Recently, a clip from Korean YouTuber Choi Soohoon's (CKOONY) vlog in Kyoto, Japan, has gone viral, though not for the usual reasons people visit the popular tourist destination.

Choi and his travelcompanion were at a Kyoto restaurant when they were given an English menu by the waiter. 

Surprised by the steep prices, the pair subsequently asked the waiter for the Japanese menu. The waiter appeared slightly unsure about their request at first and asked if they could read Japanese. After Choi's companion replied, "a little bit," the waiter handed over the Japanese menu.

After comparing the two menus, Choi's companion noticed that the prices on the Japanese menu were considerably more affordable. 

They noticed that one of the cheapest items on the English menu — three pieces of tuna sushi — was 1,980 yen (about S$16) after tax. Three pieces of seared wagyu sushi were also listed at 2,625 yen (S$21).

However, some of the cheapest items on the Japanese menu was priced at just 500 yen (about S$4). The pair claimed that there were also dishes that did not appear on the English menu. The companion also found a set course that cost 5,214 yen (about S$41), including tax.

"It's definitely cheaper, trust me," she said.

Referring to the waitress that served them, she then added: "I think we asked a good question because she looked a little panicked.”

After highlighting the price differences between the English and Japanese menus, the pair went ahead and placed their order.

Choi's companion then remarked: "The English menu looks like they're trying to f*** with us. I was so shocked by the prices," before pointing out a compartment under the table where the Japanese menu was stored.

The video quickly sparked criticism online, with many accusing the restaurant of "overcharging" foreign tourists. Some also speculated that businesses may believe overseas visitors are willing to pay more due to the weak Japanese yen. Viewers also deemed the practice as "unfair" and "dishonest".

However, after the controversy started gaining attention, some netizens questioned whether the situation was as straightforward as it appeared in the video. 

Some pointed out that the price differences could have come down to how the menus were presented, with the Japanese menu showing prices for one portion while the English menu was meant for two people. When added up, they claimed that the prices were actually quite similar, adding that the restaurant "hadn't lied at all". 

Others also said that there may have been some confusion when reading the Japanese menu, rather than the restaurant intentionally charging "tourist prices". 

At the same time, some viewers shared that they had encountered similar dual pricing situations while travelling in Japan. They claimed that different pricing on English menus could also be seen in popular tourist destinations such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. 

They took a more understanding view on the situation, misunderstanding or not, saying that such practices have become “increasingly common” and are something some travellers are already aware of before visiting Japan.

Different pricing for tourists and locals is not entirely new in Japan. Earlier this year, the famous Himeji Castle introduced separate admission fees, with tourists paying 2,500 yen (about S$20), around 2.5 times more than local residents.

Kyoto is also looking into introducing different bus fares for residents and non-residents by 2027 as part of its efforts to manage overtourism.

That said, this is not always seen as unusual, as similar practices exist in other countries too. In Singapore, for example, some exhibitions and local attractions offer free or discounted entry to residents, while charging higher prices for tourists.

While these measures aim to ease the effects of overtourism in Japan, they have also left some questioning whether charging tourists and locals differently is the right approach. Is dual pricing a practical solution, or is it a step too far?

After comparing the two menus, the pair realised there was a clear price disparity.

Photos: CKOONY/ YouTube