Japan: travel laws for tourists, topic by topic
Stay alert
Overall verdict for Japan: Stay alert. Below, the risk level of each of the 23 topics that get travellers fined or arrested. The exact rule, thresholds and penalties are in the LawsTravels app.
Japan: read the 3 riskiest rules free →
🎁 Free, no account: Drugs, Medicines, Weapons
The 23 topics at a glance
Banned or serious riskAllowed, with limitsRelaxed
💊Drugs🎁 FreeBanned or serious risk
💉Medicines🎁 FreeBanned or serious risk
🛡️Theft & scamsRelaxed
🐾AnimalsRelaxed
🚬SmokingAllowed, with limits
🍺AlcoholRelaxed
❤️Sex & datingAllowed, with limits
👕Dress codeRelaxed
🕌ReligionRelaxed
🚗DrivingAllowed, with limits
📷Photo & videoAllowed, with limits
🔪Weapons🎁 FreeBanned or serious risk
💶FinesAllowed, with limits
🛂Visa & customsRelaxed
🤝BehaviorAllowed, with limits
⛓️Jail riskBanned or serious risk
⚖️ExtraditionAllowed, with limits
📡Internet & VPNRelaxed
🚁DronesAllowed, with limits
💵Cash & currencyRelaxed
🩺Vaccines & healthRelaxed
💻Remote workAllowed, with limits
🗣️Politics & protestAllowed, with limits
Get the exact rules for your trip
This page gives you the level. The app gives you the rule, the numbers and the penalties for Japan, offline, in 23 languages.
Japan: read the 3 riskiest rules free →
How Japan compares
With 4 of 23 topics flagged red, Japan is stricter than 4 of the 6 other countries in East Asia (regional average: 3.7). Worldwide, Japan ranks #75 of 148 for strictness (tied with 10 other countries).
What sets it apart
- Medicines: flagged red here, while only 13 of 148 countries are this strict.
- Theft & scams: relaxed here, while 118 of 148 countries restrict or ban it.
What to watch most in Japan
- ADHD medicine is the number one problem: banned outright in some countries, prescription or not.
- Codeine and tramadol are ordinary painkillers in Europe and controlled narcotics in the Gulf and Egypt.
- CBD is legal in much of Europe and completely banned in the Gulf and parts of Asia — including cosmetics.
- You have the right to contact your consulate. Ask immediately, and repeat the request until it happens.
- A consulate cannot get you out, but it can find a lawyer, notify your family and monitor conditions.
- Never sign a statement you cannot read. Demand an interpreter, in writing if possible.
- Pocket knives, multi-tools and even a corkscrew can be classified as a weapon depending on blade length and lock type.
- Pepper spray and personal alarms are banned or restricted in a surprising number of countries.
- Tasers and knuckledusters are prohibited essentially everywhere.
Japan at a glance
CapitalTokyo
CurrencyJapanese Yen (JPY)
LanguageJapanese
Emergency number110
Driving sideLeft
Mains voltage100 V
Calling code+81
Time zoneUTC+09:00
Plug typesA · B
Land bordersNone (island or enclave)
Frequently asked questions
Is Japan strict with tourists?
Overall verdict: Stay alert. 4 of 23 topics are flagged as banned or a serious risk (Drugs, Medicines, Weapons, Jail risk), 10 require caution.
What can get me fined or arrested in Japan?
The strictest topics for travellers in Japan are: Drugs, Medicines, Weapons, Jail risk. Each has specific thresholds and penalties, detailed in the app.
Where do I find the exact rules for Japan?
In LawsTravels: open Japan, each topic shows the level, the rule, the thresholds and what to do at customs, offline. 3 topics are free on every country; the other 20 unlock for the price of a coffee.
What is the emergency number in Japan?
In Japan, dial 110. Capital: Tokyo. Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY). Main language: Japanese.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Japan?
In Japan, traffic drives on the left. Mains voltage: 100 V. Calling code: +81. Time zone: UTC+09:00. Plug types: A · B.
Countries with the closest profile
Levels summarise publicly available legal information for travellers and are not legal advice. Laws change and enforcement varies: confirm with the embassy or consulate of your destination.
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