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In the wake of the yen’s depreciation, Japan has seen a surge in foreign tourists, but this influx has not come without issues. Recently, a popular inn in Nagano Prefecture encountered a distressing situation with two foreign guests who disappeared without paying their lodging fees, totaling 57,000 yen (approximately $400 USD).
Incident at Umeno-ya Resort Matsukawa-kan
Located in Takayama Village, the Umeno-ya Resort Matsukawa-kan, a 140-year-old establishment known for its hot springs and scenic views, revealed on social media that two foreign guests vanished after a two-day stay, leaving behind an unpaid bill.
Details of the Disappearance
The inn’s manager, Mr. Waki, shared on X (formerly Twitter) that a foreign couple checked in on the 2nd for a planned three-day stay but abruptly left with their luggage the next morning. Attempts to contact them via their mobile phones were unsuccessful, leading Mr. Waki to report the incident to the police. “It’s the first time we’ve encountered guests running away without paying.
If they had any difficulties, they could have communicated or at least left a note,” he expressed, highlighting the staff’s shock and sadness over the incident.
Reflecting on Service Protocols
Mr. Waki noted that most of their guests are Japanese, who typically settle their bills post-service, a practice that did not prompt an upfront payment or passport photocopy for foreign guests this time. In response to this incident, the inn plans to review its policies and may require foreign guests to pay in advance to prevent similar occurrences.