Smoking Areas in Tokyo, by Neighborhood

Can you smoke on the street in Tokyo?

There's no single citywide rule — each of Tokyo's 23 wards sets its own ordinance. Most wards prohibit smoking on public streets and sidewalks entirely, except inside a designated smoking area (指定喫煙場所) or on private property with the owner's permission. Enforcement varies too: some wards, including Chiyoda and Shibuya, issue on-the-spot fines (commonly around ¥2,000) for smoking outside a designated area, while others rely on guidance and warnings rather than fines. Rules and amounts can change, so treat this as general orientation, not legal advice — check local signage for the specific ward you're in.