Can I bring fruit to Japan?

This is decided when you land in Japan, by the quarantine services. Airport security at your departure airport is a separate check.

It is prohibited to bring most fresh fruit into Japan. Mangoes, longans, guavas, lychees, citrus fruits, pears and apples are named. Fruit that is not prohibited still needs a phytosanitary certificate issued by the exporting country's government and an import inspection before customs.

Named as not allowed

mangoes, longans, guavas, lychees, citrus fruits, pears, apples

Allowed from Southeast Asia with a certificate

pineapple, coconut and durian are given as examples

Paperwork

phytosanitary certificate issued by a government agency of the exporting country

Duty-free shop purchases

still need import inspection

Penalty

imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to 3 million yen (up to 50 million yen for business entities)

Take any fruit and its phytosanitary certificate to the Plant Quarantine Counter and complete the inspection before going through customs.

Illegally bringing in fruits can result in imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to 3 million yen (up to 50 million yen for business entities). The police are notified in malicious cases.

Plant quarantine exists to keep out fruit flies and other pests that would damage Japanese agriculture, and fruit can carry them.