Travel Guide to Japan for Muslim Traveler: List of Items You Cannot Bring into Japan

Who here likes to pack Asian food when traveling abroad because you're worried you won’t like the local food? Be careful if you're heading to Japan — this country has very strict rules about what you can and cannot bring in, especially when it comes to food.

Also read: Where to Find Halal Food & Prayer Rooms at Haneda Airport, Tokyo

Recently, a video went viral showing an Indonesian muslim traveler at Haneda Airport, Tokyo whose luggage was opened by airport officers. Inside her suitcase were many types of Indonesian food — from meat and vegetables to cooking spices. The officers carefully checked and removed the items for inspection.

This is actually not unusual. Japan has strict quarantine laws to protect its agriculture and livestock from diseases and pests that could come from abroad. To avoid trouble at customs, here’s a full guide to help you understand what you cannot bring into Japan.

Why Japan Has Strict Import Rules

Japan takes food and agricultural safety very seriously. The government enforces strong regulations to prevent the entry of plant pests, animal diseases, and harmful bacteria from other countries.

Even if your food is only for personal use, it can still pose a risk. Some viruses or insects can travel on fruits, vegetables, or meat — and once they spread, they can damage Japan’s farms and environment.

Food Items That Are Not Allowed

Most meat and animal-based products are prohibited, whether they are raw, cooked, frozen, or packed in airtight containers.

Prohibited animal products include:

• Meat from cows, pigs, goats, sheep, and deer

• Poultry such as chicken, duck, goose, turkey, and quail

• Processed meat like jerky, ham, sausage, bacon, rendang, and meat sandwiches

• Raw eggs (including eggs with shells)

• Animal parts such as intestines, blood, skin, or bones

• Raw milk and unprocessed dairy products

• Animal feed, straw, and hay

• Leftover airplane food containing meat

Tip:

If you buy a hamburger or sandwich before your flight, finish it before landing in Japan! Any leftover meat-based food can be confiscated at customs.

Exception:

You may bring cheese for personal use, as long as it’s processed and weighs less than 10 kg.

Also, certain animal products may be allowed if you have an official health certificate from your home country’s government agency.

Fruits and Vegetables

Almost all fresh fruits and vegetables are not allowed into Japan without inspection or certification. Even airplane meals that contain raw fruits or vegetables must be finished before leaving the aircraft.

Examples of prohibited fruits and vegetables:

• Mango

• Longan

• Guava

• Lychee

• Chili peppers

• Citrus fruits (like oranges)

• Apples

• Pears

If you bring seeds, seedlings, or plant cuttings, you must also have a Phytosanitary Certificate issued by your country’s government.

In addition, soil and live insects are strictly forbidden.

The main reason is to prevent harmful pests like fruit flies and plant diseases from entering Japan.

Other Items That Require Attention

Japan also regulates several non-food items. Here’s what travelers should be aware of:

Cash

You can bring cash into Japan, but if the amount is over 1 million yen (around USD 10,000 or IDR 100 million), you must declare it to customs.

Failure to do so may result in the money being confiscated or penalties imposed.

Gold

Small jewelry items are fine, but bringing over 1 kilogram of gold must be declared.

Japan has enforced strict tax regulations on undeclared gold since 2017 to prevent smuggling.

Tobacco

Duty-free limits:

• 200 cigarettes, or

• 50 cigars, or

• 250 grams of loose tobacco.

Bringing more than this requires declaration and may incur import duty.

Completely Prohibited Items

These items are not allowed under any circumstances:

• Illegal drugs (heroin, cocaine, cannabis, MDMA, etc.)

• Firearms, ammunition, and explosives

• Fake money, counterfeit credit cards, or forged documents

• Obscene or immoral materials (e.g., pornography)

• Items violating intellectual property rights such as counterfeit goods

How to Declare Items and Pay Customs Duty

When you arrive in Japan, you will be given a Customs Declaration Form at the airport. If you are carrying cash, valuable items, or goods over the allowed limit, write them clearly on the form.

Customs officers may inspect your luggage to confirm your declaration. If you need to pay import duties, you can do so at the customs counter — note that some counters only accept Japanese yen cash, not credit cards.

Tips Before Flying to Japan

• Check Japan Customs’ official website before you travel for the latest rules.

• Finish your in-flight meals — don’t bring leftovers out of the plane.

• Avoid carrying raw meat, fruit, or vegetables, even in small amounts.

• Be honest when declaring your items — Japan values honesty and cooperation.

• If you’ve recently visited a farm or had contact with livestock, report it at the animal quarantine counter in the airport.

Also read: Where to Eat Halal & Prayer Room at Tokyo Narita Airport

Don’t Get in Trouble Because of Your Luggage!

Most items that are restricted or banned in Japan are related to health, safety, and law enforcement.

So, always double-check your belongings before departure to avoid unnecessary problems.

With the right preparation and understanding of Japan’s import rules, your trip will be smooth, safe, and stress-free.