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When planning your Japan trip, it’s easy to focus solely on what you need to bring. But Japan has very strict rules about what you can’t bring into the country – or sometimes even take out of it. Some items that are perfectly normal at home, or on other trips you’ve taken, could get confiscated, or even see you fined or arrested if you pack them.
So, what do you need to be cautious of…
Article by Helen Foster. Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. See our Affiliate Disclosure.
1. Cordless Hair Styling Devices
If your hair tool plugs in it’s fine; if it uses hydrocarbon gas, it should be fine (but check the rules carefully to make sure you have everything set up okay before packing), but Japan is also incredibly strict on hair tools with rechargeable batteries built in.
It’s even more confusing as, while some people manage bring these into Japan okay, they are then a bit surprised to find them confiscated as they go to leave. There is literally a big container full of them near security!
Japan flight rules state that only tools where the battery can be removed, or, where there is setting like flight mode, which actively separates the heat source and the battery, can be taken onto planes leaving Japan. See the rules from JAL here. And the same rules from ANA.
Note – some Dyson products with flight mode also state that you cannot fly in or out of Japan with them in the manual. If you’re not sure whether yours fits, leave it at home so you don’t lose it.
2. Walkie-Talkie Radios
This is what sparked this article. Someone in my Tokyo Disney and USJ Facebook group wanted to know if they could take their CB walkie-talkies to Japan to keep in contact with each other in the theme parks, and quickly, someone chimed in to say no, they’d be illegal.
Portable radios that transmit on certain frequencies can interfere with Japanese emergency services or railway communication systems. Devices sold in Japan will avoid this, but those sold abroad may not – and so, it’s against the law to bring them in. Unlicensed devices can be confiscated at customs, and fines of up to one million yen can be applied if you’re caught using one. Find the exact rules here.
And don’t just assume they won’t know – check out this news article about a scanner in Hokkaido set up to find illegal transmitting devices.
Related Read: If you want to stay in contact with family while in Japan, look into hooking everyone up with some kind of internet access. Check our guide on Sims, eSims, and portable wifi to find the best method for your group.
3. Medicated Nasal Inhalers
Some decongestant nasal inhalers sold over-the-counter in the U.S, including at least one by Vicks and Walmart’s own brand, contain levomethamphetamine, a drug that is treated as a controlled stimulant under Japan’s Pharmaceutical and Narcotics Control Law.
If you regularly use a decongestant-type inhaler, make sure it’s a non-medicated version if you want to bring it to Japan – or apply for the relevant permissions to see if your medicated version can be brought in.
Also, watch out for over-the-counter cold and flu medications that contain pseudoephedrine, like some forms of Nurofen Cold and Flu or Sudafed. While medication containing small amounts of this can be imported with the correct permits, if the percentage of pseudoephedrine is over 10 per cent, they are completely banned.
The good news is that there are OTC cold medications in Japan that contain pseudoephedrine, so, if you do get sick, you don’t have to suffer without your normal relief. Just go to the pharmacy. Personally, I choose to do that rather than trying to bring in my faithful Nurofen Cold and Flu! I can also attest that the medications you can get are very effective – maybe even more so than NC&F!
4. Adderall
Medications containing amphetamine or methylphenidate (like Adderall) are completely banned in Japan, even if you have them under a prescription. You cannot apply for permission to bring these in.
Some other ADHD medications can be brought in, but need a permit. If you take Adderall, speak to your doctor well in advance about alternatives that are permitted in Japan. If you take another medication for ADHD, see the box below.
How to Check Medication Rules For Japan
The items mentioned above are the most obvious drugs that trip people up legally when visiting Japan, but other medications containing stimulants, opiod-type painkillers like codeine (even OTC ones), and some other ingredients may also be banned – or unable to be brought in without applying for permission.
You also need permission to bring in more than 30 days supply of any medication, even if it’s not on the restricted list.
This is a good, simple explainer – but, I still strongly suggest following this next step in case any rules change.
