Emergency Help Abroad - Japan

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting Japan — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Japan enforces some of the strictest drug laws in the world; possession of even tiny amounts can lead to arrest and long prison sentences.

• Importing or carrying prescription medicines that are normal in the UK may be illegal; always check rules before travel.

• Carrying knives, blades or defensive sprays without proper authorisation can result in immediate detention.

• Drink-driving is rigorously enforced; penalties include heavy fines, imprisonment and licence cancellation.

• Public intoxication that causes disturbance can lead to intervention by police or station staff.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Religious sites, temples and shrines require quiet, respectful behaviour; misconduct is taken very seriously.

• Public modesty rules apply; inappropriate clothing or behaviour in traditional areas can cause offence.

• Vandalising or damaging cultural monuments or structures is illegal and severely punished.

• Eating or drinking in certain public areas, such as trains, may be prohibited and can attract complaints.

• Littering or improper waste disposal is frowned upon and can lead to penalties.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police can request identification; travellers should carry their passport or a copy.

• Loud, disruptive or aggressive behaviour on public transport is not tolerated.

• Scams are less common but do exist; be wary of anyone offering unsolicited assistance.

• Attempting to bribe officials or negotiate “fees” is illegal.

• Filming people without permission, especially in sensitive cultural settings, may lead to confrontation.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Failing to buy or correctly tap-in/tap-out travel cards may lead to fines.

• Driving without the correct international permit is illegal, and rental firms will refuse the vehicle.

• Speeding, illegal parking and ignoring signs are strictly enforced by local police.

• Entering private property, temples or facilities marked “No Entry” may result in fines.

• Overstaying your visa or permitted entry period can lead to detention and deportation.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Drone use is banned in most major cities without advance permission.

• Flying drones near airports, government buildings or crowded areas results in fines and confiscation.

• Some temples and cultural sites prohibit photography inside — always follow signage.

• Photographing military bases or critical infrastructure may attract police attention.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Japan enforces strict rules on littering; failing to dispose of waste correctly can lead to penalties.

• Wild camping outside designated areas is often prohibited.

• Entering restricted mountain paths or ignoring avalanche/typhoon warnings can result in rescue charges.

• Damaging protected flora or disturbing wildlife is illegal in national parks.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Removing stones, shells or natural items from heritage locations is prohibited.

• Climbing or touching fragile temple structures or shrines is not allowed.

• Swimming in prohibited areas, particularly near cultural or religious sites, can lead to fines.

• Buying artefacts made from protected species is illegal and may be confiscated.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels easy-going or informal in the UK may be understood quite differently in Japan.

• Don’t speak loudly on public transport, particularly on trains and subways, where quiet and minimal phone use are strongly expected.

• Don’t ignore shoe etiquette, such as failing to remove shoes when entering homes, some traditional inns, temples or certain restaurants with tatami flooring.

• Don’t eat or drink while walking in busy areas, as this is often frowned upon; finish food near the shop or in designated areas instead.

• Don’t disregard queueing rules on platforms and at counters, where people line up precisely along marked lines and board in an orderly fashion.

• Don’t blow your nose loudly in public, especially on trains; it’s considered impolite – step away quietly if you need to.

• Don’t tip in restaurants, taxis or hotels, as tipping is not customary and staff may refuse or feel uncomfortable with cash left behind.

• Don’t ignore bathing rules in onsens (hot springs), such as washing thoroughly before entering, keeping towels out of the water and respecting any tattoo restrictions.

• Don’t eat on local commuter trains, unless clearly allowed; long-distance and shinkansen trains are more relaxed, with bento boxes common.

• Don’t attempt to “wing it” with illegal drugs, as Japan has extremely strict narcotics laws and penalties, including for possession of small amounts.

• Don’t block pavements or escalators with large luggage, especially in rush hour; move aside to keep foot traffic flowing smoothly.

• Don’t photograph people, private homes or children without permission, particularly in residential neighbourhoods and smaller communities.

• Don’t assume all temple and shrine areas are open for photos, as some halls, relics or ceremonies are strictly no-photography.

• Don’t eat loudly or slurp in Western-style restaurants, though note that quiet noodle slurping is culturally acceptable in ramen shops.

• Don’t ignore smoking rules, as smoking is banned on many streets but allowed in designated indoor or outdoor zones; breaching rules can lead to fines.

• Don’t leave rubbish where you stand, even if bins are scarce; carry a small bag and dispose of waste properly back at your accommodation or a station.

• Don’t assume every restaurant has English menus, especially in local districts; be prepared to point at displays or use translation apps politely.

• Don’t stand in the middle of shrines or torii gates for long photo shoots, blocking pathways and rituals for worshippers.

• Don’t be late for tours, trains or reservations, as punctuality is highly valued and services usually leave exactly on time.

• Don’t hug or touch people you’ve just met, as physical contact is more reserved; a polite bow is the standard greeting.

• Don’t treat convenience stores as casual browsing spaces, particularly at busy times; select items efficiently so others can move through the queue.