Smoking in Japan: Rules, Designated Areas, and What Tourists Need to Know

Planning a trip to Japan and wondering if—and where—you can smoke?

In Japan, smoking is legal for adults aged 20 and over—but only in designated places.
It’s often prohibited on the street, in most buildings, and in public spaces, with rules varying by city.

Whether you’re a smoker or traveling with one, this guide will help you navigate Japan’s smoking rules, understand the law, avoid trouble, and enjoy your stay with peace of mind.

Yes—but only for people aged 20 and over, and only in designated smoking areas.

Since the 2020 revision of Japan’s Health Promotion Act, smoking has been banned in most public indoor spaces.

This includes restaurants, offices, public buildings, and the shared areas of hotels. Many cities also ban smoking in public outdoor spaces such as sidewalks and parks.

Key rules to know:
・The legal age for smoking is 20
・Smoking is banned indoors except in certified smoking rooms
・Outdoor smoking is often restricted to marked smoking areas
・Violations may result in fines, even for tourists

Smoking is not completely banned—but it’s highly regulated, and the rules vary depending on where you are.

Smokers can legally smoke only in places that are clearly designated for smoking. These include:

・Outdoor smoking booths in cities and tourist areas
・Certified indoor smoking rooms in some bars or restaurants
・Smoking-permitted hotel rooms (check when booking)
・Airport smoking lounges and smoking areas at highway rest stops

However, the number of smoking areas is limited, especially in busy urban areas. Smokers often find them crowded or difficult to locate.

Smoking is banned in many public and private spaces throughout Japan, including:

・Streets and sidewalks in many cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto
・Public transport, including buses, trains, and taxis
・Restaurants, cafes, and bars, unless a designated room is provided
・Temples, shrines, and tourist attractions, especially those with historic wooden structures

Many temples and shrines are centuries old and made of wood, making them extremely vulnerable to fire. Even if there are no visible signs, always assume that smoking is prohibited within temple and shrine grounds.

In countries like Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam, using or possessing electronic cigarettes or heated tobacco is strictly banned—and can result in arrest or heavy fines. Japan is different.

・Vapes (nicotine-free) are legal and not covered by smoking laws
・Heated tobacco (like IQOS or glo) is treated the same as regular cigarettes

That said, even if vapes are legal, it doesn’t mean you can use them freely. Many public places and facilities expect you to use designated smoking areas, even for vapes. Social norms treat them the same as tobacco, and using them outside a smoking area may still lead to complaints.

As a general rule, it’s safest to treat all forms of smoking—including vaping—as if they were regular tobacco products when you’re in public.

Finding a smoking area in Japan isn’t always easy. Even in large cities, they can be small, unmarked, or hidden behind buildings. Fortunately, there are a few ways to find them:

・Look for small smoking area signs, often in English and Japanese
・Scan QR-code maps provided in places like Tokyo’s Taito Ward
・Use apps like “Smoking Area Map Japan”, which shows nearby spots using GPS
・Ask station or hotel staff if you’re unsure

My husband is a smoker, and whenever we go out, he always carries a portable ashtray—just in case the smoking area is too crowded or hard to find.
You can easily buy one at any convenience store in Japan, and it’s surprisingly handy to have.

It’s a small thing, but it helps keep the streets clean and avoids unwanted attention from others.

Smoking rules in Japan are not the same everywhere. While the national law sets the foundation, each city or prefecture can pass its own stricter ordinances.

Examples:

・Osaka City: From 2025, smoking on all city streets will be banned, including heated tobacco
・Saitama Prefecture: Tougher rules on smoking in restaurants than national law
・Tokyo, many wards:including Chiyoda, Shinjuku, and Shibuya—enforce strict no-smoking zones on the streets, especially around train stations and shopping areas.
In some areas, like Chiyoda Ward, violators can be fined up to ¥2,000 on the spot.

Fines range from ¥1,000 to ¥20,000 depending on the region. In some areas, enforcement is strict with on-the-spot penalties. In others, officials may issue warnings first. Always check signs and local regulations.

Although no-smoking areas are expanding, the number of smoking spots has not kept up. Smokers often face issues such as:

・“I can’t find a smoking area.”
・“The smoking booth is full.”
・“I had no choice but to smoke in a hidden spot.”

For example, Osaka City estimated it would need 120 smoking spots, but a third-party study suggested over 360 are needed. As a result, smokers often resort to street smoking or littering, especially in tourist-heavy districts.

In Kyoto, where fire prevention is especially important due to many historic wooden buildings, the number of designated smoking areas is notably limited.

The city has made efforts by publishing public smoking maps on its official website, but many visitors still find it difficult to locate a smoking area.

Even where smoking is allowed, Japan expects smokers to follow strict manners:

・No smoking while walking – it’s banned in many places and inconsiderate
・Don’t throw cigarette butts – littering is frowned upon and may be fined
・Respect others – especially in crowds or when traveling with non-smokers

Japanese culture places high value on consideration for others, especially in shared public spaces. Following the rules shows respect and helps create a better environment for everyone.

・Smoking is legal for adults over 20, but only in designated areas
・Smoking in public indoor spaces and on many streets is banned
・Vapes and heated tobacco are allowed, but should be used only in smoking areas
・Rules and penalties vary by city—check signs and stay informed
・Always be respectful: avoid walking while smoking and dispose of waste properly

Japan offers a clean, respectful environment for everyone—including smokers—when the rules are followed. With a little planning and awareness, you can enjoy your trip while avoiding common pitfalls.