Information only. Not legal advice. Laws change and enforcement varies — consult a qualified attorney for your jurisdiction before acting.
Japan
VERIFIED · MAY 202635 ENTRIESEAST ASIA
Japan is in East Asia. Review the laws below before your trip. Country pages link to official sources, and the verdict layer is sorted worst-first.
HEADS UP
ADHD medications (Adderall, Vyvanse) are illegal stimulants. Common cold medicine (Sudafed) contains banned substances.
DO NOT BRING
Any stimulant medication · Bringing meat products · Working on tourist visa · Not carrying passport
Medications
9 entriesSubstances
6 entriesItems
6 entriesActivities
7 entriesDigital
3 entriesCOMMON MISCONCEPTIONS
- Common Western cold remedies like Sudafed and Vicks inhalers contain substances banned under Japan's stimulant control law.
- CBD is only legal if it contains zero THC, unlike the 0.3% threshold accepted in many other countries — and the 2023 Cannabis Control Act amendment now criminalises cannabis use itself, not just possession.
JURISDICTION NOTES
- Customs treatment of stimulant medications is the same nationwide and not waived for short trips or transfers.
- Designated smoking zones are enforced city by city, with Tokyo wards fining street smoking outside marked areas.
OFFICIAL SOURCES
Last verified · May 2026
Information only. Not legal advice. Laws change and enforcement varies — consult a qualified attorney for your jurisdiction before acting.