Smoking in Japan: A Complete Guide to Rules and Etiquette

Japan's smoking rules changed significantly when the revised Health Promotion Act came into force in 2020. Indoor smoking is now banned in principle in most restaurants, offices, and public facilities; smokers must use designated smoking rooms or outdoor smoking areas. This guide covers the essentials anyone living in or visiting Japan should know.

The Health Promotion Act and Indoor Smoking Ban

Type-1 facilities (schools, hospitals, government offices) are entirely smoke-free across the whole premises. Type-2 facilities (restaurants, offices, hotels, etc.) are smoke-free indoors by default, with smoking only allowed inside designated smoking rooms, heated-tobacco-only rooms, or outdoor smoking areas. Anyone under 20 cannot enter a smoking room, even as a non-smoker, so families with minors should be cautious.

Anti-Street-Smoking Ordinances

Many municipalities, starting with Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward, prohibit smoking on public streets and sidewalks. Violators may be fined. Enforcement tends to be strict around busy stations and tourist areas, so use designated smoking spots whenever possible.

Rules by Tobacco Type

Cigarettes, heated tobacco (IQOS / glo / Ploom), e-cigarettes (VAPE), and shisha each have slightly different rules.

• Cigarettes: indoor use only inside smoking rooms; most outdoor smoking areas allow them.
• Heated tobacco: rooms designated for heated tobacco may also allow eating and drinking.
• Nicotine-free e-cigarettes: not legally restricted but follow the facility’s rules.
• Shisha: only at specialty lounges or smoking spots that explicitly allow it.

Etiquette to Keep in Mind

• Never smoke near non-smokers, children, or pedestrian walkways
• Use a portable ashtray or the ashtray provided in the smoking area
• Be considerate of nearby homes and shops
• Heated tobacco still produces a smell; check your surroundings

Find Smoking Areas with Mottosuitai

Mottosuitai is a free service that lets you search smoking areas across Japan from a map or by prefecture. The home page shows smoking spots within 2 km of your current location, your favorites, and pins you have submitted, with filters for tobacco type and amenities. Found a new spot? Submit a pin to help other users.