At a glance (carry-on)
- Scissors, nail clippers and razors you can take on board
- Length limits for tools and long items
Even items that cannot be carried on board can be put in checked baggage (the "Checked baggage" column in the tables).
| Item | Carry-on baggage | Checked baggage |
|---|---|---|
| Scissors | Allowed if the tips are not sharp and the blade (from the tip to the pivot) is 6cm or less. Small cosmetic scissors (for eyebrows, nose hair, etc.) and scissors in a portable sewing kit are also allowed | Allowed |
| Nail clippers | Allowed (not allowed if fitted with a small cuticle knife) | Allowed |
| Razors | T-shaped razors, small cosmetic (eyebrow) razors and electric shavers are allowed. Others are not allowed | Allowed |
| Tweezers | Allowed if the tips are rounded and not strong. Others are not allowed | Allowed |
| Sewing needles, safety pins, knitting needles | Allowed (knitting needles judged to be possible weapons, e.g. with sharp tips, are not allowed) | Allowed |
Source
Source: MLIT: "Examples of Dangerous Goods by Air Transportation" (English version, last updated April 24, 2026) (retrieved 2026-09-27)
Sewing needles and safety pins: the English version of MLIT's document lists them as not allowed on board, but the Japanese version lists them as allowed. This site follows the Japanese version: MLIT's list (Japanese version).
| Item | Carry-on baggage | Checked baggage |
|---|---|---|
| Knives | Not allowed (allowed if the tip is not sharp and it is judged not to be a weapon, such as a butter knife) | Allowed |
| Multi-tool (folding multi-function knife) | Not allowed (not allowed because of its shape, even without a knife blade) | Allowed |
| Cutters (box cutters) | Not allowed | Allowed |
| Paper knives | Not allowed (allowed if the tip is not sharp and it is judged not to be a weapon) | Allowed |
| Wine openers | Not allowed (allowed if without a knife, including corkscrew types) | Allowed |
| Peelers, can openers | Not allowed (allowed if the blade does not face outward and cannot be detached from the body) | Allowed |
Items shaped like multi-tools or throwing stars (such as USB drives or lighters) cannot be carried on board because of their shape. Lighters of this kind cannot be checked either.
Source
Source: MLIT: "Examples of Dangerous Goods by Air Transportation" (English version, last updated April 24, 2026) (retrieved 2026-09-27)
| Item | Carry-on baggage | Checked baggage |
|---|---|---|
| Screwdrivers | Allowed if 15cm or less in total length and the shaft is 6cm or less | Allowed |
| Spanners, wrenches, crowbars (small) | Allowed if 15cm or less in length | Allowed |
| Small portable tool sets | Allowed if they do not include ice picks or awl-like items | Allowed |
| Hammers, saws, electric screwdrivers, drills | Not allowed | Allowed |
| Calipers, drafting compasses | Allowed | Allowed |
Source
Source: MLIT: "Examples of Dangerous Goods by Air Transportation" (English version, last updated April 24, 2026) (retrieved 2026-09-27)
| Item | Carry-on baggage | Checked baggage |
|---|---|---|
| Umbrellas | Ordinary umbrellas for your own use are allowed (those judged to be possible weapons, e.g. with sharp tips, are not allowed) | Allowed |
| Walking sticks (canes) | Allowed if 60cm or less. Those used by people with disabilities for themselves are allowed even if over 60cm | Allowed |
| Trekking poles, ski poles | Allowed if 60cm or less when folded (not allowed if fitted with a sharp metal tip). Those used by people with disabilities in place of a walking stick without a sharp metal tip are allowed even if over 60cm | Allowed |
| Tripods, monopods | Allowed if 60cm or less when folded | Allowed |
| Fishing rods | Allowed if 60cm or less when folded | Allowed |
| Golf clubs | Not allowed (the head alone is allowed; plastic ones that look like toys and cannot be used as weapons are allowed) | Allowed |
Source
Source: MLIT: "Examples of Dangerous Goods by Air Transportation" (English version, last updated April 24, 2026) (retrieved 2026-09-27)
Walking sticks: the English version of MLIT's document lists canes as allowed on board without the 60cm condition, but the Japanese version sets the 60cm condition. This site follows the Japanese version: MLIT's list (Japanese version).
According to MLIT, even an item listed as allowed may not be carried on board if the airline or security inspector determines that it can be used as a weapon due to its material, strength, shape, etc. Replicas and similar items of restricted items are also restricted.
Some airlines have stricter rules. On international flights, rules of other countries' authorities may also apply.