Smoking can be relaxing for those who love cigarettes, but not for some non-smokers.
In Japan, the practice of omotenashi is one that encompasses manners and consideration for others. This is one reason why Japanese culture is known for cleanliness. Even in places with a scarcity of few rubbish bins, there is little trash on the ground.
While traveling anywhere in Japan, you would become familiar with this way of thinking. With that said, Japan has dozens of written and unwritten rules, known as anmoku-no rule in Japanese. With that in mind, this article shows you where you can smoke including the latest smoking regulations in Japan, with a particular focus on Yokohama.
No smoking sign on wall in Yokohama City. "禁煙" (kin-en) means no smoking in Japanese.
Smoking rules in Japan
It's illegal for people under 20 to purchase or use cigarettes, and this is equally true for alcohol. In April 2020, new smoking rules commenced in Japan; banning smoking indoors, the installation of separate smoking rooms as well as restricting entry to smoking areas for those under 20 years old. Violations may result in penalties.
While these new rules are primarily aimed at businesses and institutions, everyone needs to play their part. Some places are also removing ashtrays due to the new restrictions. Whether you are a visitor or a resident, it's important to understand where these rules apply.
Public ashtray. Most of designated smoking spots have such ashtrays.
Where to smoke?
First, smoking and walking at the same time is prohibited to prevent second-hand smoke; it is also good manners. Some highly frequented places, like train stations, have gone further by building smoking booths and designated smoking spots.
Outside designated smoking area next to JR Kannai Station.
Second, when smoking outside, make sure you can access an ashtray or have your own portable ashtray. Furthermore, location is key; you need to keep your distance from schools, hospitals and playgrounds. In Yokohama, you also need to be outside the city’s prohibited areas below.
Sidewalk sign. The fine in Yokohama City is ¥2,000.
Yokohama Station area including the Bay Quarter shopping mall
Minato Mirai 21 area including the Nippon Maru Memorial Park area
Kannai area near Yokohama Stadium area
Tsurumi Station area
Higashi Kanagawa Station/Nakakido Station area
Shin Yokohama Station area
Totsuka Station area
Yokohama City’s prohibited areas. (Photo: Image courtesy of City of Yokohama.)
Yokohama City’s prohibited areas. (Photo: Image courtesy of City of Yokohama.)
Keep in mind, there are no exceptions within these areas above; you can only light up in a designated smoking spot. There are also spots near train stations. The signs for smoking spots are noticeable, and there is also an app to get you to the nearest smoking area: “Smoking area information Map”.
Smoking area information Map app is available only on the App Store.
The fine is ¥2,000 (approximately $20 USD at time of writing) in Yokohama. Although it's not an expensive penalty, it's better to avoid any problems.
"No smoking area" board next to JR Kannai Station.
You might find some people smoking outside of designated spots using their pocket ashtrays, which can be purchased from convenience, tobacco and some grocery stores.
The Revised Health Promotion Act
The pamphlet of The Revised Health Promotion Act.
The pamphlet of The Revised Health Promotion Act.
Here is the checklist: Is no one going to be bothered or hurt by your smoking? Is there an ashtray in front of you? Are you far from a playground or hospital? The purpose of the Revised Health Promotion Act is to keep people from second-hand smoke.
According to Hibiki Abe from the Yokohama City Health and Social Welfare Bureau, the measure has evolved over time in Yokohama and has promoted citizen’s health accordingly. The exceptions are private properties, hotel rooms and specific places such as cigar bars and some small-sized restaurants that have been operating before April 2020.
“So far, we haven’t charged anyone or any businesses yet. The measure is well known and most businesses have taken necessary action," says Abe.
"Designated smoking room" mark outside a coffee shop in Yokohama City.
Products that are related to cigarettes/tobacco are also covered by the new regulation, including Heat-Not Burn cigarettes such as IQOS, Ploom TECH, glo and pipe tobacco. However, water vapors and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are excluded from the rules. The reason is e-cigarettes include nicotine, but it doesn't have tobacco itself.
Since the rules have come into the effect, the nature of smoking has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic, says Abe. Smokers now tend to frequent outside areas as several indoor smoking booths were closed to reduce the risk of developing virus clusters. The more people smoke outside, the higher the risk of second-hand smoke. Abe adds this issue needs to be fixed soon as some locals have started to complain about it.
Cigarette butt. “Hama rule” bans littering in the town. Littering garbage, cigarette butts is disallowed. Violators may have to pay a fine of ¥20,000 or less.
Yoko"Hama" rule
Yokohama City has its own rule called “Hama rule” that bans littering in the town. The littering of garbage, cigarette butts and the like is disallowed. Violators may have to pay a fine of up to ¥20,000.
If more people can exercise a little bit of courtesy and manners, everyone can live safely.
Getting there
Yokohama can be reached via six Japan Rail lines (Tokaido, Yokohama, Yokosuka, Negishi, Sho-nan Shinjuku, and Keihin-Tohoku) or five private lines (Keikyu, Tokyu, Sotetsu, Yokohama Minatomirai and Yokohama Municipal).
