Is vaping legal in Japan in 2026?

It's complicated. Nicotine-containing e-liquids are banned from sale in Japan under the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act. However, non-nicotine vapes are legal, and heat-not-burn devices like IQOS are extremely popular and legal. You can import up to 120mL of nicotine e-liquid for personal use.

Can I bring nicotine vape juice to Japan?

Yes, for personal use. You can import up to 120mL of nicotine e-liquid (one month's supply) without special permits. For larger quantities, you need a Yakkan Shoumei import certificate. Keep products in original packaging with clear labeling.

Where can I vape in Japan?

Japan treats vaping like smoking. Use designated smoking areas (喫煙所) which are common in train stations, shopping areas, and business districts. Indoor smoking is banned in most public places under the 2020 Health Promotion Act, with exemptions for small bars and designated rooms.

Can I buy nicotine e-liquid in Japan?

No. Nicotine e-liquids cannot be legally sold in Japan. You can only buy non-nicotine (0mg) vape juice domestically. Bring your own nicotine supplies or order from overseas retailers who ship to Japan.

What about vaping at Japanese airports?

Narita and Haneda airports have designated smoking rooms both before and after security. Look for 喫煙室 (kitsuen-shitsu) signs. Vaping is only permitted in these designated areas, not in terminals or gates.

Can You Vape in Japan? 2026 Laws, Nicotine Rules & Traveler's Guide

Q: Why is IQOS so popular in Japan?

IQOS launched in Nagoya in 2014 and now commands approximately 69% of Japan's reduced-risk product market. Heat-not-burn devices are legal because they use real tobacco, which isn't restricted like pharmaceutical nicotine. Philip Morris has marketed heavily to Japanese consumers.

Can You Vape in Japan? The Short Answer

It's complicated. Japan has some of the most unique vaping regulations in the world:

Nicotine e-liquids - Banned from sale (classified as pharmaceutical products)
Non-nicotine vapes - Legal and available
Heat-not-burn devices (IQOS, glo, Ploom) - Legal and hugely popular
Personal import - You can bring up to 120mL of nicotine e-liquid

Japan isn't vape-hostile like Thailand or Singapore, but it's not vape-friendly either. The country has essentially created a market dominated by heat-not-burn tobacco products while restricting traditional vaping.

Is Vaping Legal in Japan? Understanding the Complex Rules

Japan's vaping landscape is shaped by the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act (PMD Act), which classifies nicotine as a pharmaceutical ingredient requiring approval.

What's Legal in Japan

Product	Legal Status	Notes
Non-nicotine e-liquid	Legal	Sold in vape shops
Nicotine e-liquid (sale)	Illegal	Classified as pharmaceutical
Nicotine e-liquid (import)	Legal	Up to 120mL personal use
Vape devices/hardware	Legal	Widely available
IQOS/heat-not-burn	Legal	Dominant market
Traditional cigarettes	Legal	Heavily taxed

Why the IQOS Exception?

Heat-not-burn devices like IQOS, glo, and Ploom are legal because they use actual tobacco, which is regulated differently than pharmaceutical nicotine. The tobacco industry successfully argued these products don't fall under pharmaceutical regulations.

IQOS launched in Nagoya in 2014 and now holds approximately 69% of Japan's reduced-risk product market and about 48.5% of total tobacco sales - the highest market penetration anywhere in the world.

What's the Deal with Nicotine E-Liquid in Japan?

The PMD Act creates Japan's unusual nicotine situation:

Domestic Sales Ban

Nicotine e-liquids cannot be sold in Japan
No license exists for nicotine e-liquid retail
Japanese vape shops only sell 0mg/non-nicotine juice
Online sales from domestic vendors are also prohibited

Personal Import Allowance

You can legally import nicotine e-liquid for personal use:

Amount	Requirements
Up to 120mL	No permit needed (1 month supply)
Up to 2 devices	No permit needed
Over 120mL	Yakkan Shoumei certificate required
Commercial quantities	Prohibited without pharmaceutical license

Yakkan Shoumei Process

For larger imports, you need a Yakkan Shoumei (薬監証明) import certificate:

Submit application to Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
Provide product details and intended use
Wait 1-2 weeks for processing
Present certificate at customs

Most tourists won't need this - 120mL is sufficient for typical trips.

