What this guide covers
- Souvenirs often bought on trips that cannot be carried on board
- Items that can be carried on board depending on length
The items here can go in checked baggage even if they cannot be carried on board (except shuriken-style lighters).
1. Sword- and stick-shaped souvenirs
| Item | Carry-on baggage | Checked baggage |
|---|---|---|
| Wooden swords | Not allowed | Allowed |
| Bamboo swords | Not allowed | Allowed |
| Rolling pins (including pestles) | Allowed if 60cm or less | Allowed |
| Massage sticks | Allowed if 60cm or less | Allowed |
| Flagpoles | Allowed if 60cm or less (not allowed if the tip is sharp). Plastic ones without a sharp tip are allowed even if over 60cm | Allowed |
Source: MLIT: "Examples of Dangerous Goods by Air Transportation" (English version, last updated April 24, 2026) (retrieved 2026-09-27)
2. Hanging scrolls and posters
| Item | Carry-on baggage | Checked baggage |
|---|---|---|
| Hanging scrolls, tapestries | Allowed if the rod is 65cm or less. Plastic rods are allowed even if over 65cm | Allowed |
| Storage cases for posters, hanging scrolls, etc. | Allowed if 70cm or less. Those made of paper, plastic, etc. that are judged not to be weapons are allowed even if over 70cm | Allowed |
Source: MLIT: "Examples of Dangerous Goods by Air Transportation" (English version, last updated April 24, 2026) (retrieved 2026-09-27)
3. Small items to watch for their shape
| Item | Carry-on baggage | Checked baggage |
|---|---|---|
| Shuriken, shuriken-style key chains | Not allowed (obvious toys made of wood, plastic, etc. are allowed; those with sharp blades that could be used as weapons are not) | Allowed |
| Items shaped like a Swiss army knife or a shuriken (USB memory sticks, etc.) | Not allowed (because of the shape) | Allowed (lighters are not allowed) |
| Cartridge case key chains and necklaces (made into accessories) | Allowed | Allowed |
Source: MLIT: "Examples of Dangerous Goods by Air Transportation" (English version, last updated April 24, 2026) (retrieved 2026-09-27)
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. Return flights follow the rules of the departure country's airport.