Claims that some restaurants in Japan charge foreign tourists higher prices than local customers have triggered widespread debate after a Korean YouTuber alleged that he was given a different menu with higher prices during a visit to a sushi restaurant. While the allegations have attracted significant attention online, the restaurant involved has denied operating a dual-pricing system.
The controversy began after Korean YouTuber Sohun shared his experience of dining at a sushi restaurant with his girlfriend.
YouTuber alleges separate menus for locals and tourists
According to Sohun, the restaurant initially provided an English-language menu. After requesting the Japanese-language version, he claimed he discovered that several items were priced much lower than those on the English menu.
He alleged that the restaurant maintained separate menus for Japanese customers and foreign visitors, with tourists being charged considerably more. Sohun also claimed that similar practices were becoming increasingly common in cities such as Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, as well as in smaller towns.
The allegations led to widespread discussion on social media, with many questioning whether foreign visitors were being unfairly charged.
Restaurant rejects dual-pricing allegations
The restaurant has strongly denied the accusations, stating that it does not charge customers differently based on their nationality or the language of the menu they receive.
It also said it is considering legal action after receiving negative reviews and online criticism following the claims.
Several users and independent commentators suggested the pricing may have been misunderstood. They pointed out that the Japanese menu listed prices per person, while the English menu showed the total price for two people, resulting in the same overall amount.
No evidence of widespread practice
Although isolated cases of different pricing for foreign tourists have been reported at a few establishments in Japan, there is no credible evidence to suggest that maintaining separate menus with higher prices for tourists is a widespread practice across the country’s restaurant industry.
Consumer guidance issued for international visitors notes that foreign-language menus may differ in presentation, portion sizes or meal combinations, but this does not necessarily mean customers are being charged differently because of their nationality.
The incident has nevertheless reignited discussions on pricing transparency in Japan’s hospitality sector as the country continues to welcome increasing numbers of international tourists.