What this guide covers
- Medicines, baby items and foods you can carry on board even over 100ml
- How to declare them at security screening
- Which cosmetics count as "liquids"
This is about cabin baggage on international flights departing from Japan. The 100ml rule does not apply to checked baggage.
1. The basic rules (recap)
- Liquids (including gels and sprays) must be in containers of 100ml or less each. A container over 100ml is not allowed even if it is only part-filled
- Place the containers in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag with a capacity not exceeding 1 liter (one bag per passenger)
- Take the bag out of your baggage and present it at security screening
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)
2. Exceptions to the 100ml rule (must be declared)
According to MLIT's list, the following are subject to the liquid restrictions but are treated as exceptions. There is no 100ml container limit and they do not need to go in the clear bag. Instead, you must declare them at security screening.
| Item | Examples (as listed) | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid or gel prescription and over-the-counter medicines | Liquid cold medicine and stomach medicine, cough syrup, eye drops, medical saline, contact lens solution, etc. | The amount needed in the cabin |
| Drinks and special foods for people on special diets, people with disabilities, and patients being transported | Food for people with diabetes, etc. | The amount needed in the cabin |
| Baby food, breast milk, food for pregnant and nursing women | Baby food, drinks for infants, nutrition drinks for pregnant and nursing women, etc. | Only when travelling with an infant. The amount needed in the cabin |
| Ice packs and ice | — | Only when packed together with medicines that must be kept cold (insulin, hormone preparations, etc.) to cool them |
Security inspectors may ask you to show a copy of the prescription, the medicine bag, a doctor's certificate, etc. as needed.
Liquid or gel medicines in containers of 100ml or less can be carried like other liquids without declaring them, if they are placed in the 1-liter clear bag.
Source: MLIT: "List and Description of LAGs Restriction" (English version of the list of liquids, 2015) (retrieved 2026-09-27)
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. Cosmetics: what counts as a liquid and what does not
| Counts as a liquid (100ml / clear bag) | Not covered (can be carried regardless of amount) |
|---|---|
| Creams and lotions such as toner, liquid foundation, liquid mascara and liquid eyeliner, gel lip products (not stick types), perfume, shampoo and conditioner, face wash and make-up remover, nail polish and remover, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, antiperspirant gel and hair gel, etc. | Wet wipes, cotton pads for make-up, paper beauty masks (cleansing sheets, etc.) |
Source: MLIT: "List and Description of LAGs Restriction" (English version of the list of liquids, 2015) (retrieved 2026-09-27)
According to MLIT's list, household sprays such as waterproofing sprays cannot be carried on board; checked baggage only. Paint, tyre-repair sprays, air dusters, tear-gas sprays, etc. are not allowed in carry-on or checked baggage.
4. Quantity limits (including checked baggage)
Separate from the 100ml rule, cosmetics and medicines (containing alcohol, sprays, etc.) have quantity limits as dangerous goods. These also apply to checked baggage.
- 0.5L (kg) or less per container
- 2L (kg) or less in total per person (total of cosmetics, medicines and spray cans)
- Protect spray nozzles with a cap etc.
Source: MLIT: "Examples of Dangerous Goods by Air Transportation" (English version, last updated April 24, 2026) (retrieved 2026-09-27)
5. Return flights and transfers
On return flights and when transferring abroad, the rules of that country's airport apply. Rules of other countries' authorities may impose different restrictions. Check with your airline.
Source: MLIT: "Examples of Dangerous Goods by Air Transportation" (English version, last updated April 24, 2026) (retrieved 2026-09-27)