# Carrying cash into or out of Japan: the ¥1,000,000 declaration rule

URL: https://japanhow.com/money/banking/cash-declaration-japan/
Author: JapanHow editors
Updated: Nov 3, 2026

## Summary

As of November 2026, you must declare to Japan Customs any cash, checks, traveler's checks, promissory notes or securities worth more than ¥1,000,000 in total when you carry them into or out of Japan. Foreign currency counts at its yen value. There is no cap on how much you can carry, only a duty to declare, and customs says false or missing declarations can be punished. Moving large savings by bank transfer avoids the paperwork.

## Key facts

- Declare above: ¥1,000,000 equivalent in total
- Applies to: Cash, checks, traveler's checks, notes, securities
- Higher cap?: No cap, only a declaration
- Penalty: Customs says false or missing declarations can be punished

You must declare to Japan Customs any cash and similar items worth **more than ¥1,000,000** in total when you carry them into or out of Japan. As of November 2026 there is **no cap on the amount**, only a duty to declare it. The rule applies to residents leaving with savings as much as to new arrivals.

**Informational only:** This page summarizes Japan Customs pages. It is not legal advice. If your case involves very large sums, business funds or sanctioned destinations, ask customs (the page lists a phone line) or a lawyer.

## What counts toward ¥1,000,000

Customs adds up these items, and applies the yen equivalent for foreign currency:

- Cash, in yen or any foreign currency
- Checks, including traveler's checks
- Promissory notes
- Securities such as stocks and government bonds

If the total is over ¥1,000,000, declare all of it, not just the part above the line. Customs sets a lower threshold of ¥100,000 for exports with North Korea as the destination.

## How to declare

Customs says to submit its payment instruments form (支払手段の携帯輸出・輸入届出書, with an English version) at the customs counter at the airport or port. On departure, submit it before passport control, and before you check your baggage. For unaccompanied baggage, submit it at a customs office. Customs also accepts filing online through its NACCS system, which requires user registration.

Customs warns that false or missing declarations can be punished, citing the Customs Act and the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act. The pages do not list penalty amounts.

## Who this matters for

- **New arrivals** bringing savings for a deposit or tuition. A bank account lets you move money without carrying it. See [opening a bank account](/money/banking/bank-account-for-foreigners-japan/).
- **Residents leaving Japan** with cash from closing accounts. Our [leaving-Japan checklist](/visa/leaving/leaving-japan-checklist/) covers the other steps.
- **Families sending money home** by hand. A regulated transfer is usually safer. See [sending money from Japan](/money/remittance/send-money-from-japan/).

## Safer ways to move large sums

A bank transfer or licensed remittance service leaves a paper trail and needs no customs form. For amounts that large, ask your bank or provider about its limits and what documents it needs before you travel or transfer.

## Questions people ask

### How much cash can I bring into Japan without declaring?

Up to ¥1,000,000 or its equivalent in total. Above that, you must declare the full amount to customs. There is no maximum, only the duty to declare.

### Does the limit count foreign currency?

Yes. Customs adds up Japanese and foreign currency, checks, traveler's checks, promissory notes and securities such as stocks and bonds, and applies the yen equivalent.

### Do I declare cash when leaving Japan with savings?

Yes, the same ¥1,000,000 rule applies on departure. Customs says to submit the form at the customs counter at the airport or port before passport control, and before you hand over checked baggage.

### Is the ¥100,000 limit for North Korea relevant to me?

Customs sets a lower ¥100,000 threshold for exports with North Korea as the destination. For other destinations the threshold is ¥1,000,000.

### What is the alternative to carrying cash?

A bank transfer or a licensed remittance service, which leaves a record and needs no customs form. See our guides on sending money from Japan and on opening a bank account.

## Sources

- [支払手段等の携帯輸出・輸入 (carrying payment instruments)](https://www.customs.go.jp/kaigairyoko/shiharaishudan.htm), Japan Customs (税関) (accessed Nov 3, 2026)
- [支払手段等の携帯輸出・輸入手続 (Q&A 7305)](https://www.customs.go.jp/tetsuzuki/c-answer/keitaibetsuso/7305_jr.htm), Japan Customs (税関) (accessed Nov 3, 2026)
- [北朝鮮を仕向地として10万円相当額を超える現金等を携帯して持ち出す方へ (leaflet)](https://www.customs.go.jp/kaigairyoko/leaflet_220616.pdf), Japan Customs (税関) (accessed Nov 3, 2026)