03/08/2026
Traveling to Japan soon? Be mindful of this new rules being enforced in the country. 👀🇯🇵
Before your trip, make sure you know these important rules. Here's what's now illegal, and what it costs:
📸 Photographing geishas — ¥10,000
Kyoto's Gion district formally banned photography of geiko and maiko in private alleys.
🦌 Harming protected animals: ¥1,000,000 or imprisonment
Covers hundreds of native species, including Nara's deer. Japan's Wildlife Protection Law is strict and applies to tourists.
🛴 Illegal scooter use: ¥3,000–¥12,000
E-scooter rules changed in July 2023. Registration, speed limits and lane rules still apply, similar to car driving.
🚯 Littering: ¥2,000–¥30,000
Almost no public bins exist in Japan. Carrying your trash is standard, so always have a plastic bag with you, to do the proper dispose of the items.
🚁 Drones without permission: up to ¥500,000 or imprisonment
Registration and prior approval are required. Enforcement has increased significantly since 2022.
🗻 Climbing Mt. Fuji off-season — ¥300,000 or imprisonment
Outside the official climbing season, the mountain, it closes entirely. Trails are unmaintained, facilities are shut, and there is no rescue personnel ready on the mountain.
🚭 Smoking on the streets: ¥2,000–¥20,000
Most cities limit smoking to designated zones. Always look for a marked smoking corner before lighting up.
💊 Illegal substances: prison + severe penalties
Among the strictest enforcement in the world. Verify the status of any CBD product before travel — Japanese law changed in May, 2026. Products that contain any amount of THC are completely forbidden.
Save this for your next trip and share them with your travel buddies!
Respecting the rules is how you get to enjoy everything Japan has to offer.🥰
