Hotel Sun Plus Yutaka in Izumisano

I stayed at this hotel for one night, from April 21st to 22nd, 2025, before flying to Beijing, China. I booked the room through Agoda for myself, my husband, and our 13-year-old daughter, primarily for the shuttle bus service. The receptionist charged us an extra 1,500 Yen for this service. We scheduled the last shuttle for 10:00 am, and the driver was waiting for us at 9:45 am. The shuttle was just for us, and we reached the airport in 10 minutes.

Upon our arrival, my daughter realised she had left her backpack in the lobby. We struggled to communicate with the Japanese driver, but managed to explain the situation using Google Translate. He requested an additional 3,000 Yen to return to the hotel. My husband found two 1,000-Yen notes and one 10,000-Yen note.
My husband took a shuttle to the hotel, but the driver asked me to join him instead. Confident in Japan’s safety, I agreed to go with him. The ride took about 35 to 40 minutes, during which he stopped at a 7-Eleven. I grew concerned about missing my flight.
When we reached the hotel, I handed over the 10,000 Yen. The same receptionist from the previous day was there, along with another lady, and they charged me 2,000 Yen. I received the bag and returned to the shuttle van to head back to the airport.

When I got into the car, the driver asked for 1,000 yen. Since we had agreed to a fare of 3,000 yen at the airport and I was already late for my flight, I paid him without hesitation.
About ten minutes later, stopped at a red light, he made a U-turn and demanded an extra 5,000 yen. Realising he was trying to intimidate me, I panicked and feared for my safety. I refused to give him more money, and he ultimately took me back to the hotel.

He took me back to the hotel and spoke to someone on the way, which I believe was the reception guy at the hotel. He returned the 1,000 Yen before we arrived. Upon reaching the hotel, the receptionist, using a translator, said they were supposed to charge me an extra 5,000 Yen but had only charged 2,000 Yen.
I expressed my frustration about being late and said I wanted to book a taxi to the airport, even if it cost more. The receptionist seemed worried I would report the situation and then offered to let me go back with the driver without any extra charge.

On the way to the airport, the driver asked for more money, but I told using sign language I would pay him later. I felt scared during the ride. Thankfully, it only took about 15 minutes. Once we arrived, I quickly got out of the van and rushed inside so he couldn't follow me.
My husband and daughter noticed something was wrong. He was at the information counter trying to find someone to help him communicate with the hotel staff, who didn’t speak English.

My experience suggests that the staff may have acted similarly toward other women. Not allowing my husband to join me in the van and insisting I come alone speaks volumes about his character. He also wasted time, making me late for my flight.
Although the hotel is clean and well-located, I feel unsafe here if they think you have money. This behavior has changed my perception of Japan, which I previously viewed as a safe place.