What can you not bring to Japan? (2024)

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What can I not bring into Japan?

Prohibited Articles

The following articles are prohibited from entry by law: Heroin, cocaine, MDMA, opium, cannabis, stimulants, psychotropic substances, and other narcotic drugs (excluding those designated by Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Ordinance);

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Can you take food into Japan?

You don't need to have an import inspection for highly processed foods and items such as wooden furniture, tea, canned or bottle products. For example, it is fine to bring Tim Tams and chocolate or lollies into Japan. Customs / Quarantine will let you take these items into Japan with no certification/permission.

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Can I bring perfume to Japan?

Each passenger may bring up to 2 ounces of "pure" perfume into Japan duty-free. Cologne, eau de toilette and eau de parfum are considered cosmetics (see cosmetics).

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Can I bring rice to Japan?

When importing rice into Japan from overseas, you are required to pay the prescribed customs duties for rice import in accordance with provisions of the Law for Stabilization of Supply-Demand and Price of Staple Food and the Customs Law.

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Can I bring coffee to Japan?

Yes, you can bring coffee. You don't have to declare it unless it costs more than 10,000 yen, but even then it should be duty free.

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What can you not take through customs?

Examples of restricted items include firearms, certain fruits and vegetables, animal products, animal by products, and some animals.
  • Absinthe (Alcohol) ...
  • Alcoholic Beverages. ...
  • Automobiles. ...
  • Biologicals. ...
  • Ceramic Tableware. ...
  • Cultural Artifacts and Cultural Property.
23 Mar 2022

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Can I bring medicine to Japan?

Travelers who need to bring more than the MLHW's approved quantity of medication or medical devices should obtain a “Yakkan Shoumei” (importation certificate) prior to travelling, and present it with the prescription to a customs officer upon arrival in Japan.

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How much vitamins can I bring to Japan?

Travelers are permitted to bring a two-month (60 day) supply of any permissible over-the-counter medication, and an equivalent amount of vitamins.

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What are prohibited goods?

Prohibited goods are those goods for which importation and exportation have been completely banned for reasons linked to health, environment, protection of endangered species of flora and fauna, security, legislation etc. These items shall be liable to forfeiture by customs and the person may be liable to a penalty.

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Is Tylenol illegal in Japan?

The following over-the-counter medications are prohibited in Japan since they contain narcotic or stimulant ingredients in excess of the Japanese standard: TYLENOL COLD.

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What should I declare in Japan?

When departing or entering Japan, you will need to declare if you carry cash exceeding one million Japanese yen or its equivalent in total. This includes cash, checks, and gold of more than 90% purity.

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What's not allowed in checked baggage?

Flammable liquids and solids such as lighter refills, lighter fuel, matches, paints, thinners, fire-lighters, lighters that need inverting before ignition, matches (these may be carried on the person), radioactive material, briefcases and attache case with installed alarm devices.

What can you not bring to Japan? (2024)
What kind of food can I bring into Japan?

It is usually not necessary to declare store-bought canned, bottled or packaged food items that are highly processed and do not contain any meat. Some examples may include crackers, dried pasta, candy, jam, tea or coffee. Oh the other hand, some products may be prohibited for import depending on the origin of contents.

Can I send snacks to Japan?

Foods must be in the original manufacturer's packaging. Food packaging must be sealed and not tampered with in any way. Food label must list all ingredients. Foods must have a shelf life of longer than six months from the date of shipping.

Can I bring snacks back from Japan?

Whatever you do, make sure you DECLARE the food. It's not a crime as long as you're honest.

Can I bring peanut butter into Japan?

Sounds like you already have your answer but to confirm, you are indeed allowed to bring in jars of peanut butter to Japan.

Can you bring ramen back from Japan?

Carry On Bags: Yes Checked Bags: Yes You may transport this item in carry-on or checked bags. For items you wish to carry on, you should check with the airline to ensure that the item will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Can I bring fruits into Japan?

Once again, as with most countries, there are a lot of food items on the list of things you can't bring into Japan. Fresh fruit and vegetables aren't allowed and this should go without saying, but with the price of these items in Japan being rather high, we understand why you might want to try.

What do I have to declare in customs?

You must declare all items you purchased and are carrying with you upon return to the United States, including gifts for other people as well as items you bought for yourself. This includes duty-free items purchased in foreign countries, as well as any merchandise you intend to sell or use in your business.

Why do you have to declare items at customs?

The declaration form helps the customs to control goods entering the country, which can affect the country's economy, security or environment. A levy duty may be applied. Travellers have to declare everything they acquired abroad and possibly pay customs duty tax on goods.

What food can you take through customs?

The rules allow you to take food bought before security on board, as long as is not "liquid or semi-liquid" like yoghurt, jam, soup, honey or syrups. A sandwich, salad, cake or pasty should be fine. Essentially, if it's got a lot of liquid, don't bring it.

Is Viagra illegal in Japan?

Some popular medications legal in the U.S., such as Prozac and Viagra, are sold illegally in Japan on the black market. You are subject to arrest and imprisonment if you purchase such drugs illegally while in Japan.