Tips for Bringing Nicotine to Japan

Keep original packaging - Clear labeling helps at customs
Bring reasonable quantities - Large amounts may raise questions
Carry in checked luggage - Less scrutiny than carry-on for liquids
Know the limit - 120mL total, not per bottle
Have documentation ready - Receipts showing personal purchase

Why Is IQOS So Popular in Japan?

Understanding Japan's vaping scene requires understanding IQOS:

Market Dominance

2014: IQOS pilot launched in Nagoya
2016: Nationwide rollout
2026: ~69% of heat-not-burn market, ~48.5% of all tobacco sales

Why Japanese Consumers Prefer IQOS

Legal availability - Sold everywhere cigarettes are sold
Convenience stores - Available at every konbini (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart)
Reduced smell - Important in Japan's close-quarters society
Social acceptance - Seen as more considerate than cigarettes
Marketing - Philip Morris invested heavily in Japan

IQOS Availability for Tourists

IQOS stores in major cities (Ginza, Shibuya, Osaka)
Convenience stores nationwide
Don Quijote discount stores
Airport duty-free shops

HEETS/TEREA tobacco sticks are readily available if you use IQOS.

Where Can You Vape in Japan?

Japan treats vaping the same as smoking. The 2020 Health Promotion Act significantly restricted indoor smoking/vaping.

Designated Smoking Areas (喫煙所)

Japan has an extensive network of kitsuen-jo (喫煙所) - designated smoking areas:

Tokyo:

Shibuya Station - Multiple smoking rooms near exits
Shinjuku Station - Designated areas on platforms and nearby
Tokyo Station - Smoking rooms in Yaesu and Marunouchi sides
Ginza - Street-level smoking spots marked with signs

Osaka:

Umeda/Osaka Station - Multiple designated areas
Namba - Smoking rooms in station complex
Dotonbori - Limited outdoor spots

Kyoto:

Kyoto Station - Smoking rooms inside station
Gion area - Very limited, be discreet

Where Vaping Is Prohibited

Indoor public spaces (most restaurants, cafes, offices)
Train platforms (except designated areas)
Streets in many districts (Tokyo especially)
Temples and shrines
Parks (many prohibit smoking)

Where Vaping May Be Allowed

Designated smoking rooms in restaurants/bars
Small bars (under certain size, owner's discretion)
Smoking-permitted restaurants (rare, declining)
Hotel smoking rooms
Outdoor designated areas

Osaka's 2025 Outdoor Smoking Ban

As of January 2025, Osaka enacted a citywide outdoor smoking ban in central areas. Violations can result in ¥1,000 fines. This affects areas around:

Umeda
Namba
Shinsaibashi
Tennoji

Use designated smoking areas only.

What Should Travelers Know About Vaping in Japan?

Finding Smoking Areas

Look for 喫煙所 or 喫煙室 signs
Ask at train stations: "Kitsuen-jo wa doko desu ka?" (Where is the smoking area?)
Google Maps: Search "喫煙所" near your location
Convenience stores often have outdoor ashtrays nearby

Buying Vape Supplies in Japan

What you CAN buy:

Vape devices and mods
Non-nicotine e-liquid (many flavors)
Coils, tanks, accessories
IQOS devices and HEETS/TEREA

What you CANNOT buy:

Nicotine e-liquid
Nicotine salts
Any nicotine-containing vape juice

Where to buy:

Vape shops in major cities (Akihabara, Shibuya, Shinsaibashi)
Don Quijote stores
Online (for 0mg only)

Airport Vaping - Narita & Haneda

Narita Airport (NRT):

Smoking rooms in Terminals 1, 2, and 3
Both landside and airside locations
Look for 喫煙室 (smoking room) signs

Haneda Airport (HND):

Smoking rooms in all terminals
International terminal has multiple locations
Domestic terminals less common

Cultural Considerations

Don't vape while walking - Standing still in designated areas is expected
Be discreet - Large clouds are frowned upon
Dispose properly - Use ashtrays/receptacles provided
Respect non-smokers - Japanese culture emphasizes consideration for others

Can You Buy Vapes in Japan?

Yes, but with limitations:

Vape Shops in Major Cities