Vapes are a great way to quit smoking, but the problem comes when you want to go to a country with completely different vape rules than your home country.
Japan is most likely such a country, so to help you know what to expect when traveling to Japan, we’ll answer the question in this article: Can I bring vapes to Japan?
Can I bring vaping to Japan? The short answer
Since there seems to be a lot of conflicting information on the internet, let’s start with a short answer to this question.
Are you allowed to bring vapes into Japan? Yes, you can.
However, Japan has more restrictions on this than many other countries. Therefore, it’s very important to know exactly what you can and can’t do to make sure you don’t get fined or worse.
That’s what we’ll discuss in the rest of this article, so let’s get started right now.
Is smoking vapes legal in Japan?
The first thing you need to know is whether or not vapes are legal in Japan, and there is a clear difference between products that contain smoke tar and those that are nicotine-free.
Nicotine-free vape E-liquids are completely legal in Japan, and there are currently no restrictions on their sale or use – which means that everyone can buy and use nicotine-free vapes, even minors.
However, when it comes to vape oils containing nicotine, the situation is completely different.
In Japan, liquids containing smoke tar are illegal, which means that the sale, purchase, use, and possession of all vapes containing smoke tar is theoretically prohibited.
Technically, this may be an exception to the rule, as liquids containing smoke tar can be classified as medical products, which, once classified, is justified. Therefore, in theory, vapes that are classified as medical products are allowed.
It can be practically true that no vapes are approved as medical products, so all vapes containing smoke tar are illegal.
But that’s not all…because there is an exception.
Import Exemptions
Although nicotine-containing vapes are illegal in Japan, and there are no vapes approved as medical products, travelers can still bring small quantities of “medicinal” smoked tar vapes into customs, as long as they follow strict rules.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, everyone can bring medicinal vapes into customs as long as they are used strictly for personal use and in quantities that do not exceed a month’s supply. 120 ml.
Under Japanese law, if you want to carry more than that, you’ll have to apply for a special medical license – such a request will be denied because vapes aren’t approved as medicines.
So practically everyone can carry. 120 ml of vapes, but no more – but if you decide to bring vapes to Japan, there’s one more thing to keep in mind, and that’s how to carry them.
Carrying vape Liquid on an Airplane
For years, the largest liquid that could be carried on an airplane in carry-on luggage was. 100 mL.
That means that if you want to bring juice into the cabin, it can’t be more than that amount or it will be taken away from you at the security check before you board the plane.
On the other hand, if you are carrying more than 100 mL, this needs to be put in your checked baggage.
However, since you can’t put your vape batteries in your checked baggage, you need to make sure that you separate everything and put your vape oils in your checked baggage and your batteries in your carry-on baggage.
This is important because if you try to bring too many vapes into the cabin, the vapes will be taken away. But if you accidentally put batteries in your checked baggage, your luggage will be taken off the plane (and you could be taken off the plane), and you could even be fined.
In case you want to avoid such a hassle, a good option is to carry disposable vapes, such as ZumoVape, an up-and-coming vape brand. JS82 18000.
Each vape contains only 20 ml of e-liquid and can absorb up to. 18,000 mouthfuls, and because this number is well below the permitted amount, you can easily bring one, two, or more devices into the cabin (but not in your checked baggage) without any problems.
By doing this, you can be sure to always have something to smoke while in Japan without having to worry about getting cigarette tar without smoking.
What happens if you are caught breaking the rules?
Nowadays, we know what the rules are, but what are your punishments if you decide to break them?
In a nutshell, if you are caught breaking the rules, the penalties will be very strict.
Carrying more than the prescribed limit of vapes could potentially result in a fine of around 30,000 yen, which is about $2,500, depending on the exchange rate.
You will also face deportation or even jail time, depending on the severity of the offense.
If you’re caught selling smoky tar vapes in Japan, you could be punished even more severely, so try to follow the rules and only bring them up. 120ml of vapes into the country and be happy with that, rather than considering breaking the rules.
If you decide not to follow this advice, you should be aware of the possible consequences – at the very least, getting caught violating the vaping law in Japan could seriously ruin your trip to this country.
Vape Alternatives in Japan
But what do you do if you run out of vapes while traveling in Japan?
Naturally, you can always buy a pack of tobacco, but many people choose vapes because they don’t want to smoke – so what are the alternatives?
In Japan, you can easily buy nicotine patches or nicotine gum to tide you over. Both of these items will release enough smoking tar into your body to help you overcome your addiction.
However, for some people, the craving to smoke or vape is almost as strong as the craving for the smoke tar itself.
In this case, it is generally recommended to combine nicotine patches or nicotine gum with the nicotine-free vape you purchased in Japan.
In this way, the vape will give you something to do with your hands, while the bubble gum or patch will satisfy your craving for smoking tar.
Other things to keep in mind when smoking vapes in Japan?
Aside from the legality of bringing vapes into Japan, there are a few other important things to keep in mind, so let’s take a final look at some of them.
1. Where can I smoke vapes in Japan?
In Japan, vapes are usually considered the same as tobacco, so you can only use them in places where smoking is allowed.
Compared to many other places, you may find that Japan is much stricter about this than you’re used to.
For example, even on the street, you’ll find designated smoking areas – and you can’t walk and smoke outside these areas.
So, you should follow the same rules for vapes to make sure you don’t get into any trouble with the police.
2. Vapeetiquette in Japan
In a country where manners are highly valued, you should also be extra careful in Japan not to annoy anyone by not following the unwritten rules of etiquette.
This means that you have to be careful when smoking vapes, not in other people’s enclosed spaces, and not around old people or children.
The best rule is to not smoke vapes if you have any problems. Keep in mind that Japanese culture is very different from Western culture, so be aware that some things that are acceptable in China are not acceptable in Japan.
Japan places a great deal of importance on words and behavior. So be sure to be careful not to offend anyone in a seemingly rude or inconsiderate manner.
3. Many people think that smoking vapes in Japan is no different from smoking.
Because vapes are not common in Japan, many non-smokers think they are the same as smoking.
This means you should be aware of where you’re smoking vapes and who’s looking at you – because if someone sees you smoking vapes in a generally non-smoking area, even if it’s not technically prohibited, you’re probably going to get a few unsatisfied looks.
4. Japan bans smoking in restaurants from 2020 onwards
Note that smoking has been banned in restaurants and bars in Japan since 2020 from the year 2000, so you shouldn’t smoke vapes in these places either – unless you’ve been told you can.
You can bring vapes to Japan – but be aware of the details of the law
Contrary to much of the information provided online, vapes containing smoked tar can be brought to Japan under certain limited circumstances, as long as they are for personal use and do not exceed the 120-due milliliter limit.
However, it’s important to have an in-depth understanding of what you can and can’t do under the law. Making sure you know the details of the rules will also help to ensure that you don’t run into any vape-related hassles during your trip.