Can I bring ADHD medication to Japan?

ADHD Medication in Japan

As mentioned above, all medications containing stimulants are prohibited. This includes Adderall, a standard medication used to treat ADHD symptoms in the US. If you bring these drugs into Japan for any reason, you risk arrest and imprisonment.

Can I bring Xanax to Japan?

It is strictly prohibited to import narcotics and psychotropics into Japan except in the case of prescribed narcotics and psychotropics for a specific patient bringing them with permission before entrance into Japan.

What prescription drugs are not allowed in Japan?

Heroin, cocaine, MDMA, opium, cannabis (marijuana), stimulant drugs including some prescription medications such as Adderall are prohibited in Japan. There are no exceptions in bringing these prohibited medications into Japan, even if the medication is legally obtained outside of Japan.

How much alcohol can I bring to Japan?

(A liquor tax is not exempted.) Also, when an entrant imports alcoholic beverages as accompanied or unaccompanied goods for personal use and the total quantity does not exceed the tax-free allowance (three bottles (760ml per bottle)), a customs duty, consumption taxes and a liquor tax are exempted.

Can I bring canned meat to Japan?

Bringing Animal Products into Japan

No animals or meat products can be brought into Japan without this inspection certificate, even if they have been bought at the Tax-free shops of the airport. (2) Importation of beef meat, bovine organs, and any other products of bovine origin such as hams sausages, bacons etc.

What is prohibited importation?

Prohibited Imports/Exports are goods which are, by their nature, unlawful to be imported or exported. These goods are otherwise called as “contrabands”.

What are prohibitions and restrictions?

Customs authorities and other authorities carry out controls at the Union borders to enforce many different requirements under sectoral policies. These requirements are known as 'prohibitions and restrictions' (P&R).

What is import restriction?

Import restrictions refer to various tariff and non-tariff barriers imposed by an importing nation to control the volume of goods coming into the country from other countries. Import restrictions are adopted to maintain the exchange rate of the country's currency.

Can I bring my birth control to Japan?

Drugs such as contraceptive pills (i.e., Yasmine), Tramal (Tramadol hydrochloride), a limited amount (1) of inhalers, and not more than one prefilled syringe (or self-injection kit – think EpiPen or insulin), are allowed in Japan without needing to apply for a Yakkan Shoumei.

Are Tums allowed in Japan?

Most over-the-counter medicines are legal to bring into Japan such as Tylenol, Asprin, Claritin, Tums, Ibuprofen, Advil, and generic version. However, medications such as Claritin D, which contains Pseudoephedrine, are strictly forbidden.

Can you take beef jerky to Japan?

Beef jerky, ham, sausage, bacon, and meat buns are also not allowed in Japan. This means if you purchase a hamburger before your flight, you can't bring it into Japan, so make sure to finish eating it before or during your flight.

Are Japan customs strict?

Every foreign traveler landing in Japan must fill in documents including a form dedicated to customs declaration. The Japanese government is very strict regarding the products and items imported on its territory.

Can you bring vape juice to Japan?

Electronic cigarette cartridges and liquids which contain nicotine are classified as medicinal products and are regulated under the Japanese pharmaceutical affairs law. If you wish to bring them into Japan, the amount that can be cleared by the customs is up to 120 ml (liquid) for the one-month dosage.

Do I have to declare clothes at customs?

Merchandise is declared to CBP. If you do not declare something that should have been declared, you risk forfeiting the item. If in doubt, declare it.

Can I take perfume on a plane?

The capacity of each container must not exceed 0.5 kg (18 ounces) or 500 ml (17 fluid ounces). See the FAA regulations for more information. Permitted aerosol release devices (button/nozzle) must be protected by caps or other suitable means to prevent accidental release.

Is perfume allowed in flight?

As advised, 100 ml can be carried in hand baggage for all flights. Further, there is no restriction for carriage in the check in baggage. where do you consider home? can one carry 3 different 100ml perfume in a hand baggage on a local flight?

Can I bring toothpaste on a plane?

Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion.

Can I take honey to Japan?

My friend has requested some Aussie honey. We take honey when visiting family in Japan and have never had any problems. Just make sure it is commercially packed and of course, declare it.

Can I bring beans to Japan?

A2:When bringing plants into Japan, you are legally required to submit the Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the government of exporting country and to take import inspection based on the Plant Protection Act. This applies to cases of personal baggage and international postal mails and packeges.

Can I send hand cream to Japan?

If the cosmetics are intended for commercial use, there is no limit on quantity. Cosmetics include soap, lipstick, eye shadow, nail polish, creams, hair spray, cologne, lotion, hair tonic, and others. All credit cards must be imported into Japan as a non-document shipment. A commercial invoice is required.

Are there M&Ms in Japan?

Mars established its subsidiary in Japan in 1975 and introduced M&M's to the market in 1981. Chocolate confectionery retail value sales in Japan grew 7% in 2015 to ¥405 billion ($3.9bn) with the segment led by local player Meiji on a 17% market share, according to Euromonitor International.

