Can I take refillable hand warmers on a plane in Japan?

What the rule says

Japan follows the international rules on dangerous goods, set out by the Civil Aviation Bureau.

Before you get to the checkpoint

• Airlines can be stricter than the national rule. If it matters to your trip, check your airline's own page.
• If an item is refused at the checkpoint you cannot go back and check it in — you lose it.
• Japanese security staff will ask before opening your bag, and most speak enough English for this.

Why the rule is what it is

It burns fuel or contains a solvent. Both are treated as flammable goods however small the quantity.

If it is refused

You cannot go back and check it in once you are at the screening point. It is taken from you and disposed of, and there is no compensation. Some Japanese airports have a post counter before security where you can mail it to yourself.

Who decides

The officer at the checkpoint, applying the national rules and your airline's own conditions. Where the airline is stricter, the airline wins.

You can buy this in Japan

Where to buy it

Outdoor shops and home centres

Since this cannot travel with you, buying it after you land is the way round it. Drugstores and convenience stores are open late and are in every neighbourhood.

The everyday things that get stopped

Most of this category is fine. The exceptions follow a pattern: fuel, solvent, or a sharp point.

• Anything that burns fuel is refused — fuel hand warmers, camping stoves, lighter refills.
• Solvent-based glue, paint and thinner are flammable and refused in both bags.
• Long items with a point can be refused at the checkpoint even when the rules do not name them.
• Japan sells most of this cheaply once you arrive. Convenience stores have umbrellas, drugstores have hand warmers.

Related items

• Umbrellas
• Backpacks and rucksacks
• Earplugs and eye masks
• Zip-lock bags for liquids
• Disposable hand warmers
• Detergent and bleach