Japan customs rules & duty-free allowances
Japan's customs are famously strict on biosecurity: bringing in meat, fruit, or plants without inspection can land you a fine or even prosecution. The duty-free allowance for overseas visitors is ¥200,000 (about $1,330) for goods, but alcohol and tobacco limits are separate and enforced per adult. In 2026, the ¥1,000,000 cash declaration threshold remains unchanged, and failure to declare can mean seizure and penalties.
Duty-free allowances
Prohibited — banned from import
- Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including marijuana, heroin, cocaine, MDMA, LSD)
- Firearms, swords (including antique samurai swords without proper documentation), and ammunition
- Counterfeit goods, pirated media, and items infringing intellectual property
- Child pornography and obscene materials (including some manga/anime)
- Certain meats and meat products (e.g., pork, beef, chicken) from most countries without quarantine clearance
- Fruits, vegetables, and plants without a phytosanitary certificate
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
- Prescription medications (especially stimulants, narcotics, and psychotropics) – require a Yunyu Kakunin-sho (import certificate) for more than one month's supply
- Firearms and swords – require a permit from the Public Safety Commission
- Live animals and plants – require import permits and quarantine certificates
- Drones (over 100g) – must be registered with the MLIT and follow flight restrictions
- Satellite phones and certain radio equipment – require a license from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications
Arriving: red vs green channel
All arriving passengers fill out a Customs Declaration Card (paper or QR code via Visit Japan Web). If you have nothing to declare, proceed through the Green Channel; if you have goods exceeding allowances or restricted/prohibited items, use the Red Channel. Officers may still inspect Green Channel bags.
Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds
Japan's Tax-Free Shopping scheme: spend ¥5,000 or more (consumables) or ¥5,000+ (general goods) at a single store in one day, show your passport, and get the 10% consumption tax refunded at the shop. At the airport, present receipts and goods to customs if requested.
Bringing medication
Personal medications for up to one month's supply (two months for chronic conditions) are allowed without a permit. Prescription drugs must be accompanied by a doctor's prescription or a letter. Some common Western medications (e.g., Adderall, codeine, certain antihistamines) are strictly banned or controlled. Always check the MHLW list before travel.
Food, plants & animal products
Meat, meat products, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and plants are subject to strict quarantine. Most are prohibited unless accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate. Declare all food items at the Quarantine counter before customs. Penalties for undeclared items include fines up to ¥1,000,000 or imprisonment.
Rules worth knowing
Strict Biosecurity – Declare Everything
Japan has zero tolerance for undeclared meat, fruit, or plants. Even a single apple or sandwich can trigger a fine or criminal penalty. Always use the Quarantine counter before customs.
Cash Declaration Threshold in Yen
The ¥1,000,000 (≈$6,650) cash declaration threshold is lower than the USD $10,000 equivalent. If you carry ¥1,000,000 or more in any currency, you must declare it on the Customs Declaration Form.
Tax-Free Shopping – Receipts Required
To claim the 10% consumption tax refund, you must spend at least ¥5,000 at a single store in one day. Keep receipts and the tax-free purchase record in your passport – customs may ask to see them at departure.
Stimulant Drugs Are Banned – Including Some ADHD Meds
Adderall and other amphetamine-based medications are illegal in Japan, even with a prescription. Vyvanse is also banned. Only certain non-stimulant alternatives (e.g., Strattera) may be allowed with a Yunyu Kakunin-sho.