Carry-On Rules Japan 2026: JAL, ANA, Peach & More

Japan offers a range of airlines from premium full-service carriers to no-frills budget operators. Airport security at Japanese airports is thorough but efficient, and major hubs have been gradually adopting CT scanner technology that is changing how liquids are handled. This guide covers the major Japanese carriers, what to expect at security, and tips for navigating arrival in Japan.

Japanese Airline Carry-On Policies

Japan Airlines (JAL)

JAL is Japan's largest international carrier and one of Asia's premier full-service airlines:

• Cabin bag: 1 piece, maximum 10 kg
• Size limit: 55 × 40 × 25 cm
• Personal item: 1 additional item (laptop bag, handbag, or briefcase) permitted
• Combined limit: The total weight of all cabin items must not exceed 10 kg

JAL's 10 kg allowance is significantly more generous than most budget carriers and comparable to other premium Asian airlines. Enforcement at check-in and gates tends to be consistent but not aggressive — bags that are clearly within reasonable bounds are rarely challenged.

ANA (All Nippon Airways)

ANA is Japan's second major full-service international carrier:

• Cabin bag: 1 piece, maximum 10 kg
• Size limit: 55 × 40 × 25 cm
• Personal item: 1 additional item permitted
• Combined limit: All cabin items together must not exceed 10 kg

ANA and JAL have near-identical cabin baggage policies. On ANA Star Alliance partner flights operated by ANA, the same limits apply.

Peach Aviation

Peach is Japan's largest low-cost carrier, operating from its main hub at Kansai International Airport (KIX):

• Cabin bag: 1 piece, maximum 7 kg
• Size limit: 55 × 40 × 25 cm
• Personal item: Permitted in addition to the main cabin bag

Peach enforces weight limits at the gate on many flights, particularly at KIX. If your bag looks overloaded, have it weighed before reaching the gate rather than at it — the gate process is faster and less stressful than a last-minute overweight fee.

Jetstar Japan

Jetstar Japan is a low-cost subsidiary of Qantas Group:

• Starter fares: No free carry-on bag. A small personal item (7 kg or less, fitting under the seat) is included
• Carry-on bundle: Must be purchased as an add-on for a standard cabin bag
• Size limit: 56 × 36 × 23 cm when a carry-on is purchased

As with Jetstar Australia, buying carry-on allowance in advance is substantially cheaper than paying at the airport.

Airport Security at Japanese Airports

Japanese airport security is widely regarded as thorough, professional, and respectful. The process is orderly and efficient, though occasionally slower than in some Western airports due to the level of care taken.

Standard Security Procedure

At most Japanese airports:

• Laptops and large electronics must be removed from bags and placed in a separate tray
• Liquids bag must be removed and presented separately (at airports and lanes without CT scanners)
• Belts and loose items from pockets go into a tray
• Shoes generally stay on — this is one of the most notable differences from the US experience. Japanese security does not routinely ask passengers to remove footwear unless a metal or body scanner alarm is triggered
• Jackets and outer layers are typically removed

CT Scanners and Liquid Rules at Major Japanese Airports

Japan's three largest international airports — Narita (NRT), Haneda (HND), and Kansai (KIX) — have been deploying CT scanners in security lanes, and this is changing how liquids are handled:

• At CT-equipped lanes, the 100ml liquids restriction may be relaxed — passengers at some lanes are no longer required to remove a liquids bag or limit individual container sizes
• This applies only to lanes with operational CT units, not all lanes at the airport
• Policy is evolving — check the relevant airport's official website before your departure for current guidance

For travellers who cannot confirm whether their specific lane will have a CT scanner, the safest approach is still to pack a compliant 100ml liquids bag. If your lane turns out to have CT equipment and the restriction is lifted, you simply won't need to remove the bag — no downside.

Laptop Removal

Even at CT-scanner lanes, laptops are generally still required to be removed at Japanese airports. This differs from some European airports where CT scanners have eliminated laptop removal as well. Pack your laptop in an easy-access sleeve or the top compartment of your bag.

Customs and Biosecurity on Arrival in Japan

Entering Japan requires clearing customs and immigration, which is straightforward for most visitors:

• Duty-free allowances apply to goods brought into the country. Alcohol (3 bottles of 760ml each), tobacco (200 cigarettes), and perfume (2oz/56ml) are the standard duty-free limits for adult visitors
• Food declaration: Some food items are restricted or require inspection under Japanese plant and animal health laws. Declare anything that might be subject to inspection on your customs form
• All visitors must complete an immigration card and customs declaration on arrival

Japan's Visit Japan Web service allows you to complete immigration and customs forms in advance online, which significantly speeds up the arrival process at major airports.

Tips for Tokyo Layovers

Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND) are both used as international transit hubs. For layovers:

• Haneda (HND) has faster access to central Tokyo — roughly 20–30 minutes by monorail or train — making it better for a short city visit during a long layover
• Narita (NRT) is about 60–90 minutes from central Tokyo by train or bus, making it practical only for layovers of 5 hours or more if you want to leave the airport
• Transit without a Japanese visa is possible for nationals of many countries for layovers within the international transit area. Check visa requirements for your specific nationality before planning a city visit

Both airports have excellent airside facilities including lounges, restaurants, retail, and shower facilities, making in-airport layovers comfortable if you prefer not to exit.