Smoking Laws and Regulations in Japan

Revised Health Promotion Act (Fully Implemented April 2020)

• Indoor Smoking Prohibited in Principle
  Schools, hospitals, government offices, and public transportation are completely smoke-free both on premises and inside buildings.
• Restaurants and Offices Also Smoke-Free in Principle
  Only "smoking-only rooms" and "heated tobacco-only rooms" that meet certain standards can be established.
• Minors Prohibited from Entry
  Entry of persons under 20 years old is prohibited in smoking rooms and smoking-permitted establishments.

Basic Smoking Etiquette

• Always use designated smoking areas
• Walking while smoking is prohibited, with penalties in many municipalities
• Carry a portable ashtray and never litter cigarette butts
• Avoid smoking near children, pregnant women, and non-smokers
• Be considerate of wind direction and crowded conditions

Common Violations and Precautions

• Walking While Smoking: Subject to fines as ordinance violation in metropolitan areas
• Smoking in Front of Stores or Alleys: Likely to lead to complaints and trouble
• Improper Disposal of Cigarette Butts: Causes fires and environmental degradation, strictly enforced

Tokyo (3,737 smoking areas)

• Regulation Trends: Strict street smoking prohibition ordinances in each ward, centered on the 23 special wards. A fine of 2,000 yen is common in Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Chiyoda wards.
• Major Prohibition Areas: Around Shinjuku Station, Shibuya Center Gai, Ikebukuro Station area, Ginza Chuo-dori.
• Local Tips: Smoking booths in station buildings and department stores are well-equipped, but many close late at night.

Osaka Prefecture (2,320 smoking areas)

• Regulation Trends: Centered on Osaka City. Street smoking is prohibited in entertainment districts such as Umeda, Namba, and Shinsaibashi. Violations incur fines of 1,000-2,000 yen.
• Major Prohibition Areas: Osaka Station area, along Midosuji, around Dotonbori.
• Local Tips: Indoor booths in underground shopping areas (such as Whity Umeda) and commercial facilities are easily accessible.

Fukuoka Prefecture (2,065 smoking areas)

• Regulation Trends: Fukuoka City has its own ordinance. Tenjin district, Hakata Station area, and Nakasu are street smoking prohibition zones. Fines are around 1,000 yen.
• Major Prohibition Areas: Around Tenjin intersection, Hakata Station plaza, Nakasu entertainment district.
• Local Tips: Rely on designated smoking areas in commercial facilities and riverbanks. Patrols are conducted frequently.

Aichi Prefecture (1,574 smoking areas)

• Regulation Trends: Centered on Nagoya City. Street smoking is prohibited in areas like Nagoya Station and Sakae. Fines are 1,000-2,000 yen.
• Major Prohibition Areas: Around Nagoya Station, Hisaya Odori Park, Nishiki 3-chome.
• Local Tips: It's reassuring to check smoking booths in underground shopping areas and redevelopment zones in advance.

Kanagawa Prefecture (1,474 smoking areas)

• Regulation Trends: Enacted Japan's first "Passive Smoking Prevention Ordinance" in 2010. Yokohama and Kawasaki strictly restrict street smoking in city centers.
• Major Prohibition Areas: Yokohama Station west exit, Minato Mirai, around Kawasaki Station, Musashi-Kosugi.
• Local Tips: Few designated areas in tourist spots and coastal areas. Be aware of nighttime closures.

Hyogo Prefecture (1,415 smoking areas)

• Regulation Trends: Street smoking prohibition zones are established mainly in Kobe City. Fines are typically 1,000-2,000 yen.
• Major Prohibition Areas: Sannomiya Center Gai, former foreign settlement area, Himeji Station area.
• Local Tips: Large commercial facilities and tourist spots often have dedicated spaces on outdoor terraces.

Saitama Prefecture (1,247 smoking areas)

• Regulation Trends: Street smoking prohibition ordinances enacted in Omiya City, Kawaguchi City, and others. Fines are around 2,000 yen.
• Major Prohibition Areas: Omiya Station east and west exits, Kawaguchi Station area, around Tokorozawa Station.
• Local Tips: Smoking areas are mainly located inside station buildings. Be careful as there are few smoking areas on the residential side.

Chiba Prefecture (1,022 smoking areas)

• Regulation Trends: Street smoking is prohibited in city centers of Chiba City, Funabashi City, Kashiwa City, and others. Fines are around 1,000 yen.
• Major Prohibition Areas: Chiba Station area, around Funabashi Station, Kashiwa Station area, Kaihin Makuhari and Makuhari Messe vicinity.
• Local Tips: Smoking areas get crowded during events. Try to use them early.

Kanto Region

Kansai Region

Chubu Region

Kyushu Region

Are there fines for smoking on the street?

Many municipalities impose fines (administrative penalties) for smoking in street smoking prohibition zones. The amount varies by municipality, typically ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 yen.

Where can I smoke?

You can smoke in designated smoking areas, restaurants that allow smoking, and some parks or outdoor spaces. Rules vary by municipality, so we recommend checking in advance.

What is the passive smoking prevention law?

The revised Health Promotion Act, fully implemented in April 2020, made indoor smoking prohibited in principle at many facilities. Restaurants can only allow smoking if they meet certain conditions.