4 surprising laws in Japan

When coming to Japan, visitors need to carry their passport with them, smoke in the right areas, whether in public places or in bars, and carefully check whether the type of tobacco they bring is legal.

"What laws in Japan should foreign visitors be aware of?" is aa discussion topic of the siteReddithas beenhate to get many opinions. Here are the surprising rules.

International visitors must always carry their passport with them.

Japanese law allows police to stop a person at any time on the street to check their documents. Therefore, foreigners visiting the country should always carry their passports so they can prove their identity. If you are stopped by the police without your passport, you are likely to be arrested.

Over-the-counter drugs banned in Japan

While Japanese law allows foreigners to bring over-the-counter (OTC) drugs into the country, some drugs that are popular in the United States are not accepted in Japan. Any drug that contains stimulants (pseudoephedrine) are illegal in Japan, including inhalers and sinus and allergy medications like Sudafed.

If you bring any medication into Japan, be sure to bring a doctor's prescription and a letter explaining the purpose of use.

Not all open spaces are smoke-free.

Most restaurants in Japan have separate areas for smokers. Photo: Flickr

Recently, smokers in Japan have been able to enjoy more luxurious private areas to smoke. However, according to the Japan Times, some new laws have made smoking in public areas illegal. Not only on the street, but also in restaurants and bars in Japan now have designated areas for smokers and non-smokers.

Drinking alcohol on the street is legal in Japan.

People can eat and drink in the street freely. Japan even installs sake vending machines for people to enjoy when they want to drink in the street. For example, during the cherry blossom festival, where everyone goes picnicking, eating and drinking and viewing the flowers under the trees.

However, if you drink on the street, in a park or on the beach, always act appropriately, respect those around you and do not attract too much attention.

According to VNE