Smoking in Japan Where can I smoke?

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not an advertisement.

 

(For example, since last year it is no longer allowed to smoke in restaurants, as employees should no longer be endangered by passive smoking. However, if it is a family restaurant without employees from outside, then smoking in the restaurant can continue without any problems.) Interesting enough yes/no

If you are over 20 years old and feel the urge for a cigarette, you have to look around a bit in Japan. A few years ago, Japan was still known as a smoker's paradise, but that has changed somewhat in recent years. So it was not unusual to have a smoke in a family restaurant, but due to the increased number of tourists, as well as the Olympic Games and the Rugby World Cup, Japan came under more pressure from outside. So strict regulations regarding smoking were enacted and relaxation for tattoos in onsens was requested.

Indoor Smoking

Due to new laws, smoking areas are now prohibited in schools, hospitals, offices and restaurants. However, you will still find smoking rooms in some larger establishments. Smoking has been prohibited on buses and trains for a long time, but there are certain Shinkansen that offer such a room for long-distance journeys.

Outdoor Smoking

Smoking areas are sometimes not so easy to find in Japan. This is because there is a blanket smoking ban within cities and smoking areas are often hidden behind barriers. You will definitely always find a smoking area near train stations, shopping malls, konbini/mini markets and hospitals. For smoking areas in pedestrian zones, you have to keep your eyes peeled.

Smoking in Hotels

When booking, you should ask for a smoking room, most hotels offer one.

Consequences of Violation

Compared to other countries, the costs of an infringement are rather low. They can vary depending on the city. So the costs in Tokyo are 5000 Yen (about 43 Euro) and in Osaka and Kyoto only 1000 Yen (about 8 Euro).

Purchasing Cigarettes

Typically Japanese, there is of course a vending machine just for cigarettes. However, to use this, you need a “Taspo Card”. You must order and register it beforehand so you can use it. Cigarette vending machines are not everywhere, but there are Konbinis on every corner of Japan, where you can also buy cigarettes. There are also cigarettes in the normal supermarket, as well as in special tobacco shops, which usually also have their own smoking area. Here (Konbini, supermarket and tobacco shop) you only need to show your ID.