Pocket Knife 🇯🇵 Japan
Blades over 6cm prohibited under Firearms and Swords Control Law
Can I bring Pocket Knife into Japan?
Blades over 6cm prohibited under Firearms and Swords Control Law
Required at the destination customs authority
Full details
Japan's Firearms and Swords Control Law prohibits carrying blades over 6cm without justifiable reason. Even shorter blades may violate local ordinances. Police regularly stop and check for knives. Penalties include up to 2 years imprisonment. Travelers have been detained for carrying Swiss Army knives.
Active — Customs actively enforces this rule.
Do not carry any knife in Japan. Even small multi-tools with blades can result in police questioning and detention.
Firearms and Swords Control Law, Minor Offenses Act
This page covers destination customs rules in Japan. Whether you can carry pocket knife through security, in carry-on, or in checked baggage depends on airline and screening rules — see air travel rules.
Related rules
Pocket Knife rules in other countries
Pocket Knife
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Folding blades under 3 inches permitted in public. Locking knives and longer blades restricted.
Pocket Knife
🇦🇺 Australia
Non-locking folding knives generally permitted
Pocket Knife
🇸🇬 Singapore
Offensive weapons prohibited under Arms & Explosives Act
Pocket Knife
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Bladed weapons prohibited under Federal Penal Code
Pocket Knife
🇺🇸 United States
Legal to bring; TSA prohibits in carry-on
Pocket Knife
🇨🇦 Canada
Pocket Knife import prohibited