losses. Australians are expected to spend over A$2 billion booking holidays online in 2024–25. Big name platforms such as and Expedia account for about 60% of this activity. But many travellers are also turning to smaller or lesser-known providers offering flashy deals and lower prices, often with fewer safeguards. So, how can you protect yourself? Start with these five checks. 1. Don't be swayed by slick websites or social media ads It's a common tactic, and one that's hard to resist. You're scrolling, you see a dreamy image, the price is tempting, and suddenly you're halfway through checkout. But a polished ad doesn't guarantee legitimacy. Travel-related scams are on the rise, especially involving online-only sellers. Check for a verifiable business address, phone number and customer support. If the deal feels vague, under-priced or overly urgent, that's a red flag. Look for independent reviews (on Trustpilot, Tripadvisor or Google), and check Scamwatch for known issues. 2. Look at how the company engages with customers A company's reputation isn't just about what it promises: It's built on how it responds to questions and complaints. Before booking, take a moment to see how the business interacts with customers online. Do they reply constructively to complaints? Do they offer updates or explanations when issues arise? Also notice the tone. Does it feel human and responsive, or generic and hands-off? That can suggest how they'll treat you after the sale. Small signs can speak volumes. A page with thousands of followers but no visible engagement may indicate a paid audience – and a company that vanishes when things get difficult. 3. Check if the company is accredited Another way to assess a travel company's credibility is to check if it holds formal accreditation. This signals the company has met standards in financial security, customer service and dispute resolution. Accreditation offers extra reassurance, but it's not the whole picture. Some large, reputable companies, such as Expedia, operate without it. If a company isn't accredited, proceed with caution and focus on how bookings and payments are handled. 4. 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Book direct where feasible While accredited travel agencies can be helpful for complex itineraries, like overseas trips with multiple stops or bundled services, it's often worth booking directly with the provider when making travel arrangements online, whether that's a hotel, airline or tour company. Cutting out the intermediary can offer better value, including complimentary extras, flexible cancellation and full access to loyalty programs. Direct bookings usually reflect real-time availability and pricing, reducing the risk of outdated information. You'll benefit from direct communication and confirmation, making it easier to customise or resolve issues. The bottom line? As more people book holidays online, it's becoming harder to tell what's trustworthy and what could leave you out of pocket. Traveldream's collapse is a reminder. Even in the world of digital travel deals, it pays to ask: Is this company built to last, not just until your trip departs, but until you return home? Madalyn Scerri is Senior Lecturer in Tourism and Hospitality, Torrens University Australia. Anita Manfreda is Senior Lecturer in Tourism, Torrens University. The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts. External Link © The Conversation
Metropolis Japan
05-05-2025
- Metropolis Japan
Ishigaki Island Travel Guide
In 2018, Ishigaki Island beat out Maui, Reykjavik and other major destinations to top TripAdvisor's list of trending spots. A few years on, the Okinawan island hasn't lost its magic. Located just a short flight from Tokyo, Ishigaki offers crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and food you won't forget. If you're looking for a tropical escape without leaving Japan, this Ishigaki Island travel guide will help you plan your trip right—whether you're a beach bum, a food lover or an adventurous road-tripper. Okinawa Prefecture, Japan's southernmost region, is made up of three major island chains: the Okinawan Islands, the Miyako Islands and the Yaeyama Islands, where Ishigaki is located. Ishigaki is a 3-hour flight from Tokyo and only 40 minutes from Taiwan. Upon arriving at New Ishigaki Airport, the scenery shifts instantly—lush hills, turquoise waters and a slower pace of life. It feels like another world, far removed from the bustle of Okinawa City or Naha. Kabira Bay, Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan. The bay forms part of the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park. While the island isn't large, getting around can be a little tricky without a car. Budget travelers can take advantage of local buses, with a 5-day unlimited ride pass going for just ¥2,000. However, service winds down early in the evening, with some routes ending as early as 6 or 7 pm. If you miss the bus, taxis are a backup option. Fares start lower than in Tokyo—about ¥390 per kilometer—and many drivers are chatty and curious, especially with visitors from bigger cities. For maximum flexibility, consider renting a car. Japanese-language rental sites offer better deals (from ¥4,000/day including gas), but English-friendly versions are also available for a bit more. Most routes pass through Ishigaki City, home to under 50,000 residents. Despite its size, the city has a lot to offer. 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Don't leave without trying Yaeyama soba and a towering brown sugar kakigori. Iriomote Island, the second-largest in Okinawa Prefecture, is a bit further and more expensive to reach, but worth it for outdoor enthusiasts. Think kayaking through mangroves, hiking waterfalls and spotting rare wildlife. Interested in more Okinawa and Ishigaki travel guides? Read these next: JUNGLIA: Okinawa's Ambitious New Theme Park Opens in July Hilton Okinawa Sesoko Resort, Okinawa Miyako: Explore Okinawa's Most Underrated Island
