More and more tourists are being fined for smoking in Japan.

The number of tourists violating Japan's smoking ban is increasing, mostly due to ignorance of the regulation.

A smoking ban, both indoors and on the streets, was introduced in Japan in April 2020. Specifically, visitors are only allowed to smoke in designated areas. Smoking while walking is also prohibited because it can cause burns or discomfort to people around. This regulation applies nationwide, including in tourist areas.

Popular tourist destinations that attract large numbers of tourists such as Nara Park have also implemented outdoor smoking bans since 2009. Violators will be fined 1,000 yen ($6.90) on the spot.

No smoking sign in Japan. Photo: Japan Guide — No smoking sign in Japan. Photo: *Japan Guide*

Similarly, in 2007, central areas of Osaka, including the Minami district, a popular tourist destination, introduced their own smoking regulations. Mobile police officers conduct regular checks and are empowered to impose 1,000 yen fines on visitors who violate the ban. In 2022, the city recorded 4,225 violations of the smoking ban.

In Kyoto, 40% of people fined for smoking in public places in 2019 were foreign visitors. Foreign visitors accounted for 10% of violations in Kobe city that same year.

Hiro Miyatake, founder of Bear Luxe Corp, a network of luxury travel agencies, said that visitors to Japan are interested in cultural traditions and respect the law here. However, only a few understand and know about the regulations. He further cited the smoking ban, where few tourists know that smoking while walking is a violation and they are required to go to the smoking area. Some tourists said they had difficulty finding smoking areas and just "wanted to smoke, not disrespecting the regulations."

Miyatake suggested that more information be made available to tourists about these regulations. Specifically, it could be through an app in multiple languages, or at tourist attractions, providing details about designated smoking areas and introducing bars, restaurants, and other establishments that have designated smoking areas.

Ashley Harvey, a tourism marketing analyst who has worked in the Japanese tourism industry for 15 years, agrees that the country’s tourism industry should clearly inform foreign tourists about smoking regulations. According to him, the best way to solve the problem is to constantly remind tourists in a gentle way so that they understand Japan’s message, even if it takes time.

“Unfortunately, many Japanese are unhappy with the return of large numbers of tourists to some popular cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. The frequent violation of smoking regulations by foreign visitors may also be a reason why local people are against mass tourism,” Mr. Harvey shared.

However, according to this person, many Japanese people sometimes violate the rules when walking and smoking, so people must also strictly follow the rules to help tourists be more aware at tourist destinations.

Van Khanh (according to SCMP )

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