10 Things You Can't Bring Into Japan

Heading to Japan? Let’s help you pack smart! Japan has some items that aren’t allowed through customs, and knowing about them will make your trip much easier.

Whether you’re bringing medicines, snacks, or everyday items, it’s good to check the rules first.

Here’s a simple list of things to leave at home so you can enjoy your Japanese adventure worry-free. 😊

1. Narcotics and Illegal Drugs

a. Strictly Prohibited Medications

No stimulants (like Adderall or Dexedrine)
No narcotics (including codeine, hydrocodone, oxycodone)
No cannabis or CBD products of any kind
No medications containing pseudoephedrine, including:
- Actifed
- Sudafed
- Vicks inhalers
- Tylenol Cold
- NyQuil
- Advil Cold & Sinus
- Dristan Sinus
- Lomotil

b. What You Can Bring Without Special Permission

Up to 1-month supply of prescription medications
Up to 2-months supply of over-the-counter medications
Personal amounts of vitamins and supplements
Up to 2-months supply of contact lenses
Up to 24 pieces per cosmetic item

c. When You Need Special Permission (Yunyu Kakunin-sho)

Yunyu Kakunin-sho is Japan’s medication import certificate. It’s free to apply and must be obtained at least 2 weeks before your trip.

You’ll need this permission for:

More than 1-month supply of prescription medications
More than 2-months supply of over-the-counter medications
Any injectable medications (limited to 1-month supply)
Controlled substances like psychotropic medications
- Example: up to 2 grams of diazepam (Valium) allowed without permission

d. Essential Tips for Bringing Medications

Keep all medications in their original packaging
Bring your doctor’s prescription or medical note
Check Japan’s Controlled Substances List before traveling
Check the MHLW website for the most up-to-date information
Apply for permission well in advance if needed
Never exceed allowed quantities without proper documentation

2. Large Amounts of Cash

a. Cash Declaration Rules When Entering Japan

You need to declare if you’re carrying ¥1 million or more (or equivalent in foreign currency)
This applies when entering or leaving Japan
Includes all money forms: cash, traveler’s checks, and securities
The ¥1 million limit is a total sum across all currencies you’re carrying

b. How to Make a Declaration

Pick up a “Declaration of Carrying of Means of Payment” form at the airport/seaport
Complete all sections of the form truthfully
Hand it to customs when entering or leaving
Be ready to show your cash if asked
Don’t worry – declaring isn’t a problem, it’s just a legal requirement

c. Smart Ways to Handle Money in Japan

Use international ATMs found at:
- Airports
- 7-Eleven stores
- Post offices
Use a money belt or hidden pouch to keep your cash safe
Let your bank know you’re heading to Japan to avoid card issues

d. Better Alternatives to Carrying Large Cash

Use your credit cards – they’re widely accepted
Get a Wise card loaded with yen (offers better exchange rates and lower fees than regular banks)
Try IC cards (Suica or PASMO) for:
- Train rides
- Bus trips
- Convenience stores

e. Key Things to Remember

You can bring any amount of cash – just declare if it’s ¥1 million or more
The ¥1 million limit counts all your currencies together
Declaration is just for tracking – you won’t be taxed
These rules apply to everyone visiting Japan

3. Oxidizing Substances

a. What are Oxidizing Substances

Substances that can easily release oxygen or oxidizing elements
Can cause or intensify fires
Common examples include:
- Bleach (cleaning/disinfecting)
- Peroxides (like hydrogen peroxide)
- Personal oxygen generators
- Chemical compounds (e.g., potassium permanganate, sodium chlorate)

b. Items to Avoid Bringing

Cleaning supplies:
- Bleach
- Strong disinfectants
Beauty products:
- Hair dyes containing peroxides
- Products with oxidizing agents
Industrial chemicals:
- Any oxidizing agents used for industrial purposes

c. Exceptions and Special Permissions

Medical oxygen: Must get advance permission from your airline and Japanese authorities
Personal care items: Small quantities of contact lens solution may be allowed

d. Practical Tips for Your Trip

Before packing:
- Check all product labels for oxidizing ingredients
- If in doubt, leave it at home
When in Japan:
- Buy necessary items locally
- This ensures you comply with Japanese regulations

4. Counterfeit Goods

a. Restricted Items

Japan has strict regulations against importing counterfeit and pirated goods.

