The Device Rule That Could Land Tourists In Trouble In Japan

Traveling to a new country requires a lot of planning, and some travelers may not realize that they need to go beyond the standard searches of places to stay and things to see. When you're visiting a new destination that is home to a culture you're not familiar with, you should stay informed on unspoken etiquette that is crucial for tourists to know –– including cultural norms and the law of the land. One country that does not play around with its rules is Japan. This amazing country with welcoming, warm people also has strict rules (both written and unwritten) that visitors should follow if they want a smooth, painless trip.

One thing tourists should never do when visiting Japan is unknowingly break the law. For example, without conducting in-depth research, tourists may not realize that there is a Radio Law in Japan that prohibits the use of foreign-made radio devices. Such devices include, but are not limited to walkie-talkies, cordless telephones, and even baby monitors. This law, established in 1950, was put into place "to ensure fair and efficient use of the radio spectrum," according to the Japanese government. They can also interfere with other important radio services. Tourists who are found in possession of radio equipment that doesn't meet technical regulations may be fined up to 1 million yen (about $6,500 USD) and may even face imprisonment for up to one year. That's something that will definitely put a damper on your trip.

As you might have gathered, Japan has some seemingly unconventional rules that may not be immediately obvious to tourists and may require a bit of research. However, tourists caught breaking these rules will face the consequences whether or not they were aware of them. At the very least, you will be fined, but in more severe cases, you may face deportation. This is why it's important to dedicate time to doing a bit of extra research so you're not caught by surprise.

One common item you probably shouldn't pack for your trip to Japan is cold or flu medicine, at least not until you've double-checked that your specific medication doesn't contain an ingredient that's prohibited under Japanese law. Plus, you can easily find a Japanese brand at the local drugstore if you truly need it on your trip. Besides physical items that can't be brought into the country, tourists visiting Japan should be aware of laws regarding social conduct. It is against Japanese law to damage or deface foreign flags, splash pedestrians while driving, accept extra change other than what you're owed, litter, make and/or mix your own alcohol into drinks, and walk while smoking, among other rules. Many of these are uncommon in some Western cultures, so it might be easy to commit these crimes in Japan if you aren't aware of the laws that surround them. In this case, ignorance isn't bliss.