What is the revised Health Promotion Act? An overview of Japan’s smoking rules

2026-04-30

Mục lục

1.Facility classifications
2.Types of smoking rooms
3.No entry for those under 20

The Health Promotion Act, revised in 2018 and fully enforced in April 2020, significantly changed indoor smoking rules in Japan. This article summarises the key points for both smokers and non-smokers.

Facility classifications

Type-1 facilities (schools, hospitals, government offices): smoke-free across the entire premises
Type-2 facilities (restaurants, offices, hotels, etc.): indoor smoking banned by default; a dedicated room is required if smoking is to be allowed
Smoking-purpose facilities (public smoking spots, tobacco shops, cigar bars, etc.): smoking allowed throughout the venue

Types of smoking rooms

Smoking-only room: smoking only. Eating and drinking not allowed.
Heated-tobacco-only room: heated tobacco only. Eating and drinking allowed.
Smokable room: a transitional measure for existing small restaurants.

No entry for those under 20

Anyone under 20, including staff, is prohibited from entering any smoking room. When dining out as a family, check in advance whether the area is accessible to minors.