Local laws and rules for visitors to Japan

Learn about local rules relevant to visiting Japan, including carrying your passport, smoking, drinking outdoors, tattoos and drugs, based only on official JNTO information.

Last checked:

  • Before you go
  • Customs and etiquette

This page summarises only the official information on JNTO’s Local Laws page and is not legal advice. JNTO states that ignorance of the rules is not accepted as an excuse and recommends obtaining further details through official channels.

Key points

  • Passport: Carry it with you as identification. You are unlikely to be asked for it in most situations, but you may be required to show it.
  • Smoking: Most restaurants and bars permit smoking only in designated smoking areas. Rules are strictly enforced, especially in larger cities, and violations can lead to fines. Do not smoke while walking.
  • Drinking outdoors: It is not illegal and is part of the culture, but avoid making noise and take your rubbish away.
  • Tattoos: Many swimming pools, public baths, onsen and gyms do not admit people with tattoos, although rules are becoming less strict. Check in advance.
  • Drugs: There is zero tolerance. Cannabis is treated like other drugs; do not bring it into Japan, even if you have a prescription where you live.

Passport

JNTO advises visitors to carry their passports as identification at all times. You probably will not need to show it, but you may be asked to do so.

Smoking

  • According to official guidance, smoking is not permitted in most restaurants and bars except in designated areas. This is strictly enforced, particularly in major cities, and violations may result in fines.
  • Use designated smoking areas, and do not smoke while walking.

Drinking outdoors

  • Drinking outdoors is not against the law. Picnics under cherry trees are especially common during the spring blossom season.
  • Being noisy is not consistent with Japanese customs. Keep the volume down and take your rubbish with you.

Tattoos

  • Official guidance explains that because tattoos have historically been associated with crime in Japan, many public swimming pools, public baths, onsen resorts and gyms refuse entry to people with tattoos, even small ones.
  • Restrictions are easing, and some facilities may require tattoos to be covered.
  • Check beforehand to avoid disappointment. For general onsen manners, see Manners and etiquette.

Drugs

  • Official guidance states that Japan has zero tolerance for offences involving drugs.
  • Cannabis is treated like other drugs, and possession of even a small amount can lead to imprisonment. Do not bring cannabis into Japan, even if it is prescribed for medical use where you live.
  • Japanese National Police Agency material provided by JNTO: Warning: illegal drugs in Japan (PDF).

Other official information

For information on medication, items brought into Japan and visas, see the official-information pages: Visas and entry and Medical care and emergency assistance.

Frequently asked questions

Do you have to carry your passport when going out in Japan?

JNTO recommends carrying it at all times as identification.

Can you drink alcohol on the street?

JNTO states that drinking outdoors is not illegal, but you should avoid being noisy and take away your rubbish. Individual places and events may have additional rules; check signs on site.

Further reading

Sources