What is the legal age in your country? In Japan, even though the legal age of adulthood under civil law was lowered to 18 in 2022, the age limits for drinking alcohol and smoking remain at 20. Similarly, the age restrictions for public sports betting (such as horse racing, bicycle racing, auto racing, and boat racing) are also 20. This is due to concerns about health risks and gambling addiction, which justify keeping the existing age limits.

Since alcohol, tobacco, gambling, and other things still require you to be 20 years old, so it's essential to know these kinds of laws in Japan!

Enjoying local drinks is a highlight for many travelers, especially when shared with a group or a new local friend in a cozy bar. The legal drinking age in Japan is 20. As long as you're over 20, you're free to drink in Japan—just remember to carry your passport for ID.

As in many other countries, people under the legal age of 20 also cannot purchase alcohol. Some stores may ask for identification to confirm your age. Alcoholic beverages aren’t only sold at liquor stores in Japan but also at supermarkets and convenience stores, which often sell them 24/7.

Nowadays, there are much fewer vending machines in Japan left that offer alcohol, but you might still spot them in rural areas. Some may feel that the regulations regarding the sale of alcohol are more lenient than elsewhere.

Japan also has unique rules and customs regarding alcohol. For example, if you ride the train late at night, you might see a company employee sleeping at the station or inside the car.

Aside from crime prevention issues, Japanese laws on drinking in public are generally relaxed. This means it is legal to drink in public in Japan. You can consume alcohol in parks, at the station, or—even though it’s frowned upon in most social situations—inside a train.

Of course, drinking and driving is illegal, but passengers who are not the driver are free to drink. In recent years, drunk driving incidents have been followed by harsh punishment as a crackdown on the issue. Drinking is seen as a privilege of adults, expecting people to drink responsibly.

Smoking and purchasing tobacco is illegal in Japan for anyone under the age of 20. While some countries allow smoking or buying tobacco at 18 or even younger, in Japan, it is strictly prohibited for those under 20. Similar to alcohol purchases, shops may ask for identification to verify your age.

If you're a smoker, you can buy cigarettes 24/7 at various locations in Japan. Cigarette brands are displayed behind the cash registers, each with a specific number. Simply tell the staff the number of the brand you want at the register.

Cigarette vending machines are also found in Japanese cities, but tourists cannot use them. These machines require a special card called “Taspo” to verify the buyer’s age, and this card is only issued to residents of Japan.

Smoking in Japan is restricted to designated smoking areas. Public spaces, restaurants, offices, and similar places are increasingly subject to strict anti-smoking laws, often being completely non-smoking. Ashtrays are only available in these designated smoking areas.

In some parts of Japan, littering cigarette butts can result in a fine. Attempting to smoke secretly in places like toilets can also trigger fire alarms. Many Japanese smokers carry portable ashtrays, which can be easily purchased at most 100-yen shops.

When it comes to gambling in Japan, Pachinko is the first thing that comes to mind. Pachinko parlors are ubiquitous, whether you're in a bustling city or a quiet rural village.

Japanese laws prohibit anyone under 18 from entering a pachinko parlor. Additionally, due to school regulations and pachinko policies, most parlors also deny entry to high school students, even if they are 18 or older. If the staff suspects you might be under 18, you will be required to present identification upon entry.

Incidentally, here’s how to play pachinko: Start by purchasing small silver pachinko balls, which typically cost between 0.5 yen to 2 yen each. You can do this by inserting coins into the machine of your choice or using a card. Then, load the balls into the machine and launch them onto the vertical playing field. The field is filled with pins and catchers that the balls will bounce through, along with a hole at the bottom. If a ball lands in a catcher, you win and earn more balls; if it falls into the bottom hole, you lose. The balls you win can be exchanged for prizes, cash, and more at the nearby prize exchange station. Additionally, many pachinko parlors also offer slot machines.

The rules regarding entering karaoke parlors late at night are determined by the prefecture. A group of minors may be denied entry in the later hours of the evening, and you might be asked for identification.

There are some variations depending on the area and the store, especially when it comes to specific cases like groups of junior high students. However, one peculiar Japanese law appears consistent across all establishments: minors, even when accompanied by a guardian, can only stay at a karaoke parlor until 11 PM. Although many parlors are open 24 hours or late into the night, it's important to remember that minors must leave by a certain time.

The rules regarding entering karaoke parlors late at night are also determined by the prefecture. Minors younger than 16, even if accompanied by a guardian, will have to leave the game center at 10 PM.

There are also special rules in place for the purikura (“print club”) area inside game centers.
Men are only allowed to enter when accompanied by at least one woman or in the company of family. Men alone or groups of men are barred from entering.

Purikura machines are basically photo booths that let you digitally decorate the pictures with frames, writing, and so on, before printing them out as little stickers. It’s a popular pastime for young women in particular.

The reason why men are banned from entering the purikura area by themselves is a history of attempts of picking up women who are enjoying the machines, harassment, and surreptitious photographing. As the majority of people using purikura were women, game centers put restrictions against men in place to offer their female guests a safe space to enjoy themselves without the fear of harassment. This custom has spread through the industry and is now commonplace.

Live music venues in Japan are legally classified as "eating and drinking establishments," which generally allows entry for people of all ages. Some venues may have specific rules, such as restricting small children from standing shows or barring minors from certain events, but most venues and shows do not impose such restrictions.

However, alcohol is only available to those aged 20 and older. While minors can enter these venues, they will only be served soft drinks.

Many Japanese venues operate under a “one drink” system, requiring patrons to either purchase a drink ticket in advance or pay a drink fee of around 500 to 600 yen along with the live ticket. This system helps cover costs like maintenance and ensures the venue maintains its status as an "eating and drinking establishment." The drink ticket can be redeemed for a beverage of your choice, but be prepared to show identification if you order alcohol and the staff is unsure of your age.

The rating system for age restrictions of movies varies by country. A lot of countries, mainly the developed world, has such a system in place. In Japan, it’s the Eirin (“Film Classification and Rating Organization”) determining the appropriate age for movies.

The popular "Resident Evil" movie, which received R15+ or R18+ ratings in many countries, was rated PG12 in Japan. Despite the film's violent and grotesque imagery, this rating reflects a compromise between commercial interests related to broadcasting and ethical considerations. In some cases, this rating might lead to the movie being edited. For instance, the Japanese version of the Resident Evil game features less grotesque and violent content compared to the U.S. version.

Interestingly, the well-known film "Back to the Future" also received a PG12 rating in Japan. This might surprise some, but the reasoning appears to be the scenes involving underage drinking and smoking, which could negatively influence young viewers. As a result, minors in Japan can enjoy movies that they might not be able to watch in their own countries.

In Japan, the legal driving age is 18. This is relatively high compared to countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia, where you can start driving at 16. Even with an international driver’s license, you won't be permitted to drive in Japan if you're under 18.