19. SMOKING IN JAPAN

Smoking in Public Spaces

🚫 No Smoking in Public Areas

• In major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, smoking on sidewalks, in parks, or near train stations is strictly prohibited.

• These regulations aim to protect non-smokers and maintain cleanliness in public spaces.

✅ Designated Smoking Areas

• Smoking zones are available near train stations, convenience stores (konbini), and office buildings.

• Smoking outside these areas can result in fines.

⚠️ Fines & Enforcement

• In Tokyo, fines for smoking outside designated areas range from ¥2,000 to ¥5,000.

• Always look for signs indicating smoking zones before lighting up.

Smoking in Bars, Restaurants & Cafés

Japan’s indoor smoking policies have tightened in recent years, especially with new rules introduced before the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

🍻 Bars & Izakayas (Japanese pubs)

• Some small, family-run establishments and bars still allow smoking indoors, especially if they are exempt from national regulations due to their size.

🍽️ Restaurants & Cafés

• Most major restaurant chains and modern establishments are now completely non-smoking.

• Some places still have separate smoking and non-smoking sections, but fully smoke-free venues are becoming more common, especially in Tokyo and Kyoto.

🔍 How to Identify Smoking Policies?
Look for these signs at the entrance:

• 禁煙 (Kin’en) → Non-smoking

• 喫煙 (Kitsuen) → Smoking allowed

• 分煙 (Bun’en) → Separate smoking and non-smoking areas

Buying Cigarettes & TASPO Card

🚬 Where to Buy Cigarettes?

• Available at convenience stores (konbini), vending machines, and tobacco shops.

💳 TASPO Card: Required for Vending Machines

• A TASPO card is needed to purchase cigarettes from vending machines.

• This government-issued ID verifies the buyer’s age.

• Tourists cannot get a TASPO card, but they can buy cigarettes at convenience stores, where staff may ask for ID.

💰 Cigarette Prices

• Cigarettes in Japan are cheaper than in Europe or the U.S.

• A pack costs around ¥400 to ¥600.

Smoking Etiquette & Best Practices 🚭

Japan places a strong emphasis on politeness and respect, including smoking behavior.

🚶‍♂️ Do Not Smoke While Walking → Smoking while walking in public is frowned upon and often prohibited.

🗑️ Use Portable Ashtrays → Littering cigarette butts is heavily discouraged. Many convenience stores sell portable ashtrays for smokers on the go.

🏢 Follow Venue Rules → Always respect smoking policies in businesses, even if they differ from what you’re used to at home.