No counterfeit branded items like:

Bags, wallets, clothes and shoes
Watches and accessories
Electronics and phone accessories
DVDs, CDs and video games
Jewelry and sunglasses
Medicines and cosmetics

Remember: Even if these items are just for your personal use, they’re not allowed in Japan!

b. What Happens If You Bring Them

Your items will be taken away (and you won’t get them back)
You might have to pay fines
Your entry into Japan will be delayed
You could be banned from entering Japan in the future

c. How To Stay Out Of Trouble

Shop only at official stores and authorized retailers
Be careful of super cheap deals – if the price seems unreal, it probably is!
Check that your items have proper labels and serial numbers
Skip the street markets and vendors – they often sell fake goods
When in doubt, leave it out

5. Counterfeit Money

a. Know Japan’s Rules on Counterfeit Money

Bringing fake money into Japan is completely forbidden
You can face serious legal consequences for having or using counterfeit money

b. Where to Get Your Money Safely

Exchange money only at official banks
Use licensed currency exchange offices
Visit airport exchange counters

Never exchange money with:

Street vendors
Unlicensed money changers
Random individuals

In Japan, use ATMs at these safe spots:

Banks
Post offices
Convenience stores
International airports

c. How to Know Your Yen is Real

Hold it up to light to see the watermark face
Tilt the note to watch the hologram change
Run your finger to feel the raised printing
Look for the shiny security line
Check if colors shift when you tilt the note

6. Laser Pointers

a. Laser Pointers in Japan

You can only bring laser pointers with 1 milliwatt (mW) or less power output into Japan
Most laser pointers sold overseas exceed Japan’s power limit, so check yours carefully
Only Class 2 laser pointers (1mW or less) are allowed
Anything stronger is considered a prohibited item and won’t be allowed through customs

b. Travel Tips for Your Journey

Check your laser pointer’s power output before your trip
If it’s over 1mW, please leave it at home
Need a laser pointer during your stay? Buy one in Japan – they’re guaranteed to meet local regulations
Remember: It’s better to be safe than sorry and have your device confiscated at customs!

7. Meat and Dairy

a. Meat Products You Cannot Bring into Japan

No raw meat (beef, pork, chicken, poultry)
No processed meats (jerky, sausages, ham)
No canned meat, even unopened
No meat-filled snacks (buns, dumplings)
No meat from duty-free shops (yes, even those!)

b. Dairy Products Guidelines

Most dairy products have strict regulations
Milk, butter, and yogurt are generally prohibited

What you can bring:

Processed cheese up to 10kg for personal use
Ice cream in small quantities for personal use
Powdered milk formulas for infants in reasonable quantities
Highly processed foods like crackers or candies

Travel Tip: If you have specific dietary needs, research grocery stores near your accommodation in Japan

8. Fruits and Vegetables

a. What You Cannot Bring

Fresh Fruits:

Apples, pears, peaches, nectarines
Cherries, mangoes, papayas
Lychees, longans, mangosteens
Guavas, dragon fruits
Ripe bananas
Lianwu

Fresh Vegetables:

Cucumbers
Marrow beans
Chili peppers
Tomatoes

Other Prohibited Items:

Any plants with soil attached
Soil of any kind
Rice straw and unhulled rice (except from Korea and Taiwan)

b. What You Can Bring

Processed Foods:

Chocolates, candies, cookies
Canned goods
Jams and jellies

Dried Products & Nuts:

Commercially packaged dried fruits
Commercially packaged dried vegetables
Packaged nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts)
Note: Must be commercially packaged (not home-dried or loose)

Other Allowed Items:

Tea leaves and coffee beans
Spices and herbs (small amounts for personal use)

c. Good to Know

These rules help protect Japan from pests and plant diseases
When in doubt, declare your food items at customs
Commercially packaged foods are usually safer to bring

Learn More:

9. Obscene and Indecent Materials

a. Types of Materials Not Allowed

Pornographic content (magazines, DVDs)
Books, drawings, or carvings deemed harmful to public morals
Child exploitation materials (strictly prohibited)
Any obscene or immoral content

b. What Japan Considers “Obscene”

Materials that “arouse and stimulate sexual desire”
Content that goes against public modesty
Items violating accepted sexual morality standards
Explicit anatomical depictions
Materials with inadequate censoring, even if made for adults

c. Important Notes

These rules apply to both physical and digital formats
Customs may check content on your electronic devices
What’s legal in your country might be prohibited in Japan
Better to leave questionable items at home

10. Firearms and Swords

a. Firearms

All handguns and pistols are strictly prohibited, no exceptions
Hunting rifles and shotguns require special permits that are very difficult to obtain
All ammunition and bullets are completely prohibited
Toy guns and replicas that look like real firearms are not permitted
Gun parts including barrels, magazines, and frames are treated as complete firearms and are not allowed

b. Sharp Objects and Swords You Cannot Bring

Katana and samurai swords need special documentation and are generally not permitted
Knives and blades longer than 5.5 cm (about 2.2 inches) are prohibited without valid reason
All switchblades are completely banned
Decorative swords of any kind are not permitted
Martial arts weapons including nunchaku and throwing stars are restricted

Read More: 10 New Things to Do in Japan