This guide is about departing from Japan and transferring to another international flight at an airport abroad. The specific rules at transfer airports differ by country and are not covered here (MLIT's documents also advise checking with your airline).
- Alcohol etc. bought at duty-free shops after security can be carried on board the flight leaving Japan
- However, if you transfer abroad, you will be screened again at the transfer airport and they may be confiscated under that country's rules
- Check with your airline in advance
Sources (2)
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)
See also Bringing alcohol home as a souvenir and Food and seasonings.
On international flights, you can carry on board only liquids in containers of 100ml or less each, all in a 1-liter clear bag. The 100ml rule does not apply to checked baggage.
MLIT's list of liquids asks passengers to put even items with little liquid in a suitcase and check them in as far as possible. One of the reasons it gives is that the same treatment is not guaranteed abroad.
Sources (2)
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)
For details, see Liquid rules on flights.
- MLIT's documents say that on international flights, rules of other countries' authorities may also apply. Even items you could carry on board at a Japanese airport may be restricted at the transfer airport or by the airline of your next flight
- For smoking lighters too, the list of liquids says other countries' authorities may have separate rules, so check with your airline
- The "up to 2 power banks per person, no charging on board" rule comes from an amendment to the international standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Separately, airlines may have stricter internal rules
Sources (3)
Source: MLIT: "Examples of Dangerous Goods by Air Transportation" (English version, last updated April 24, 2026) (retrieved 2026-09-27)
Source: MLIT: "List and Description of LAGs Restriction" (English version of the list of liquids, 2015) (retrieved 2026-09-27)
Source: ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization): "New power bank restrictions will safeguard international aviation" (March 27, 2026) (retrieved 2026-09-27)
- If you buy liquids at a duty-free shop, check with your airline in advance whether they will be confiscated at the transfer
- Put liquids over 100ml and food souvenirs in checked baggage as far as possible
- Also check the rules of the airline for your connecting flight (batteries, lighters, etc.)
- Return flights follow the rules of the departure country's airport