Are You A Smoker?

Japan was once a very smoking friendly country. In recent years, due to public health campaigns, the number of smokers in Japan has declined sharply. This has made smoking more difficult for those who wish to light up in public places. However, compared to many western countries, Japan is still much more relaxed about their smoking rules.

Restaurants: Most restaurants have a smoking section, although smaller mom-and-pop shops will usually allow you to smoke anywhere. Often, you'll have to ask for an ashtray (haizara), so it might not be completely obviously if you're in a restaurant that allows smoking. If in doubt, just ask "tabacco OK?" and you'll get your answer without any confusion.

Bars: Smoke as much as you'd like!

Outdoors: Very few places prohibit smoking outside, although, in the city you'll sometimes see no smoking signs posted outside of buildings. Despite these warnings, outdoor signs are rarely obeyed.

Train Stations: Smoking in a train station is always prohibited, although you'll occasional see older men who just don't care or just can't wait to light one up! However, at the end of each train platform (at the very end), there's often a smoking zone and cigarette receptacles.

Trains: Smoking on a train is allowed in special train cars that are specially designated for smokers. You won't find these train cars on regular short distance train routes, though.

Other places: Modern buildings rarely allow smoking outside of special smoking rooms (shopping malls often have these). Older establishments, however, often allow smoking, or at least won't discourage someone from lighting up.

Buying Smokes

To operate a cigarette vending machine you'll need a special ID card that you obviously won't have if you're a short-term visitor to the country. Instead, you can buy smokes at a tabaco shop (there's several around Hotel Kinki) or from some convenient stores.

You may be surprised to learn, but many corner stores don't carry tabaco products. If they do, you'll see them behind the counter.

Smoking Etiquette

Always try to fit an ashtray or receptacle for your butts -- they're often outside of businesses. The Japanese rarely just flick their butts on the street. If they choose to litter, they'll do so in a careful manner, often ashing out before placing their butt in a gutter, railing or someplace out seemingly of the way.

And my final advice -- try to quit!