A guide to smoking rules in Japan! Where you can smoke and the manners you should know.

Hello, this is Katayama from JAC (Japan Association for Construction Human Resources).

If you smoke in Japan, be sure to check the Japanese smoking rules!
If you smoke without knowing the rules, you may be warned by the police or have to pay a hefty fine.

This article explains how to identify places where you can smoke, how to buy cigarettes, and the manners you should follow.
Let's check these things together to ensure a comfortable life in Japan.

★In Japan, you must be 20 years old to smoke.

First, let's check where you can and cannot smoke in Japan!

In Japan, there are places where you can smoke and places where you cannot.

Places where you can smoke

Areas where smoking is permitted are marked with a symbol.
If you want to smoke, look for a symbol like the one below.

[Smoking Room]
This room allows smoking of both traditional cigarettes and heated tobacco products.

*Image source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, "Let's eliminate unwanted passive smoking! (List of signs)"

[Smoking room exclusively for heated tobacco products]
You can smoke heated tobacco products such as iQOS.
Regular cigarettes are not allowed.

*Image source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, "Let's eliminate unwanted passive smoking! (List of signs)"

[Public smoking area]
This is a place where you can smoke both regular cigarettes and heated tobacco products.
It is installed outdoors.

*Image source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, "Let's eliminate unwanted passive smoking! (List of signs)"

Places where smoking is prohibited

In Japan, smoking is generally prohibited in places where many people gather, both inside and outside buildings.
Smoking is prohibited in the following places:

• Public transportation such as bullet trains, regular trains, buses, and taxis.
• Inside facilities such as government offices, hospitals, schools, police stations, and offices

If there is a designated smoking room within the facility, you may only smoke in that room.

Also, be careful about smoking while walking on the street.
In Japan, smoking while walking is prohibited in many areas.
This is often determined by local ordinances in your area, so please check them.

There are few restaurants where you can smoke.

Many people probably feel like smoking during meals.

However, in Japan, smoking is generally prohibited inside buildings.
Therefore, there are few restaurants where you can smoke.

However, smoking may be permitted in some restaurants that meet certain conditions.

If you want to smoke while eating, please look for a restaurant that allows smoking.
Many shops indicate whether smoking is allowed at the entrance or on their website, so be sure to check before entering.
Even in establishments where smoking is permitted, there may be rules such as "traditional cigarettes are prohibited; only heated tobacco products are allowed."
It's also a good idea to check what types of cigarettes are allowed.

Basic smoking etiquette in Japan

When smoking in Japan, it's important to follow proper etiquette and be considerate of those around you.
Here are some basic smoking etiquette guidelines.

Do not throw cigarette butts on the street.

Do not throw cigarette butts on the street.
Always smoke in places where there are ashtrays, or carry a portable ashtray with you.

▼Portable ashtray

Be considerate of those around you

Even in designated smoking areas, be considerate of others and avoid exposing them to smoke.
Especially in crowded places, it's important to smoke while maintaining as much distance as possible from those around you.

When going to a smoking-permitted restaurant with a non-smoker, checking beforehand whether smoking is allowed can prevent problems.

Choosing heated tobacco products is also a way of showing consideration for those around you.
Heated tobacco products include models such as "IQOS," "glo," and "Ploom."

Heated tobacco products produce less smoke and odor compared to conventional cigarettes, thus reducing the impact on those around you.

However, even if you can't see the smoke, it still contains harmful ingredients.
Even when using heated tobacco products, please remember to be considerate of those around you.

Do not smoke in apartments, dormitories, or company housing rooms.

Smoking in a rented room can stain the walls and leave a lingering smell.
When you move out, you'll often be charged a hefty fee for replacing the wallpaper, so be careful.

When living in a Japanese home, there are other manners and rules to be mindful of besides smoking.
Please also read this article.
Let's learn about the rules of Japanese homes. We'll also introduce some essential tips for using your home.

Smoking rules and penalties in Japan

In Japan, there are laws and regulations related to tobacco.
There are rules to follow when buying cigarettes, so be sure to check them beforehand.

Laws related to tobacco

There are several laws in Japan that regulate tobacco.
Let's review the following two laws.

• Law prohibiting smoking by minors
• Health Promotion Act

Law prohibiting smoking by minors

The law prohibiting smoking by minors prohibits smoking by anyone under the age of 20.
In Japan, you can only smoke cigarettes from the age of 20.

People under the age of 20 are not allowed to smoke or buy cigarettes.

Health Promotion Act

The Health Promotion Act is a law designed to protect the health of the public.

Smoking can affect not only the health of the smoker but also the health of those around them.
The Health Promotion Act includes regulations to protect the health of non-smokers.

For example, people under the age of 20 are prohibited from entering "smoking areas," even if they do not smoke.

In addition to these laws, there may also be regulations specific to the area where you live.
This is called an ordinance.
Be sure to check the local ordinances in your area.

You may be subject to penalties.

Smoking in a place where smoking is prohibited is against the law.
In that case, you may receive guidance, advice, or orders from the prefectural or municipal government.

Failure to comply with the order may result in a payment of up to 300,000 yen.
*Reference: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, "Let's eliminate unwanted passive smoking."

Smoking while walking can also be a violation of local ordinances depending on where you live.
If you violate the ordinance, you may be ordered to pay several thousand yen.

How to buy cigarettes

Tobacco can be purchased at konbini En stores and supermarkets.

When you buy cigarettes, your age will be checked at the register.
When a store employee asks you to show identification, please show them something that verifies your age, such as your residence card or passport.

Summary: When smoking in Japan, please follow the rules and manners.

In Japan, the legal smoking age is 20.
When smoking, always look for a designated smoking area with the appropriate markings.
Smoking in places where smoking is prohibited, such as on public transport or in hospitals, could result in warnings or hefty fines.

Also, please stop throwing cigarette butts on the street.

Smoking indoors also requires caution.
If the walls are stained by cigarette smoke, you may incur high costs when you move out.

When you smoke, it's important to consider the feelings of non-smokers.
Let's live in Japan while properly following the rules and manners!

About us, JAC

JAC（Japan Association for Construction Human Resources）is an organization that supports all Specified Skilled Workers working in the Japan construction industry. We work with companies that accept Specified Skilled Workers to create a work environment that is easy for everyone to work in.

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