The number of tourists violating the smoking ban in Japan is increasing, mostly due to a lack of awareness of the rule.
A smoking ban, both indoors and on the streets, was implemented in Japan in April 2020. Specifically, tourists are only allowed to smoke in designated areas. Furthermore, smoking while walking is prohibited as it can cause burns or discomfort to those around you. This regulation applies nationwide, including in tourist areas.
Popular tourist destinations that attract large numbers of visitors, such as Nara Park, have also implemented a ban on outdoor smoking since 2009. Violators are fined 1,000 yen (US$6.90) on the spot.
No smoking signs in Japan. Photo: Japan Guide
Similarly, in 2007, central areas of Osaka, including Minami Ward, a popular tourist destination, also implemented their own regulations regarding smoking. Mobile security forces regularly conduct checks and are authorized to fine visitors 1,000 yen for violations. In 2022, the city recorded 4,225 violations of the smoking ban.
In Kyoto, 40% of those fined in 2019 for smoking in prohibited areas were foreigners. Foreigners accounted for 10% of violations in Kobe in the same year.
According to Hiro Miyatake, founder of the luxury travel company network Bear Luxe Corp, tourists visiting Japan are interested in cultural traditions and respect the law. However, only a few understand and are aware of the regulations. He cited the smoking ban as an example, noting that many tourists are unaware that smoking while walking is a violation and that they must go to designated smoking areas. Some tourists said they had difficulty finding smoking areas and simply "wanted to smoke, not disrespecting the rules."
Mr. Miyatake suggested that more information about these regulations should be provided to tourists. Specifically, this could be announced on an app in multiple languages, or tourist attractions could provide detailed information about designated smoking areas and introduce bars, restaurants, and other establishments with designated smoking areas.
Sharing the same view, Ashley Harvey, a tourism marketing analyst with 15 years of experience in the Japanese tourism industry, also believes that the domestic tourism industry should clearly inform foreign tourists about smoking regulations. According to him, the best way to address the issue is to continuously remind tourists in a gentle way so they understand Japan's message, even if it takes time.
"Unfortunately, many Japanese people are unhappy with the return of large numbers of tourists to some popular cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. The frequent violations of smoking regulations by foreign visitors may also be a reason why locals are opposed to mass tourism," Harvey shared.
However, according to this person, many Japanese people sometimes violate the rule by smoking while walking, so locals should also strictly enforce the regulations to help tourists be more mindful at tourist destinations.
Van Khanh (according to SCMP )
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