To be completely sure, if you are planning to take any medication to Japan, head to this website and follow the steps to make sure the active ingredients in your drugs don’t come under any restrictions or that you’re not carrying in too much of an item. If they do or you are, follow the steps carefully to apply for your permit.
Don’t just try and bring things in. Fines for doing so are harsh, and you might even end up being detained.
5. Pepper Spray and Self-Defense Sprays
Carrying pepper spray may be a sensible precaution in some countries, but in Japan, it’s classified as a weapon. Carrying it can see you arrested under the Minor Offences Law.
Before anyone who knows the intricacy of Japanese law comes at me, I know there is one loophole here, but I don’t want to be responsible for someone not fluent in the language, trying to determine or explain the exact definition of ‘necessity’ in Japanese.
Japan is generally very safe. It’s not perfect, but it’s probably safer than your normal nearest big city where you live. Use common sense, but leave the Mace at home!
6. Drones in Certain Areas
Bringing a drone into Japan isn’t illegal, but flying them is heavily restricted – especially around airports, shrines, temples, national parks, and dense cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. Violations can lead to fines or confiscation. Some travelers have had drones seized if found operating in restricted airspace.
If you want to bring one, check this website covering the rules for flying drones in Japan and follow the steps re registration and flying advice carefully. If you decide it’s not worth it, you can get some great views over the city via observation decks like Shibuya Sky or Osaka’s Umeda Sky building instead.
Keen photographers should also check the specific rules for using tripods and selfie sticks in many locations to determine whether these are worth carrying.
Related Read: Tower Tower, Skytree or Shibuya Sky: Which Should You Visit
7. Large Amounts of Cash
It’s not “illegal” to bring cash, but if you arrive with more than ¥1 million (about USD $7,000) or the equivalent in another currency, or in travellers’ cheques (remember those) you must declare it at customs. Failing to do so can result in confiscation. Authorities are strict because of anti–money laundering regulations.
But I heard cash is king, I hear you cry – well, yes, cash may still be very popular in Japan, but most hotels will take credit cards, so you don’t need to arrive with huge amounts of it.
Just carry what you need for a few days then use one of the ATMs in Japan’s many convenience stores like 7-11, Family Mart, or Lawsons to withdraw cash needed. You could also use a currency card like WISE, which allows you to change money to yen when the rate is good. You can then use this like a debit card in Japan, paying for things in yen or withdrawing cash from the ATMs.
Related Read: Where might you need cash in Japan.
Wearing Gold Jewellery Into Japan
This was another question that just came up in my Japan group. The Visit Japan Web customs declaration form also asks you to declare if you are bringing gold into Japan, and the poster was confused as to whether this meant she had to declare her wedding ring.
Admittedly, it is confusing, but, the customs link here, states that personal effects are exempt from duty. And, even though gold comes under another category, JAL says you would need to be carrying more than 1kg of it for it to fall under the limits of importation of gold – so, unless you look like Mr T, you should be okay.
If you want to be super sure though, just declare it. People who have done so report being greeted with slightly confused smiles and being waved on.
8. Strong Perfume
Okay, this one might not get you arrested, but it does have the potential to get you turned away at a restaurant. Smell and taste are strongly linked, and so some chefs in Japan ask customers not to wear heavy perfumes to prevent it from affecting the taste of the food and the enjoyment of other customers.
Leave the strong scents at home.
9. Some Foods
If you’re traveling while on a more restricted diet or with a family member who likes food they are familiar with, you might be tempted to pack some snacks from home, but be aware that Japan has very strict quarantine rules regarding the importation of food to protect against pests and diseases. Fresh fruit, vegetables, and meat are absolutely prohibited.
If you are bringing in foods, check this page from Japanese customs that explains what is and isn’t allowed.
Related Read: If you’re looking for restaurants that might cater to more restricted eaters, look at Japan’s family restaurant chains. These have varied menus, familiar foods, and printed allergy information – although sometimes it is in Japanese.
And I think that’s it – the nine things best left behind when you travel, or that at least need a little bit of planning before you throw them in your case. At least now you’ve got more room for souvenirs. For a guide on what you should bring to Japan, check out our packing for Japan guide.
