Smoking remains a common pastime in Japan, although rates have dropped considerably in recent years. Cigarettes are still extremely easy and relatively cheap to buy. In fact, there’s an abundant supply of vending machines selling cigarettes—it’s estimated that there are nearly 600,000 cigarette vending machines across Japan. While smoking is prohibited for those under the age of 20, the machines generally don’t pose much temptation for most young people.
Smoking remains a common pastime in Japan, although rates have dropped considerably in recent years. Cigarettes are still extremely easy and relatively cheap to buy. In fact, there’s an abundant supply of vending machines selling cigarettes—it’s estimated that there are nearly 600,000 cigarette vending machines across Japan. While smoking is prohibited for those under the age of 20, the machines generally don’t pose much temptation for most young people.
Tobacco has long played a role in Japanese culture. There’s even a Tobacco Festival held in Hadano-shi, Kanagawa, which includes the crowning of a Miss Tobacco. Near the Tokyo suburb of Asakusa, there’s a museum dedicated to the subject: the Tobacco and Salt Museum.
In public, smoking is increasingly frowned upon. Just a few years ago, the air in many public places was thick with cigarette smoke, but attitudes have shifted. Despite heavy advertising across all forms of media, many railway stations, airports, parks, and cultural venues have now banned smoking in their main areas. However, many still provide designated smoking rooms or areas for those who wish to light up. Cafes, restaurants, and bars are following suit—some have become completely smoke-free, while others designate a separate smoking section.
Littering cigarette butts has also become a serious offence. In many precincts, fines for throwing a butt on the street range from ¥20,000 to ¥100,000, and some areas have banned smoking on the street altogether. Uniformed patrols are already active, reminding people of the new rules.
Due to these restrictions, smoking rooms have become increasingly popular. These spaces, found in various public areas, resemble small bars—but smoking is the only activity. Typically, they feature large air extraction units, which often double as benches to lean on while smoking. These rooms are usually packed with smokers, and the air is so thick with smoke that you might not even need to light up! Another place still known for its smoke-filled environment is the pachinko parlour—these gambling halls have largely ignored the anti-smoking trend to cater to their clientele.
If you’re a smoker, you may be pleasantly surprised by the low cost of cigarettes in Japan. Thanks to the abundance of vending machines and tiny tobacconists—some no larger than a broom closet—competition is high, and the products aren’t burdened with the heavy taxes seen in other countries.
It’s worth noting that many cigarette vending machines have recently introduced an ID card system (such as TASPO) to prevent underage smoking. If you want to use these machines, you’ll need to apply for a card in advance, so it’s often more convenient to buy your cigarettes at a tobacconist or convenience store instead.
