What this guide covers
- How many liters you can take on a plane for each alcohol strength
- Rules for carrying it on board international flights
- Alcohol bought at duty-free shops and transfers
Customs rules on how much you can bring home (duty-free allowances) are not covered in this guide.
1. Strength and quantity (domestic and international flights)
| Alcohol strength | Carry-on and checked baggage |
|---|---|
| 24% or less | Both allowed. No quantity limit as dangerous goods |
| Over 24% up to 70% | Both allowed. Up to 5L per person |
| Over 70% | Not allowed in carry-on or checked baggage |
For every strength, the alcohol must be in the retail container. Alcohol poured into a hip flask or similar container is not allowed.
Source: MLIT: "Examples of Dangerous Goods by Air Transportation" (English version, last updated April 24, 2026) (retrieved 2026-09-27)
2. Carrying it on board international flights
Alcohol is a liquid, so on international flights departing from Japan, the rule of containers of 100ml or less in a 1-liter clear bag applies if you carry it on board. Bottles over 100ml go in checked baggage (the strength and quantity limits above also apply to checked baggage).
Source: MLIT Civil Aviation Bureau: "Security Control for Screening Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAGs) carried into International Passenger Flights departing from Airports in Japan" (English version) (retrieved 2026-09-27)
3. Alcohol bought at duty-free shops and transfers
Alcohol etc. bought at duty-free shops after security can be carried on board. However, if you transfer abroad, you will be screened again at the transfer airport and it may be confiscated under that country's rules. Check with your airline in advance.
Source: MLIT Civil Aviation Bureau: "Security Control for Screening Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAGs) carried into International Passenger Flights departing from Airports in Japan" (English version) (retrieved 2026-09-27)
Source: MLIT: "List and Description of LAGs Restriction" (English version of the list of liquids, 2015) (retrieved 2026-09-27)
4. Return flights
Flights returning from abroad follow the rules of the departure country's airport. Rules of other countries' authorities may impose different restrictions. Some airlines have stricter rules.
Source: MLIT: "Examples of Dangerous Goods by Air Transportation" (English version, last updated April 24, 2026) (retrieved 2026-09-27)
→ Enter the strength and amount of your alcohol in the checker