Can you smoke in public in Japan?
Christopher Snyder
Updated on March 17, 2026
At the national level, smoking is not restricted or prohibited by law in indoor public places, workplaces, or on public transport, although in practice many such places restrict or
ban smoking
Smoking bans are usually enacted in an attempt to protect non-smokers from the effects of secondhand smoke, which include an increased risk of heart disease, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other diseases.
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Can you smoke on the streets in Japan?
Smoking is only allowed in designated areas in parks, plazas, streets, and buildings. If you are caught breaking the law, you will be fined 1,000 yen.Can you walk and smoke in Japan?
Smoking and walking is one of the biggest taboos while out and about in Japan. In some places, it's even illegal. When you think about it though, it really makes sense. How many times have you been walking down the sidewalk and someone in front of you lights one up?Can you smoke on the street in Tokyo?
You can smoke in the city, but you'll have to be careful about where you do so. Certain streets may ban the activity, and a new law ahead of the 2020 Olympics now prohibits you from smoking in some bars and restaurants as well.Can you smoke on your balcony in Japan?
Basic rules about smoking in Japanese apartmentsBasically, for most apartments in Japan, you are not allowed to smoke indoors and in your balcony, as well as in communal spaces such as corridors and the entrance hall.