Can I send jewelry to Japan?

Coins; banknotes; currency notes, including paper money; securities of any kind payable to bearer; traveler's checks; platinum, gold, and silver; precious stones; jewelry; watches; and other valuable articles are prohibited in Priority Mail Express International shipments to Japan.

Can you bring tea back from Japan?

Travelers are permitted to bring without restriction any quantity of products composed solely of tea leaves (Camellia sinensis: includes black tea, green tea, oolong, dark tea, white tea, yellow tea). As with all agricultural products, you must declare the product at entry.

What do Japanese eat for snack?

These are the snacks that have held on for decades or longer to become much adored symbols of Japanese snack culture.
  • Senbei. Senbei are Japanese rice crackers. ...
  • Crepes. ...
  • Pocky. ...
  • Dorayaki. ...
  • Melon Pan. ...
  • Manju. ...
  • Dango. ...
  • Daif*cku.
16 Jul 2015

What can you take home from Japan?

Items that are strictly forbidden to be taken out of Japan

Counterfeit goods of genuine brands, names, and characters are also found in Japan and they are illegal because they infringe on intellectual property rights. Bringing false brand goods and copies into Japan is also prohibited by law.

What do I need to declare at Japan customs?

When departing or entering Japan, you will need to declare if you carry cash exceeding one million Japanese yen or its equivalent in total. This includes cash, checks, and gold of more than 90% purity.

Is Tylenol illegal in Japan?

The following over-the-counter medications are prohibited in Japan since they contain narcotic or stimulant ingredients in excess of the Japanese standard: TYLENOL COLD.

What drugs are not allowed in Japan?

Which prescription medicines are outright prohibited? Opium, cannabis and stimulant drugs (Amphetamines, methamphetamines), including certain medicines for the treatment of ADD/ADHD (such as Adderall, Vyvanse and Dexedrine) are strictly prohibited and illegal to bring into Japan.

Can I bring over-the-counter medicine to Japan?

Many common medications and over-the-counter drugs in the United States are illegal in Japan. It does not matter if you have a valid U.S. prescription for a medicine/drug which is illegal in Japan: if you bring it with you, you risk arrest and detention by the Japanese authorities.

Are Japan customs strict?

Every foreign traveler landing in Japan must fill in documents including a form dedicated to customs declaration. The Japanese government is very strict regarding the products and items imported on its territory.

How many bottles of alcohol can I bring into Japan?

Also, when an entrant imports alcoholic beverages as accompanied or unaccompanied goods for personal use and the total quantity does not exceed the tax-free allowance (three bottles (760ml per bottle)), a customs duty, consumption taxes and a liquor tax are exempted.

Can I bring fruits into Japan?

Once again, as with most countries, there are a lot of food items on the list of things you can't bring into Japan. Fresh fruit and vegetables aren't allowed and this should go without saying, but with the price of these items in Japan being rather high, we understand why you might want to try.

Can I bring Xanax to Japan?

It is strictly prohibited to import narcotics and psychotropics into Japan except in the case of prescribed narcotics and psychotropics for a specific patient bringing them with permission before entrance into Japan.

What medication can you bring to Japan?

Prescription Medications

Up to one month's supply of prescription medicine (that is allowed by Japanese law) can be brought into Japan. Travelers should bring a copy of their doctor's prescription as well as a letter stating the purpose of the drug.

Is melatonin allowed in Japan?

OTC melatonin has been banned for years in the United Kingdom (UK), European Union, Japan, Australia and most recently Canada. Exogenous melatonin is not outlawed by these countries but regarded as a medicine, available only by prescription.

Can I wear jeans in Japan?

Shorts, jeans, and even camisoles are perfectly fine to wear. However, jeans are not generally popular with locals beyond their 20's. For jean lovers, we suggest packing black jeans as an alternative to blue denim. Darker denim is also more versatile because it is easier to dress up.

Is it an insult to tip in Japan?

Tipping is not customary in Japan. In fact, it can be considered rude and insulting in many situations. Most Japanese restaurants require customers to pay for their meals at the front register, rather than leave money with the waiter or waitress. Tipping also isn't required for cab or bus rides and many hotel services.

Is it safe to drink water from tap in Japan?

Yes, drinking water from taps in Japan is safe. For environmental reasons, try to use a refillable water bottle rather than buying bottled water whilst travelling in Japan. Metro train stations have public water fountains, but otherwise these can be hard to find (this is the land of vending machines after all).

Can you bring vitamins to Japan?

Over-the-Counter Medicines

Up to a two-month supply of allowable over-the-counter medication and up to a four-month supply of allowable vitamins can be brought into Japan duty-free.

Do I need to declare medication at customs?

All medicines must be declared at customs. The traveller must carry a valid prescription for the medicines. The traveller must be able to present the original prescription at customs. The medicines must be transported in their original packaging.

Can I bring my ADHD medication to Japan?

Japan's rules for medications, such as those related to ADHD or pain management, are unique, and they required a unique tipsheet. A Yakkan Shoumei is a certificate authorizing permission for you to bring medication into the country.

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