Japan customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Japan strictly prohibits narcotics, firearms, and certain meats. For 2026, duty-free allowances are 1 liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, and ¥200,000 (about USD 1,350) in goods. Cash over ¥1,000,000 (about USD 6,700) must be declared.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.0 L

1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine/beer (under 22% ABV). Traveller must be 20+.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$6,700

Cash, checks, or negotiable instruments exceeding ¥1,000,000 (about USD 6,700) must be declared on the Customs Declaration Form. This includes equivalent in foreign currency.

Goods duty-free

$1,350

Personal goods and gifts up to ¥200,000 (about USD 1,350) duty-free. Above that, duty applies at rates up to 30%.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics (heroin, cocaine, marijuana, stimulants, opium, etc.)
Firearms, ammunition, and sword blades (including replicas)
Counterfeit goods and currency
Pornography (including child pornography and obscene materials)
Certain meats (beef, pork, chicken) from countries with disease outbreaks without official certification
Endangered species products (ivory, tortoiseshell, etc.) without CITES permit

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Prescription medicines (over 1 month supply requires a Yakuho (Pharmaceuticals) Import Certificate)
Plants and plant products (must have phytosanitary certificate and be inspected at quarantine)
Drones (must comply with Japan's Civil Aeronautics Law; registration and permission may be required)
Satellite phones (require a license from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications)
Meat and dairy products (require an inspection certificate from the Animal Quarantine Service)

Rules worth knowing

Duty-Free Shop Purchases

Duty-free goods bought in Japan must be taken out of the country within 30 days. Keep receipts and do not open the sealed bags until you leave.

Agricultural Quarantine

All fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy must be declared at the Animal and Plant Quarantine counter before customs. Failure to declare can result in fines up to ¥1,000,000 or imprisonment.

Tax-Free Shopping for Tourists

Non-residents can buy goods tax-free (8% consumption tax) at registered stores for amounts over ¥5,000. Items must be taken out of Japan within 30 days and cannot be consumed in Japan.

Frequently asked questions

You can bring up to ¥1,000,000 (about USD 6,700) in cash or equivalent without declaring. Any amount over that must be declared on the Customs Declaration Form.

Yes, for up to 1 month supply of most medications. For more than 1 month, or for certain controlled substances (e.g., stimulants, narcotics), you need a Yakuho Import Certificate. Always carry a doctor's prescription and a letter explaining the condition.

Penalties are severe. Narcotics possession can lead to life imprisonment or death penalty. For other items, fines up to ¥1,000,000 and confiscation. Always declare questionable items at the red channel.

No. The duty-free allowance for alcohol and tobacco applies only to travellers aged 20 or older. If you are under 20, you cannot bring any duty-free alcohol or tobacco into Japan.

Yes, all goods must be declared. Gifts are included in the ¥200,000 duty-free allowance. If the total value exceeds ¥200,000, duty applies on the excess.

Yes, but drones over 100g must be registered with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. You must follow Japan's drone laws: no flying over people, near airports, or in restricted areas. Permission may be needed for certain locations.

Official source

Japan Customs